Many of you have seen the reviews of Cooler Master's new Cosmos 1000 case. One thing you probably have not seen, though, is the original design for the Cosmos. I have happened upon a secret file documenting the entire Cosmos project. Here is the full story of the Cosmos, from concept to market, including information held in secret by a select few of Cooler Master's employees.
Sometime in December 2001, Cooler Master began the concept of the Cosmos series. At that time, the project was not called Cosmos, it was simply referred to as X-19. The original requirements for the case are listed as follows:
- Revolutionary design
- Ability to change color and layout in real time
- Light weight
- Modular
- Easily modifiable
- Geared towards enthusiasts
- Easy to transport (for LAN parties, etc.)
- Stylish Design
- Small Form Factor
The task of establishing a design for the Cosmos was given to an unnamed former employee of Cooler Master. He apparently was extremely dedicated to designing the best case in existence. He spent years researching and developing new materials and designs for the case. He was given an immense amount of money by Cooler Master and several other companies to complete his research. After a few years of designing the revolutionary case, he finally had several demonstration models made. He then spent the next 16 months giving demonstrations of his case to top researchers, universities, and companies, but no one believed the case could be produced in mass quantities. Even after demonstrating that the case could be produced for less than $20 and in nearly limitless quantities, no one he talked to believed him. The case was smaller than anything else before it. A mere 3 inches tall, 0.7 inches wide, and 2.8 inches deep. The case was completely modular and could be configured for any possible situation. It was even made from a futuristic material he had developed. It was possible to change the entire layout, design, and color of the case without using a screwdriver or any other tools. After a while, Cooler Master's investors began to question whether their money had really been used to develop this case and whether the case was all they claimed it to be. Some people even accused Cooler Master of using alien technology in the case. When Cooler Master's competitors began to find out about the case, they made and distributed anti-Cooler Master propaganda. This eventually forced Cooler Master to cut off all funds for the project and seize the demonstration cases. The case was too revolutionary. Manufacturers of computer components refused to develop products compatible with the new case because it would take too much effort to design such efficient products. The demonstration cases were locked away in a secure vault and all documentation of the project was hidden... until now. An inside source from Cooler Master has sent me the original documentation of the project, hoping that one day we might be able to release the case and its revolutionary technology to the world. The pictures you are about to see are of one of the original demonstration cases from Project X-19.
This is the original demonstration case. The material it is made from has a similar appearance to paper, yet it is extremely durable, sturdy, and conductive.*
With side panel removed. Notice the heat absorbing regulator between the hard drive cages and the rear panel.*
Opposite side. Notice the cable management holes are open fully. They automatically seal themselves and moves the cables to the most efficient spot once the components are installed.*
Top view. Notice the top vent it closed. It is controlled by temperature and can open and close based on system requirements.*
Automatically adjusting, cooled hard drive cage.*
Bottom of the case with temperature controlled lifting arms.*
Close up of the wireless communication antennae. These double as transportation handles.*
Close up of self-contained optical drive unit. This has a central adjustable laser and optics built into the unit. It reads and writes all optical media.*
I have also been supplied with one of the original demonstration cases from Project X-19 so I can study its design.
This is the case. The case is damaged and missing several components. I was told the damage was from a failed attempt to destroy the cases completely.**
The inside of the case. The color changing devices can be seen clearly in this photo.**
The top of the case.**
The bottom of the case.**
The front panel, still intact and operable.**
Hopefully I will be able to learn about this case so that we can work towards its reincarnation.
Cooler Master has decided to use some of the design elements used in Project X-19 in the new Cosmos series. This is their way of helping advance the technology of other companies in order to pave the way for the release of the original case from Project X-19. This technology is real and we can make it today. Help us advance the technology available around the world. Tell people about Project X-19. We deserve a better future.
* - Pictures used from DNA Map Assembly Instructions on the Cooler Master Cosmos minisite.
** - Pictures taken by author (Creech).