The Cerberus / X is a compact PC case designed to house ATX and EATX motherboards, offering a versatile and space-efficient solution for building high-performance systems. This guide details the assembly process, highlighting various mounting options for components such as motherboards, SSDs, power supplies, PCIe cards, AIO coolers, and fans.

Function Description

The Cerberus / X serves as the enclosure for a personal computer, providing structural support and protection for internal components. Its primary function is to facilitate the assembly of a PC system, ensuring proper airflow and organization of hardware. The case is designed to accommodate a wide range of components, from standard ATX motherboards to larger EATX boards, making it suitable for both mainstream and enthusiast builds. The compact form factor is a key feature, allowing users to build powerful systems without occupying excessive desk space.

Usage Features

The Cerberus / X offers several features that enhance its usability and flexibility during the PC building process:

Screw System: The case utilizes a color-coded screw system for easy identification and organization during assembly.

VIOLET 6-32 x 1/4" HEX HEAD: Used for power supplies and 3.5" HDDs.
RED M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD: Employed for the power cord mount bracket, SSDs, and SSD brackets.
GREEN M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD: Designated for PCIe cards, card slot dust covers, motherboards, power supply rear plates, and 2.5" SSDs/HDDs.
PINK M3 x 8mm FLAT HEAD: Used for the power pig tail.
GREY M3 x 12mm SOCKET CAP: Specifically for the case handle.

Motherboard Mounting: The chassis hardware kit includes 9x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws for securely mounting the motherboard. A side hinge bracket is also provided, secured with 2x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws, which likely aids in accessing components or managing cables.

Card Slot Dust Cover / Handle Bracket: A card slot dust cover is included to protect PCIe card slot cutouts from dust, attaching with 2x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws. For Cerberus models, 5x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws are used, while Cerberus X models use 8x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws for PCIe card mounting. The handle kit bracket mounts with 4x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws. After attaching the top panel, the handle is installed with 2x M3 x 25mm SOCKET CAP screws. The area around the handle cutout also features 4x holes for mounting a 120mm or 140mm fan with 120mm spacing.

SSD Mounting: The Cerberus / X chassis supports mounting two 2.5" HDDs or SSDs. These drives are mounted using M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws, with the connector ends facing the open cuts (highlighted in blue in the diagrams) in the main chassis frame. Each SSD requires 4x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws. An additional SSD mounting location is available on the front open side, utilizing a Window SSD Bracket secured to the chassis with 2x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws. SSDs mounted here have their connector ends facing the rear of the main chassis frame, and each SSD is secured with 2x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws.

Easy-Off Panels: A significant usability feature is the tool-less removal of all front, top, and side panels, facilitated by ball-stud mounting points. Users should exercise caution during the initial removals as the panels may be tight. The side panels are reversible, allowing for flexible orientation, and the front panels can be installed with either end at the top or bottom, offering further customization.

ATX/SFX Plate Kits:

ATX Plate Kit: Designed for mounting full-sized ATX power supplies. The ATX power supply attaches to the ATX Plate with 4x 6-32 x 1/4" HEX HEAD screws, and the ATX plate then attaches to the chassis with 4x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws.
SFX Plate Kit: For mounting SFX form factor power supplies. The SFX power supply attaches to the SFX Plate with 6x 6-32 x 1/4" HEX HEAD screws, and the SFX plate attaches to the chassis with 4x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws.

SFX Internal Mount: An SFX Internal kit is available, comprising a rear plate with a PC power inlet, two external water-cooling holes (with included plugs), and an SFX power supply internal bracket. The rear plate attaches to the chassis with 4x M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws, and the power pig tail attaches to the plate with 2x M3 x 8mm FLAT HEAD screws. The SFX power supply is then attached to the internal bracket with up to 6x 6-32 x 1/4" HEX HEAD screws. The entire assembly is subsequently secured to the chassis with 4x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws.

PCIe Card Mounting: The Cerberus X boasts eight PCIe Expansion Card Slots, supporting Quad SLI/Crossfire/Quadro Sync configurations. It can accommodate cards up to 330mm long and 150mm tall. PCIe cards and slot covers are secured with M3 x 6mm PAN HEAD screws.

AIO Mounting:

240mm Radiator: The Cerberus X supports a 240mm radiator with 25mm fans. It is recommended to mount the radiator with the hoses positioned at the front of the case.
140mm Radiator: A 140mm radiator with 25mm fans can be mounted on the front internal top portion of the case. Users should refer to the provided images for correct orientation, location, and fan position.

Fan Mounting: The case offers various fan mounting locations to ensure optimal airflow:

Bottom Location: Supports either 120mm x 25mm fans or 140mm x 25mm fans.
Rear Location: A 92mm fan can be mounted on the SFX internal plate. This option requires the SFX Internal kit.
Top Location:
- A 120mm x 15mm fan can be mounted to the handle bracket, which attaches to the chassis with 4x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws.
- Multiple 120mm x 15mm fans can be mounted to a Sub Top Bracket, which attaches to the chassis with 4x M3 x 5mm FLAT HEAD screws.

Maintenance Features

The "Easy-Off Panels" feature directly contributes to ease of maintenance. The tool-less removal of the front, top, and side panels allows for quick and convenient access to the internal components for cleaning, upgrades, or troubleshooting. This design simplifies routine maintenance tasks such as dusting fan filters or replacing components, reducing the time and effort typically associated with opening a PC case. The reversible nature of the side panels and the flexible orientation of the front panels also mean that if a panel were to sustain minor cosmetic damage, it could potentially be flipped or reoriented to present a cleaner aesthetic without needing a replacement.

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