FormD T1 - The Ultimate Sub-10L Case!

[@TonyTechBytes]

I wasn’t even remotely interested in SFF PCs until I started watching your videos. Now I’m considering downsizing my mid tower to a Louqe Ghost S1 (when they’re in stock) or this Sidearm T1.

[@techviewer1]

Tony TTB Same

[@odinsplaygrounds]

Go for it.

[@gian8448]

TONY I WATCH YOUR VIDS BACK OFF I DONT HAVE A PC YET LOL YOU DO

[@redeye259]

Ghost S1 is back in stock on Amazon US today. I just bought mine, I've been checking everyday for the last 3 weeks!

[@TonyTechBytes]

Rushane Dyer Yup, I just ordered one and started selling my ATX parts. I’m contemplating getting a medium or large top hat and going with an AIO or an air cooler.

[@NavicNick]

The demand for this case is higher than I though So many people trying to get to the forum that it crashed the entire site

[@TheMindBullets]

I've been trying to check it out for the last 30 minutes. So close to getting there...

[@niter43]

@@TheMindBullets presale said to start on February 8th, so not that there's point in trying to open forum thread now.

[@TheMindBullets]

@@niter43 I just wanted to look over changes that had been made to the project. Just a curiosity thing.

[@niter43]

@@TheMindBullets well it seems to be working now

[@nathanaelhowe6914]

Corona virus, bruh.

[@ZephyrDavid]

This case is insanely good! I really like your work and the effort what you put in your videos week after week. Probably I will watch this video 3x times. Sometimes I do and this is one of it.

[@yousefabdulrhman858]

second time watching this video

[@Tylerjms7]

Best SFF PC content on the internet. Thanks for this video!

[@Brontesorus]

I am in love with these small form factor videos, they're so informative and well shot. Well done Ali! I would love to see a 240mm AIO video for the Sidearm. Interested to see if a slim rad and slim fans could even fit and if it would even be worth it. You've inspired me to make my next pc build a SFF one, either in the Ncase M1 or this one :) Can't wait for more videos on the Sidearm T1

[@zombieofthepast]

Same, this case is absolutely a Dan-killer if a 240mm aio can get decent temps in it

[@mikkelbayer4403]

Production value is insane on this channel. Blows all the other top tech channels out of the water

[@notthedroidsyourelookingfo4026]

You had me at "high airflow"

[@thesneakinmonkey]

but lost me at "no front I/O" :(

[@wintagestudios]

Why are you using the front io. A usb hub is superior interms of astethics declutter and ease of access

[@notthedroidsyourelookingfo4026]

@@wintagestudios if you have your PC on your desk, ease of access is the same, and then you don't need an additional piece of hardware. Front I/O has its place.

[@thesneakinmonkey]

@@wintagestudios what ​ @Notthedroids Yourelookingfor said. Also it's much easier to plug/unplug a headset from front I/O

[@MovementFAV]

Sure we need them high airflow. Life, in general, greener the better.

[@greenprotag]

This is beautiful. So far my favorite parallel dual chamber itx design. My first love is still the silverstone ML08B-H. However, this case with LARGE mesh sidepannels make it hard to compete with. In terms of portability, it definitely deserves a padded foam carrying bag or crash case. I would love to see someone use a large camera case and cut foam out for this little beauty.

[@Phanbot01]

I just got mine's delivered earlier today and without a proper manual, this proved to be the most difficult kit I've ever had the pleasure of putting together. Case is a 10/10 on looks and functionality, now I get to see how easy the components I want to put in it will fit without too much fuss.

[@jondonnelly3]

I don't understand why one of the big case manufacturers don't make one of these 10ltr cases. Corsair/Coolermaster/Fractal/Thermaktake. Instead of all these cottage industry low volume, crowd funded, high price. The way I see it is ATX is dying out, SLI is dead, everything is on-board now! 10ltr should be more popular!

[@_DigitalCam]

Jon Donnelly Jesus Christ finally someone said it. NZXT, Corsair, Etc are completely retarded for not making a case like this. They could make MILLIONS off one single case... and they have the factories to make them in for cheap and they could still sell them for top dollar...

[@toneabet6252]

@@_DigitalCam because sff is LOUD and HOT. Heaps of compatibility issues as well. But yeah I agree they should offer some, but they are for enthusiasts mainly.

