Sff case recommedations.

GoRedwings19

GoRedwings19

GoRedwings19

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So I keep toying with the idea of SFF build. I have done a few before but it has been a minute. I have most of the spare parts to build one besides the itx motherboard which I should be getting some time soon. The only issue is I can't decide on a case. I have a few on my shortlist and I am really looking for feedback/critique. Previously over the years I have had stuff like the Torrent mini, Phanteks shift and Inwin A1. But I find I am drawn to SFF case which can handle larger graphics cards then what was available back then when I had those cases.

This is a gaming rig which I will sling in the chonky AIB cards like Suprims, Aorus masters etc.

So I need a SFF type case which can accomodate 360mm length GPU cards. Here are some of the cases I have researched so far. Lian Li A3 A little bigger than I would have liked but it does seem to tick all the boxes currently.

Ncase m2 Another option I really like the look of this case I have seen the youtube vids but I would prefer to get users feedback from here.

Nr200P. I would prefer to get the non max version.

Thermaltake Tr100 has any of the SFF users here got any feedback on the case. I quite like the blue one.
 
If you have the parts then the NR200P v2 is the MAX case withoput the parts. I have the V1 MAX and my 4080 FE fits with spare space.

I bought the Fractal Ridge case + 1000W Corsair PSU with the intention of buying a 4090/5090 FE but for now I'm happy with my 4080 FE in the MAX case. Biggest limitation for me is the CPU cooler height but a CPU around the 85W level like my 7800X3D shouldn't have any cooling issues. GPU limited to 335mm though.

Also tried the NTZX H1 v1 in the past which was a nice little unit but gone off the tall cube cases now. Also have a Phanteks P200A which can take an ATX PSU but quite plain to look at.

I've been eyeing up the Dan A3-mATX for future builds to save on the motherboard and PSU costs.
 
GoRedwings19 said:
Previously over the years I have had stuff like the Torrent mini, Phanteks shift and Inwin A1. But I find I am drawn to SFF case which can handle larger graphics cards then what was available back then when I had those cases.
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As you've already done the cramped SFF case in the past, could try something different and go open-air.

I was disappointed with SFF case options to house my itx with 9070xt nitro+ build into (3 slot, 330mm). I wanted a small footprint, tall case.
I considered:
- The NCore 100 Air, but no uk availability
- Customising a beam space-case as I have a 3d printer ( https://github.com/CircleTect/space-case/blob/main/README.md )

In the end I just built into my Streacom DA6-XL. 3 slot pci bracket opening, 358mm card length, no heatsink width issue. Zero airflow or cable routing issues and is inaudible sat right beside it under load. Without seeing the fans spin or the drive led can't hear if it is switched on or not ;)
 
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nelbert said:
As you've already done the cramped SFF case in the past, could try something different and go open-air.

I was disappointed with SFF case options to house my itx with 9070xt nitro+ build into (3 slot, 330mm). I wanted a small footprint, tall case.
I considered:
- The NCore 100 Air, but no uk availability
- Customising a beam space-case as I have a 3d printer ( https://github.com/CircleTect/space-case/blob/main/README.md )

In the end I just built into my Streacom DA6-XL. 3 slot pci bracket opening, 358mm card length, no heatsink width issue. Zero airflow or cable routing issues and is inaudible sat right beside it under load. Without seeing the fans spin or the drive led can't hear if it is switched on or not ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately i dont have a 3d printer. I am already doing an open setup aka motherboard on the motherboard box and while is fine as i like to swap gpu’s in and out you get to hear everything.

I do have normal size atx cases but the nv7 which i never use is too big and the Corsair 5000t which is a more manageable size weights a ton before you even stick anything in it let alone when it is filled up. I always hated when I had to do work on it moving it or lifting it.

I did have a 011 mini that I loved but a friend purchased one of my older setups and wanted the case as well

I have no experience of the 9070 but i do have experience of using 5090's most of them are 360mm in length and 4 slots wide. I have heard great things about the 9070 noise levels but even using the suprim 5090 which is one of the quieter cards is still fairly audible when it gets driven hard. The Aorus is louder still but that is I guess more down to I have always hated giga fans no matter how good the cards were.

I have seen a few astral and to a lesser extent Aorus builds from the likes of the Dan A3/nr 200p/ncase M2 but wanted explore options and get a second opinion.

I like the idea of having a smaller form factor and something easily accessible to a certain extent of sff cases I.e not giving myself a hernia moving it.
 
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GoRedwings19 said:
I like the idea of having a smaller form factor and something easily accessible to a certain extent of sff cases I.e not giving myself a hernia moving it.
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I can relate to that, my previous server/nas was in a mid tower nzxt H440 case which could hold 13 drives. That wasn't moving easily once it was built :cry:

I'd still love to build a small fanless pc, but small, powerful and fanless still don't mix even without looking at the cost :D
 
I got quite big cards in the Meshroom S but not sure if you can still get that case. I only done tested the hardware in air state but moved to watercooled build but the EVGA 3090 fit that case. Dont have a pic of it with the aircooled 3090, but it can even take a ATX board

EKs57mZ.jpeg
 
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