Silent PC Review’s December 24, 2014 NCASE M1 guide documented a genuinely quiet 12.6-liter gaming computer, not a generic parts list. It paired an Intel Core i5-4690K and GeForce GTX 970 with GPU liquid cooling, a compact Noctua tower cooler, an SFX power supply and carefully tuned fans. In the publication’s anechoic-chamber tests, the system measured about 17 dBA at idle and 20–22 dBA under heavy loads. Those results remain useful as an engineering case study, but the Haswell platform, GTX 970, 240 GB SSD, Arctic GPU cooler and M1 Classic are obsolete or discontinued in 2026.
The enduring lesson is to control where heat goes. The build moved GPU heat to a 120 mm radiator at a ventilated case position, then supplied separate airflow to the graphics card’s memory and VRMs. That approach—not simply adding faster fans—is why the small system stayed quiet.
What the original guide was trying to achieve
The project followed an earlier 31.2-liter Rosewill W1-S system and aimed to deliver similar gaming capability in less than half the volume. The target was a high-performance gaming PC that stayed very quiet at idle and during play without surrendering thermal stability. Silent PC Review presented the NCASE M1 as a 12.6-liter enclosure in 2014; the later official V6.1 specification lists 12.7 liters and dimensions of 328 × 160.6 × 241.7 mm, excluding feet and protrusions. These figures use different revisions and measurement conventions.
The original article is a historical build report, last updated December 24, 2014. Its prices, operating system, memory platform and performance assumptions should not be read as a 2026 buying list.
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The original NCASE M1 configuration
| Component | 2014 selection | Why it mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Case | NCASE M1 | Very small volume, open ventilation and flexible GPU, radiator and storage positions |
| Power supply | SilverStone SX600-G, 600 W SFX | Compact modular supply that preserved the side 120 mm position needed by the GPU radiator |
| Graphics card | Zotac GeForce GTX 970 | Lower historical heat output than GTX 980 while retaining most of its gaming performance |
| GPU cooler | Arctic Accelero Hybrid II-120 | Transferred GPU-die heat to a 120 mm radiator mounted at a ventilated case position |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-4690K | Efficient Haswell quad-core with an unlocked multiplier |
| CPU cooler | Noctua NH-D9L with two NF-A9 PWM fans | Compact tower and push-pull airflow within approximately 130 mm side-bracket clearance |
| Motherboard | ASUS Z97I-PLUS | Mini-ITX layout, M.2 support and three controllable fan headers |
| Memory | 2 × 4 GB DDR3 | Period-appropriate capacity |
| System drive | Kingston M.2 2280, 240 GB | Silent storage while leaving a 2.5-inch bay available |
| Case/radiator fans | Scythe GlideStream 120-MP and Noiseblocker B12-2 | Low-speed case airflow and radiator cooling |
Silent PC Review disclosed component sponsorship in the original article. That disclosure does not turn the measurements into a current recommendation; it is relevant context when interpreting the historical report.
Why the GPU received liquid cooling
During gaming, the GPU was the largest heat source. A conventional axial cooler would release much of that heat into the M1’s already crowded interior, raising temperatures around the motherboard, power supply and storage. The Accelero Hybrid II-120 instead carried GPU-die heat to a radiator mounted at a side/front 120 mm position so it could leave the enclosure more directly.
The solution introduced its own fitment work. The cooler’s rear heatsink interfered with nearby DIMMs and the motherboard USB 3.0 header, and other clearances involved I/O hardware and the board itself. GPU memory and VRMs were not automatically cooled by the radiator, so the build used a floor-mounted fan to blow across that area. The Zotac card did not expose a VRM temperature sensor; VRM safety was inferred from stability and indirect airflow rather than directly measured.
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- A zippered interior mesh pocket provides convenient storage for cables, cords, Apple Magic keyboard, and other accessories, while an expanded side area can store a Apple Magic Mouse, charger, and more accessories for the Apple M1 Mac Mini PC.
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That is the transferable principle: in a ventilated small case, relocating GPU heat can matter more than installing the largest possible CPU cooler. An AIO or water block is not automatically better, however. Pumps add an idle noise source, tubing complicates assembly, and compatibility is specific to the GPU PCB and cooler hardware.
