uATX computer case
Description
This is a complete case setup for uATX (micro-ATX) size motherboards. I wanted a completely 3D printable, enclosed case that would fit my Prusa i3 MK3S+ but couldn't find any so I came up with this. ** Key features ** * Compatible with uATX motherboards * Holds full size ATX power supply * 2 side-exhaust fan mounts * Slots for up to 4 expansion cards * Quick-access bay for up to 3 HDDs or SSDs, mounted on tool-free trays (models for both drive types included) * Internal cable management loops ### Printing The challenge with a uATX case is many of the dimensions go well beyond the max footprint of the my Prusa and similar models. That's why several pieces are split into halves that will be assembled with threaded inserts and screws. Some pieces are still pushed to the edge of the printable area. You will need to print without a brim or skirt and carefully align on the print bed several of the pieces. The back panel (where the motherboard connectors and cards go) is the largest single piece. There wasn't a decent way to split it up so it's larger than the side-to-side dimensions of the Prusa's print area. What I ended up doing is printing this piece upright, rotated 45 degrees on the bed so it fit diagonally across. You probably want to add a skirt on this one piece for stability if you have enough bed space left over. Supports are also necessary here because of all the overhang. I would recommend NOT letting supports go in the ventilation grid above where the motherboard ports are or you will have a bad time getting out tons of tiny pieces. ### Parts & Assembly There are a few things you will need in addition to the printed parts (aside from the computer parts and power supply): * [M3 threaded inserts](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T7M2H4S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (20-30) * [M3 x 20mm bolts](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W97KM4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (20-30) * [10x2mm neodymium magnets](https://www.amazon.com/VSKIZ-Magnets-Refrigerator-Neodymium-Whiteboard/dp/B0C6GKDDLX/?th=1) (20-30) * 10mm course-thread pan head screws (4) * Hex motherboard standoff screws (8) * [Power button](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0986XLJJH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) * [Reset button](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z2TD31S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) * LED of your choice for power light (optional) * [80x80x15mm slim case fans](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G7H4P6T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (2) It's been a while since I made this case so I don't recall the exact number of threaded inserts and bolts required. I believe I used 20mm bolts all over but it's entirely possible that a few longer or shorter ones are necessary. If you make this and find otherwise, please let me know and I'll update the description. #### Drives The drive bay can take up to 3 hard disk drives or SSDs. Print the right kind of tray for the drive type you want. Attach the drive to the tray with the same kind of screws you would use for any normal drive tray. To install, push the tray into the drive enclosure until it clicks into place. To remove it, squeeze the tabs on the side and pull forward. The drive bay itself has a magnetic cover for quick access. You will need to use 4 course-threaded pan head screws that are about 10mm long. Screw these into the holes on the front face of the drive bay. The magnets on the cover will attach to these screws. #### Motherboard Base The motherboard base prints in two parts. You will join them using 2 threaded inserts and 2 bolts. You will also need of the hex-shaped metal standoffs you normally screw into a computer case on which the motherboard sits and you screw it down. Grind or cut the threaded end off each standoff plus another millimeter or so (see pictures). Use a soldering iron with the tip used for pressing the M3 threaded inserts into plastic to heat and embed the standoffs. The standoffs should sit flush with the cylindrical risers (see pictures). If you do not get them all flush, the motherboard may sit to high and its ports may not align with the back plate. #### Magnets The cylindrical insets for the magnets are sized exactly so the magnets should fit very snugly without requiring any adhesive to keep them in place. I found it quite difficult to press the magnets in by hand and found a pair of pliers with duct tape wrapped around the jaws (to not damage the magnets) worked really well (see picture). ** Be sure to properly align all magnet pairs! ** You'll want to pay very close attention to the orientation of the magnets on pieces that join together before you insert them. You don't want to end up with one pair repelling after you put everything together. I found it useful to draw a black dot on the same pole of all magnets. If you buy a large pack, they will already be oriented in the same direction. Simple draw a black dot on the top of each one as you pull it off the stack. Then when you start to press in the magnets, just make sure for parts that join, one part has all black dots showing and the matching part has none.
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