SFF Custom Loop cases

[debo]

Hi everyone, after the due presentation and after noticing there was no recent post in this section regarding the subject I decided to drop a message and ask the forum.

I have been out of the PC gaming scene for long time and I recently decided to go back and go back small; I did initially considered a the dan case but it then grew in me the desire of a system that it's yes small but also a bit of a showcase piece to fit nicely in my apartment so what I am looking for is a list of recent see through SFF cases that can accomodate a ful custom loop and some nice rgb galore.

So far Liam Li PC05, PC-Q10 and PC-Q17 seemed the more appealing along with the InWin 901, the Phantek Evolv mITX or the Parvum Veer. GPU wise since it's going to be a ground up build I was thinking at a 1080 like card, SLI I don't think will be needed since I mostly play Blizzard titles.

What do you think about those cases? Did I miss any worth mentioning? What would be your personal pick for a custom loop build?

Thanks in advance for your replies and help.

 

[debo]

I have stuffed a Custom loop in my Lian Li PC-05s with it being a HTPC build. Works great, but would really plan your tubing routes and pump stuff carefully if your going full blow custom with the case. It does however look amazing once your set up with it and as long as your not going overkill on the overclocking, temps are acceptable. for a 240 thin rad you would need to use. Note it does really need to be a very thin 240 mm rad once you get standard fans added on for that case.

Mmmmm ok, so that makes me think that adding a full custom loop in the smaller PC-05 might be a no go then if you already had some trouble with the bigger version of it. Thoughts?

Some of the cases you listed have no obvious way of mounting a radiator?

E.g. The PC-Q10 & 901 require putting one OUTSIDE, which is a bit silly.

But can I put a few more cases on your list to consider -
Lian Li PC-Q37
ThermalTake Core G3
ThermalTake Core V1
Ncase M1
Jonsbo UMX3 (UMX1 probably doesn't have enough space)
Cougar QBX
Fractal Define Nano S
Fractal Node 304
InWin 301 (Q2 2017)
Corsair 250D

I didn't realise that, thanks for pointing that out. I did consider Ncase but I put it aside for the time being because the windowed version is not available yet for what I saw, I will definitely have a look at the others, thanks. Also thank you for the comprehensive dimension list, very handy, appreciated.

 

[debo]

Pass, I am not too keen on the cubes although the PC-Q37 is very nice. Also good shout on the G3, the UMX3 and the InWin 301, they are nice as well, I'll see if I can find some review and some build around. Thanks a lot.

 

[debo]

I don't like cubes either, too much desk footprint.

^ that

G3 has user reports of dodgy PCIe riser.

UMX3 will need modding to use 240mm radiator as far as I know.

301 is not released yet (Q2 2017).

I've been trying to find the "perfect" windowed SFF case that supports a custom loop, like you are, for a year now... And still haven't found/bought anything. It's not easy you know

Well if I get trapped in my thought while waiting for the perfect one I will never buy anything I guess, at some point I will have to kind of force myself in buying something. Problem is that it would be nice to see some of those live. Does OCUK shop have a good selection on show?

 

[debo]

Just to clarify there are two versions of the case. The 05X and 05S. The smaller 05X does not have any fan mounts aside from a rear 140mm spot so there is no spot to place a loop or AIO in general so a no go. I have a loop built into the 05S which is the same size but slightly taller to allow for a 240mm radiator up top with fans. Simply put if your looking at a custom loop that will be the only version you can get realistically.

Thanks for the highlight appreciated and cristal clear. I simply used different code based on what Liam Li advertise on their site

http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-o5/
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-o5s/

Either ways I get your point. Thanks

 

[debo]

Yeah my issue there is that I will probably need a specialist to do it. It's been so long since I even built a normal PC I can't even think of myself building a custom loop.