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CPU cooler clearance
The side-bracket arrangement limited cooler height to roughly 130 mm, ruling out many larger towers. The NH-D9L fit that envelope and used two 92 mm fans in push-pull. Noctua’s current compatibility table lists the NH-D9L chromax.black as compatible with the NCASE M1, while also listing other models; motherboard, GPU, side-bracket and revision clearances still need checking at Noctua’s NCASE M1 compatibility page.
SFX instead of ATX
An ATX supply would occupy space needed by the GPU radiator and its airflow path. SFX maximized clearance and cable-routing room. SFX-L can offer different capacity or fan behavior but is tighter beside long graphics cards; NCASE’s revision notes specifically warn about this interaction. Consult the M1 revision log for the exact bracket and revision.
Rank #3
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- If you have any questions about compatibility, please contact us. Small cases are not suitable for everyone. To avoid wasting your time, please understand it before making a decision
- Dedicated Support and Guidance: We understand that building a PC can be daunting, which is why we offer comprehensive technical support to help you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
M.2 storage
The M.2 drive eliminated moving parts and preserved a 2.5-inch mounting position. A modern build should normally use one larger SSD sized for current games, check motherboard-side M.2 cooling, and avoid adding a mechanical hard drive if acoustic performance is the priority.
Assembly sequence for the cramped layout
- Prepare the motherboard outside the chassis; install the M.2 drive and memory first.
- Install the CPU and NH-D9L, then connect fan splitters, front-panel leads, USB headers and any rear fan headers that will become inaccessible.
- Prepare the graphics card and its cooler outside the case, checking DIMM, USB-header, backplate and I/O clearances.
- Mount the radiator and its fan to the intended bracket before the motherboard blocks access.
- Lower the motherboard into the case while keeping cables away from the radiator fan.
- Install the SFX PSU and route its cables below or around the supply rather than across fan blades.
- Install the GPU, connect power leads and verify that connectors do not press against the side panel or radiator.
- Add the floor-mounted fan aimed at the GPU memory and VRM area.
- Inspect tubing, cables, memory, headers, fans and panels for contact; test with panels off, then repeat with every panel installed.
The original build found cable clutter near the radiator fan to be a significant risk. In a case this small, a header that is merely difficult to reach can become impossible to service after the cooler and board are installed.
Fan-control strategy
The ASUS board’s three controllable headers allowed separate responses for CPU, radiator and case airflow. The article first used ASUS Fan Xpert, encountered unexpected behavior in some conditions, and returned to SpeedFan for sensor and fan control. SpeedFan is historical software, not a modern default.
Rank #4
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- 【Expandable Drive Bay】ITX case offers flexible storage: 1×3.5-inch or 1×2.5-inch drive bay in the GPU compartment (Based on iGPU/ITX GPU), plus a fixed 2.5-inch bay at the bottom, meeting different storage needs.
- 【Enhanced Cooling & Protection】Features dual 120mm top fan mounts for efficient heat dissipation, plus included top and bottom adhesive dust filters to keep internal components clean and stable.
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For a current system, begin with UEFI fan curves and use maintained operating-system software only when its hardware support is confirmed. Tie radiator and GPU-area airflow to the sensors that actually rise during gaming, avoid fan-stop cycling that repeatedly starts and stops fans, and do not reduce pump speed so far that pump noise or coolant temperatures worsen.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Silent PC Review measured
Testing took place in an anechoic chamber with ambient noise of 11 dBA or lower, at one meter and approximately 22°C ambient. The workloads included video playback, encoding, Prime95, the Resident Evil 6 benchmark, and a Prime95-plus-FurMark combination. The following are the publication’s measurements for that exact hardware, firmware, fan settings and test method.
| Test | CPU/GPU temperature | System power | Reported noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle | CPU about 34°C | 43 W | 17 dBA |
| Video encoding | CPU about 57°C | 99 W | 17 dBA |
| Prime95 | CPU about 69°C | 118 W | 17 dBA |
| Resident Evil 6 GPU test | GPU roughly 79–84°C | Not stated for each run | About 20–21 dBA |
| Prime95 + FurMark | GPU roughly 75–84°C | About 230–260 W AC, depending on run | About 22 dBA |
The 4690K approached its configuration-specific throttling region at roughly 72–73°C, so CPU fan speed was increased when necessary. Raising the radiator fan by approximately 200 RPM reduced reported GPU temperature by about 9°C with a modest noise increase. Neither result is a universal guarantee for different hardware.