[@niter43]

@@toneabet6252 how this case is loud and hot? It's literally mesh all around, unless you go 9900k@5Ghz you don't even need 240mm AIO, L12S would quietly cope with mainstream stuff like 3600. GPU is as loud as in any other case - buy a good GPU, get reasonable noise.

[@toneabet6252]

@@niter43 it's a sffpc lol. You can't have the best of both worlds

[@niter43]

@@toneabet6252 box being big doesn't help it's ventilation (except being less sensitive to lack of it). Box being big doesn't help it's noise (unless you do ≥360 rads or big air). SFF is loud when you're locked with flex psu and can't source Enhance 7660b or when you're locked with NH-L9i/a because CPU clearance is 40mm and no AIO support - in 4-5 liter area. At 10 liters SFF cases have everything to be reasonably quiet.

[@plasmancer6104]

That is the cleanest flat packed to assembled thing I’ve seen in a long time. So many bad products that don’t even fit together without force and flexing and even then half of the joins aren’t flush

[@StarSpliter]

definitely. you can tell plenty of care was put into this, so satisfying!

[@radiantav]

Great overview, looking forward to more videos about this case. Given that I'm not in a rush and have enough cases as it is, I'll be waiting for the two tone silver-gray, whenever it arrives. With S1 Mk3 teased for summer / fall and S4-SFX rising from the dust, this looks to be an awesome year for SFF enthusiasts.

[@maeveway3315]

I really hope I can get one, the demand is absurdly high

[@dylanneff8338]

I think you mean “the supply is absurdly low” lol. If they make enough it won’t be an issue. But it seems most cases like this, aren’t built in bulk.

[@optimumtech]

@@dylanneff8338 It's both. Demand is simply outpacing supply, at least for now. I'm told that the T1 can be produced in higher numbers, so hopefully that actually happens.

[@maeveway3315]

@@dylanneff8338 I think this first drop is 200 or so units. I should have said the demand was absurdly high(10x) compared to the supply

[@arkayngaming727]

@@optimumtech Do you have any approximate release ETA? Is it in the first half of 2020? Great review!

[@optimumtech]

@@arkayngaming727 Follow the link in description, should be available for purchase in a couple days. Not sure on shipping, but I know the first batch is already produced.

[@jolness1]

I have watched the 3 sidearm t1 videos so many times. I want one so badly but as they're not available, I don't feel any other ITX case offers so much compactness with the level of detail. Probably going to pick up a Cerberus X and transport my ATX build with my RAID card, 10gbe card and my 2080ti in it for now until this comes in stock (hopefully) at which point I will do a full new build. I really love and appreciate all the work you do, your videos are excellent in production quality, the channel focus is awesome and you really flesh out these builds, because of your work alone (nevermind the sff forums) I could easily build a system in a small case as much of the trial and error has been handled. Keep up the good work and thank you again!

[@iMadrid11]

This is an ingenious way to manufacture SFF cases. Having all of the parts shipped in an Ikea style pack that requires assembly means. You could theoretically mass produce SFF cases cheaply, using CNC and stamping press. While eliminating the process of welding parts into place using robotics or human labor to reduce costs. Part of the reason why SFF ITX cases are more expensive than ATX is due to factory tooling cost and limited production run. I’m excited about this type of innovative manufacturing in PC case design. Assembling parts into place like building Ikea furniture isn’t for everyone. But enthusiast who enjoy building computers are going to love it.

[@DB-fv4yn]

Just ordered the e-white from FormD !!! Thank you Ali... you have one of if not the best review sites for tech.... and the ONLY one that looks so deeply into SFF !!!

[@richardfarmer6570]

Thanks for the review. Myself, along with a lot of other people, have been eagerly awaiting this. Looks like we will not be disappointed, great looking case and thermals are better than I expected. I have to say too that those mesh side panels look much better than I thought they would.

[@ccricers]

I really like the two-tone option. It gives the front something to stand out vs the other similar cases.

[@SpirusFilms]

Just snagged a V1.1 from today’s preorder! Very excited

[@snapp0]

Your videography is just insane.

[@Taterisstig]

I like the fact that you have to assemble it! It makes case modding easier without having to pop rivets!

