The FormD T1 is one of the most popular Small Form Factor (SFF) cases on the market. Its associated subreddit has over 15,000 users, larger than that of Fractal Design, which not only produces a single case but manufactures a whole range of products. It’s often mentioned that there are significant differences in quality between versions 2.1 and 2.5. However, no one has been able to confirm this yet, because, of course, no one is crazy enough to buy the same case twice. Until now. The following paragraphs will provide the ultimate comparison between the two T1 variants.
Well-known YouTubers like Optimum (formerly Optimum Tech) or Devyn Johnston have already featured the FormD T1 in its many variations in numerous videos. One has to give credit to the people behind FormD: they have mastered influencer marketing.
Why are there two versions in the first place?
What the two founders (W360 and 3FC) of Formdworks.com, the first website where the T1 was sold, failed to achieve is long-term collaboration. They had a falling out at the end of 2023 and each started their own company. I won’t go into detail about the background of this soap opera-like episode. If you’re interested, you can read the whole story in the highly recommended FormD Lore by L91.
The short version: W360 sells the FormD T1 2.5 under the Ncase brand on formdworks.com, or ncased.com. That’s why I call it the Ncase T1 V2.5 in this article. The other founder and designer of the original FormD T1, 3FC, now uses the site formdt1.com and continues to sell the FormD T1 V2.1.
What does a FormD T1 / Ncase T1 cost you?
There’s a significant price difference. Here in Germany, I paid “only” 189,90€ for the Ncase T1 V2.5. Quite a hefty price for such a small case. The FormD T1 V2.1, in the standard variant, cost a bit more demanding 213,84€. Since the payment had to be made in US dollars, not euros, there was an additional foreign currency fee of a few Euros, which is included here.
As if that wasn’t enough for my wallet, I had my original order from FormD adjusted and took the anodised side panels instead of the painted variant and ended up at a juicy 260,02€ for this premium upgrade. That’s about 70€ or exactly 35% more than Ncase. At this point, a small compliment to the FormD customer support. The adjustment of my order worked flawlessly.
First Impression
Let’s start with what always starts with the T1, the assembly. Neither T1 comes fully assembled at your home like almost all other PC cases, but you must assemble it yourself using a rather minimalist manual. The Ncase T1 2.5 can score immediately, as it only uses two different types of screws. Furthermore you can often chose freely among the two. Great! Besides screws different length spacers are needed to change the space distribution between CPU and GPU. Most configurations only require a single spacer, sometimes two, but they are easily distinguishable from one another and there are 30mm and 40mm spacers included.
It looks a bit different with the FormD T1 V2.1. Here the manufacturer relies on a variety of screws and spacers. There are 3 different types of screws and 5 different spacers, of which especially the smallest ones are hard to distinguish from each other. The 30mm and 40mm options, which we saw with the 2.5 are entirely missing.
The screws do not come pre-sorted, but all thrown together in a small plastic bag. You have to sort them first before you can start the construction phase, otherwise it will get fiddly later. In the illustrated manual, all fastening materials are also kept in the same color. Can you recognize where in the second picture, which of the two different screws must be used? I can’t.
With a little skill and a bit of trial-and-error, the FormD T1 V2.1 can be assembled, though. Both cases feel very high quality during the entire process. Here the satin finish of the Ncase T1 V2.5 stands out. It is a bit more delicate than the rougher surface of the FormD T1 V2.1.
Material- and Processing-Quality
Ncase mentions the surface quality on its website as the top improvement of the 2.5. In my opinion rightly so, because the surfaces feel great to the touch. The older FormD T1 V2.1 is a tad rougher, but it doesn’t stay behind by a lot.
What doesn’t feel so great on the Ncase T1 are the top and bottom panels. If you, like me, occasionally pet your precious - by which I mean of course your PC - you will find that the two panels of the Ncase have an unpleasantly scratchy surface at the edges around the drilled ventilation holes. This applies to both the top and the bottom, which are interchangeable. This quality defect is one of the main reasons that led me to get the FormD T1 V2.1 for comparison.
So how does FormD fare with the surface quality of the top and bottom panels? They feel better, that's for sure.
With the naked eye, if at all, minimal differences can be seen. On a photo this cannot be transported without a microscope or professional lens. So to provide a vivid comparison, I came up with something else. Both panels are wiped with a standard paper tissue for 10 passes each. Afterwards we check, if signs of wear have been left on the tissues.
