SFF NanoQ R build Journey

[Iwf]

I thought I'd start a thread to describe my build of a Nanoq R SFF, a case I've admired for a while.

First a bit of background. I've been building out Watercooled PCs for a few years tending to change out the case, when either bored or with some new kit.

This latest started when my Asus B650e crapped out, and I replaced it with a B650E-i. I looked at X870 and B850, but neither had anything that interested me and both cost a good deal more. This Asus also gave me the opportunity to connect a temp probe to the MB, thus cutting out the need for my old Aqua Octo. Having moved from a cut down open frame Thermaltake Core to a Lian Li O11 Chrome stuffed full of Lian Li colourful fans, I thought it time to have a go with SFF.

The key elements of the kit being a Risen 9800x3d, 4090 in a Aqua ES water block, EK cpu block, EK D5 pump and Res, Corsair SF1000 PSU

My troubles started almost straight away because none of my old water cooling kit was going to fit. @momo56 has been guiding to date, but he's cost me a fortune . I've spend days searching out CPU blocks that include a pump. I've even ordered in a Barrow version from Aliexpress only to read they're very noisy, so a Modultra is only its way. Neither of my 280 or 260 rads is going to work as they're too fat to fit. Ordered so far, as well as the Modultra is a 280 Aqua rad , the 20mm think version, an EK 120 Rad to act as a Res ( none of the 140 rad have extra ports for draining/filling

Nonetheless the NanoQ has arrived and I've started building, if only to try and work out how everything is going to fit. I'll post some photos when I can work out how.

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[Iwf]

Finally I got to start the build. Here's a few snaps to be going on with. Firstly the basic frame. On the face of it the easiest frame I've ever built in

 

[Iwf]

But by the time I added all the components it's starting to get a little full.

Shown here is the half way house, while I await the DDC pump and CPU block from Modultra. I thought I'd test the thermals using a single 280 20mm Rad. Also included is the 8mm push to fit components except for the loop into the old D5.

 

[Iwf]

lastly what I consider to the finest case I've ever worked with. You'll note the tray underneath to catch any leakage from the loop. A lesson learnt from years of mistake. It's not all roses though. I've had to buy a DDC pump and block because a D5 and res won't fit. The two 280mm rad were too think to fit, and worst of all I might have bricked my 4090 along the way

 

[Iwf]

Well on the way now , with the Modultra now fitted and all the tubing in place. Sadly the DDC pump I had is only 3 pin, thus it's either on or off and it's as noisy as hell. I've ordered a custom 24 pin cable but I can sort the others out. I could add the cover but I'm going to leave that until its all complete.

On the negative side, still no reply to my emails to the Thor-Zone. Really disappointing given how much these cases cost.

Setting aside how much building a SFF actually costs, given the parts required, its a joy to work with the case, being able to spin it around and get to just able everything.

As I say , shame on the supplier for what is a gorgeous case.

 

[momo56]

Looking good! Flipping the PSU so exhaust is at the top is also an option.

Glad it all worked out eventually.

 

[Iwf]

Hi,

I’m planning a 140 exhaust fan under the 120 rad that’s up top, but thanks. That said I guess I could put the rad where the PSU is currently. Worth a look. Have to say I’m really disappointed in Thor Zone, even though they’re only a small outfit.

It’s cost me a fortune as was unable to use so many elements from my previous build, but hopefully when it’s completed I’ll be pleased.

 

[Iwf]

oh and some data running the Steel Nomad stress test.
Room temp after first run, 24.5c. Coolant 36c stable. GPU 59c, GPU hotspot 72c, 2970Mhz 475 watts, CPU 52c,
Stable after 20 runs