You already learn about flat-packed merchandise, or build-it-yourself objects that are available flat bins you’ll be able to simply take residence—the idea is widespread in furnishings (e.g., Ikea). It’s not likely been a factor within the PC area although, exterior of area of interest choices like Teenage Engineering’s computer-1. That’s going to alter as soon as Cooler Grasp’s Qube 500 Flatpack hits the streets—and it might assist usher in a wave of slick deconstructed modular circumstances.
In contrast to the computer-1, the Qube 500 isn’t tiny, nor does it lean into the origami side of that case. At 33 liters, it runs 380 x 231 x 381mm (or 406 x 231 x 415mm if you happen to depend protrusions like handles and ft), and it skips the folding and bending of panels to get them into prepared situation. As an alternative, it’s a completely modular mini-tower that comes fully torn down. All of the items are able to go, and when you assemble them, you get a compact ATX case with a lot of flexibility.
Not solely are you able to swap panels for various colours (thus creating your individual distinctive look), however you need to have full ease when rolling collectively your PC. Cooler Grasp helps that together with a design that accommodates a wide range of parts. It might’t maintain each piece your coronary heart wishes, after all—it is a compact mini-tower, in any case. You possibly can slot in lots, although. CPU coolers can go as tall as 172mm, graphics playing cards may be so long as 365mm, and even E-ATX boards are supported. You may also squeeze in radiator as much as 280mm, as much as three 3.5-inch drives, and a most of eight 120mm followers. Perhaps not all on the similar time, however the choices are there.
So too is the flexibility to combine and match panel colours, and Cooler Grasp plans to launch playful colours along with commonplace black and white. Anticipate a yellow “Bumblebee” version, in addition to Macaron editions that are available midcentury-modern-esque pastels (mint, pink, and cream). With the broad grill perforations on its metallic panels, a tempered glass panel, an included vertical mounting equipment, and an ARGB fan improve for the candy-colored Macaron variations, the Qube 500 appears as enjoyable as its meeting (hopefully) will likely be.
Nervous about mud? Beneath the perforated metallic panels are filters.
Cooler Grasp
Cooler Grasp is even including a Gem Mini accent within the field, which can be utilized for exterior cable routing (e.g., headphones) or as an adjunct hook. The corporate additionally says its panels will assist 3D-printed equipment, persevering with Cooler Grasp’s encouragement of community-driven modifications for its circumstances. (Its in style MasterBox NR200 case options 3D printer information for various ft and an alternate PSU bracket proper on the product web page.)
Whereas InWin additionally launched its personal origami-like chassis not way back, the Cooler Grasp Qube 500 is the case to observe. The 30-liter InWin POC is thrilling in its personal proper, with an reasonably priced worth and distinctive colorways, however the firm has a historical past of extra restricted releases, particularly in the US. Its giant dimension for an mini-ITX case could also be extra offputting, too. In the meantime, Cooler Grasp has already popularized less-known features of PC constructing, prefer it did with small-form-factor constructing and the $80 NR200. That well designed 18L case made SFF builds extra accessible, each in value and availability. Pricing remains to be be to be introduced for the Qube 500, however with Cooler Grasp’s typically mainstream-friendly MSRPs, this novel flat-pack case might kick off a brand new development when it launches on September 15.
