Setting the Record Straight: The True Original Story of the FormD T1

Dear SFF Community,

Over the past year, there has been considerable speculation about the origins of the FormD T1. Today, after careful reflection and reorganization, we are ready to share our story, provide clarity, and reaffirm our commitment to the product and the community that has supported us.

We acknowledge that the uncertainty surrounding this situation may have caused confusion, and we sincerely apologize for any frustration this may have created. Legal proceedings and internal challenges delayed our response, but now, with all the facts in hand, we aim to address these concerns transparently and thoughtfully.

Our Official Statement on the FORMD T1 Dispute

The FORMD T1 was born as a co-designed product, and contrary to some claims, this has always been the case. Over time, differences in vision led to a necessary separation from our former partner.

While we respect the journey in bringing the original T1 to life, recent claims, such as “formdt1.com is the only authentic site selling the T1” and “the latest version is T1 V2.1,” do not fully reflect the history or the product’s legacy. We want to emphasize this important point:

We are the original creators of the FORMD T1 and remain dedicated to its legacy

Key Facts About the FORMD T1

1	A Legacy Built on Innovation: The concept for the FORMD T1 evolved from the “Sidearm” idea, first envisioned in 2013 by the designer of the NCASE M1 Classic. In 2018, the key features such as 1) Movable Spine, 2) Sub-10 Liter Product Layout and 3) CNC Design was added to the original Sidearm concept by the NCASE founder into what is now the FormD T1.
2	Official Launch: On March 8, 2020, founder of NCASE, registered the domain formdworks.com and released the T1 series, starting with T1 V1.0, followed by updates like T1 V1.1.
3	Protecting the Legacy: We are actively securing trademark rights to the “FormD” and “T1” names to ensure the product’s legacy remains intact under its original creators. Our production continues through the original T1 supply chain, with quality control overseen by the same trusted team.
4	A Promise of Excellence: We remain steadfast in delivering the innovation, precision, and quality that define the FormD T1.

For a detailed comparison, we encourage you to explore this independent review.

Looking Ahead: The Next Evolution of the T1

As we continue to innovate, here’s a glimpse at what’s coming in the next iteration:

1	Better System Reliability: An updated design that minimize the dependency on PCIe risers for improved system reliability.
2	Better Component Compatibility: An updated design that supports upcoming GPUs and other components.
3	User-Friendly Assembly: A more refined “one-screw-fits-all” system for simplified builds.
4	Better Value: Premium product without the SFF Premium / SFF Tax, offering a range of product at more accessible prices.
5	Refined Fit and Finish: CNC precision and premium anodizing for superior surface quality.

An Exciting New Chapter for NCASE

We appreciate our community’s unwavering support. The FormD T1 is more than just a product—it represents a shared vision built on collaboration and inclusivity. We aim to expand the SFF community, welcoming new enthusiasts to join us in pushing the boundaries of compact PC builds.

With a revitalized team and a clear focus, we remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of the FormD T1 while driving innovation and connection within the community. Thank you for standing with us as we enter an exciting new chapter.

Team NCASE