Silverstone FT03... matx

glan said:
Ok so I did some thorough hardware tests and this is what HWmonitor recorded:

HWmonitor.jpg


81 degrees for the GPU seems quite high, but I have been told below 90 is safe. Thoughts guys?
I was very happy with Idle temps, and 71 max for the CPU is pretty good.

(I am assuming the OCZ Agility3 is badly calibrated as I doubt it was 128 lol)
Click to expand...

You're referring to the 81 degrees for the GPU under load, right? (From that screenshot, that's how it appeared to me).

Given the temperatures listed under load/for benchmarking here for the GTX 580, I'd say you're fine.
 
Is your gtx580 overclocked? Custom hsf? What fans used?

My stock reference gtx580 tops out at ~70C, and it's about 85F ambient. Whole case cooled with Max speed gtap13 (since my current mobo only has two fan header, lol).
 
Has anyone tried using an Asus GTX580 Direct CUII with the FT03? I can get it for a very good price but worried by temps due to the nature of the cooler you see. Any advise would be greatly appreciated as I only have a few days before my 580 deal has expired. Thanks.
 
I posted this in the Worklogs thread but it seems to be a better fit here. Building commences tomorrow.


Awhile back I built a Shuttle for LAN's here in Indiana and Ohio. A Shuttle recommendation came from a close friend. After building the Shuttle with an i5 750, EVGA 450 FTW, 4gb of RAM and an Intel 80gb SSD I was kinda unhappy. It ran fine but I needed more. So I upgraded the PSU to a 500w that Shuttle sells for it's X58 PC's. Installed a new EVGA Superclocked 560Ti and waited for the results. Now this is where I wanted to be. It ran like a champ and it booted up faster than my main rig.

The turning point came at LANWar XX at IU. Usually I took the shell off of the Shuttle at LAN's so it could breath easier. There is only 1 92mm fan in the back and it would heat up under load. A passerby said that I should enter my PC in the worst case contest not knowing that I took the shell off. First off it pissed me off. If you are going to run your mouth atleast know what someone else has. Hell, i've seen PC's at LAN's with no GPU's that are only used for CS that looked amazing, not my cup of tea but nonetheless cool. 2nd, I told the guy to F off and told him he was a jackazz.

After that LAN I started to weigh my options. I still wanted something small and portable, that was the whole idea in this. So I don't have to take my main rig with me. After looking around I saw the Silverstone Fortress FT03 case. Right then and there I knew it. That was it.

Hopefully with this new build I can gain some attention at my local LAN's. I'm not looking to take home trophy's or anything but I just wanted something more aesthetically pleasing to look at.

So here's the parts list

Case - Silverstone Fortress FT03
PSU - Corsair HX750
MoBo - MSI Z68MA-ED55
CPU - Intel i7 2600k
RAM - Corsair 1333mhz from the Shuttle
GPU - EVGA 560Ti from the Shuttle
CPU Cooler - Corsair H60
SSD - Intel 80gb X25M From the Shuttle
HDD - Western Digital 2TB Caviar Black From the Shuttle
 
Hi Jeremy, my GTX580 is not overclocked, but it has been pretty warm in the UK over the last few days, so I think this has had an impact on my temps. Today it has been raining since lunch, so ambient temps are pretty cool and my GPU is not running as hot.

Just thinking ahead for case fan upgrades, i was looking at your selection. What are the GTAP13s? I see from your other post they are Gentle Typhoons, but all the stores here list them by fan speed; is the 13 in reference to 1300rpm or something, I cannot for the life of me find this code anywhere. You probably have it listed somewhere in these thread, i cannot find it, sorry.

I had a look at your new Asus ROG Maximus Gene post...nice! gz on the new mobo, I hope you get some good performance out of it :)

btw, do you live in the desert, that is some dusty filter you have. o_O
 
glan said:
Hi Jeremy, my GTX580 is not overclocked, but it has been pretty warm in the UK over the last few days, so I think this has had an impact on my temps. Today it has been raining since lunch, so ambient temps are pretty cool and my GPU is not running as hot.