[@MattsPaddock]

Awesome content my man! You really made me go back to these kinds of builds, I remember having BitFenix Phenom as a compromise since back then there weren't that many options, especially quiet ones. I'm building myself an ITX main gaming/editing PC, probably going for a Sidearm T1 if I get my hands on it, I think Big Shuriken V3 + Noctua's or BeQuiet's fan would fit in nicely!

[@elmotlk]

I have a p350x build and I'm not planning to get a new one. I've been watching you for months and I love your videos. Definitely the most satisfying tech channels to watch!

[@dchousoseiso]

I had a P350X build and porting that hardware into an SFF build was the best decision ever.

[@EricTungCom]

I can't stop rewatching this video... Eagerly waiting for this case to be released.

[@chuweiguo9475]

The highest quality of content about small form factor PCs! Really like the content and hope you can bring SFF PC to the masses!

[@Craig-ib7gk]

11:13 Case flipped having much better cooling isn't only because of topside thermal ventilation; it's hugely related to the AIO radiator being where it should be: above the pump and block. In your "normal" configuration, with fan+rad at the bottom of the case, the pump block and hitches are at the highest point of the loop. That means the air in the loop (and like it or not, they *all* have some manufacturer "acceptable" amount of air) settles in the hitches and the block; the *last* place you want it. The result is dreadfully reduced performance and premature pump failure. Short version: if you're running this with an AIO running it inverted with negative pressure fan direction is not just your best option, it's really the only sensible one. Otherwise, just run it on air in non-inverted orientation with a blackridge and the bottom fans in positive pressure (i.e. inward) position. to flood the chassis with cool air and drive heat out the top and sides. I've tried just about every orientation, fan direction, and air vs. aio you can think of in this case, and those two were by far the best at thermal dispensation.

[@matthewadair2358]

coming back to this vid after finally getting this case, been a long wait, was constantly trying to get this thing. Good luck to anyone else interested

[@janr.8077]

The Noctua fan might struggle in your comparison because it mounted in a wrond orientation. The end of the heatpipes shall not face downwards. You might want to test it again facing them sideways or upwards.

[@optimumtech]

It's impossible to mount in the other orientation due to a conflict against the I/O shroud.

[@quickset]

Just came across your channel today looking through a few ITX cases and man I have I been missing out on such amazing content! I’m currently running a full custom loop in Define R6 and seriously now considering downsizing to this case on my next build

[@alexshiina]

i really love your videos! they're so aesthetically pleasing and really interesting, keep up the good work

[@ArthurMottergan]

I remember you having 8k subs you have grown fast :o

[@abdullahwasif4623]

with this quality of content it is not surpising

[@optimumtech]

Thanks for sticking around!

[@Unmarketable]

Holy crap I haven't looked in a while and yeah your channel is definitely healthy

[@Outland9000]

@@optimumtech I'm starting to think it was you who put glue on the bottom of my shoes.

[@Zonker66]

Very well done, gave me almost everything I wanted to know. I only wish someone could put the same configuration in various SFF cases to show how well they dealt with acoustics. Just too much work to go through, I suppose. Noise is a primary concern for me with a SFF case... and many are horrendous.

[@_Randwulf]

Fit and finish, breathability, adjustability, looks & size... It seems to have it all.. Thx 4 the video.. 👍😎

[@malafob]

Everytime i think i have chosen the final case for me Ali releases a new I WANT THAT case :-).... Ali your awesome :-D

[@fmrc69]

I just built my first SFF in a new ncase m1 and still looking to buy ghost s1. Now I'm considering this T1 as well. Its not like this T1 is really any better than M1, its just slightly smaller

[@fmrc69]

Brady Norrish agreed. I decided against buying a smaller SFF case for a while. Love my M1

[@allansh828]

it has filling holes? It would be criminal, not to build a custom loop then.

[@pbales8951]

At 10:34 the NH-L12S is shown installed with the heat pipe bends at the top--Noctua states that this orientation reduces performance of the cooler.

[@pbales8951]

The NH-L12S cools my i7-9700K in the Ghost S1 adequately. In 100% workloads with AVX, my stock i7-9700K peaks at 82C.

[@alexgottmituns7049]

This video made me take a glance at the innards in my full tower.... Very nice case!

