M1
by NCASE
$210Description
Included
Resources
The original crowdfunded computer enclosure, the M1 couples a clean all-aluminum construction with clever, flexible layout options, providing full-tower class desktop performance within a 12.6L frame.
| Version | Updates |
| V6 |
|
| V5 |
|
| V4 |
|
| V3 |
|
| V2 |
|
In the box: M1 enclosure, internal power extention cable, accessory kit
Warranty: SFFLAB Limited Warranty
Shipping: SFFLAB Shipping Guidelines
Community: NCASE subforum on SFF Forum
M1: The original crowdsourced computer enclosure.
The M1 started with a simple idea: motivated by the shortcomings of the enclosures that had come before, it set forth to be better in form and function. From the overall aesthetic design, down to the smallest detail, every facet was subject to the scrutiny and feedback of hobbyists, DIY'ers, and average users alike. The outcome of that effort? A 12.6L enclosure that sets itself apart with a unique combination of capability and flexibility, in a deceptively small and appealingly understated package.
Design
A handsome desktop you can actually put on your desk.
With its sleek, subtly-faceted brushed aluminum front panel, the M1 presents a refined, minimalist face to the world. An angular, arched cutout exposes the front USB 3.0 and HD audio ports, flanking the central power button, whose two-color LED glows crisply – but not overly bright – when powered. Side and top panels are perforated with symmetrical ventilation areas, ensuring both visual harmony and proper system airflow. And fully toolless exterior panels allow easy access to the interior, while keeping the clean, smooth surfaces free of the visual clutter of screws or fasteners.
Performance
The biggest limitation is your imagination.
Designed for mini-ITX motherboards, the M1 nevertheless sports features shared by much larger enclosures. Full-length dual and triple-slot video cards can be installed with ease via large openings in the chassis. Top-down CPU coolers with 120mm or 140mm fans can be used in the M1, up to 130mm in height. All-in-one coolers with 120mm or even 240mm radiators can also be mounted internally. And – for the truly hardcore – the M1 allows for custom water cooling loops using a slim 240mm radiator, providing greatly reduced noise or additional overclocking headroom. Never before has this level of capability been possible in a enclosure of this size. High performance, low noise, and small size is no longer a "choose two" proposition.
Construction
Idealistic design. Everyday practicality.
Coming in at a svelte 12.7 liters in volume, the all-aluminum chassis has the proportions and features of much larger enclosures. Appearing as a conventional tower enclosure on a much reduced scale, the M1 enjoys a footprint that's substantially smaller than many cube-style small form factor enclosures. And, through its use of 1.5mm high-grade aluminum, its compactness and weightlessness don't come at the expense of rigidity, making the M1 easy to travel with or pack into a carry-on.
What reviewers are saying about the M1
Real quotes from real enthusiasts
Linus Tech Tips
The M1 is a stunningly strong first entry from a new manufacturer, and delivers exactly what it promises with a thoughtful internal layout that wastes no space
HardwareCanucks
I personally love what they've done with the size, the design, the internal flexibility at this size, and it's clear that functionality has been prioritized
TechPowerUp
The NCASE M1 is the perfect high-end small form factor chassis, and I am sure other brands will take notice
Silent PC Review
It's absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly compact considering the components it supports
PC Perspective
The NCASE M1 is a beautifully simple enclosure that accomplishes the goal of creating a fantastic mini-ITX solution
Specifications
M1V6B2: M1 Version 6, black exterior, vented aluminum panel
M1V6S2: M1 Version 6, silver exterior, vented aluminum panel
12.7L
Excluding feet/protrusions: 328mm x 160.6mm x 241.7mm
Including protrusions: 338mm x 160.6mm x 255.5mm
307mm x 157mm x 237mm
2.0kg
3.4kg
400mm x 240mm x 340mm
Exterior: brushed anodized aluminum, 1.5mm front and sides, 2mm top panel
Interior frame: 1.5mm matte black painted aluminum
Interior fan bracket and vented undercarriage: 1.2mm black steel
Power button with dual-color LED backlight (power on/HDD access)
Two USB Type A ports (to 19 pin USB header)
One USB Type C port (to 20 pin/Type E header, see list of compatible boards)
One 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack (to HD Audio header)
Blank no-I/O face plate included
Compatibility
Mini-ITX, Mini-DTX
- Maximum height: 130mm with side fan bracket installed, 135mm without
- CPU Heatsinks must not extend past the top edge of the motherboard by more than 10mm.
