CaseLabs Announces the Merlin SM8 Case

Today CaseLabs is pleased to formally announce the first of their 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.

CaseLabs hopes to have them available for preorder by this weekend and expect to start shipping them sometime during the week of September 17th. Preorders qualify for a free CaseLabs T-shirt.

Merlin SM8 Gallery
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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.

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.

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.

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 10.7” (273mm x 273mm) Clear or Gray.
Cable Side Door: Solid, Ventilated
Chassis Top: 124.4 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)
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).

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-xxx Vertical/Horizontal Accessory Mount: $12.95
MAC-xxx Pedestal Assembly (with 3 Flex-Bays in front): $159.95 *
MAC-xxx 120.4 (480) Radiator Side Mount: $19.95
MAC-xxx 120.4 (480) Radiator Top Mount (Requires Drop-In Option): $19.95
MAC-xxx 140.3 (420) Radiator Top Mount (Requires Drop-In Option): $19.95
MAC-xxx 140.3 (420) Radiator Side Mount: $19.95
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]

Source: Overclock.net | News Archive

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