Posting development of our case

[AlexTzone]

Hey guys, time for an important one!

This is a big day - below piece of machined & bead-blasted aluminium is the first part to ever be created for MJOLNIR I! I shiver at the thought of how many calculations went into making this one part, seeing as almost every other component of MJOLNIR I is dependent on it. It's not as sexy as the unibody enclosure will be...but it sure is the most complex. Anyways, I personally think it turned out quite beautiful, what do you think?

* NOTE: I don't have the best camera so the images have a bit of noise *

I marked the part in blue so that it's easier to understand how it's connected.

Now we just need to finish the rest! We'll update you as soon as anything new turns up

Best,
Alex

 

[tamzzy]

Looks v nice indeed
Looking forward to see it with all the cables and aio installed. (Most small mini itx cases fall down at this step as no consideration is given to the cable management)

 

[AlexTzone]

Looks v nice indeed
Looking forward to see it with all the cables and aio installed. (Most small mini itx cases fall down at this step as no consideration is given to the cable management)

Yeah, you'll see that in about 1 month

 

[AlexTzone]

Hey guys, MORE PROTOTYPE!

Another big day - this piece is identical to the previous one but in anodized dark gray. IMHO I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, it's exactly what we had in mind for MJOLNIR I in DARK color. What do you think?

* NOTE: I don't have the best camera so the images have a bit of noise (iPhone 6S+) *

Here's a pic of the two color (STEEL and DARK) next to each other.

I marked the part in blue so that it's easier to understand how it's connected.

The rest of the internal frame will be shipped very soon! We'll update you as soon as anything new turns up (except for screws and washers, not so exciting XD).

Best,
Alex

 

[D3K]

Great looking pieces of metal there. Looks solid and of high quality.

How long is the fabrication taking for the back piece? The milling on that must take some time.

What do you mean by 'being shipped'? Are you sending this out, or buying it in?

 

[AlexTzone]

Great looking pieces of metal there. Looks solid and of high quality.

How long is the fabrication taking for the back piece? The milling on that must take some time.

What do you mean by 'being shipped'? Are you sending this out, or buying it in?

Thanks!! I don't know how much actual machine time each piece takes up, but I do know that 1000 and 3000 of said units have lead time of 35 and 50 days, respectively.

As for the parts being shipped, I mean shipped to us (buying it in)

 

[AlexTzone]

Time for an UPDATE!

2 new pieces arrived yesterday, 50% of the locking mechanism (lock wheel) and the power button cap. They are precisely CNCd, glass blasted and anodized in much the same way the previous prototype parts were. Really happy with how it all turned out Check it out below:

Marked them in blue below:

More pieces will arrive shortly, keep an eye out!!

ALSO IMPORTANT
We are going to have combo-pack rewards at Kickstarter launch (get different upgrades by either buying more than 1 unit yourself or invite friends to back the project). Still working on these upgrades so they really become worth your while, this also means I can't unveil what they are yet.

Hint

• Get 2 units or invite 1 friend: this will yield the first upgrade.
• Get 3 units / 2 friends up to 5 units / 4 friends: this will yield some really really nice upgrades.
• Get 6 units or invite 5 friends: I know, this is a lot to ask, but when you see what you get for this...it will be legendary!

Best,
Alex

 

[AlexTzone]

Hey peeps,

@Quartz mentioned that placing the reservoir below the pump (AIO rad below the CPU block) is not optimal, especially if there's air in the system (either due to evaporation of fluid or bad manufacturing). Not only did he bring the problem to our attention, he also suggested an elegant solution:

Now you can ensure the radiator stays above the CPU block by simply flipping the whole internal frame This also switches up the aesthetics for a new fresh look.

Best,
Alex

 

[AlexTzone]

UPDATE, A BIG ONE!

The part we've all been waiting for is finally here - The Unibody Enclosure / Outer Shell. It feels UNREAL to see it IRL after countless hours spent refining and perfecting it. Big thanks to everybody here for supporting us and providing valuable ideas Hope you guys like how it all turned out, can't wait to see what you can do with this case once it's shipped. Now, let's finish the prototype and launch the campaign.

