The emergence of screen cover trends is here—Unveiling the Josebo D31 display edition

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jonsbo-d31.


Lately, the PC DIY market has experienced a surge in the “display craze.” Numerous enthusiasts purchase small screens as case embellishments, which can be used to monitor computer performance or display favorite GIF images, similar to screens on CPU water-cooling heads. Josebo followed suit by introducing the D31 MESH SC display edition, becoming the first brand to incorporate a screen into the case, eliminating DIY hassles. More importantly, its affordable pricing—starting at 3,290 yuan (display version) and 1,999 yuan (MESH version)—has captured significant market attention.

Jonsbo MESH SC Display Edition Specifications

Material: 0.6+0.7mm steel plate, glass
Color: Black/White
Dimensions: 205×347.5×440 mm
Net Weight: 6.4 kg
Motherboard Compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Front I/O Ports: USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-C1 /USB3.01/Audio & Mic*1
PCIe Expansion Slots: 4
Storage Capacity: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
Pre-installed Fans: None
Fans: Top 3 x 120mm, rear 1 x 120mm, bottom 3 x 120mm, front 1 x 120mm (14cm PSU, first level hanger) cooling
Radiator: Top 360mm
CPU Cooler Height: < 168mm
GPU Length: 330-400mm, depending on PSU length
Power Supply: ATX
Dust Filter: Bottom
Screen Specifications:
Size: 8-inch TFT-LCD
Resolution: 1280×800
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Contrast: 1000
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Interface: MINI-HDMI (video), TYPE-C (power supply)

Jonsbo D31 MESH SC screen version out of the box

The D31 features Jonsbo’s characteristic minimalist design. Instead of the usual top, a screen is incorporated, while the MESH version includes two sturdy MESH panels that won’t sag when pressed. The top also utilizes a dense mesh panel, with a dust filter only provided at the bottom, likely due to the cooling airflow design, which has a bottom air intake and an upper air exhaust. The glass side panel is secured by an upper latch and lower tenon design, making it easy to open by pulling from the top and then lifting.

The outer box is very simple, and the small characters on the left have the shell parameters.
The outer box has an exploded view of the shell, and no on-screen icons have been added.
The D31 is available in two variants: the Mesh version and the display version. The only distinction between the two is the presence of a screen, while all other features remain identical. Both black and white color options are available, with the black display version being used for this installation test.
The appearance inherits the design vocabulary of the D30 series.
The front panel of D31 is divided into 2 pieces, and the top of the screen panel is an 8-inch LCD screen, which will be introduced in detail later.
The back plate is a whole piece of steel plate without openings.
The IOs on the front panel from top to bottom are the power button, TYPE-A, 2-in-1 earphone and microphone, and TYPE-C.
The foot pads of the white version are silver, which feels a bit abrupt.
The dust-proof net is removable at the bottom.
There is a metal frame on the inside of the glass to strengthen and fix it.
The screws are organized in ziplock bags, and the display version includes a separate user manual, 1 Mini HDMI to HDMI cable, and 1 Type-A to Type-C cable. The Mesh screen version is also provided with these items.

Internal installation space introduction and installation test

The D31 is a compact M-ATX case featuring a front power supply. Its most significant difference from the previously released D30 is the ability to install a 360mm water cooling system on the top. For those wanting to use an ATX motherboard, the larger D41 is also an option.

With dimensions of 205×347.5x440mm, the D31 isn’t exactly small, but it can accommodate a 360mm water cooling system, ATX power supply, and a 330mm graphics card simultaneously, catering to the needs of most mainstream gamers. It also supports two 2.5-inch HDDs and one 3.5-inch HDD (though installing a 3.5-inch HDD will sacrifice one bottom fan). The available space for a top 360mm water cooling system is ample, and mainstream models can fit. There is enough room for a 330mm graphics card with the power supply; however, for graphics cards larger than 330mm, you’ll need to use an SFX/SFX-L power supply or forgo the 360mm top water cooling system.

