Computer enthusiasts have taken on challenges that go beyond overclocking and online records. Many prefer to assemble computers in ultra-compact cases, using widely available components and squeezing the most out of the Mini-ITX format. If you have access to a Prusa i3 MK3 or similar 3D printer, you can print your own customized case at a fraction of the cost. The basic design is completely open source, and it even records the final volume on one of its sides.
The idea of building an eco-friendly and efficient computer not only brings advantages in terms of energy savings. The components generate less heat, their cooling requirements are lower, and that translates into much more compact cases. Personally, I'm a bit obsessed with the Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L, but it's still a microATX case competing in a very crowded market and against very interesting rivals.
Now, what happens when we want to reduce the case volume to the limit? Some manufacturers offer very small solutions as long as we adapt aspects like the power supply, but the other option is... adapt the case. It all starts with a good OpenSCAD design:
Nirav Patel designed this special case with the goal of creating an ultra-compact system to connect to the Oculus Rift headset. The structure is based on the main components Nirav had on hand: an SFX power supply, a low-profile Noctua NH-L12s cooler (which we recommend in our coolers guide), and the Mini variant of the Zotac GTX 1080. These three pieces combined with the Mini-ITX motherboard match the print area of a Prusa i3 MK3. Since it's a parametric model, there are no major difficulties when it comes to making modifications, although the list of compatible hardware is quite short. However, any OpenSCAD rider will be able to "bend" the case design to their liking.
Logically, the big downside of printing a Mini-ITX case is the time it takes. Nirav estimates about 400 grams of filament per case, but the Prusa i3 needs on average 36 hours. It's a long process, and we all know that 3D printing still mixes a bit of art and a bit of science. On the other hand, whoever decides to make this case will save the effort of connecting it like a Lego model, and it will be ready to use. With the exact settings, the case sits below seven liters in volume. All files are already available on GitHub.
