IN WIN Development has been far more than just a name the last couple years. We’ve seen some impressive computer enclosure designs catering to the eclectic gamers including the GT1 or Mana, conservative professionals who appreciate the 900 Series and extreme enthusiasts showing off their systems in the amazingly creative Open Frame series which includes the S-Frame, D-Frame and now the D-Frame Mini, which we had a special sneak peek at back in May of 2014, during COMPUTEX. We have in the lab, and so far, there doesn’t seem to be a more portable, impressive low maintenance enthusiast’ computer enclosure.
Features and Specifications
First, there isn’t a lot hidden by the IN WIN D-Frame Mini’s design. Like it’s big brother the D-Frame, what you see is exactly what you get. The benefit and simplicity reveals there is a lot of potential behind what you get. Here are the essential features:
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Removable hard drive trays support platter and SSD
- Tempered glass side panels (quite strong)
- Wire management cut outs
- High quality machining
- Supports up to 220 mm power supplies
- Supports up to 165 mm tall heat sinks (6.5 inches)
- Supports two 120 mm bottom fans
- Supports 120/240 mm radiator
- Braided front panel case wiring
- Two USB 3.0 ports (backward compatible)
- Top handle frame
The D-Frame mini weighs about 11.6 pounds, or 5.25 kg. That’s not too shabby given the aluminum construction and parts. It was partly created because of multiple requests for a smaller version of the original D-Frame, which, when completely built up, wasn’t very portable, despite the multiple hand holds. However, the requests came pouring in, and IN WIN definitely came back with a proper response.
The last feature of the IN WIN D-Frame Mini is, of course, the price, which is set at around the $349 US price range.
Although there are many Mini-ITX cases on the market, that are substantially cheaper, none of them will give you the looks of envy, that the IN WIN D-Frame Mini commands.
A Closer Look
The IN WIN D-Frame Mini is made from rather light weight tubular aluminum stock. The very smooth aluminum tube frame is connected by small welds at each joint, similar to a bicycle frame. Small red rubber grommets act as padded feet on all four sides in case users want to position it differently on various surfaces. The front panel header includes two USB 3.0, audio analog ports, reset and power buttons. That’s enough for a keyboard and mouse if needed. Most users will opt to use the IO ports in the back though.
The back of the IN WIN D-Frame Mini supports a vertical power supply (up to 165 mm). The PSU can be mounted in either direction, up or down, depending on your cabling preference. Facing the modular connectors down and routing wires to the left side seems to be the optimal managed direction.
Let’s pull off the glass and have a look inside.