In our previous video, we mentioned the idea to get a "track changes" available on our website to update you about The Beast, its last developments and achievements.
The page is now updated with a timeline highlighting each validation or update. Below, you will also find a summary of each step from the most recent one to the latest one. This article will be updated regularly.
2020/12/15: The Beast is now in production 🍾
We're so happy to announce you that The Beast has been launched in production earlier this week! The production concerns:
The Heart²: our heatsinks are now in DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and the tooling is launched!
Mechanical structure & aesthetic: after several revisions and updates, we finally launched the "version 17 - final 004". Nicolas and Clément will really enjoy their Holidays.
Front panel with Led cables & custom USB-C
All screws including massive M6 screws
Fixtures for sides panel
Power button in aluminum & reset power button in aluminum
GPU PWM cables & SMA cables extension
Top grid (still in the prototype phase)
Next steps:
- Tempered glass prototype testing - just received at the lab (18/12)
- Top grid prototype testing (we need to make our choice about the shape of the mesh holes)
- Back panel cables launch (prototypes are already validated), including RJ45 cat 6 / HDMI2.1b / Display 1.2v / USB-C to header cables - First round of the manufacturing of our spreaders (a survey & requirement will be sent soon)
- Custom PCI Riser for The Beast (already tested with The First - same supplier)
- Test of a RTX 3080 with its spreader (already in progress)
- Packaging & Fiber laser machine testing
2020/12/09: Production launch & other updates
As you already know, we recently received our last prototype of The Beast you can see in our last video. Not only it validated the mechanical assembly (and its impressive robustness), but it helped us to choose the final aspect we want for the case. The Beast will finally come in full black matte aspect that definitely brings a classy and sober look to the PC (The Beast will be the Batmobile of the PC cases!).
The Heart²:
We're also happy to announce that our two heatsinks have been launched in production (oh yeah \m/). As a confirmation, they will be black covered and compatible with 4 fans (see "20201116 track changes").
The Beast (mechanical parts):
This week are also expected the samples of the tempered glasses.
Front Panel:
The production of the Power / USB / USB-C / Audio front panel has been launched in production too (oh yeah² \m/)! Power & Reset buttons will be manufactured by CNC milling in aluminum. We also added 2x LEDs for customers who won't have an internal light option. This is mainly dedicated for professional users that won't choose the tempered glass solution.
Back Panel:
The USB-C back panel to USB-C header is now confirmed, tested and ordered. The standard back panel is also almost finished, with new additional SMA holes for WiFi extension. Another back panel will be proposed for users that want a second PCI card assembly (work in progress).
Features added:
LEDs for front panel
SMA (WiFi) antenna extension has been ordered and will be available online soon
2020/11/16: Last updates & final check before production launch
The Beast is now about to be launched in production. Here are the last modifications following several tests made on the prototypes.
The Heart² (heatsinks):
Update of the top shape of the heatsink as it appeared using fans running at 750RPM (and more) creates aerodynamic noise;
Update of the bottom of the heatsink, this to allow enough space to assemble x2 fan slots [The Beast can now handle 4 fans]. This will increase the airflow into the case, for those who plan to assemble extreme configurations. Using 4 fans instead of 2 will also make possible to reduce the RPM but improve the airflow (stay silent but performant!). We recommend to assemble x2 120mm fans in these new slots, this to increase the compatibility with the motherboards - 140mm fans might be not possible depending on the card chosen;
Following several feedback from customers and the community asking for The Heart² being painted in black, and after discussions with our supplier about environmental norms and restrictions, it has been decided to upgrade our heatsinks that will be available in black (electrophoresis) instead of passivation finish.
The Beast (structure):
Update of the front of the case with the front panel and aesthetic skin that will be only one part and not two separate parts as initially designed. This update will increase the refined look we want for The Beast;
Front skin will come without logo for the same reason. Engraving a logo remains possible on demand and free of charge;
Serial number, serial unit, SKU, MonsterLabo logo, RoHS and CE won't be engraved at the back of the case but at the bottom of the case, this to keep a refined design, wherever you look;
Update of the bottom of the case & the top of the case (mesh) to increase the airflow into The Beast;
Screws optimization for non-spreaders GPUs & brackets update, this to use the same parts already designed for The First (we reduce costs & lead time but also not waste parts already on stock);
Update of the access for cable management of storages (+9mm to make it easier).