[@sebas2571]

thats the prettiest case ive seen in a while

[@kingkea3451]

I was skeptical about the original case, thinking it was another Dan A4 case... but daaaaamn this is a sexy beast of a cast. Depending on price, I would really like to have one within the next couple of years!

[@Saarnash86]

Your videos are just super well done! Keep up the awesome work. Very interesting content.

[@nivenisrael1565]

Glad there are mesh panels and you dont have to deal with bad airflow like the razer tomohawk whilst still being able to see internals. Also I saw an sg13 are you going to make a video on it.

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

Great video. I opted for the Sliger SM580 15.9L mainly because it's available and meets what I was looking for without completely breaking the bank.

[@OverdriveTech]

Oh my god. I need it! My setup is all black and this would fit in very well. It looks amazing!

[@b1_ferg]

*play video on phone* *great jam starts🎼🎵* - HOLD IT - *Pairs Bose Soundlink II* "Let's try this again" *play* 🎵🎶😎🎶🎵 Love your editing, love the music.

[@merritt2014]

And if you like this formfactor, I'd highly recommend the Thermaltake V21 or V1. Those cases have insanely good airflow for their sizes.

[@sayeesaran]

2:18 He recorded this video at 2 : 10 AM at night! That's crazy Ali!

[@stobe187]

Lovely build quality, great airflow. Good stuff!

[@SSS-mp8th]

I'm never going to buy a case of this size but I still enjoy the videos(If it can't fit a NH D-15 I don't buy it), keep up the good work.

[@beefstuck]

just got one today! so excited

[@nathaniel6286]

Awesome case. Awesome review. I can't wait to get this case

[@yashe6780]

my personal favorite is k77 by SGPC. it looks gorgeous with tempered glass without losing performance

[@RemyQPham]

no more ghost...end of an era (though still loving mine with no regrets - thanks for the tips Optimum Tech :)

[@ulkem]

I gotta say, I have zero interest towards "tiny computers" but content is so good that I enjoy watching most of them

[@FragEightyfive]

I love these new modular cases coming out. After seeing the o11 EVO and this, next build is going to be a tough choice.

[@JDMTurboOutlaw]

Also an 80 or 92 fan under MB will help thermals a lot would love to see a video

[@zach_rehmer]

Your channel has seriously just become PC porn for mItx builds.... and I like it.

[@Imperfectlink.]

Looks like the Ghost is outclassed here.

[@andrewpatterson3871]

I really think the more mainstream companies should be taking notes here. I would really love a well designed case below 15L that is actually available for more than a couple days.

[@astorarnarbragason9640]

Love your videos! But it would be nice if you included some sound testing or at least indicated sound performance between the cases :) I know that it isn't that popular to be very obsessed about sound performance, but it's really hard to find information about it, I noticed you've done it a few times with other cases, would love to get more on that topic.

[@robbiemer8178]

Nice looking case and an EXCELLENT review, thanks! My needs are rather simpler, so I don't need water cooling. And, a 2070 mini is fine--for my needs--so I am quite happy with the smaller LZ7 case. If I were starting my build now, this case would be a compelling option.

[@hanshenrik9870]

Nice case and especially like the flexibility of changing to 3 slot GPU. Would have liked that in my S1. Hope to have the case available in Europe for sale soon

[@xyz4673]

ill built this one soon .. thanks for the inspiration buddy

[@parlmc]

i definitely love the look and the improvement in space inside in respect of the direct competition but won't work in our office since usb and 3.5mm jack accessibility is crucial. for us it's Ncase M1, TU150 or Evolv Shift Air. (btw any recommentation is welcome)

[@Airtroops83]

ncase m1 though, I have a 3900x and a 2080ti with 2 240mm rads, you can't beat that

[@ethanwestfall7421]

Airtroops 83 the sacrifice for being like 3L smaller lmao

[@masprassaja3818]

I like this type of case, i think this is the future, no need bulky casing, everything got smaller but more powerfull. 🙂

[@antonczerwinske5910]

You could Even use pcie bifrication to install 2 expansion cards graphics+capture for example

[@SullySadface]

All these ITX cases are making me seriously consider putting together a build since I have to upgrade from Socket AM3+ eventually as it is. I do like how it can be flipped, not a fan of bottom-exhaust or top-mounted PSU.

