Build Your Own AIO PC With Desktop Components
QuietPC introduced the Mono all-in-one monitor PC chassis. This case allows system builders to use desktop components instead of the typical laptop components used in most AIO desktops sold today. The drawback is that most of the hardware will noticeably stick out of the back, including the power supply and the graphics card.
The Mono chassis comes with a single ultra-thin pane of glass protecting a Full HD screen and a black plastic cover for the back to "hide" the hardware. The company provides an audio cable that connects the two 3-watt stereo speakers to the user's motherboard. Also provided is a DVI cable that connects from the case's PCB to the graphics card, or to the motherboard's on-board DVI port if a graphics card isn't used.
The chassis comes in three flavors: 21-inch, 23-inch and 27-inch. QuietPC says that Mono can house a Mini-ITX motherboard, a full-size ATX power supply, a full-size graphics card, one 3.5-inch HDD or two 2.5-inch SSDs, and an optical drive (tray-loading or slim slot). More specifically, the chassis can accommodate a power supply that is 150 x 140 x 86 mm in size, and a graphics card up to 245 mm in length.
A list of specifications show that the screen in this chassis has a typical contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1. They also have a brightness level of 250 to 300 cd/m2, viewing angles of 170 degrees and 160 degrees, and response times between 3.4 ms to 5 ms. The chassis includes VGA and DVI ports.
So why not just build a new PC using your typical boxy chassis? Because cables running from your mouse, keyboard and so on can get in the way. Plus, the desktop setup can become quite ugly, with cords hanging like vines. With this AIO form factor, most of the cables are crammed inside the chassis, leaving just the power cord and perhaps those from the mouse and keyboard. Even more, wireless connectivity of various types can help eliminate some of those cords.
Available now, the new chassis costs $407.37 for the 27-inch model (£249.17), $339.24 for the 23-inch model (£207.50) and $298.37 for the 21-inch model (£182.50).
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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kawininjazx If the price was a little more reasonable, it would be a lot more popular, but this is new so it will take some time for that to happen.Reply -
RedJaron Very interesting idea. The whole thing is mesh on the back, so I wonder what the cooling and noise would be on this.Reply -
RedJaron Reply14243236 said:Does it support VESA mounts?
Highly doubt it. Those mounts attach to the back, which in this case is very uneven. -
DarkSable Look at the picture, though...Reply
I'm 99% positive those are mounting holes for VESA.
I have no idea how it can provide structural integrity to that, but if it can, that's a pretty cool option!
My only complaint (Aside from wanting a 1440p or 120Hz option as well as a Matte screen option) is that it only has one DVI and one VGA.
Give me at least one other port, preferably a displayport, so that I can use this as a second monitor and then swing it around for when guests come over. I would absolutely buy it if that were the case. -
RedJaron Hmm, I looked again ( at the pics on Mono's own site, ) and it does look like it's got the hole spacing, but like you said, I don't know how plastic mesh could support the weight. Unless that back side is a metal grill, I wouldn't trust it for anything. It's also right below the GPU extension, so you're limited in the stands that can actually mount there.Reply -
Au_equus The larger screen/chassis should be able to support longer cards. eg the 27" screen has 5" more horizontally. 245mm (~9.5") limits the cards this chassis can hold.Reply