Sorry if the images have a bit of noise in them, I used my iPhone 6S+ camera.

More parts will arrive on Monday, stay tuned. Damn exciting times!! Did the real enclosure meet your expectations?

I spent so much time staring at this part yesterday I think my gf got jealous XD

Best,
Alex

 

[D1craig]

that is cool, i never realised the outside of the case was one unit with no parts to attach or remove. very innovative.

my one worry seeing how great this case is, is the price. this is going to be the wrong side of £200 i bet maybe 50% more than that.

 

[AlexTzone]

that is cool, i never realised the outside of the case was one unit with no parts to attach or remove. very innovative.

my one worry seeing how great this case is, is the price. this is going to be the wrong side of £200 i bet maybe 50% more than that.

Yeaaaah! Oh the back panel in the pics above is removable, but the rest of the shell is 1 solid piece of glass-blasted anodized aluminium

Well here are the prices:

Standard Edition - 299 USD
RGB Edition - 349 USD

So yes, it's relatively expensive but it should last you forever and be one of the most premium PC cases you've seen.

 

[AlexTzone]

Hey guys, time for a flashy update!

The custom RGBW setup for MJOLNIR I has arrived, really happy with the end results. Check it out:

Lighting specs

• LED type: 5050 RGBW
• LEDs / meter: 60
• Individually addressable: yes
• Number of colors: 256
• Number of presets: 200
• Waterproofing: IP65
• Fixture: adhesive tape (3M)
• LED Controller: controlled from your phone (App: MagicLed)
• Power source: 4-pin Molex from your PSU

To be confirmed

• Compatibility with 3rd party software (AuraSync, etc...)

What do you guys think? Imagine how this will look inside MJOLNIR I once it's assembled!!

Best,
Alex

 

[AlexTzone]

Heey guys, time for a badass update!

Finally completed the trailer for MJOLNIR I, check it out:

Good to have a trailer when it's time to launch the campaign don't you think?

Now, it's time to finish the prototype, run the thermal tests and launch the campaign!! Can't believe we're so close now!!

Best,
Alex

 

[AlexTzone]

Heey guys, big update time!


First off, NEW TRAILER!
What can I say, it’s 100% thanks to you ALL. I can’t describe how happy I am that you pushed us in the right direction for the second one:

Feel free to subscribe to our YT so you get notified once we upload the assembly tutorial :thumb:


Second, progress on the PROTOTYPE!
James from RockItCool (they offer awesome delidding tools, copper IHSs, etc) helped us create some really high quality parts for the internal frame. All CNCd, bead blasted and anodized black just like specified for the final product. Banan for scale!

I’ve got to say, I’m quite surprised how strong that mounting is (the 2 joined black plates). Especially since we haven’t mounted support bars for further strength. Of course I didn’t pull a hulk on it, but it didn’t budge under considerable tension. The final parts for the internal frame are on their way (shipped). Now only glass panels remain, we’re in talks with a producer now and should have a sample deal next week.


Third, thermal tests!
Yes, finally the thermal tests are on the horizon. We have ordered all hardware and will assemble everything as soon as the last internal frame parts arrive.

Hardware

• CPU: i7 8700 (non-K)
• CPU cooler: Noctua NH-L9i (will get a C7 too)
• GPU: MSI Aero GTX 1080 OC 8GB
• MOBO: Gigabyte Z370N WIFI
• RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB
• M.2: Samsung 970 EVO 500GB
• 2.5" SSD: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB
• OS: Windows 10 Pro

No RTX I know, please have mercy I’m no millionaire. Overall I think this hardware is rather decent and a pretty good representation of the average MJOLNIR I user (perhaps even stronger).

These tests will be done before we launch anything on Kickstarter, I intend to stick by my word and your recommendations.

Best,
Alex

 

[Hedge]

Looks epic on your trailer video. Look forward to seeing builds in it.

 

[AlexTzone]

Looks epic on your trailer video. Look forward to seeing builds in it.

Thanks a lot buddy, that would be so epic to see!! Can't wait!

