Shoeboxes, Minis, LAN rigs, microATX... whatever you want to call Small Form Factor PCs, it looks like they're here to stay... and for good reason. Who wouldn't want nearly the full functionality of a high quality desktop system that weighs half as much, and demands a whole lot less desk real estate? That is, as long as we don't lose the capacity and ease of working within our towers, right? Yes, we also want it capable of utilizing the latest in graphics cards, high-powered CPUs and copious amounts of storage, otherwise we'd just stick with our desktops and buy a laptop, eh? Friends, that dream may just be here with the Qmicra SFF case... within reason. Let me explain.

I received this case on a bit of a sad note. Fellow reviewer and PCApex Daily Disturbance writer Richard "Iateronmly" Mondor was originally sent the Qmicra, and he hit a few snags. DOA hardware and photos not coming out were his bane, and after chatting with Rich about the next mATX system I was planning to build, he sent the case on to me with his blessings... all the way from Alaska! Rich sent along everything originally shipped with the Qmicra, which included a nifty little folding multitool with the Qmicra logo etched on it. I have no idea whether this tool will ship with retail cases. If so, nice touch PC Design Lab.

PC Design Labs has this to say about themselves:

We love small form factor computers! They are cool, cute, stylish and the newest generation of computers that adorn our desktop rather than living at our feet like a dark, growling, fire breathing monster. Unfortunately, many current SFF systems contain obsolete motherboards, insufficient power supplies, poor cooling solutions, loud components, cheap materials and they just don't pack the punch needed for serious multimedia workstation and gaming applications. That is why we took on the challenge of producing high quality SFF products that have the advantages of their smaller size and trendy looks while still possessing the power of larger ATX sized computers. We use every resource available to provide you with the highest quality products and customer service at the best possible price. We put in a tremendous amount of research and development into our designs and listening to you, our customer, is the primary tool that we use in developing our products.

We value our customers, employees and community equally. All of our products are hand assembled and individually tested to ensure their highest quality. We also go beyond industry standards by providing a full one year warranty which includes technical support, repair and replacement services. For our employees, we offer extensive training, profit sharing, financial assistance for college as well as diet and exercise discounts to ensure that they are happy, healthy and can share in our success. In our community, we donate our time and a percentage of our profits to local charities with the hope of improving the quality of life for our "neighbors in need". We purchase our materials and manufacture our parts using local companies to support our business area as well as the US economy whenever possible. We are proud that our products are made by workers and materials in the USA and that we can contribute to people's lives in a positive way.

PC Design Lab has this to say about their case:

Qmicra is an innovative high quality small form factor enclosure that gives you the power and versatility to build the most advanced multimedia, workstation and gaming computer ever made! Qmicra’s tool free construction and removable sub-assemblies make it extremely easy to build, maintain and upgrade your system. It’s advanced cooling solution ensures excellent flow rate and dispersion of cool air over the hottest system components with unbelievably quiet operation. Shock mounted hard drives are staggered over the intakes to keep your data cool and safe.

Qmicra has features that no other case can offer! Below is only a partial list of the exciting innovations that we've built into our enclosure. Discover why we are the top choice for quality, performance, cooling and quiet operation!

Precision made using only high quality materials for an attractive finish and long lasting construction

Designed to be used with mATX mainboards, ATX sized PSU’s, high performance hardware and large custom heatsinks

Advanced front to back airflow cooling solution provides excellent dispersion, a high flow rate and unbelievably quiet operation

Tool free access and removable sub-assemblies make system construction, maintenance and upgrading extremely easy

Aftermarket part technologies are integrated as standard features to enhance function and offer a high potential for customization

Prominent high quality switches for reliable operation

Power supplies can be mounted in both standard and upside-down orientations

All screw holes are steel reinforced to resist stripping

Rounded edges and corners

Enhanced portability due to its small size and light weight

Available in several custom color combinations and finishes

 

 

Specifications

Here are the specs on the Qmicra.

Colors: Silver Metallic and Two-Toned Black Anodized Aluminum (Now Available In Black Powder Coating!)
Case: 1/16" Aluminum Base, Stainless Steel Bezel, 1/8" Lexan Acrylic Face
Motherboard: Micro-ATX
Power Supply: Standard Sized ATX
Bays: (2) 5-1/4" Bays, (1) 3-1/2" Bay
Storage: (4) Hard Drives
Cards Slots: (4) PCI/E
Cooling: (4) 80mm Fans
Dimensions: H: 9-3/4" [248] / W: 11-1/4" [286] / D: 14" [356]
Weight: 5-1/2 pounds [2.5 kg]

Compatibility

Qmicra was designed to support the latest technologies! Below is a list of products that we know to be compatible with Qmicra. If you do not see a product that you would like to use, then refer to the specifications provided as it may work with our case.

Motherboard: All microATX motherboards.

Power Supply: All standard ATX sized PSU's up to approx. 6-1/2" deep when used with a 6.69" CD drive or 5-3/4" deep with a 7.04" CD drive. Suggested are the Ultra 530W X2*, the PC Power&Cooling 470W Silencer* or the Seasonic S12 500W PSU.

Front Bays: All standard 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" bay drives and devices up to 7" long.
-Some components may effect allowable device length

Storage: (4) standard desktop computer hard drives.

Graphics: All graphics cards up to 12" long and 5-1/4" in height.
-SLI configuration may occupy the space of 1-2 hard drives

CPU Heatsink: All aftermarket heatsinks up to 4-15/16" in height including the Silverstone® NT01v2* and Zalman® CNPS9500*.
-The Silverstone NT01v2 will not work with the eVGA mATX SLI motherboard

GPU Heatsink: Most GPU coolers including the Arctic Cooling® NV5R3 Silencer*.
-Some GPU coolers may occupy a card slot

Fans: All 80mm fans. (High quality, RPM configurable, ball bearing fans suggested such as the Arctic Cooling AF8025* for front and ACF8* for rear.)

*We have marked the products that we recommend for use with Qmicra because they have been tested and are known to work exceptionally well with our product. We are in no way obligated to endorse these products.