Building a Custom ITX PC Case

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Hello everyone,since we are all at home and i was bored, i decided to look around for a new pc to build. After a few days of searching, i couldnt find anything that really attracted me without needing to spend $200usd+. Then,it dawned on me, why not just attempt to make my own. I wanted a sub 20L itx case with a pretty decent amount of support. The one that i created over the course of the last week has 240mm radation support,a gpu length of 350mm roughly,and allows up to 4 120mm fans. It also allows for an SFX PSU and 65mm of CPU cooler height. Depending on how i feel, i may get mesh side panels for air cooling or just make myself  tempered glass panels later. The design is based on the Circle Pro case,which is nearly $500. I want to make one thats closer to the $120-$150 price point,and if it turns out really well,i may attempt to start selling them. This case is about 18L give or take 0.5L.

I'm going to attach some renderings of it with parts and completely empty. I'd love some feedback on what i could improve on.

[Shuaib Aliyu]

This is only the first version

[Firewrath9]

looks nice

[The_russian]

Looks nice, what material is it going to be made out of? Also have you considered adding front I/O, or did you leave that out for a cleaner look?

[Shuaib Aliyu]

1 minute ago, The_russian said:

Looks nice, what material is it going to be made out of? Also have you considered adding front I/O, or did you leave that out for a cleaner look?

I left it out for a cleaner look,might add one later depending on how i feel. Now about material,im a bit stuck on that. I was thinking aluminum or steel, but then id need to get it cnc or laser cut and that adds to the price. I was also thinking of getting most if not all of it 3d printed,but thats not as strong. It'd be crazy if i could get it under a company but thats way out of the ball park in terms of realistic as of right now.

[WambleCropped]

@Shuaib Aliyu I would buy that in a hot second

[YT_DomDaBomb20]

Where does the psu go and what type I suggest tfx or sfx

edit: nvm I saw it at the beginning stupid me

[Shuaib Aliyu]

1 minute ago, YT_DomDaBomb20 said:

Where does the psu go and what type I suggest tfx or sfx

Its an sfx psu (i mentioned that in the summary) and in the picture its that big yellow block with vent written on it. It goes towards the front of the case next to the motherboard with a few cutouts nearby it for the GPU,Storage and im thinking of adding holes all through out the tray for cable tie down points.

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Update #1: Changed the top plate. Now has more ventilation holes, and added a removable radiator plate for ease of installation. The plate is inserted with an in-built channel and will be held in place when the side panels are attached.

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Update 2: Getting the first prototype made in Aluminum,Stainless Steel and Reflective Acrylic to see which one i like the most.

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Poll for type of side panels

https://linkto.run/p/EMLALCBV

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Update 3:Played around with alot of changes. I'll update the changes once i have more time

[Shuaib Aliyu]

Going to end up calling it Nova.So,after alot of annoyance and trouble,i think i can finalized a design for my first actual case. From the first picture that i posted,many major aspects of the case have changed.

1. The final dimensions of the case are 326mm x 307.5 x 154mm
   1. Is now 15.5L now versus the 18.5L in the first version
2. CPU Cooler clearance is 50mm (leaves 2mm of space from the side panel). GPU clearance is 315mm (leaves 5mm of space from the front panel. Will only fit a double slot card.
3. Can fit a 240mm Radiator at the top. Top fan mount also has a massive hole to slide radiator through for added "tube management". In total the case allows 4 120mm fans. I will see about adding 140mm options down the line.
4. 2 Side panel Options.
   1. Mesh
   2. Perforated Aluminum

I plan on making this case out of Aluminum,but am still having trouble getting a decent price of the 1st one. Should i just give up on that,ill end up with going with Acrylic. I truly want to have this case go for sale at the $150 mark (with PCIE included) for a few reasons.

• I dont want not think i can compete at the Ncase M1 price point.
• Its the first time im attempting this and id feel bad if people spent $200+ on my case and ended up hating it.

I want to go with a very minimal design that is easy to mod,should you want to do so. I want the color options to be Black,Bare (Natural Aluminum Silver),and White. While i was in my design stump, i played around and make another case for fun.....i hate how big it is. Ill add it at the end of the render images