The Streacom DB1 Max is the successor of last year’s DB1 and comes with a few improvements. The new version of the compact passive case only has a volume of about five liters, but the cooling performance has been significantly improved: Instead of 45 watts, it now has a TDP of 65 watts.
Streacom DB1 Max: Only 4.98 liters volume
With a maximum volume of 4.98 liters, the Streacom DB1 Max case turns out to be extremely compact. The dimensions are 222 × 222 × 118 mm (L x H x W), so the DB1 Max is only 17 mm wider than its one year old quasi-predecessor. However, the manufacturer uses this increased width for a noticeably improved cooling performance, which increases by 20 watts in comparison.
This is achieved by the fact that both side panels of the Streacom DB1 Max are now directly connected to the processor via a heat pipe construction. In the predecessor, it was only one of the side panels.
Less space in the Streacom DB1 Max
However, the more elaborate cooling design makes the space inside the case even tighter. Conventional Mini-ITX boards can no longer be installed, only the “Thin Mini-ITX” format is supported. Consequently, only components with a maximum height of 2.5 cm can be installed.
The support for more powerful 65-Watt processors is therefore accompanied by restrictions for the motherboard. While a suitable power supply unit (Nano PSU) was still offered separately for the DB1, the power supply for the DB1 Max is only possible externally, since there is no more room for a power supply unit due to the shrunk interior.
The DB1 Max is equipped with a 4 mm thick aluminum sheet on the front and back. The side cooling elements are 21 mm thick. The parts are connected via four cylinders at the corners, which are made of sandblasted aluminum and come to a diameter of 16 mm.
On the bottom and top of the vertically placed Streacom DB1 Max, there are vents with a mesh fabric that manage the chimney effect of the case. The front panel of the case only has one USB Type-A port for space reasons, but it can be replaced with a USB Type-C variant if desired.
Price and availability
The Streacom DB1 Max should be available in stores from March 2022 at an MSRP of around 110 euros. Thus, the price is exactly the same as last year’s target for the DB1. Thereby, the case will be offered in three color variants: Black, silver and titanium.
