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CaseLabs Merlin SM8 - Now Shipping!

97K views 752 replies 91 participants last post by  TeeBlack 
#1 ·
Today we are pleased to formally announce the first of our newest generation of enthusiast cases, the SM8. The SM8 is part of our new Merlin series which feature an unprecedented array of options and accessories to allow for maximum flexibly in build layouts. You are in control more than ever before.

*** Now Shipping!***

Features:

Aluminum Construction: The case is made using heavy gauge all aluminum construction. Unlike some imports using thin aluminum (.040" - 1mm), our cases are made from .090" (2.3mm) for the frame and .063" (1.6mm) for the doors and covers for a case that can stand up to the rigors of large scale water cooling and frequent system tear-downs. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, dissipates heat better, and is easier to mod.

Quick Access: The doors and covers can be removed in seconds to facilitate access and minimize the chance of damaging exterior panels during a build. The doors are on hinges that allow them to easily swing out of the way for quick adjustments. The front and top covers snap on and off - no screws to slow you down or get lost. The "cover over frame" design allows the frame to be modified as needed without affecting the appearance of the completed build.

Slide-Out Motherboard Tray: The entire motherboard tray easily slides out and can be converted into a free standing tech station (with the included parts). Your build can be completely assembled and tested on a table top. No more working inside a cramped case trying to get everything in place. The tray is held in place with four self-retaining thumb screws - nothing to get lost. How many times has a screw rolled off the edge of your desk, never to be seen again?

Reversible: The SM8 can be reversed so the motherboard can be on the right or left hand side of the case, so if your needs change, the case will adapt to the new setting.

Mod Friendly: The SM8 was designed for modders. The case is screwed to together so it can be completely broken down. Each case component will available separately, so feel free to cut, drill and mod without fear of "destroying" the case.

Flex-Bay System: Almost every case on the market today has a fixed structure at the front of the case - maybe four or five 5.25" bays on top, a 3.5" bay below that and HDD cages below that. What if that layout doesn't work for you? We've all seen people who have had to mod their cases (sometimes irreversibly) to fit things like radiators. With our Flex-Bay System, you can design that superstructure to be anything you need, and put things wherever you want and change it as often as you like, within minutes. In that respect, you become the case designer. We have a wide array of Flex-Bay adapters and mounts, so you have complete freedom to design it just the way you need it. Click here for pictures and more information about the Flex-Bay System.

Accessory Mounting System: If you ever wished that you could put a fan in a particular spot or needed a surface to mount something to, our Accessory Mounting System will make your life much easier. By using the holes around the perimeter of the case, or by using vertical or horizontal accessory mounts, you can place fans, reservoirs, pumps, and more, exactly where you want them (maybe just a flat plate to cover up messy cables). We have a wide variety of plates and fan mounts for almost every need. Click here for more information about the Accessory Mounting System.

Drop-in/Side Radiator Mounts: If you have ever mounted a push-pull 480 radiator inside a case, you know what a pain it can be. Our optional drop-in and side mounts (pedestal) let you assemble the whole thing on your desktop and install it as a single assembly into your case.

Product Documentation (Draft):

Merlin Owner's Manual and Accessory Guide
Merlin SM8 Assembly Manual

Technical:

Size: 22.44"H x 11.18"W x 22.38"D (570mm x 284mm x 568mm)
Form Factor: mATX, ATX to 12.38" x 10.75" (315mm x 273mm)
Expansion Slots: 8
Flex-Bays (5.25" bays): 11
Native Drive Support (without using 5.25" bays): [14 using Optional MAC-102 HDD Cages]
  • 2 HDD (3.50")
  • 2 SSD (2.50")
Maximum Radiator: 120.4 (480)/140.3 (420)
Radiator Clearance (Top/Bottom): 114mm
Cable Management Clearance: 1.5" (38mm)
Cooling Tower Clearance: 180mm
PSU Mounts: 2
Weight: 19 lbs. (8.6kg)

Standard Features:

  • Aluminum Construction
  • Reversible
  • Slide-out MB Tray/Tech Station Conversion Kit
  • Anti-Vandal Style LED Power and Reset Switches
  • PCI Back Plate: Hex Mesh or Fan Holes
  • Top Cover: Solid or Ventilated
  • Motherboard Door: Solid, Ventilated, Std. Window: 10.75" x 10.75" (273mm x 273mm) Clear or Gray.
  • Cable Side Door: Solid, Ventilated
  • Chassis Top: 120.4 Integrated, 140.3 Integrated, or Drop-In Style (Drop-in Mounts are not included)
  • Chassis Bottom: 120.4 or 140.3 Integrated Mount
  • Two (single) HDD Mounts & Anti-vibration Hardware
  • One Dual SSD Mount
  • Four sets of 5.25" Device Mounts (MAC-125) [No substitutions]
  • Flex-Bay Covers: Three triple and two single (solid).
  • PSU Support Bracket and Cover Plate
  • PCI Covers
  • Misc: Thumb screws, MB standoffs, Tie Wraps, Plugs, Grommets, Extra parts, Owner's Manual.
  • Ships fully assembled (Flat-pack shipments available for international orders).
  • Choice of Color: Black or White Matte

Price: $379.95

Upgrades:

XL Window - 14.75" x 14.75" (375mm x 375mm) Gray or Clear: $15.00
Ventilated Flex-Bay Covers (3 triple and 2 single): $10.00
120mm Ventilated Top Cover (Requires Drop-In Mounts): $60.00
Integrated USB 3.0/HD Audio I/O Panel: $25.00

Accessories for the SM8:

MAC-293 Vertical/Horizontal Accessory Mount: $12.95
MAC-290 Pedestal Assembly (with 3 Flex-Bays in front): $159.95 *
MAC-291 120.4 (480) Radiator Side Mount: $19.95 (Pedestal Only)
MAC-288 120.4 (480) Radiator Top Mount (Requires Drop-In Option): $19.95
MAC-289 140.3 (420) Radiator Top Mount (Requires Drop-In Option): $19.95
MAC-292 140.3 (420) Radiator Side Mount: $19.95 (Pedestal Only)

MAC-xxx HDD Expansion Mount for the Pedestal (12 drives): $39.95 [in development]
MAC-xxx 140.2 (280) Radiator Flex-Mount: $39.95 [in development]
MAC-xxx 140.3 (420) Radiator Flex-Mount: $49.95 [in development]

* Note: New Pedestal design allows them to be mounted on top of or underneath the case. They are stackable as well.
 
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#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMattes View Post

Oh man!
Will it be put on the site so we can add things to a shopping cart and figure out shipping?
What is this requires drop-in option for the top rad mounts?
I'm trying to get it up on the website this weekend for preorders.
 
#11 ·
drool.gif


ITX next
yessir.gif
 
#19 ·
Wait is this the first time you can position a pedestal on top or bottom?? That's awesome. And I love the centered bays vs the STH10... Some nice touches and a more scalable price (overall) and not wasteful big... I may have to do Merlin SM8 over the STH10.
 
#20 ·
Is there any estimates on shipping prices to Australia available?

I think I have convinced myself that I NEED an SM8 in white
 
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