Best Value
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- Flexible Hardware Compatibility: Supports SFX/SFX-L power supplies, up to 70mm CPU coolers, GPUs up to 206*150*46 mm (requires 20cm double-reverse PCIe riser cable, not included). Includes 32.5-inch drive bays for extra storage.
- Sturdy Build & Convenient I/O: Made of durable 1.0~1.2mm steel with a sleek black finish. Front panel features 1×USB3.0, 1×USB2.0, and audio jacks for fast peripheral connections.
- Optimized Airflow & Dust Protection: Mesh front panel and included top/bottom dust filters keep components cool and clean, ensuring stable performance even during long gaming sessions.
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An 11 dBA chamber is far quieter than most rooms. Microphone calibration, weighting, distance, tonal noise and equipment placement can change a dBA reading substantially. Smartphone readings are not directly comparable. FurMark plus Prime95 is a torture workload, not a normal game. Pump startup, PSU low-frequency noise and GPU coil whine can also be more objectionable than the average dBA number.
Common failure points
- Mechanical: GPU backplates, VRM heatsinks, tall memory, thick power connectors, SFX-L supplies and radiator brackets can collide with one another or the side panel.
- Thermal: a GPU radiator cools the die, not necessarily memory or VRMs; removing the floor fan can reduce one temperature while raising another.
- Acoustic: pump noise, coil whine, PSU fan behavior and abrupt fan-stop transitions can dominate despite low measured broadband noise.
- Control: a curve based only on CPU temperature may react too slowly to GPU heat, while an excessively low curve can cause thermal cycling.
What remains useful in 2026
- Select efficient CPU and GPU hardware rather than chasing peak performance at any voltage.
- Prefer SFX when it preserves the intended airflow route; verify cable length and connector clearance.
- Use large, slow fans where the chassis permits and exhaust heat through a clear path.
- Choose low-profile or modest-height coolers and avoid tall memory heat spreaders.
- Undervolt or apply power limits before attempting an aggressive overclock.
- Validate with sustained CPU and gaming workloads, recording noise at the same performance target.
Should you build in an M1 Classic today?
NCASE says the M1 Classic was officially discontinued in October 2021, will not be remade and is unavailable for shipping. Its current product information also says the architecture is not suited to the heat output and physical dimensions of most modern graphics cards. See NCASE’s M1 Classic product page, the store listing and the official M1 resources and compatibility material.
A used M1 makes sense only if you already own one or can obtain it with complete brackets and panels, have a GPU confirmed against the exact revision, accept moderate power limits and value the original layout more than maximum modern performance. Check for missing screws, damaged panels, worn PCIe cables, revision differences and the absence of warranty or return protection. It is not the default chassis for a new high-power gaming build.
Current NCASE directions
| Model | Displayed price on August 16, 2026 | Best use | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1EVO Angle | $215 | Current NCASE successor for readers who want the M1 concept with broader hardware support | Not an identical M1 Classic replacement |
| M1EVO Round | $225 | Comparing current M-series variants | Check the model-specific cooling and GPU specification |
| M2 | $165–$225, depending on model | More room for current GPUs and cooling | Larger or differently optimized than the original brief |
| M3 | $175–$245, depending on version | Newer hardware compatibility and greater thermal flexibility | Less faithful to the ultra-compact M1 goal |
Prices and availability are the values displayed by NCASE on August 16, 2026; regional shipping, tax and stock can change. See the official M-series collection before purchasing. NCASE accessories such as radiator and fan brackets, GPU PCIe cable kits, dust filters, PSU brackets and anti-sag hardware are particularly relevant to this layout-focused build.
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The NCASE M1 guide remains valuable because it demonstrates quiet small-form-factor engineering: reduce heat generation, move the hottest component’s heat to an exhaust-friendly location, cool VRMs separately and tune every fan. Its 2014 parts and measured dBA figures belong to that exact system and test chamber. In 2026, treat the article as a design case study, buy a used M1 only for a constrained and verified build, and choose a current NCASE model when modern GPU clearance, warranty and thermal margin matter more than historical authenticity.
Quick Recap
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