[@Ghettochild.2600]

Love this case! Would like to see a brushed aluminum front panel option.

[@Maisonier]

What could look like if you add custom Vinyl to the front ?

[@807800]

A case that you need to build first before you build a PC with it?. Now, that's a true enthusiast case!. Simpler packaging would also help a lot for a case that could only be ordered from the other parts of the world.

[@Wyd4]

I have been watching this case through its development. Sadly its near impossible to get any SFF cases these days. I have been trying to get a Ghost and a Velka5 for months with no luck (longer for the Ghost) and watching this waiting to go live for probably 6 months. May the odds be forever in your favor in getting one!

[@anthonykarolis5299]

Nice looking case. Maybe for my editing rig... hmm. Great review as always. Thanks

[@spoofer44]

You need a portable editing pc? Derp

[@anthonykarolis5299]

spoofer44 who said anything about portable? Some of us, especially subscribers to this channel, dig SFF.

[@panchopantera1286]

Will you review this beauty ????

[@odinsplaygrounds]

It looks good, but the Ghost still seems more of a “solid” choice. This has better airflow with the mesh panels, but for someone who brings my SFF around for travel, those mesh would also mean less protection of the hardware inside. Not ideal. Not to mention the bigger size than a ghost. I’m also a little bit skeptical how sturdy the whole thing is when assembled, in particular over time.. even more specifically over time while traveling and it being moved around a lot. I definitely would get this over the Ncase M1 for completely static desktop use though. PS: Maybe Louqe should provide mesh panels as an option. Would be interesting for termal comparison. EDIT 2021: I have no turned over to the dark side, I got a T1 already and use it for my travel case. I definitely was quite skeptical of the mesh side panels originally. But since the T1 had superior performance and better GPU Compatibility, I had to switch. Just gotta be a bit extra careful the bag has good padding to make up for the mesh panels, which clearly aren't as sturdy or protective as the Ghost side panels.. but they're also a bit more solid than I originally though.

[@w686]

Aluminum Side Panels are planned for later in the year. However, the Mesh Side Panels is Steel, and should be the same if not stronger than 3mm Aluminum Panels on the Ghost S1

[@demonwares]

Aluminum and even glass will be optional. There will also be a pro version with two tone colors and side io

[@KrispysRC]

I think the sides look cheap as hell personally. Ghost S1 is the superior choice hands down not even a question.

[@garashdash]

Louqe need to have different side panels to switch.

[@gchyll2]

with the slide in panel the loque s1 has, it should be easy for one to create a steel mesh panel.

[@richardgomez8010]

The mesh does look better than the all-metal side panels

[@hman2875]

Even after 2 years I am considering this case for my computer build.

[@ronaldsanpedro1976]

Love the sidearm T1. Its like he dan a4 thats modernized for newer and hotter hardware. The 3 slot card option is a huge plus. Lets face it, almost all high end builds would want a 3 slot aib cards and a 120mm aio. This is the perfect case for that. The other case/prebuild that could match this for me would be the corsair one. But corsair is not selling it ala carte. Hehehe. I own a dan a4 x 545lc . This would be a nice future upgrade.

[@MichaelMolli]

I wish the front panel was in one piece instead of two.

[@-HR0-]

Please do a full three slot graphics card setup! :)

[@fiveguys2820]

I wish there was a mini thermaltake core p7 that was sff. That would be sick

[@currentlykent4593]

Must be February 4th💪 been waiting for this one.

[@CallMeTonyga]

i like the speaker looking side panels

[@Gizzernl]

Maybe have a look at the xspc tx240 radiator with 2cm fans from yate loon. They might make for adequate cooling with a minimal height. The x240 actually performs rather well compared to other slim Rad designs and it is only 2c thick itself.

[@JDMTurboOutlaw]

I would love to see a video of this case with a 3950x on a x570 I gaming mb with an xspc ultra slim in push/pull. That would be a beast and super good on thermals.

[@Denouermont]

I'm working toward doing a PC build to supplement my 2016 13" MBP (that's how I discovered your channel!) for DaVinci-I decided to up my editing software game this semester and my MacBook can't handle it. I'd love a video on how you use DaVinci!

[@Altyno296]

So what is the better case? The ncase m1 or the sidearm t1?