Just thinking ahead for case fan upgrades, i was looking at your selection. What are the GTAP13s? I see from your other post they are Gentle Typhoons, but all the stores here list them by fan speed; is the 13 in reference to 1300rpm or something, I cannot for the life of me find this code anywhere. You probably have it listed somewhere in these thread, i cannot find it, sorry.

I had a look at your new Asus ROG Maximus Gene post...nice! gz on the new mobo, I hope you get some good performance out of it :)

btw, do you live in the desert, that is some dusty filter you have. o_O
Click to expand...
Thank you! :) :D
The GTAP13 is just a rather shorthand way of saying.... Gentle Typhoon AP-13 1150 RPM model :)
iirc, it's something like:

AP-12 800
AP-13 1150
AP-14 1450
AP-15 1850

And there are 2150 RPM (AP19? or something like that) that were discontinued since they weren't popular. Not only that, there are also GTAP29, 30, 31 fans there are very slightly different in construction, with some 3000-4000 RPM SKUs. GTAP15 are rather noisey at full speed; Not noisier than similar CFM/H2O pressure fans, but definately noiser than I liked :p GTAP13 at full speed are on the edge of what I consider bearable for 24/7 operation (and assuming it's not residing right ontop of my desk, next to my ears).

As for where I live, I'm normally in the California Sacramento region. It's rather hot at times, until a breeze flows up the river from the San Francisco Bay :) Humidity is *just* right to prevent static, while not being overly humid to the point of muggy air. The case is just dusty since it sits behind a drawer cart, and between a cabinet and a drawer desk (right up against the wall). I also haven't cleaned it out in a while... :D Though if I am unlucky, I'll end up in Tampa, Florida, which is anything but ideal... :p

The GTX580 also has some 6-8 screws on the "sides" that only hold in the top shroud (use a high torque screwdriver to prevent stripping?), which you may easily remove to allow access to the HSF, and clean out easily. Though, admittedly, if your case already has filters, an insignificant amount of dust is all that will accumulate.

Have fun!!
 
Just finished building one yesterday, pictures will be coming as soon as I can track down a camera better than the crappy one on my phone. Rig specs are in signature.

For those of you looking for a Maximus IV GENE-Z I ordered mine through excaliberpc.com two days ago near MSRB. They were drop shipping it through somewhere though, and take over a full day to provide you with a tracking number. But I overnighted it, and it was delivered before I got the tracking number :D

Facepalm on installing the H70 though, as I orientated the barbs coming from the radiator to face towards the side of the case with the fan filter... hours later trying to put the case sides back on (was installing windows with a full sized optical drive from another rig as I have yet to buy a slim drive) I was frustrated to find that it stuck out to far in this orientation. Trying to hold the heatsink, fan, and guard on the outside top all lined up was not the easiest so not looking forward to remounting it.

Side note about the Gene was that I purchased a Lian Li UC-01 adapter for the USB3 and the header on the mobo was too close to the first PCI-E slot nearest the CPU to install it (as the UC-01 expands outwards after it clears the header). Also note that the usb cables barley reached this area anyways, so I'll be waiting for either a usb3 header extender or some other similar solution to the UC-01
 
I have plans to build this system:

Case: Silverstone Fortress FT03
Mobo: Asus ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K
Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz low profile 8GB
GPU: MSI N560GTX-Ti Hawk
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
ODD: Samsung SN-T083C
PSU: Corsair AX650

The center casefan has to be removed because of the D14.

I would like the system to be as cool and quiet as possible, while having a maximum stable oc on the cpu. Do you guys have any recommendations concerning improvement of airflow? Like two 80mm fans in the bottom instead of one 120mm, maybe an extra exhaust fan, swapping stock fans for better ones etc.

Thanks in advance!
 
thmeky said:
I have plans to build this system:

Case: Silverstone Fortress FT03
Mobo: Asus ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K
Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz low profile 8GB
GPU: MSI N560GTX-Ti Hawk
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
ODD: Samsung SN-T083C
PSU: Corsair AX650

The center casefan has to be removed because of the D14.