Let’s take a closer look at the results. While the FormD T1 V2.1 on the left side only shows a slight wear and could only remove the first layer of the tissue on an area of 11mm x 9mm, the top panel of the Ncase T1 V2.5 goes to work much more aggressively here. The burrs have eaten through the tissue down to the third layer of cellulose with a removal of 24mm x 17.5mm.
There is an obvious quality difference here. This does not have to mean that the quality of the V2.5 is always of this kind. Deviations can occur during the manufacturing process, for example due to a worn-out tool head. However, this does not excuse the lack of quality control, which must have been present at least in this batch.
Positive: After describing the problem in a comment on the FormD subreddit, W360 suddenly responded and promised to replace the panels. The subsequent contact with Ncase support went smoothly and uncomplicated. The panels arrived after just 5 business days - at no additional cost, mind you. Excellent customer service, which I must mention commendably at this point. But are the new panels actually less of a cheese grater than the old ones? I ran a new test with the same type of handkerchiefs for comparison. Let's have a look at the results.
This feels better!
The new top and bottom side panels quality actually feels slightly better. Using the same test methodology, the new panel tore fewer shreds out of the handkerchief than its original counterpart, which, as in the first test, removed the handkerchief down to the third layer.
As the results for the original panel are so similar to the first test, I decided to also show a comparison between all three options, despite the fact, that almost a week passed since the first test. Please judge for yourself, which result looks best for you. Small disclaimer: During the retest, I did apply the pressure in a different pattern, than with the original test. It was just impossible for my muscle memory to execute the exact same strokes as 6 days ago. Nevertheless, applied pressure was very similar, as the following results show.
The replacement panel of Ncase T1 V2.5 definitely did better in the test and also feels a bit smoother to the touch. You can still feel the difference to the V2.1 however. At least it's not a cheese grater anymore. Still my verdict favours the FormD T1 V2.1 for the best finish around the ventilation holes.
Further Improvements of the Ncase T1 2.5
I have already mentioned the reduced number of different screws in the V2.5 above. Let’s take a look at what other interesting improvements Ncase advertises and check these advertising promises for their validity.
Indeed, the thickness of the side struts has been changed from 3.5mm in the FormD T1 to 4.0mm in the Ncase T1. Personally, I couldn’t notice any obvious difference in the assembly or handling of the two cases, that comes from this change. That doesn’t mean that none exists. But the increased material thickness will be irrelevant for the average buyer who assemble their case once and then safely place it on their desk. However, if you travel frequently with your PC, a better stability of the Ncase T1 2.5 may be to your advantage.
What Does the FormD T1 V2.1 Have to Offer?
One thing that the Ncase T1 2.5 does not offer compared to its FormD predecessor model is the option to configure the case with CNC-machined and "anodized aluminum" side panels. Instead, the 2.5 comes with rolled/pressed and then black-painted aluminum side panels. This premium option, which the FormD T1 2.1 has over its competitor, I have looked at in detail. First, we need to explain what “anodized” means.
The anodizing process provides the basis for protecting an aluminum metal from oxidation, i.e., corrosion, through a thin oxide layer. In addition, the process of anodic oxidation (“anodizing”) is used for the side panels of the V2.1 to further enhance this protection. In this process, the part is bathed in an acid solution and connected as an anode in a direct current circuit. The oxide layer now forming on the surface of the part is much more corrosion-resistant than before and also very wear-resistant.
FormD charges a decent price for this variant. A whole $50 or 46€ more than for the standard version in painted aluminum are due here. Let’s take a close look at the differences to the painted standard panel of the Ncase T1.
At first glance, you can see that the painted variant of the Ncase does not have as nice of a surface. Aluminum is harder to paint than steel, for example, and a perfect finish is associated with increased effort. Initially, the “CNC Anodized"-side panel, as FormD calls it, makes a very good impression. The surface has a pleasant feel to it, and the finish with the case edges is also very clean.
Quality Problems with the Anodised Side Panel of the FormD T1 2.1
A major weakness of anodising, however, becomes apparent when looking closely. While everything looks more or less normal in natural light, massive quality defects in the manufacturing process of the FormD T1 V2.1s anodized side panels can be seen as soon as evening falls with artificial light.
These errors are very obvious, not only when you hold the panel directly under a lamp. Even when placing the case on the desk, this effect can become very annoying and thus disturbing due to the radiation of the monitor or other artificial light sources in your office. It is strange that only one of the two panels is affected. If we hold the second side panel at the same angle under the lamp, only tiny imperfections are revealed, which cannot be discerned in daily use.
Of course, I expected a somewhat different quality for my additionally paid 46€ and also contacted customer support here. This time, of course, at FormD. The response from FormD support left me surprised.
