Phanteks Evolv Shift XT Mini-ITX build help

Wreckreation

Wreckreation

Wreckreation

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Heya folks,

I’ve been contemplating getting a mini-itx build to use. I’m actually deciding between this and a gaming laptop (more expensive and worse value for money I know) but space is the real issue and there is just no space for a desk in our tiny flat. My idea was to perhaps have hook up this mini-ITX rig to use my TV as a monitor and get a wireless mouse and keyboard.

Saw a couple of videos about the Phanteks Evolv Shift XT and was hoping people could help me with a build. I’m eyeing an RTX 3070 Ti in it (or non Ti if performance is negligible and value is better) and would like some suggestions for the the rest.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/phan...-pci-e-4.0x16-drgb-satin-black-ca-0at-pt.html

I know nothing about components for small builds, and issues with thermals, so would appreciate any assistance. Aim is for 1440p gaming, and as well cooled as possible, rough budget of around £1500-£1800 without peripherals but lower would be better.

Hope people can help, and thanks in advance for any input!
 
JayzTwoCents has three videos on this case:




TLDR for the last one: having the PSU take in the exhaust from the GPU makes the whole thing run cooler.
 
That’s exactly the video that got me into the idea haha. I just wouldn’t know which parts to get that works since I’ve never even looked at a small machine before.
 
It depends what performance you want, i.e. what you will be using it for, but higher performance components will create a bigger cooling challenge.

As a form factor though you want to start with a suitable ITX motherboard, SFX power supply and ideally a 2 slot graphics card - I know that the Phanteks claims a 3 slot is possible, but 2 slot will be better for air flow.

Processor - A Ryzen 5600x, or an Intel 12400 would be ideal for a small form factor build as they have lower wattages and you could cool with a simple air-cooler such as the Noctua L9i, or the Alphenfon Blackridge.
Graphics - a 2 slot 3060 ti or 3070 ti would be fine, but again all of the above depends on what you want to do with the system

Personally I always use 32gb of RAM, as you only get 2 slots and therefore adding more later means discarding what you already have. That said 16gb will be fine too.

The PSU wattage will be determined by the CPU and GPU choices. for the above though a 650w SFX psu from Corsair or Silverstone would be ideal. watch the cables though, they can be a little stiff on both.

Use an NVME m2 SSD, easy without cabling.

With the above components I would use the medium size config and put 2 x 25 120mm Noctua fans at the top for cooling, more than adequate and a capable system for 1440p gaming.

You could go to a 12600 processor easily enough, but higher will require an AIO, which is no issue but personally I don't like them in small builds.

Something like this :

My basket at OcUK:
Total: £1,525.00 (includes delivery: £11.10)







​
You won't be overclocking with the B660, so could go for a none - k sku. Don't forget the 2 x Noctua fans, and the cooler, though the stock cooler will do too.​
 
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I think time is running out for ITX for the enthusiast gamer. Three slot cards are becoming the norm and four slot cards are coming in, so you might as well just get a micro-ATX or ATX motherboard.
 
Quartz said:
I think time is running out for ITX for the enthusiast gamer. Three slot cards are becoming the norm and four slot cards are coming in, so you might as well just get a micro-ATX or ATX motherboard.
Click to expand...
The form factor is actually growing in popularity, and continues to do so, evidenced by the wider choice of cases available, many of which now focus on allowing the use of 3 slot options. The Phanteks mentioned can have a 3 slot installed (and water cooling), but if a 2 slot option is available then this will be better.

True mini-itx is usually considered less than 20l, but there are many excellent 3 slot cases available now around this size, the H1 v2, the Cooler Master P200 and the Phanteks above to name a few.

You are right in the end re. Card size, but it wont stop the popularity and challenge of small form factor builds.
 
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