Minimalistic PC case for onboard graphics

Check out the full build video on YouTube here:

Please read the building instructions before attempting to print this!

This project is designed in collaboration with ELEGOO and printed completely on their brand new Centauri Carbon, and the external cover (black) is printed using FormFutura's CarbonFil CF03.

This PC case is designed to blend naturally into a modern interior. Inspired by a combination of printable vases and modern air purifiers this design will blend right in wherever you decide to put it, whether it's next to your TV in your living room or on your desk, you can print this case in any color you want to blend into any situation.

What's the purpose of this case?

This case is an APU case, which means there is no option to add a graphics card. The purpose of this build is a good looking case for those wanting something simple for everyday tasks that don't require a lot of graphical power, or a minimalistic media PC to put next to your TV. There's room for up to four 2.5 inch SSD drives which is ideal for those who want to use it as a small storage server or to store tons of media. 

What components should I put in this PC case?

This project works great with APU's like the Ryzen 8700G (AM5-socket). (I'm using the older generation Ryzen 5700G for my build in the video).

Temperature performance with a Ryzen 5700G (AM4) APU and a Noctua NH-L12S I'm getting a maximum CPU temperature of approximately 75°C during a CineBench stress test with a Noctua 120mm fan mounted at the top pulling air through the case exhausting it through the top. Combined these two makes for a suprisingly quiet build despite ramping up the fans.

PC components this case can hold:

• Mini ITX motherboard and a suitable CPU.
• CPU air coolers up to 70mm (designed around the super quiet Noctua NH-L12S)
• SFX power supply (SFX-L is not tested, therefore I can not guarantee fit)
• Up to four 2.5 inch SATA SSD drives OR one 3.5" HDD + one 2.5 inch SATA SSD.
• One 120mm computer fan (up to 25mm thickness).

Parts required to build this case:

• M3 threaded inserts (4.6mm OD).
• M3x10mm screws.
• 12mm power button.
• 4x PC fan screws (usually comes with your fan when you buy it)
• 4x #6-32 screws for the PSU (usually comes with the PSU)

Total filament use estimated to be around 1.2 KG in total, however this may vary depending on your specific settings.

Printing information: (Please also read the important note below!)

• Print volume required:                 202 x 202 x 215mm (L x W x H)
• Recommended filament type:   PETG, PETG-CF, ASA, ABS
• Recommended layer height:      0.16 → 0.24mm
• Walls/perimeters:                              2 → 3 walls. 
• Infill percentage:                                15% → 20%  

BE AWARE, IMPORTANT: The upper external cover requires special print settings. There is no ventilation pattern designed into the top cover, please use the following settings for the external cover. (See picture below). All other parts can be printed using normal settings.

MAKE SURE YOUR TOP EXTERNAL COVER LOOKS LIKE THIS BEFORE YOU HIT PRINT.
(This is not necessary for the base, only for the upper external cover.)

Building instructions:

1. Add a total of 26 threaded inserts to the following parts: 
   
   
   • Middle air intake → 6 threaded inserts.
     • 2 inserts in the rear part.
     • 4 inserts into the bottom.
        
   • Motherboard mounting plate → 14 threaded inserts.
     • 4 inserts in standoffs.
     • 4 inserts from the back (can be skipped if not using 2.5 SSDs)
     • 2 inserts into the bottom.
     • 2 inserts into the top.
     • 2 inserts into the rear.
        
   • Top fan mount → 4 threaded inserts into the top.
      
   • Rear IO panel → 1 threaded insert into the top edge.
      
   • SSD mount → 1 threaded insert into the middle.
      
2. Secure the middle air intake to the bottom base by using four M3 screws from the inside of the base.
    
3. Add a 12mm power button into the hole in the rear part of the middle air intake.
   Make sure the cable is long enough to reach up to the motherboard pins.
    
4. Push the bottom side of the motherboard mounting plate into the rectangular opening in the middle air intake part, and secure into place using two M3 screws from below inside the bottom base.
    
5. Install your SFX power supply into the bottom base with the fan facing up. (If the intake fan is facing down, the PSU intake will be blocked and not able to pull in any air.)
    
6. Secure in place your ITX motherboard onto the four standoffs on the motherboard mounting plate using four M3 screws. It's also wise to add your 8-pin CPU power cable at this point as it's easiest to access now.
    
7. If using 2.5 inch SSDs, install the SSD mount to the back of the motherboard plate with four M3 screws. Add each of your SSDs into a SSD sliding tray. The trays then slide into the SSD mount and all four SSDs can be locked in place using the SSD lock with a M3 screw. For ease of use, you can also use a M3 thumbscrew for the lock.
    
8. Secure the 120mm PC fan to the top fan mount using four fan screws.
    
9. Secure the top fan mount with the fan to the top of the motherboard mounting plate using two M3 screws from the top. 
   Remember to feed the fan cable down through the hole in the top over to the fan header.
    
10. Push into place the body stabilizer bar on the motherboard side with the arrow facing outwards. 
    Don't worry if it feels loose, it will be locked in place once the external panel is installed.
     
11. Attach the rear IO plate using five M3 screws. Two into the middle air intake, two into the motherboard mounting plate, and one into the top through the top fan mount.
     
12. Add remaining power and SATA cables and power button cables before tidying up the cable management. 
    Try to keep all cables within the circular shape of the case.
     
13. Test your system to check that everything works as intended.
     
14. Slide into place the external cover. Make sure to align the two tracks on the back of the cover with the cutouts in the top panel and middle air intake to ensure that the cover sits properly in place. Secure the cover in place using four M3 screws.
    
    Congratulations, the case is finished!
    
     

UPDATE LOG:

19FEB25: "UPTDATED_Round_APU_middle_air_intake_v1.3" was added to replace the v1.2 due to an unknown file error causing a threaded insert hole not to be sliced properly. (Not critical issue.)

22FEB25: Added option for one 3.5" hard drive in addition to one 2.5" SSD mounted directly to the holes on the 3.5 inch drive. This option can be used instead of four 2.5" SSDs.