The 3D-Printable Kubic PC Case Takes Its Inspiration From NeXT, Apple, and Nintendo
Packing a two-slot gaming graphics card and ITX motherboard into a compact space, the Kubic is a slick print-it-yourself case option.
Pseudonymous computer engineer and self-described 3D printing enthusiast "WhoIsLudwig," hereafter simply "Ludwig," has released a guide to printing your own case for an ITX PC motherboard and power supply — cleverly scaled so they print on lower-end, more compact 3D printers: the Kubic.
"Kubic is an ITX PC case designed to be printed on smaller 3D printers, such as a Prusa Mini or a Bambu A1 Mini. The larger parts take 170×170mm, which means they fit nicely on 180×180mm beds," Ludwig explains.
"It takes design cues from the classic computers, such as NeXT machines, or older Power Mac G4 Cube from the early 2000s. The handle also reminds a bit of the venerable Nintendo GameCube, while ensuring that the upper heat exhaust remains clear. 'Classic vibe' is definitely a defining word here."
Despite its printability on a smaller 3D printer, the Kubic is fully scaled for an ITX PC — including a discrete double-slot graphics card up to 220mm in length, an SFX power supply, a mount for a 140mm chassis fan, and space for "a pretty massive CPU cooler," by Ludwig's own reckoning.
The design also avoids thermal issues that can plague compact builds, delivering a CPU and GPU temperature of a reasonable 75°C (167°F) during gaming workloads, though hitting a 94°C (201°F) CPU high-point during stress testing.
The Kubic includes ease of assembly in its design thinking, with Ludwig estimating it will take about one hour to assemble — though this, naturally, excludes printing time, with the case requiring about 1.5kg of filament including brims and supports.
"I made all of my prints fully in PLA with great results and no trouble at all, even thermal wise," Ludwig notes. "I used the case for all my stress tests and playing sessions for two months now and never had an issue with the print itself, even in full load with the case completely closed. PETG can also be a good option, too."
Full build instructions and 3D print files are available on Ludwig's Instructables page; additional information on the printing part of the process can be found on Printables.