Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander | Stackable Small Micro ATX Case

Let's have a look at the Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander! As the successor of the smallest mATX case we've seen so far, it has not only become much better in all sorts of ways but it can also be stacked with additional expansion units! Want more cooling? Stack! Want more storage? Stack!

-- Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander on Amazon (includes Affiliate Links)

-- Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander Manufacturer

-- Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander Unit (Mindfactory)

Check out our Written Guide:
- Soon

00:00 Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander Intro
01:30 Specs - Size & Feet
02:00 Removing The Mesh
02:30 Specs - Motherboard & PSU
04:50 Specs - GPU & CPU Cooler
05:30 Specs - Fans/HDD/SSD Brackets
07:50 Specs - Front & Back Fans
08:50 Specs - IO & Reversable Front
09:35 Reverse Build
10:06 Cable Management
10:45 Expansion Unit
13:30 The Last Build We Did & Temps
14:30 What We Liked And Did Not Like
16:20 Tips & Tricks
18:20 Price
19:18 Bye

#intertech #pccase #pcbuild #pcgaming #pcdiy

[jessiethedude]

For anyone looking, it’s the SAMA IM01 Pro in the USA

[Doobie]

The greatest thing about the first one and the many variations, was having MATX kit in a tiny, compact case.These one are good but FAR more similar cases at the price.Good review buddy.

[autotropicplaybench]

Good longer overview of this case. That extension awkwardly fixed to the top of the fan mount is indeed an Intertech thing.

With my Tecware Fusion 2 counterpart of this case you would route the extension cable to the outside of the case using either the top or bottom holes on the rear of the case, on the cable management left side.

It is still awkward that the extension does stick out this way, but at least there are two options to route it out now, or buy a way longer extension cable to route it that way.

[stancartmankenny]

if you add the expander at the top, does that make it possible to install a longer PSU, so you could have both a long GPU and a PSU larger than 160mm?

[Usaji_]

it's an interesting take on the Asus AP201 design

[stephanweinberger]

The possibility to offset the fans (especially in the bottom) is the biggest improvement over the IM-1 IMHO.
In the IM-1 it's basically impossible to mount bottom fans with a micro-ATX mainboard, as they interfere with the connectors on the board (particularly the huge USB3 plug). Which kinda defeats one of the main selling points...
Also I'm a bit disappointed that they still use those stupid plastic clips to hold the panels. With my IM-1 I went through the whole set (installed + spares) within two weeks. In the end I just replaced them with adhesive 0.8mm neodymium magnets; with those the panels still fit perfectly, but it's more durable and has a *much* better feel. Intertech should have gone for magnets from the start (instead of the magnetic hinged slot cover — who tf needs that?!).

Another thing with that I find strange with the IM-2 is the cover panel on the side, which does nothing but hide the PSU cables — which IMHO is pointless in a mesh case, as you will always see some of the cabling somewhere. Why didn't they at least add mounting holes for SSDs there, like they did with their X2 case? (the fold in this panel seems at least deep enough to fit a 7mm thick SSD)

And yes, that power cable is just hideous 😀 In the IM-1 they at least use an angled connector in the back, to neatly get the cable out of the way as quickly as possible. Also, there is more than enough metal above the rear fan mount to move the power socket up. Also, why didn't they just place it on the other side, above the mainboard?

Some very weird design decisions here indeed...

[hyperturbotechnomike]

I have removed the feet from the bottom panel and mounted them to the side to have a horizontal case. I wish they integrated this into their design, because i had to drill.

[hyperturbotechnomike]

If you want to maximise on SATA SSD's: there ara adapters from 3, 5" to 2, 5" with up to four SSD's.

I have the Silverstone 4x M.2 SATA SSD to 3, 5" adapter, because it looks nicer. 8TB SSD space in 3, 5" is pretty nifty.

[torii_]

it's called tecware fusion ii (2) here in SEA

[Mr.McWatson]

Is this an identical frame to the Asus ap201? Looks pretty similar

[FlexStudioPL]

Looking very similar to SAMA or KRUX NAOS (in Poland).

[timvonsponge]

Can expander part turned either side if needed? For example Arctic AIO is 38mm + 25 fan mm but this part is 35mm. In that case radiator could be attached upside down (would be hanging down on the extender part as it would not fit otherwise).

[stancartmankenny]

I don't think this is quite the same thing as the sama IM01 pro, because of how the power plug is attached. In the one in this video, the power plug is just in the spot where the rear fan would go, but in other reviews (like this one: 7GHUdhG36 ), the power plug is behind the mobo tray and hangs out the back.

[dohnnyknudsen]

Surprised it doesnt fit a 360 aio, looks great tho

[klym_]

Hi can you check this fan out -> Granzon GI120

Max speed: max 3000 RPM

Noise: max 39.5 dbA

Air volume: max 108 CFM

Air pressure: max 6.15mm H2O

PWM: available

Size: 120x120x26.3 mm

Bearing: Fluid dynamic bearing

In spec it really sounds so good, it is from a company from China i think? FormulaMod, specialized in custom water cooling. I couldnt a single review of it anywhere by the way

[daniil]

4:07 why did they put MADE IN CHINA on the case? I know it is in the back, but it is a deal breaker. why do you need to write it on the case itself?