- CPU Heatsinks that extend beyond the front edge of the motherboard may interfere with the 3.5" HDD cage and/or power supply (in the default right-side mounting location).
Cards 2.2 slots (45mm) or less:
- Length: 317mm
- Height: 140mm at mid-card, 130mm at rear corner, 125mm at front corner (if over 280mm long)
Cards over 2.2 slots (45mm):
- Length: 280mm (with front I/O ports), 290mm (with front I/O ports removed)
- Height: 130mm, 125mm at front corner (if over 280mm long)
Note on height limits: please allow 15-20mm for PCIe power connectors
Optical Disc Drive Support(requires optional top panel with ODD slot)
- ODD bracket supports slim slot-loading optical drives in 9.5mm or 12.7mm sizes
- Alternatively, bracket may be used for a single 2.5" drive (up to 14mm thick)
2x 3.5" HDDs supported via removable brackets attached to the fan bracket (uses up one side 120mm fan location)
- Alternatively, brackets can support 3x 2.5" drives (up to 15.5mm thick)
1x 2.5" drive mount on inside-front of chassis (any thickness); also supports mounting of the HDD brackets in 3x 2.5" drive configuration in place of a single 2.5" drive
- Side (fan bracket): 2x 120mm
- Bottom: 2x 120mm
- Rear: 1x 92mm
- 1x 240 radiator or up to 2x 120 radiators are supported on the side fan bracket
- Radiators less than 35mm thick are recommended
- 1x 240 or 2x 120 radiators precludes use of the HDD brackets attached to the fan bracket
SFX, SFX-L
Compatibility
When cases are in stock, you may order directly from this website. At times when we have no inventory available, we may instead offer pre-orders for the next production run.
Orders are usually shipped in batches weekly, with exception to holidays. Typically, order made between Monday to Saturday are shipped the following week between Wednesday to Friday.
Items are restocked after production runs. The period between production runs varies based on demand, but is typically one production run every 3 months.
The M1 comes with the following: screws for drive and fan mounting, rubber softmounts for drive mounting, 3.5" HDD cage, 2.5" stacking brackets, slim optical drive bracket, SFX PSU bracket, front USB/audio ports and power switch, left-angle internal AC cable, magnetic filters for the side and bottom. No fans or paper manual are included.
Each version has a few minor revisions. You can see a list of changes here.
Yes. The only difference is the top panel, which may be easily swapped out.
Panels up to V5 are cross-compatible with all all other versions. Panels from V6 are backward-compatible, but older panels will not work with the V6 chassis.
See this image
The side, top, and front panels require no tools to remove. Using your fingertips, simply pull them away from the case by the edges.
Please see the compatibility section for size restrictions and links to more information.
Yes! Demciflex offers magnetic filters specially designed for the M1. They can be purchased directly from their site. Additionally, other members of the community have spearheaded the development of the following accessories for the M1:
- WALLYE has developed a high quality bag soft-shell carrying bag for the M1 (among other enclosures)
- FrozenQ offers a reservoir for attachment to the rear fan mount of the M1
One of the primary design goals of the M1 was to be able to house, power, and cool high performance components, while being as small as reasonably possible. Mini-ITX is the smallest motherboard form-factor capable of supporting such a build, and is actually considerably smaller than mATX. In particular, the short length of mini-ITX is what allows the front-mounted power supply, and by extension, the side-mounted dual radiator. Keeping the same layout with mATX would result in a a significantly larger case.
