DIYed the smallest mATX case I could in plywood

otoh · 1 Apr 2022 at 16:34

Hope it's OK to share a build here

I wanted to make a small case but was a bit over ITX builds down to less choice of components and complex risers etc. But almost all mATX cases waste a lot of space on things many builds don't need - so I made the smallest one I could.

There's some more info on the build log https://imgur.com/gallery/EJc7KwL

otoh · 1 Apr 2022 at 17:22

mickyflinn said:
Nice job.

I'm waiting for the custom wood water cooling

OK, so it's made out of birch plywood... and birch water is actually a thing. Stay tuned

otoh · 1 Apr 2022 at 17:36

The_Arbiter said:
Good job, looks like a good job. I think i prefer it without the panels though. I recently bought Jonsbo matx case as i find most cases have wasted space too, the U3 is only 27cm, but obviously not home made

I didn't see that one in my research - it's quite neat. Mine will actually take a slightly longer GPU, and is noticeably slimmer - at the expense of some space for cable management (the ideal is very few cables/no storage). Mine is also a bit taller but I specifically wanted top fans, which the U3 doesn't seem to have.

otoh · 1 Apr 2022 at 17:59

The_Arbiter said:
Yeah the Jonsbo cases aren't exactly air flow friendly! Not sure how i typed "good job" twice, i'm a bit tired from work. I meant to say something like, nice case and good workmanship.

I had a cheap case before with top fans but no front - with the new case my GPU is >10c cooler and a lot quieter. Either way, many thanks

otoh · 1 Apr 2022 at 21:09

Note to self: Design compact, innovative and decorative pitchfork to sell...

MoNkeE said:
Why? He hasn’t linked to his site or even mentioned that he’s selling them. Nothing wrong with the guy wanted to show off the case he’s made, I’ve no idea why we can’t just celebrate someone rather than needlessly tear them down….

Thanks for the backup! FWIW I shared this elsewhere and some folks expressed a potential interest in one so I hastily rustled up a listing on the small offchance anyone would want what is a fairly niche thing.

My hobby is designing and making niche things, largely for my own use. This PC case was fun but I've only got and need one PC - so sure, it would be good to make another few, and refining the process is a learning experience. OTOH anyone who has made anything by hand can probably already tell that this is not remotely lucrative!

Either way, it's always enjoyable to share, and hopefully inspire and/or learn, thanks for the positive comments