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CaseLabs Merlin SM8 Update: [See New Thread: SM8 Product Launch]

99K views 883 replies 134 participants last post by  4514kaiser 
#1 ·
Hello Everyone,

This is the official thread for "Merlin" development. Merlin refers to our next generation of cases scheduled to start shipping in September. They will be smaller and more conventional than the current MAGNUM series, but will retain many of the features that have made them so popular (thanks to 4514 kaiser for the suggestion).

Here are some of Merlin's features:


  • "Mod friendly" - The case is screwed together (no rivets) and individual replacement parts will be available.
  • Slide-out MB tray & Tech Station
  • The case is reversible, so the MB can be on the right or left side.
  • Swing out, removable doors. Covers snap on and off in seconds.
  • They can use the full line of available accessories.
  • Uses our Flex-Bay (TM) Architecture and the Accessory Mounting System.
  • All aluminum construction: .090" Frame, .063" Doors & Covers

Clearance behind the MB tray (all models): 1.50" (38mm)

Merlin's line-up will consist of three models:

Note: The ST10 is not a down-sized SMH10/STH10. Merlin is a "lighter" design than the current Magnum series.

SM5 Specs (subject to change):

Approx Size: 19.04"H x 11.18"W x 18.92"D (484mm x 284mm x 481mm)

Form Factor: mATX

No of Flex-Bays (5.25" bays) : 10

Native drive support (without using 5.25" bays):

2 HDD (3.50") 2 SSD's may be mounted in each

Max Radiator: 120.3

PSU Mounts: 2

SM8 Specs (subject to change):

Approx Size: 22.44"H x 11.18"W x 22.38"D (570mm x 284mm x 568mm)

Form Factor: ATX/EATX (12.00" x 10.75")

No of Flex-Bays (5.25" bays) : 11

Native drive support (without using 5.25" bays):

2 HDD (3.50")
2 SSD (2.50")

Max Radiator: 120.4
Radiator Clearance (Top/Bottom): 114mm

PSU Mounts: 2

ST10 Specs (subject to change):

Approx Size: 28.44"H x 11.18"W x 22.38"D (722mm x 284mm x 568mm)

Form Factor: XL-ATX

No of Flex-Bays (5.25" bays) : 15

Native drive support (without using 5.25" bays):

2 HDD (3.50")
2 SSD (2.50")

Max Radiator: 120.4

PSU Mounts: 2
 
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#2 ·
Merlin SM8 Update: Aug 28th

Exterior Shots:



Drive Bays (2 HDD's & 2 SSD's - 12 more HDD's can be mounted in the Flex-Bays):


The case can be stripped down to the frame in seconds. Lowers the risk of damaging a panel while installing hardware. Also, they cover up the frame, so if holes have to be drilled or cutouts added, they'll be covered up by the panels:


Interior shot:

The round holes can be plugged if not needed and the switch bay will have a cover plate to keep things tidy. All the cable management holes will have rubber edging in the production units:


Cable Management Nightmare:


No problem:


Next to an 800D for size comparison (weighs about half of what the 800D weighs):


Drop-in mounts - a 120.4 and 140.3. The recess is for barb clearance when using the 120mm top cover:


The mount area on top of the SM8:


With the 120.4 Drop-in mount installed:


Side view with XL window (Gray): Never mind the silly reflections
redface.gif



Interior shot with switch bay cover and plugged cable management holes:


Cable side door and 120mm top cover:


Rear of the case with the MB tray installed:


Slide out MB Tray:


Self-retaining Thumb Screws - No more lost screws!


Case Interior with MB Tray Installed:


From the back side with the cover plate. Using a dual inverted box design, the tray is rock solid, no flexing whatsoever!


MB Tray becomes a free-standing tech station. You get spoiled quickly once you start using this
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#7 ·
Looking forward.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Case Labs View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by TPE-331 View Post

I'm wondering about the possibility of using the Merlin as a HTPC case.
thinking.gif
Maybe... but because Merlin will still have significant W/C capability, it might be a little bulky for a HTPC case.
stop being ridiculous... size doesn't matter is all about the style

tv03.jpg
 
#16 ·
Great news on this, Q2 2012 coincides with my next planned build. I might just go ahead and pick up an M8 anyway depending on what sort of features the Merlin line has, but it'll be nice to have a few more options to choose from as well as hopefully have some nice USB 3.0 headers to go with Panther Point's finally built-in USB 3.0. I'd prefer to be able to have USB 2.0/3.0 headers without Audio, but that's a pretty small gripe.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by TPE-331 View Post

LOL!
biggrin.gif
I've seen that setup before. It's nice but since the wife and I like to watch movies with the lights down or off, those all those LEDs would become annoying after a while.
biggrin.gif
lol... ik... im working on my next build and im looking at some cheap RF receavers and remotes to controll all my LEDs (and CCs if i use them
smile.gif
)
 
#25 ·
If the merlin is only 10" what about an option to make it wider like the M and T series? sorta like an extended top style system, so if someone wanted to, they could unbolt the door and clip(or screw) on an extra side section (like the backside of the M and T series) so someone could throw in a 240rad and psu. So it's kinda modular in the horizontal. But i suppose it would be pushing into the magnum series a bit to much, just an idea don't flame me
redface.gif
 
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