Computer case feedback: Jennifer Hiller

Hi Jenny!

Love the look of the case, feels fresh and sleek.

But I would like to see some more picture on placements of HDD's and such, and the ports for graphic-cards.
What size's fans are being fitted in to the case?

Cheers

Hi!

this case looks very interesting. I can't really see how the removable part will be connected in a convenient way, but I guess that's why you're the designer and not me

I saw some pictures over on webhallens project page where you had some kind of mosaic pattern going which looked really cool, have you dropped that idea? that would be a shame.

good luck!

Hi Jenny,

Your design looks really neato, very minimalistic which can be nice.

A question, what happened to those funky cool looking mosaics you had on your concept drawing, I really liked those

Also, what kind of material are you thinking about for the case, aluminum, steel or something new?

Sleek design, however not an applicable design that would work in real life.

Interesting statement.. perhaps you should elaborate that reply a bit on "why" it wouldn't work in real life.

First of all, the hollowness at the bottom, what function does that play? And the plack thing coming out of the top, what's that? Also, that would get in the way of the optical drives.

It just doesn't look like he knows how a computer case works. Like I said, the design is sleek and very good looking, but it wouldn't work in real life. That's not meant as a negative comment. His vision and design-skills (which I assume is what's important here anyway) are amazing. It just looks like he took something he knew nothing about and though "Ok, how can I make this in to a piece of art?".

Tell me I'm wrong.

If you had bothered to read her descriptions you would know what the opening in the bottom is for, air intake.
Again, if you had bothered to read the descriptions you would know that "the black thing coming out of the top" would not get in the way of the optical drive as that is the optical drive.
Whether or not that idea by Jennifer is feasible and usable is a good question, but atleast she is willing to think outside the normal box.

@sthlmskille82

your wrong

Excellent start on this morning

So, Jenny.. I'll try to do a tiny little bit more constructive in my comment than some others.

The detachable optical unit+extra ports is a very nice idea, I made a box like that myself ages ago, where I also added the power button and status LEDs. In my case it was simply because my computer was so damn big and ugly, something I can't say about your concept, it looks great!
Though, a problem with this is that you'd need to cram a lot of functions into a multi function cable that also has some sort of connection that can handle usb, extra power and others all in one. I had a bunch of cables hanging out from my home-made box, and that's not pretty.. Tricky one, but that's up to you to solve

(The empty space next to the detachable unit.. is that thought for cable management perhaps?)

It's quite clear that you've focused on the traditional placement of the computer (on the floor), and for that the idea with the placement of the motherboard is great. However, the flip-up lid needs some thinking... Most high-end graphics cards have their hot-air exhaust on the back, so no matter how much i like that you're hiding that ugly i/o plate, it should proably be at least perforated to let the hot air out.

Overall, a very very nice idea, creative thinking and it looks so nice

Hej Jenny,

Love the patterns, specially the last two.

Regarding the fans, from what I understand it is better to have more fans sucking in air than blowing it out, as this creates an overpressure which keeps dust out of the case. Having more fans blowing air out creates an negative pressure which instead makes it easier for dust to come in through every small hole that might exist in the case.
I think that is the theory anyway. So if you could add another fan on the other side of the opening in the bottom of the acse that would be great

Really like the design. I will focus on my potential "issues" however.

1. There seems to be no cooling for the HDD's.
2. From the size of this thing (compared to the components), it looks like a mid-tower design with potential high-end components inside. The ventilation seems to be borderline for handling the heat. Its really good having the front inlet fan behind something as this will block the noise.

Something that would add functionality while maintaning some of the design is raising the "gap" in the middle so that it is about one inch wide and 24cm high. On the front end of this gap, you can place one or two 12cm fans for HDD cooling. On the back end of the gap, you can place two more. On the very back end of the chassis, place the last two (removing the back/top fan). This way you will have no visible in- or outlets on the top or front, you will have sufficient airflow and also have a postive pressure (4 fans in, 3 fans out including the PSU-fan). You will probably keep the overall design somewhat intact and also reduce the noise from the fans. And I agree with Leedow that the space underneath the lid must be deep enough to bend DVI-cables. Also remember that people use VG/DVI-adapters. This could be solved by simply placing the motherboard further down.

Don't forget dust filters, easily removable, my suggestions will do nicely as a vacuum cleaner.

Hmm, maybe you could place a built in fan-controller in the cable trap...

What's that hatch doin on top of the case? "Hangin out"..

Damn, when looking at that I can't help but regret that I bought this a few months back (http://www.webhallen.com/prod.php?id=92606). Id say that your chassi is 1. Good looking and stylish 2. Enough cooling and airflow for the standard "gamer" (maybe not for someone that overclocks) 3. Looks easy to install hardware in.

Make one in a fulltower version and I would buy it instantly. I can't decide if I should vote for you or Daniel Shorts.. And Emil Håkansson got a good one too.

Hi Jenny

I have to agree with the rest, your case is the best one, Debbie comes in at a close second place. It really looks like a case that could be put into production and work. I think you have done a really good job here, specially if you hadn't given computer cases much thought before, it is always good to get new fresh ideas from people "outside" of the business.

Love your paintshop skills at the latest image

very sexy chassi

Question:

If the chassi is going to stand on the floor, why do you have the PSU fan directed so it sucks air in to it from the botton which will generate pretty much dust. (Own experience.)

Most graphicscard today doesn't have ATI/nVidia referencecooler that blows out the hot air. That might be a problem if you don't have a good airflow with a specfic way for the air to go.

Anyway, this will be my no. 1 chassi among these three compedetives.

Congratulations for going through to the next round! This one was my favourite of the three that made it.

Congratulations for making it to the next round, I totally love your ideas!

Not only that, I have a small idea that might help you with your potential problem regarding the clearance some adapters for graphics cards needs (normally that would be DVI to VGA). Simply design and include an angled adapter or a adapter with a flexible cord.

Here is a picture about a not-so-designed solution:

I totally love the accessibility of the cable connectors on top of the chassi but it would be even better if I could choose in what direction to wire them. But I guess its a bit to late to ask for a way to wire them towards the front of the chassi.

Good luck in the final round, I hope this baby will see the light at the end of an assembly line!