“After reviewing the images, I want to assure you that what you’re seeing is completely normal within standard. The inner hole marks you’ve highlighted can indeed be quite challenging to avoid, and despite our best efforts, they are often present.”
Ouch! The customer pays almost 50 Euros extra for an upgrade, which has visible defects, and the manufacturer’s statement is that these are normal and within the standard. Instead of apologizing and offering a solution, reference is made to the difficult manufacturing process. At least during first contact.
After I once again inquired insistently and suggested an exchange for the painted aluminum panels with a refund of the difference, the support finally conceded and acknowledged the quality defect. However, I was initially only offered a refund of 20 dollars, which I declined and asked for a faultless panel to be sent to me. After some time, I actually received a positive response and a parcel from China arrived three weeks later.
The only annoying thing was that I had to pay customs duties for the free side panel because FormD had incorrectly stated the value on the invoice. All in all, it took far too long and required too much determination on my part for the support team to provide me with the desired solution. In the end, however, I received two flawless CNC side parts, which cost me a total of 60 US dollars and a lot of nerves. Not the best customer experience, but certainly not the worst.
Does Ncase Make Better Side Panels?
While we’re back on the topic of Ncase, it’s worth noting that the painted aluminum side panels of the T1 V2.5 are not perfect. When you run your fingers over the case wall, the thousands of nerve endings in your fingertips occasionally feel microscopic irregularities, likely due to micro paint splatters during the painting process. These are hardly visible to the naked eye and impossible to capture in a regular photo. However, they can be gradually removed by continuously stroking the case with the palm of your hand. I have done a lot of petting to my T1 and all the splatters are gone now.
Your experience may be different. The micro-irregularities on the sides are not as disturbing as the tissue-devouring top panel, but I didn’t want to leave them unmentioned.
Manufacturing Tolerances - FormD’s Strong Point
Where the FormD T1 2.1 can finally score against the Ncase T1 2.5 is in the manufacturing tolerances. At least with my two specimens, there is a clear difference in these from the top to the front panel. Let’s take a look at some detailed shots.
The FormD T1 V2.1 impresses here with a millimeter-precise fit, while the Ncase T1
V2.5 has to give way in this area. You will notice it already when sliding the top panel into the front plate - the tolerance at FormD is tighter than at Ncase. The top panel does not have as much play and fits snugly on the case.
Even with multiple repositioning of the panel and tightening of the screws on the Ncase T1, it did not change the situation. To be fair, it must be mentioned again that this inaccuracy is only noticeable on close inspection and the significantly cheaper price of the Ncase T1 V2.5 must originate from somewhere. The deviation from the front panel to the cover plate is 0.15mm. It should be mentioned, that with the new top panel, Ncase send me, the difference to FormD is significantly smaller, but still there. I would subjectively say its now 70% as good as FormDs fitment. Personally, I can just about overlook it, but for someone else, this may be a valid knockout criterion.
“Back To The Screws”
We are slowly starting to dive into the specifics with this comparison. Another interesting little thing is the different fastening screws for the rubber feet that come with the cases. Let’s take a look at what Ncase does differently than FormD.
So while the FormD T1 uses a wide flat head screw to fasten the feet, Ncase uses the flatter of the only two supplied screw types for its T1, but adds small plastic washers for better distribution of the clamping force. Both variants are absolutely suitable for attaching the feet safely and without damaging the surfaces. The thought of Ncase compensating for the omission of the specific screw with a spacer is quite commendable.
Availability - the T1 is in demand
One aspect we haven’t considered yet is availability. At the time of publication of this article, all color variants of the FormD T1 V2.1 are completely sold out. The Ncase T1 V2.5 is available in black, while Gunmetal (Silver) and White are also sold out.
You don’t necessarily have the agony of choice when buying one of the two cases, but are heavily dependent on the current production capacity of the individual manufacturers. We found out that there are differences, some larger, others smaller, but by no means so groundbreaking that it is advisable to completely refrain from buying one of the two variants. Just look at what is personally important to you and make your decision.
Conclusion: Which of the two T1 versions should you buy?
Well, it’s complicated. If you prefer a better surface finish, a more attractive price, and want to enjoy excellent customer service, at least in my experience, go for the Ncase T1 V2.5.
If the lower price is not so important to you and you can cope with a decent customer service while you place great value on precise manufacturing tolerances instead, then I recommend the FormD T1 V2.1.
Do you have other reasons for one option or the other?
Have you had different experiences with the two cases than I have?
Feel free to leave a comment!