Up to three fans can be installed on the top and bottom, with one fan position each at the front and back. This means the case can hold a maximum of eight fans. However, installing water-cooled fans isn’t practical, as front fans would be obstructed by the power supply.

For installation, it’s recommended to install the top water cooling system after mounting the motherboard, followed by the power supply. Following this sequence will make installation less challenging. The power supply position has four adjustable height levels. When using a 360mm top water cooling system, the top two levels will conflict, so it’s suggested to install it at the third level. In this configuration, the graphics card length should be no more than 33cm.

The main material of the casing is steel plate, with high structural strength.
The back provides ample cable management space.
The design of the cable management space on the back is quite good. The position of the 24pin outlet is particularly deepened, and the difficulty of cable management is very low.
The power supply has four levels of height adjustable.
The water inlet and outlet pipes can be installed on either side (with the power supply height set at the third level). If the pipes face the left, the rear fan cannot be installed. If they face the right, the water pipes will be slightly compressed (but still functional). It’s recommended to install the pipes to the left and route the cables in a more organized and rational manner.
The water inlet and outlet pipes can be installed on either side (with the power supply height set at the third level). If the pipes face the left, the rear fan cannot be installed. If they face the right, the water pipes will be slightly compressed (but still functional). It’s recommended to install the pipes to the left and route the cables in a more organized and rational manner.

Screen monitoring software introduction and experience

The standout feature of the D31 display version is, of course, the screen itself. Boasting a resolution of 1280×800, it outputs via MiniHDMI and is powered by a TYPE-C connection (with the included cable). The screen can be connected to the computer through two small openings at the bottom of the bezel. The MESH version of the front panel is also provided for replacement, allowing the screen to be removed and used as an external display if desired.

There are switches and brightness adjustment buttons on the side of the screen.
The screen is fixed with buckles, which can be easily disassembled and assembled like the MESH panel.
The accessory provides 2 studs, which can be used as an external monitor after installation.
The bottom baffle reserves 2 small holes for the screen wire.

In order to utilize the screen for monitoring purposes, you’ll need to download the files supplied by AIDA64 and Jonsbo.

Install AIDA64, check it according to the picture.
Check according to the picture.
At this time, the preset monitoring panel will appear, right click on the panel.
Click import to import the file downloaded from Qiao Sibo, and it will become the monitoring screen we want.
Finally, move the monitoring panel to the case screen, and then check all the following items.
Due to the Chinese coding, “worm” will appear. At this time, you need to download Notepad++.
Use Notepad++ to open the file
Click Encoding->Convert to ANSL, then save it, and then use the above method to import it to display normally.

Thermal Performance Test

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700F
Motherboard: ASRock B760M PG SONIC WIFI
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 6000 32GB
Graphics Card: RTX 3060 Ti FE
Water cooling: CORSAIR H150i ELITE LCD
Test method: Use AIDA64 FPU and Furmark to test the maximum temperature of CPU and GPU baking machine for 10 minutes respectively.

The test results indicate that the D31’s MESH screen performs effectively, maintaining proper temperature control, with minimal influence between CPU and GPU temperatures. Although the configuration used in this test is not particularly high-end, the entire system relies on only three water-cooled fans for heat dissipation. If an additional three fans were installed at the bottom, it could easily handle even a flagship configuration without any issues.

Summary

The Jonsbo D31 MESH SC display version has become a popular model due to its excellent craftsmanship, appealing design, and highly competitive price. It also functions as an external monitor. The version without a screen is attractively priced as well. The case installation is relatively simple, with a sturdy frame and well-placed wiring holes. Overall, there are no glaring weaknesses.

There are, however, some aspects of the D31 that could be improved. For example, the method for connecting the screen to the host could be enhanced, such as connecting the power supply to the motherboard’s USB 2.0 and modifying the output cable. Additionally, the power supply bracket currently has only four adjustable positions for space utilization. It would be ideal if it could be adjusted to support both a 360mm water cooling system and a 40cm graphics card simultaneously, even with a 5mm increase. This is particularly important given that many graphics cards exceed 33cm in length.

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Title: The emergence of screen cover trends is here—Unveiling the Josebo D31 display edition