 

[AlexTzone]

Back again with the HOLY GRAIL of MJOLNIR I updates!

This is ideally the last upgrade to MJOLNIR I before we launch the Kickstarter campaign, so we might as well make it worth your consideration.


120 MM AIOs / CASE FANS
Finally, after so many discussions and considerations we added 5 mm extra width, 5 mm extra height and 19 mm extra length to kram in 120 mm AIO compatibility. These adjustments increased case volume from 8.8L to 9.5L, which is IMO well worth it given the fall of ASETEK 545LC and size of the 120 mm AIO market. MJOLNIR I is hereinafter compatible with AIOs up to 120 mm (W) x 155 mm (L) x 58 mm (H, incl. fan).

New vs Old Enclosure

The AIO / case fan will be located in the same area as before, we'll just make some adjustments to the internal frame so that it's adapted to the new standard. You may have noticed the giant hole on the bottom of the new chassis, we'll cover this further down


VENTED METAL PANELS
Not everybody likes glass panels, and those who don't shouldn't be punished for it. There was an obvious airflow flaw with the previous design, so this time we added vent holes and redesigned the fixture elements for a much more stable and premium feel. Unfortunately this means that you can no longer use both glass and metal panels at the same time. Switching between them shouldn't take more than 5 minutes though.

Side Panels

Back panel is now flush against the end of the enclosure, this was done in order to minimize the "lengthening" of the case when adding 120 mm AIO compatibility. IMO this looks better than before, what do you guys think?


NEW BOTTOM DESIGN
As mentioned before, the bottom of the case now looks like a giant hole. Or better yet, it's exactly symmetrical to the top. So what's going on? A new bottom glass panel? Nope, the bottom of the case will now house the new "Bottom Panel" (I take no extra credit for coming up with these innovative and unique names). Basically it's a very premium airflow friendly dust filter, something very important now that 120 mm AIOs have come into play.

Bottom Panel

ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Expanding the case a couple millimeters here and there gave us the opportunity to add so more real estate to the GPU side.

• 5 mm extra GPU Height (total: 146 mm from bottom of the bracket)
• 5 mm extra GPU Width (total: 44 mm without backplate)
• 19 mm extra on GPU Length (total: 319 mm)

PROTOTYPE
Final internal frame parts should be here 7:th of November at the latest. Still haven't received the MOBO and RAM, good thing they are expected to arrive the 7:th as well. Had a chat with Ali Sayed from Optimum Tech (YouTube channel), he agreed to review the chassis and comment on the build quality and what not; please note that he will be reviewing a prototype without the newly added 120mm AIO support / metal side panels and bottom dust filter redesigns. I think Ali does fantastic reviews, really happy that he agreed.


Best,
Alex

 

[AlexTzone]

UPDATE TIME!!

First a small secret; we wanted to do the first upgrade below for the next MJOLNIR revision, but since we recently remade the internal frame for 120 mm AIOs it became to tempting; also, I'll be damned if we don't deliver the best we can right from start. Here we go:

Additional 120 mm Fan

Maximum fan height is 15mm. You can either use it for intake or exhaust depending on what you want to achieve:

• Intake: blows fresh air into the chassis - competes somewhat with Open-air GPUs but helps redirect airflow to exhaust through the top of the case.
• Exhaust: blows hot air out of the chassis - may be less effective since hot air travels upwards.

Btw the AIO in the image above consists of a 30 mm radiator and 25 mm fan. There is 22 mm of space between the PSU and radiator fan.

New SSD Cable Route

As per @For_Science recommendations we added a cutout above the SSD frame to allow for easier cable management when you use tall AIOs. Also raised the GPU-bracket screw and replaced all crews with low-profile editions.

Raised Cable Feet

Raised the case to 5 mm above ground, from previous 2 mm.

The new internal frame in all its glory

You know what guys, I have a really good feeling about this. It feels like MJOLNIR I has reached its ultimate level Thanks a lot for working together with us and achieving this together!

Now we just have to update specs across all platforms, the website and trailer. After that, its time...

Best,
Alex