This open air ITX case is an art piece - Monster Studio A45 review

[@the_stixXx]

I bought a black aluminum CNC cut "case" like this, from China (shipped from there and took about 2-3 weeks) Mine is vertical with the radiator behind the motherboard. I've been wanting to water cool it and have all the parts but life is too busy and I haven't got around to it. I think if I ever do it I'll angle it like this (make a custom base) because I love how this looks and the best part is you can slot the GC and still see the front of it. And what makes it even better is you really highlight cable management. Nothing like sweet looking visible cable management with custom sleeving and cable combs. Just shows the effort and looks sick. Love these 2 builds. Good stuff!

[@marioStortuga]

Just found you and this video and it has completely changed my outlook for my current build. It's like YT decided show me your video and say hey you've been doing some research and doing a couple of specs out for my next PC build look at this . Great job now I am really considering this option.

[@DDosAndDonts]

these builds are stunning! you should include cinematic segment just showing them off

[@hardlinenexus]

I'm working on a custom water cooled version, debating about the cinematic timelapse build

[@johnnywoolen1453]

@@hardlinenexus I'd LOVE to see that.

[@wranefis]

you need keep building these !!! so far you have the best builds

[@hardlinenexus]

I will!

[@spinkey4842]

case? why do folks still call these a "case"?? these are something called a Stand.....

[@DimplePoji]

Exactly, the main origin function of such setup is actually for testing system purpose

[@ansonwong4605]

Ora ora ora ora ora ora!!!!!

[@serge2nd]

ah yes i would also call it star platinum

[@SamyakGupta-e5q]

Wait THAT PC IS A STAND USER

[@HonestHans365]

My favorite components in a PC are the GPU and cooling. Having a case that puts them on display is the right forward!

[@MarigoldAW]

Awesome review! It honestly doesn't look too bad even with a big card sticking out. I know it's designed with smaller cards in mind but I wish they increased the size of the base a bit to prevent tipping. That would also lend itself well to having a vertically mounted card. Overall one of the more interestingly designed cases I've seen.

[@hardlinenexus]

Actually the base size is just fine, there's no tipping whatsoever. Even if there was a card bigger than the Strix 4090, longer by 50%, I guarantee you the physics of this current base would still not make it tip.

[@Alyssa02150]

I've been always used Antec Torque, and i thought that is the most beautiful PC case but....well, now im change my mind. since from today, my best one thing is, your masterpiece. when RTX 5090 Start sale in January, i will buy yours. keep working hard, man. i will wait the restock of the product.

[@frederickpolk]

Really concise and well explained video! The builds are great too🎉

[@EzaneeGires]

I love how discreet they make the PSU mounting such that an ATX size PSU meshes with the mobo. Quite elegant. With pricing the way it is, one can save some dough on PSU by getting an ATX. Of course that is offset somewhat by the cost of the case/frame

[@Linkan83]

i build something similar to this a couple of years ago using two triangular shelf brackets, a itx mb tray and a sfx psu bracket

[@MarigoldAW]

Was looking forward to this review!

[@Chaos_God_of_Fate]

Those are some clean builds. If I didn't have Cats I might just use this frame, I like open air cases but my kitties would think it was a toy.

[@hardlinenexus]

Oh yeah, cats don't know what a fan is XD

[@MrKrampyHands]

Yeah this case is awesome would make a nice addition to my desk fo sho I'll have to look into it for my next build was thinking about the open air thermal take case with the glass panel but this looks unique

[@vaporshot1234]

Love the look! How long were the PSU cables you're using? Looking to do something similar using CableMod cables and want to get the right length. Thanks!

[@hardlinenexus]

24-pin at 250mm, EPS at 300mm, 12VHPWR at 250mm. That was for my particular build.

[@flaconoil8015]

This design is sooo great ! I love it and i'll make my own with precious wood 🤗🥳

[@hardlinenexus]

Wood builds are quite trendy right now!

[@lukkeras]

Cant believe u didnt add benchmarks. With free airflow this case must be a killer

[@hardlinenexus]

I'll tell you why benchmarks don't matter in this video. This video is about the open air case product, not about the CPU, GPU, radiator, AIO, RAM, overclocking or motherboard at all. Actually take a moment and think about it... if I did test runs for this build, what does it tell you about the case? Absolutely nothing. Benchmarks would tell you the story about the CPU, GPU, fan speed settings etc, and pairing of these hardware. The Intel 14th gen CPUs and RTX 40-series cards have been out for how long? And every tech creator that does benchmarks does it with an open air testbench. If this was a CLOSED case, then yes, benchmarks would make more sense, because that would tell you how good the airflow and circulation temperatures would be. If I were to review an Intel 15th gen CPU or RTX 50-series as a launch video, then yeah, benchmarks would make sense for this open air case. But then again, that doesn't tell you anything about the case, it just tells you about the CPU, GPU and core components... Hope this makes sense.

