Introducing the Meshroom D, the latest offering from Sunny Side Up that combines elements from the Meshroom S and NR200P cases, creating a unique blend of features. This case showcases a sleek and minimalist design, evident from its edge-to-edge metal mesh panels and discreet branding, with only a small logo adorning the hidden power button at the rear.
While the top, front, and side panels maintain the sturdy metal mesh seen in the Meshroom S, the bottom is covered by a flimsy mesh screen, likely chosen for increased airflow around the graphics card area, supported by a few magnets.
One notable aspect is the emphasis on airflow, with the lower part of the case designed to draw in fresh air, aided by the minimal clearance from the desk surface. However, this design choice can make handling the case a bit delicate, as the lack of bottom structure may lead to accidental punctures, although the overall build quality remains premium.
Examining the internals of the case reveals a straightforward and user-friendly layout. Two brackets accommodate either a 240mm or 280mm radiator, secured by a single screw on each side. Positioned below are the motherboard standoffs on the left, the power supply bracket on the right, and ample space for a 3.5 slot GPU along the bottom.
In testing configurations, an ASUS B650E-I with a 7800X3D processor and 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory showcased the case’s versatility. While the Meshroom D can accommodate up to a mATX board using extension brackets, the limited space suggests optimal compatibility with an ITX board.
Cable management is simplified with just three connectors—USB 3.1 and Type-C for the front IO, and the power switch. Users have the option to relocate the power button to the bottom for convenience.
The case’s power supply bracket offers flexibility, supporting SFX and ATX units. However, opting for SFX or SFX-L is recommended for better cable management. This case allows for cable management with a flexible low-profile extension cable. The cable, by default points down toward the motherboard, but it is possible to flip it around to point upward, mitigating the clashing issue.
In terms of storage, there is a space to mount a 2.5-inch drive on the top of the case. The case can fit up to 3 SSDs on the same plate as the power supply. It is possible to fit a 2.5-inch drive on the rear panel, although most builds will use onboard m.2. drives, and instead use the extra space for an 80mm fan.
Exploring the cooling capabilities within this case unveils a nuanced approach to managing temperatures effectively. The maximum recommended CPU cooler height of 142mm sets a practical limit, although I experimented with a NH-D12L cooler standing at 145mm. Surprisingly, it fits snugly within the case without undue pressure on the side panel, although it is advisable to stick to the recommended height to avoid potential issues.
Installing Noctua’s AM5 offset brackets alongside the NH-D12L resulted in impressive thermal performance, with CPU temperatures hovering around 60º Celsius. The abundant airflow within the case significantly aids the cooler’s efficiency, especially paired with the 7800X3D chip’s inherent thermodynamic advantages. This setup also showcased excellent noise levels, registering a mere 43 dB even under load.
For a more practical configuration, the NH-L12S cooler offers a lower profile, allowing ample space for mounting two large 140mm fans. Testing various fan orientations highlighted the benefits of an exhaust setup, reducing CPU temperatures by 5ºC. This also brought the GPU temperatures down by 3-5ºC as well, making the overall system teperatures better with the exhaust setup.The noise difference between this setup and the D12 were minor. Only a 1 Db difference between the 2.
The case’s removable brackets facilitate the installation of an AIO cooler up to 280mm, although opting for a screenless model can save costs without sacrificing performance. Mounting the radiator was straightforward, albeit requiring removal of the front right case brace for convenience. Once removed, it is fairly easy to mount the water block and re-attach the brackets back to the case.
The radiator tubes seem to have a good amount of room in here, I didnt have to bend them in any weird ways or put too much pressure on them. Especially with using the SFX power supply. It would be more difficult to fit this if you were to use an ATX power supply. I also wish that there was a way to mount some fans at the front here by default.
Thermal management remains commendable, with the 7800X3D maintaining low temperatures at 55ºC even during intense gaming sessions. The case’s design, including elevated feet for improved airflow around the GPU, contributes to these efficient cooling results. This system’s configuration keeps the noise consistent with the last configuration- around 45 dB.
During my testing, I observed temperatures ranging from 67 to 68 degrees Celsius across various configurations within the Meshroom D case. However, the most optimal setup featured two 140mm fans configured for exhaust, effectively expelling hot air and lowering temperatures to approximately 65 degrees Celsius.
One advantage of the Meshroom D is its direct slotting of the graphics card into the motherboard, eliminating the need for a PCIe riser cable. This not only reduces costs but also minimizes potential points of failure, contributing to a more reliable system. However, this design choice comes with a drawback.
The case’s width, measuring at 167mm, presents compatibility challenges for wider GPUs, especially founders’ edition cards like the 4080 and 4090. Despite testing flexible cables and adapters, none provided a satisfactory solution due to connector clearance issues. Even if a suitable cable were found, it could exert undue pressure on the port, compromising long-term reliability. These considerations highlight the importance of selecting GPUs with recessed power connectors to ensure compatibility within the Meshroom D’s dimensions.
When considering a wider graphics card for use with the Meshroom D case, it’s crucial to ensure it features a recessed power connector similar to the 4070 Ti. This design detail accommodates the case’s width limitations and ensures compatibility without risking damage or undue pressure on the port.
Reflecting on the case’s design, there’s a desire for it to align more closely with the NR200P style. Introducing a vertical GPU mounting option could potentially address compatibility issues with wider cards, although this would necessitate modifications such as top-mounted radiator support. However, it’s important to appreciate the Meshroom D for its existing strengths rather than solely focusing on what it lacks. Despite inherent compromises typical of ITX cases, the Meshroom D offers notable benefits inherited from previous Meshroom iterations, including efficient airflow for optimal cooling performance. Additionally, upcoming accessories enabling vertical case orientation add a touch of flexibility and visual appeal to its design.