Maximum PC: Desktop PCs are shrinking, and if you need evidence of that, just take a look at Intel's Next Unit of Computing (NUC) to see where mainstream systems are ultimately headed. Where does that leave power users and gamers? Well, there still exists a healthy array of full tower desktops and enthusiast-grade components, but for those who want to venture into smaller territory, the next frontier might be the mini ITX form factor. Dell's already gone there with its Alienware X51 PC, but why stop there? Two guys from [H]ardOCP's forums asked themselves the same question, and the answer they came up with is that if they want a mini ITX case intended for PC enthusiasts, they'd need to design it themselves. And so they did.
Maximum PC: A couple of enthusiasts from [H]ardOCP's forum came up with the idea of building a mini ITX case for enthusiasts, figuring that if they went through with the project, there would be enough demand to keep it afloat. They were right. The NCASE M1, which we covered back in February of this year, has blown past its goal of generating $67,500 on Indiegogo, raising more than twice as much with still 12 days to go.
That is a tiny case, and yes, smaller form factors are becoming the norm.
That is stupid small.