Accessories:
We decided to provide you with a GPU PWM fan adapter, this to set up each card / each cooling independently. It will be included with The Beast. Definitely a must-have!
We're now checking again all draws and CAD and will launch the production right after. Are already in production the front & back panels, as well as the screws for the mechanical structure. More information soon!
2020/11/12: New bench tests available
We published new bench tests online with the current configuration assembled into our first prototype (RTX 2080S & Ryzen 7 3800XT). Full bench tests can be seen here. Are still missing performances in-game but the week was quite busy and we didn't find time to have a break (and Flight Simulator's last update doesn't work :'(). In the meantime, additional bench tests are in progress with a RTX 3080 and will be soon published.
2020/10/29: Front panel tooling & golden sample
Today, the production of the front panel, as well as the golden sample is launched.
2020/10/26: USB-C front panel tooling
We're happy to launch the production of the tooling for molding USB-C front panel!
2020/10/20: Updates about USB-C
Who would have thought the USB-C could be such a complicated topic! After investigations and several designs, we are happy to finally propose:
- one front panel to male 10Gbs USB-C connected to the I/O shield,
- and one back panel 10Gbs USB-C to type E header.
This solution is possible thanks to our innovative board integration. We increase the compatibility with previous generations, as well as new and future generations of motherboards.
2020/10/19: Casing prototype n°3 & n°4 ordered for final validation
2 new prototypes are ordered. Main modifications done are:
- bracket system for the tempered glasses
- front panel template
- increased margins of the top aesthetic to improve adjustment
- new feet design
These prototypes should be the last ones, before mass production.
2020/10/16: Tempered glass thickness is updated
To ensure a better resistance, it is decide to increase the thickness of the 2 tempered glasses from 3 to 4mm. For those who chose the aluminum side panels, they are also updated, this to stay consistent.
2020/10/15: Reviews - First round based on the prototype
A first review is scheduled with a French media who will visit us later this month. They will assemble themselves another configuration into the prototype and bench it. Hydroalcoholic gel is ordered!
2020/10/10: The Beast - Batch 1 is sold out!
Thank you!
2020/10/09: Official first bench tests
After receiving the RTX 2080S spreader from EKWB, we can now proceed in official bench tests that are shared immediately on our website. Additional bench tests will be done (in-game, with fans, with other components, etc.).
2020/10/09: Pre-orders opening
2020/09/18: Front panel - Template updated
USB C was initially assembled onto the same PCB used for USB 3.0. The feasibility was not guaranteed and it is decided to create a custom plastic mold to ease the use of cables 3.2 Gen 1 standard.
2020/09/15: Updated aesthetic panels
Following the first assembly of The Beast, we updated the aesthetic panels, this to ensure a perfect adjustment of each part. The main noticeable changes are the feet, which shape is not a "U" anymore.
2020/09/01: The Beast prototype - Assembly & Thermal Tests
2 prototypes of The Beast arrived at the office. First impression: 6mm is impressive! These prototypes help us to see one potential issue: the adjustment of all aesthetic parts might be compromised because of the perpendicularity that needs to be absolutely perfect. We decide to avoid any risks with the production and update the design of aesthetic parts. Other slightly modifications are required to improve the quality and the look of The Beast. At the same time, first bench tests are performed.
2020/08/15: The Heart² (heatsinks) is validated
4 prototypes of The Heart² have been launched in production in July and received at the office. These prototypes help us to validate the mechanical assembly as well as the thermal performances. Bench tests are performed on a bench table. Only one minor modification will be done weeks later (to add more space for the fans). This modification doesn't require the launch of a new prototypes serial. The Heart² is validated for production.