[@vongdong10]

Geez that all air build looks so good. Would look better with that cable cover.

[@hardlinenexus]

I'll see if I can get a cable cover for the next build.

[@emiel255]

I would definitely have the GPU vertically mounted, looks better imo

[@Franciscoxds]

A micro atx version would be amazing

[@rgracon]

I love my Aperio open air itx case... but the Monster has one huge improvement (GPU space)!!

[@ivanpeso6280]

Nice review I was looking for something like that open case, and I watch your design of case. To bad that you’re case not shipping to Europe. This one does.

[@allengod9878]

Yes they do

[@VenomFT2000]

dang, all sold out? Know when it's getting stocked?

[@XwiththeTech]

I’d love to see this with a custom Waterloop

[@hardlinenexus]

In the works, follow my Instagram, you'll see it when it's done

[@canny7x]

Very Interesting! And all you have to do is get a blower to keep it clean...

[@MrGavinheng]

Hope to see you watercool the Strix 4090 in the next video, the watercooled 4090 cards does become “smaller” when you put on a waterblock 😊

[@hardlinenexus]

Yes! Actually I do plan to do a custom water cooling version of this build. It's currently in the works. You'll probably see it on my Instagram first before KZbin though I think.

[@MrGavinheng]

Thank you

[@jacobwonder6735]

So beautiful

[@y_kajikawa]

Nice review. Thanks!

[@hardlinenexus]

Thank you and you're welcome :)

[@Chastafarai]

Thinking about getting the black one but was wondering how easily does it scratch? Maybe settle on the silver if it scratches easily.

[@hardlinenexus]

Color doesn't matter. It's the same anodizing process. In general, white and silver just hides scratches more easily.

[@Chastafarai]

@@hardlinenexus Sweet, I went with my gut instinct and decided on the black. I'm thinking about ordering custom cables for my build as well and was wondering what cable lengths did you order for your black build?

[@Sveto8]

nice, you could rotate the 360 radiator by 90 degrees and screw it to the middle fan holes

[@hardlinenexus]

Yes exactly! You can even mount it at the first fan holes so it's hanging long out and it would not tip over either.

[@hadys5096]

i thought something, they could also add an extra add on for gpu holder for an anti sag for vertical mount, maybe something small for the base as the power button but with built in anti sag gpu holder, could be cool for longer gpu or just aesthetically

[@hardlinenexus]

There's hardly any sag for the GPU, couldn't even tell

[@weaszy_21]

With the aio should the Fans blow air in or Out on an open case pc?

[@bowlochili]

There could have been a HDD or SSD mount on the bottom. Its driving me nuts at the moment.

[@lucifervns]

Does power button include in the box?

[@Retro-Moon25]

Black and yellow look amazing! 💛

[@4thumbsdown]

to Monster Studio: where are the cases? get it done!!!!!!!!!!

[@hardlinenexus]

Yes several people have asked, I have told them as well. They are a small team and are working hard trying to fulfill the production units

[@TechnicaX]

What cable lengths for this build?

[@matik4605]

What custom power supply cables are you using?

[@hardlinenexus]

Cablemod

[@matik4605]

@@hardlinenexus I see, thanks for the reply. Awesome builds!

[@skylarmorehead9883]

Cant you insert a couple little washers on the ssd retainment screws? i feel there is some sort of rubber groment or something to contain the ssd in place

[@hardlinenexus]

No there isn't. But even if the SSDs are dangling and hanging, it's actually not a problem. If I'm being honestly, I personally think finding a better mount for SSDs is more of an aesthetic improvement more so than a functional one haha

[@ntyhurst]

So mindful, so demure, such swole forearms.

[@rockyou9967]

well done on a very nice presentation. Personally i dont know if i can entrust expensive parts like that to the open air. It looks very exposed and vulnerable to dust, coffee spills, dog hair, my hair, rain, snow, falling debris, bird poop and bears.

[@hardlinenexus]

definitely watch my video on open vs closed cases, it's not for everyone. really depends on each individual's lifestyle

[@roxyblue8915]

All Sold Out...

[@hardlinenexus]

They are revising and making batches at a time. There were a couple things I had told them to fix so it's probably not available currently

[@R3dL1ght5]

Its not corsair guy the world of small batch cases is always limited

[@aphilly2158]

Might get this put a phantom zero board in it 🤔

[@markbernhardt6281]

I secure ssds with velcro. Very strong.

[@sumin889]

Nice video and review. I will look to buy me 1-2 Thanks

[@hardlinenexus]

Thank you!

[@hardlinenexus]

Are you Stuart's friend?

[@sumin889]

@@hardlinenexus that is me. The one that we spoke few weeks ago

[@chariotrider4656]

Can you mount two 360mm rads to the rad mount?

[@hardlinenexus]

No only one radiator. You can mount a 480 if you want to maximize it The rad bracket also is only for 120mm rans, not 140mm

[@chariotrider4656]

@@hardlinenexus Alright, thank you!

