Friday, October 29th 2021
computer-1, a Mini-ITX chassis
While setting up their first office many years ago, teenage engineering set out to create their ideal PC case. It was to have a small desktop footprint and be easy to move around. They built it with a laser cutter, high density board and spray paint. A simple, no frills computer case computer-1 has always been a work in progress. the board version worked ok, but the handles couldn't support the weight of the case when moving it around. so after some literal computer crashes, they turned to aluminium for a lighter and sturdier design.
Based on the build-it-yourself design of the pocket operator modular, they landed on the simple Mini-ITX case that they use today. A small desk footprint, compact and portable, computer-1 has a small desk footprint. the lightweight aluminium, and chrome handles, make it easier to move around when you have to. In powder coated pure orange RAL 2004, it's a small, no frills tool for any desktop. Built around the Mini-ITX motherboard and the SFX power supply format, it also fits a dual slot graphics card up to 170 mm. while compact, it's capable of housing a range of parts. From gamer to programmer, engineer and designer, the chassis can be equipped with whatever components you wish.
Update Nov 22nd: Our in-depth review of the computer-1 is live now.
Flat pack design
The flat pack, 1 mm aluminium, is flexible enough to bend into shape, and sturdy enough to keep your components secure. Each kit comes with all of the parts required to assemble the case
Source:
teenage engineering
Based on the build-it-yourself design of the pocket operator modular, they landed on the simple Mini-ITX case that they use today. A small desk footprint, compact and portable, computer-1 has a small desk footprint. the lightweight aluminium, and chrome handles, make it easier to move around when you have to. In powder coated pure orange RAL 2004, it's a small, no frills tool for any desktop. Built around the Mini-ITX motherboard and the SFX power supply format, it also fits a dual slot graphics card up to 170 mm. while compact, it's capable of housing a range of parts. From gamer to programmer, engineer and designer, the chassis can be equipped with whatever components you wish.
Flat pack design
The flat pack, 1 mm aluminium, is flexible enough to bend into shape, and sturdy enough to keep your components secure. Each kit comes with all of the parts required to assemble the case
- Form Factor
- Mini-ITX
- GPU
- Dual-slot up to 180 mm
- Power Supply
- SFX
- CPU Cooler
- Height limit from motherboard surface 120 mm
- Material
- Powder coated aluminium
- Color
- Pure orange RAL 2004
- Outer Dimensions (mm)
- W 170 D 190 H 322
- Inner Dimensions (mm)
- W 164 D 189 H 275.5
- Price
- US$195
38 Comments on computer-1, a Mini-ITX chassis
Stupid artists, why did you put that thing there
Also, the assembly process including bending the tabs on the case? I can't imagine that not cracking the paint along the bends. Does not seem like a good idea.
Overall, there are definitely SFF options on the market that are more space efficient and better cooled, though not many that also look as interesting (though there are definitely some). Also, the price of this thing for what it delivers? Nah, I'd rather get an M1, A4 or Meshlicious. Or two NR200s.
I have made some consideration in producing lasercut acrylic ITX cases ala dans a4/ghost. They can actually become really sturdy and stable with the right pattern. The price is also a fraction of dan a4/ghost. (though the look is still DIY look (though more complete than this) If I at some point start producing though a sideproject, ill be sure to send a case for techpowerup to review! :D
Even if it's not "practical", it sure makes up as a bad-ass marketing prop. Just look at this thread - we've spent half the posts just talking about it.
Also, this orientation/design is hardly rare, and while you're right in general (though the GPU up against that grille could get noisy, depending on the fan and turbulence created), that still doesn't take away from the fact that a 120mm intake fan would have been better in every way (noise, airflow, choice). This seems like a choice made mainly for maintaining a certain type of aesthetic. Which is of course fine, but it does limit the build flexibility of the case. And while this is pretty small at ~9l (without the handles), there are similarly sized or smaller cases that do equally well or better (though most these days do tend to prioritize larger GPUs and go for a higher volume overall).
www.hitta.se/f%C3%B6retagsinformation/teenage+engineering+ab/5567183719
And I guess it helps that I can read Swedish and that I already knew about the company, since they've been around for quite a while.