Teenage Engineering Computer-1 Mini-ITX Computer Case with Powder Coated Aluminum, Chrome Metal Handles, and Dual-Slot GPU, Do It Yourself, Small Form Factor PC Case Compatible with SFX Power Supply

Knew what I was getting into but still…
First off, I just wanted to say that the aesthetic design of this case is wonderful. It looks amazing. That’s really about the only good thing I can say about it though, outside of the power switch being addictively satisfying to use.I bought this knowing of the issues people have had with this case and I’m not an inexperienced PC builder. Nonetheless, this case is entirely more trouble than it’s worth after the novelty of cuteness wears off. The thermals are absolutely abysmal, even after undervolting and deshrouding my GPU and adding 2 slim 92mm fans to try and cool it. The holes on the top just don’t allow enough airflow under any type of workload. I suppose it could be alright if you’re not planning on adding a dedicated GPU though. The side fan paired with a low profile CPU cooler do just fine managing thermals within reason, but I wouldn’t recommend unlocking the power limit on a high-end Intel chip in here.Beyond that though, my biggest disappointment with this case was actually the terrible front headphone jack and I/O wiring. Instead of using an HD Audio header, it uses these pinned out cables that are a true nightmare to get to stay in place and wire up. It’s possible to get them to work I guess, but I wasn’t able to. Consulting my motherboard manual allowed me to get them wired correctly, but Windows wouldn’t recognize the headphone jack. After finding out you could bypass it through a registry edit, I did so. And I was met with nothing but a static-filled mess. Something was causing interference and I just gave up after hours. The USB-C worked fine, although I could not get it to stay in place using the intended screws. One side wouldn’t allow the screw to enter, so I had to find a smaller screw I had laying around to fix that. The power switch, as mentioned earlier, is amazingly satisfying to flick and I had no problems with.Additionally, the aluminum panels are flimsy. I guess you could figure that, considering you have to bend them yourself, but it’s really bad. On top of trying to manage cables, you truly walk a tightrope when assembling this thing and trying not to cause a disaster.Overall, just not worth it but pretty cool, I guess. It could be so much better with some more thoughtful design that doesn’t focus solely on aesthetics.

Cool idea poor execution
As you could imagine, nothing lined up on this case. No holes are pre threaded. The tool is cheap hard to work with. Plastic motherboard standoffs, the switch is not as satisfying as it looks. I love the look, color and design. I wish it was made by a reputable case company like NZXT, coolermaster ect because they would do this justice. Teenage engineering needs to stick to synths. For the price it comes with absolutely nothing quality other then the idea. Save your money.

Small, cute, hard as heck to assemble
I don’t normally write reviews but I’ve owned this case for several months now and although I’m personally happy with it, I can totally understand the negative reviews.Pros:* Super small – it’s got one of the smallest footprints for a Mini-ITX I’ve seen. It is very tiny in every sense* Unique – It’s a great looking case, a bit of industrial design that makes it fit great in a professional creative space* Fun – Putting this thing together is a real challenge, it’s the only case I’ve ever put together that felt like an actual piece of work, not just legosCons:* Not fun – If you hate (or have no experience working with your hands then I promise you that getting this case from it’s flat packed box to a full 3D case is gonna be a challenge. Bending things straight is tricky, breaking the pieced that need breaking is scary. The holes need tapping and the nibs which you screw into feel fragile (though none broke). I was genuinely sweaty and tired after spending close to 2hrs putting this thing together. Like I said, I enjoyed it, but even then it was harder than anticipated, especially as you mount heavier components which easier warp the fairly thing metal if held incorrectly.* Not cheap – I suppose it’s relative, but $195 for a case is a lot, but $195 for a piece of art for your desk isn’t terrible.* Functionally no airflow – Admittedly I haven’t installed the 80mm fan into the case, but the nature of a small, all metal enclosure means it conducts heat aggressively and runs warm.Overall I would definitely recommend this case to the right person, if you’re handy and willing to go for a challenge you’ll end up with a really unique case. It’s not for the faint of heart though.

Need to improve (Price is too high) – 0 starts
Design is nice but:1. Metal plates arrives with minor scratches.2. Side fan screws are to small.3. Headphones jack are compatible with AC97 no HD Audio – Still mine is not working – Update it doesn’t work at all.4. You can install 2 SSD or HDD 2.5 but is not mention in the instructions.5. GPU just single fan Asus Phoenix 3060 doesn’t fit, height issue.6. Seller does not answer.Thanks to Amazon customer service I get a refund.

What a fabulous looking case! Once it’s together, it’s a sturdy build that makes a hell of a statement on my desk. I bought it pretty impulsively as part of a Mini-ITX build because I recognised Teenage Engineering from the music world and so I knew how they operate. I knew that I would be receiving a rough-and-ready case for a small form factor build where I’d have to bend (and probably break) a few things to build a tiny PC. I think the instructions were mostly clear and the accessories are top quality.If you’re building this, be sure to follow along with the video from their YouTube channel as I think that visual would have helped me when it came time to joining the sheets together as I made a few mistakes there that I had to rearrange.