[@waylandtp]

Good video 👍🏽

[@ljnjeffrey]

dust: is it for me?😳

[@allengod9878]

I've actually done tests and open cases don't have more dust than closed ones and I have three cats in the house

[@ljnjeffrey]

@@allengod9878 there won’t be any difference if you test it for couple days. Wait for half a year and see

[@allengod9878]

@@ljnjeffrey im use open air for many years nothing different

[@ljnjeffrey]

@@allengod9878 probably ur closed case have super negative pressure, sucks many dust inside makes it as bad as ur open case

[@sidewinder86ify]

Nah, dust is there either way.

[@drmauricio]

mATX MB is compatible?

[@hardlinenexus]

It's not, ITX only.

[@TheTastefulThickness]

One of the problems is losing all of your case IO. Theres no provision here to make use of those headers.

[@armandocardona6975]

i have a SFF pc where my GPU pokes out of my case. Haven’t had front IO in about 5 years, you don’t really miss it. Especially if you have everything setup.

[@香噴噴-p6f]

lol how long should i have to wait for corsair to release a bigger watt psu , they can't just do this forever since 750w isn't that powerful nowadays ( i don't want another brand )

[@hardlinenexus]

Corsair already has an SFX 1000W out on the market

[@香噴噴-p6f]

@@hardlinenexus nice one, but that one not exactly is sfx , it's sfx-L which can impact some tiny build

[@rmorenberg]

nice video

[@TakaChan569]

$178 for a "case", i guess i just don't get it since i know people who love itx builds love this kinda stuff.

[@vigordotin]

Let me guess they dont ship to Asia right?

[@allengod9878]

where are you

[@hardlinenexus]

They should, because it's made in China. I'm sure they ship globally

[@monosy1ab1k]

I don't like the idea of cases but also the idea of paying hundreds for frames... What would happen if I just lumped everything together without any case and sat it on a desk

[@puffyips]

We are not calling this a case I’m sorry lmao it’s cool tho maybe for less money I would take the disadvantage of not having protective case for my valuable pc components

[@kasarnfla]

2 days after the video and the product is sold out or unavailable. Whats the point of the video if you cant get the product

[@hardlinenexus]

They are a small team working hard on the production. But also, I will note that in my process of building this, I discovered some things that needed to be improved and even fixed. So I told them they need to do that before releasing the next batch, I'm sure this is why it's marked as "sold out"

[@DeanOliver1964]

And....they are sold out.

[@hardlinenexus]

They are working on the new batch

[@mr.electronx9036]

how much dust? -YES

[@hardlinenexus]

same amount of dust as closed cases

[@emiel255]

I have an open air case myself for almost 2 years and I could not be more happy. For me it is a case that I will be having for a long time The whole thing of “what about dust though” is very dependent on the dust situation in your house. I detail clean my PC every 5 months or so for approximately 8 minutes or so and everything is clean again. And even after those 5 months it is not like there is a pack of dust on it rather just a very very thin layer. And even then there are no drops in either performance nor higher temps

[@mrbobo86]

Half the material, double the price!

[@Rayu25Demon]

open air case = no case.

[@muddygold6955]

You can just 3D print this for free lmao

[@hardlinenexus]

3D print what for free?

[@howlinhauler]

in a vacuum

[@ural859]

Too heavy for just one point of support.

[@hardlinenexus]

You mean just one side support? This was something I didn't go over in this video because I didn't notice it (which that point in itself should say the frame is fine). Because if it wasn't strong enough, it would've broke. However, I did notice it in the follow up custom water cooling video because that build came out heavier based on what I put together. This case also wasn't initially made to mount a bunch of heavy custom watercooling hardware though, but I made it happen anyways. Check out the newest A45 video. I also gave feedback to Monster Studio so maybe that can make some proper adjustments to the design in future batches.

[@Blafard666]

Notice how everytime youtubers show you those kind of open cases, they conveniently never show you all the cables dangling in the open from your motherboard to your peripherals (monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers etc...), only cute shots with nothing actually connected to the PC .... wonder why 😆😆

[@Chris-ih4hj]

eww more like dust magnet

[@hardlinenexus]

You need to watch my video on open air vs closed case video that I linked at the end of this video

[@emiel255]

I have an open air case myself for almost 2 years and I could not be more happy. For me it is a case that I will be having for a long time The whole thing of “what about dust though” is very dependent on the dust situation in your house. I detail clean my PC every 5 months or so for approximately 8 minutes or so and everything is clean again. And even after those 5 months it is not like there is a pack of dust on it rather just a very very thin layer. And even then there are no drops in either performance nor higher temps

[@robertlee5113]

$400+ for this? scam!

[@sc9433]

bruh.... its called an open frame. not a case.

[@baozuci3594]

How horrible. The whole thing looks like it was designed by a cross-eyed PC builder.