Open frame case PC Chassis - ATX mATX GenCase

GenCase - Modular Open Air PC Case

Short Description

GenCase is a fully modular open air PC case designed for maximum flexibility and clean cable management. Unique feature: convertible orientation to route all cables at the case base for a clean, professional look.


Video assembly instructions:

Full Description

Welcome to the GenCase project, a fully modular Open Air PC case that's one of a kind.

🎯 Key Features

Convertible Orientation - The Killer Feature The innovative design allows two usage modes:

1. Standard: Motherboard with ports facing backward. Even in this configuration, cables can bend and exit at the case base, maintaining a clean design

2. 90° Rotated Mode: Rotate the chassis 90 degrees and all cables (HDMI, USB, power) exit directly at the case base, running along the desk surface without dangling. Allows you to position the case anywhere - office, living room, desk display - always with clean and tidy style

Total Modular I/O

• Power/Reset Buttons: separate modules, positionable anywhere on the three sides of the case

• USB Panel: independent module, positionable anywhere on the three sides of the case

• Maximum customization to adapt to your setup

Structural HDD Support

• Housing for standard 3.5" HDD

• IMPORTANT: Installing the HDD is strongly recommended - it acts as a structural backbone and significantly increases frame rigidity

• Alternatively, use a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter (available on 3D model sites for printing)

Optimized Cable Management

• Design made to route cables at the base, without dangling

• Rear lighting system: 1mm plexiglass on the motherboard back with LEDs to showcase the printed circuits

💻 Hardware Compatibility

• GPU: Supports graphics cards up to 270mm in length

• PSU: ATX Power Supplies up to 160mm depth

• Motherboard: ATX / Micro-ATX (mATX)

• Storage:

  • 1x 3.5" HDD (recommended for structural rigidity)

  • Alternative: 3.5" to 2.5" adapter (available on 3D model sites)

🛒 Bill of Materials (BOM)

1. Screws & Fasteners

For Motherboard

• ~8x Self-tapping screws M3 x 8mm (flat underside head, not countersunk)

For Case Assembly

• ~30x Self-tapping screws M3 x 8mm

For Panels and Modules

• ~16x Screws M2.5 x 5mm (flat head/pan head)

  • Used for side panels (4 per panel) and PSU LED mounting

For Power Supply

• 2x Standard hex PSU screws (6-32)

For HDD

• 4x Standard HDD screws (6-32, Phillips head)

For LED Base

• 1x Screw M3 for the GenCase led-base-v component

• 2x Screws M2.5 x 5mm (flat head/pan head)

2. Electronic Components (Modules)

Power Button

• Diameter: 19mm

• Material: Metal or Plastic

• LED: Optional

Reset Button

• Diameter: 12mm

• LED: Optional

USB Panel

• Type: Dual USB 3.0 Extension Cable Panel Mount (screw fixing)

• IMPORTANT: Look for models with two screw fixing "ears"

• Recommended cable length: 30-50cm

• Example (68mm model): https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005009873510637.html

3. DIY Aesthetic Parts (Mandatory for LED System)

Plexiglass / Acrylic (1mm thickness) - MANDATORY

• Need 2 cut pieces:

  • 145 x 190 mm

  • 55 x 190 mm

• Installation: Glue to the frame back (behind motherboard) with hot glue

• Effect: Motherboard rear lighting - LEDs illuminate the plexiglass making the PCB circuits on the motherboard back visible. Spectacular aesthetic effect!

LED Strips (10mm max width)

• 2x 200mm strips (motherboard back)

• 1x 120mm strip (power supply area)

• Recommended type: WS2812b (addressable ARGB)

• Alternatives: Standard RGB (depends on your motherboard headers)

• LED Assembly Procedure:

  1. Install the 1mm plexiglass first

  2. Position the LED strips

  3. Cover with the printed GenCase led L0 parts

💡 Recommended Cables for Even Cleaner Setup

To further optimize the 90° rotated configuration for a professional look:

Recommended

• HDMI/DisplayPort adapters 90° angled

• Power cable 90° angled (C13 connector) for the PSU

Result: Cables that follow the case profile even better at the base

📝 Technical Notes

• Case designed with multi-layer system for maximum robustness

• Modularity allows custom configurations for every need

• Design optimized for FDM 3D printing (20-30% infill recommended for structural parts)