Fully 3D Printed Case Is Stacked High With Mini PCs
Over the years, numerous 3D printed cases have been designed to house multiple Raspberry Pi computers, providing compact platforms for experimenting with server load balancing and redundancy. The Raspberry Pi was a popular choice due to its small size and affordability. However, as the Pi has become more expensive and x86 machines have become smaller and cheaper, new projects like the N100 Obelisk have emerged.
Created by Jay Doscher, the N100 Obelisk houses multiple mini computers equipped with the Intel N100 CPU, specifically the QC12 from Beelink. Each QC12 costs $250, a higher price compared to the Pi 5, but offers significant advantages with 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB NVME drive, and an optional SATA drive, providing substantial computing power.
The Obelisk can hold up to five QC12 units, each on its own 3D-printed shelf within the case. However, Jay advises that four units is a safer number to prevent overheating. The case features a cut-out on one side for easy access to the front panel of each computer, while the back, with all the cables, is covered by removable panels for convenient reconfiguration.
Constructed with two rolls of filament and nearly 100 M4 screws, the Obelisk has a rugged, brutalist design, making it look and feel extremely durable.
A standout feature of the Obelisk is its integrated 13.3-inch Waveshare AMOLED display, which offers a 2560×1440 resolution and touch support. The display is oriented in portrait mode, providing ample vertical space, ideal for command line work, coding, or reading long documents. For those who don’t need a screen, the case design allows the display opening to be filled with additional printed panels, maintaining the case’s cohesive look.
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