Ncase M1 and the RTX 3080 EVGA FTW3

How to fit a GPU that shouldn’t fit? Easy!

Introduction:

Since I first saw Optimum Techs YouTube Videos about the Ncase M1 I wanted to build in this Case. Now with the new Nvidida RTX 3000 Series GPUs it is finally time for me to take on this Project. I wanted it to be a no compromise build so it had to be one of the best custom 3080’s out there: The EVGA FTW3 Ultra Gaming. Only downside was that this GPU is to big. As some of you may know about me already is that if something doesen’t ft I’ll make it fit!

 
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Impossible to fit in the Ncase?

At first glance it just looks impossible to get this big GPU in there but with some effort it is possible and you can do it to!

The Problem:

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The inward bend on both sides of the case makes it imposssible to fit the card.

The main problem is to get the card in the case. This is not possible because of the bend aluminum frame on the left and right of the case. You can’t just slide the card into the case because the case is to narrow at the corners where the aluminum frame is bend. To sum it up: the card wont fit and even if you manage to get it in, you wont be able to connect the power cables because then you can’t close the sidepanel anymore.

The Picture on the right shows the Problem. I only managed to get the card in with no mainboard and a bit of bending. At this point i knew I had to take my file out.

The Solution:

As you know by now the problem is that the case is to narrow. So lets make it wider! For that you’ll need a file and a bit of time. You have to flatten the inwards bend aluminum frame at both sides. Then you will also have to flatten the little corner right there where the power button/ Io port holder is installed. Just look at the pictures and you’ll see what you have to do!

 

Still one Problem left!

Now that the GPU is inside there is only one thing to do: close the sidepanel. Easier said than done! Since the Gpu is 14cm wide you wont be able to just plug in the three 8-Pin and close the sidepanel. The power connectors will stand out. Fortunatly there are some low profile 180° adapters for that. Even those adapters are a bit to tall. That is because they have a sponge rubber insulation on the backside. You just have to pull of the sponge rubber and find a thinner insulation material.

Attention: Do Not remove the Sponge rubber and put the sidepanel back on! The metal sidepanel will make contact with the adapters and kill your card when power is turned on!

You will need to insulate with something thinner. I would recommend electrical tape or liquid rubber. In my case I had no electrical tape and used liquid rubber. Just apply a thick layer of liquid rubber on the backside of the connectors and let it dry then your redy to go!

Liquid rubber applied

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Massive hight reduction

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Nothing stands over anymore!

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Fits perfectly!

 

Some last words:

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Airflow blocked!

The DTX format of the impact blocks the lower section of the case and hinders hot air to escape!

Since most of you who want to build in the Ncase will probably go with AMD the mainboard choice is really important!
First I used my ROG Crosshair VIII Impact in the Ncase and then I noticed bad gpug thermals. Why? Well the answer is obvious if you look at the backside of the case

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Airflow maintained!

With an ITX board the lower section of the case is perfectly utilised for airflow!

The Asus Strix X570 Itx board has the same VRM and Memory layout. It is nearly the same Mainboard but it is ITX! So I switched from the Impact to the ITX version and everything worked out fine!

Pascal Börner