[@buddybleeyes]

Honestly cant wait to be able to get my hands on a case like this 😅 might not be able to afford it until the end of the year though, but glad they've got a store page going up soon! I've currently got a node 202, but I'd love this to take with me while travelling. The node 202 is bigger than I expected and cant fit in my bag 😅

[@axi6ne8us]

Impressive build with this case. I am a Threadripper guy and prefer mATX form factor. Just waiting for a 3rd Gen mATX motherboard to upgrade from a 2950X.

[@wildkatsage]

what were those air coolers mentioned around 8:26?

[@wildkatsage]

Alpenföhn® Black Ridge, and cryorig c7 g. figured it out by myself

[@RP123lolololol]

thanks for the Video bro. I want that case.

[@jondonnelly3]

I'd go with the Ghost for the modular top and bottom hat approach. Though if you can get a 240mm into (even if fans have to go external or modded) it might be an option for 9900k.

[@kojan2]

Great video! Is the T1 better than the M1?

[@Mad5cout]

Did you see that they are coming out with a white version of the Ophion Evo? The aesthetics are slightly reworked and I'd be interested in your take. Currently I can only find it on amazon.de.

[@marvstaar]

Any chances of a moderate build video for these cases?

[@JDMTurboOutlaw]

Xspc 20.5mm rad and either full size or slim fans will fit in this nicely

[@JDMTurboOutlaw]

Can also run there slim cans with that rad in push/pull

[@SaNjA2659]

What an interesting case! I wonder if you can fit a 140mm Raijintek Pallas in there in a 2-slot GPU configuration. This would probably be the largest cooler you can get for this case, if it fits.

[@DTXGaming]

Awesome little case! If only the front panel would be one piece instead of 2. Qq: what if you leave the case in it's normal orientation but flip the fans at the bottom for intake instead of exhaust?

[@KDD0063]

the bits that are different at the corner of the mesh side panel drives me bonkers, my eyes are drawn to it immediately

[@divvybyte6087]

Similar to the Ghost S1 and even the Evolv Shift Air, the motherboard and GPU are sandwiched together. That makes overclocking anything above a 3600X and a 2060 Super near impossible with air cooling. Cases with said configuration should be marketed mainly for liquid cooling. Having the surface area of the GPU backplate so close in parallel to the chipset is a recipe for serious heat. Like many of you probably know, more heat means more noise and lower clock speeds. As higher resolutions, new graphics tech like ray tracing, and space efficient cases become more popular, thermals will continue to be a defining factor for how well a system performs. I'm excited for all the solutions we're going to see, and who can do it without having consumers contemplate whether or not they should take out a loan :) I'm personally looking forward to more options like Singularity Computers Wraith case and the Comino OTTO. I really think the future of small form factor cases is in integrated distro plates. When we will see those hit a larger market, TBD. Right now I don't think it is worth it for most of us. Why spend $700 on a case when you could spend $200 and upgrade to a 2080 Ti.

[@divvybyte6087]

That being said, I would still love to pick up a Sidearm T1 for nice little custom loop. Similar to the one OP did in his Ghost S1. The struggle for me remains deciding where to upgrade on a budget. For example, I could go from a 2070 Super to a 2080 Super Hybrid for a couple hundred, or I could put a waterblock on the 2070 Super for roughly the same price. Same with going from a 2080 Super to a 2080 Ti. It really only makes sense to do a custom loop if going for a 2080 Ti. Another product that doesn't make a ton of sense is the 5700 XT Liquid Devil, costing $600. But don't forget to add the cpu block, pump, optional reservoir, fittings and tubing. That's another $300 at least, totaling around $900. At that point you could just get a good air cooled 2080 Ti and an SFF case with good airflow like the NCASE M1.

[@juancarlosorozcoleyton2829]

That's simply amazing, but I don't know if I should pull the trigger. I mean: - Flat-packed so it's gonna be A LOT cheaper to import. - Triple slot GPUs, maybe it will even fit my RX 5700 XT with Morpheus II and low profile fans - HALF the volume of my current Evolv Shift - Amazing build quality, I surely hope retail units are that well built But: - Expensive nonetheless - CPU cooling is a concern, I'll have to ditch my H80i V2 for something either more expensive or less efficient - Reaching the back for the power button would feel like powering a printer