I would like the system to be as cool and quiet as possible, while having a maximum stable oc on the cpu. Do you guys have any recommendations concerning improvement of airflow? Like two 80mm fans in the bottom instead of one 120mm, maybe an extra exhaust fan, swapping stock fans for better ones etc.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I run my D14 with the 120mm fan moved to the rear (pull/pull), and then remove the top 120mm on the case.
 
SUPERGT said:
I run my D14 with the 120mm fan moved to the rear (pull/pull), and then remove the top 120mm on the case.
Click to expand...

And the center casefan is still attached? With "rear" you mean the top, right? Is the latter one your only exhaust fan, or do you have a small one above the gpu?

And one last question about the gpu, the MSI Hawk has a special cooler which is supposed to cool better and be more quiet then a rear exhaust model. The only problem is that the hot air from the gpu is blazing towards the cpu. Will the airflow accommodate for this problem? I have seen some people getting better results with these kind of cards in a FT02, despite what the manual says. As this case is more cramped and doesn't have three 180mm intake fans, it might be wiser to use a 560 or 570 with a rear exhaust fan, despite the added noise. Do you have any opinions about these matters? And which brand do you recommend? Thanks again.:)
 
No, both CPU and top exhaust fans are removed. Though the graphics (bottom) fan remains. Silverstone specifically recommends only 100% rear external exhaust cards, but I'm sure with sufficient airflow any would work fine. Having the top 92mm fan over the video card exhausting air would probably help pull it out better.
 
Hi all, I'am new to the forum :)
Have been reading the thread and it has been quite informative for me so far.
I'am planning on building a system with the FT03 and this place is just a wealth of imformation, i' am happy I found it.

Since I only build a PC once before in my life (and that was like, 10 years ago) I might as well ask for input instead of maybe bumping into things.

So far I have new memory, an Asus Maximus IV Gene-z motherboard and a Core i5 2500k just waiting to be put in the FT03 (that I still have to order...)
From my "old" system I have a PSU (Cooler Master Real Power M620) and a GPU that's a bit old now (Asus HD4890 with the correct style cooler). The GPU is to be replaced on arrival of BF3 :)

So what I stil need is a CPU cooler and I have been eyeballing the Noctua NH-U12P SE2.
Seems like a nice cooler, that is not too big, like the D14...that can get really close to the GPU with the motherboard I have (so I read on the Noctua website)

UPDATE, Or maybe this new cooler: http://www.spire-corp.com/main/product_detail.asp?ProdID=1090
The colors would look really nice on the Asus Motherboard (Black/Red)

I also need a slimeline slot-loading drive and came accross this one: Samsung SN-T083C.
It isn't BR, but I don't need that anyway.

For storage I will move over my samsung spinpont from my current system and add an SSD (Crucial CT064M4SSD2 64GB).

My first priority will be getting a silent system, I now have a Antec P180 case and it's really silent. I like that, but I also realize that with de FT03 it's gonna be a bit more difficult to get that level of quieteness.
So maybe I need replacement fan's for the FT03? What are recommended? I read about "gentle typhoons" in the thread, should I get these?

Input highly appriciated.

Regards, Lenny
 
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Hey Lenny, we seem to have fairly similar builds. Gentle Typhoons are great and you can't really go wrong. But if you have the extra cash and don't mind the colour Noctua fans are defiantly worth a look.

Speaking of Noctua, they make an amazing heatsink that fits nicely into the FT03 as well 'Noctua NH-D14'. It's worth also google image searching "Noctua NH-D14 FT-03" so you can get an idea of how much room it takes up incase it conflicts with anything else in your setup.

Drop a link once you have a build log going.
 
I went from from a p180 case fans on low to the ft03 and the noise difference is pretty negligible after you change out the silverstone stock fans. I love this case! >_<
 
ChrisT said:
Hey Lenny, we seem to have fairly similar builds. Gentle Typhoons are great and you can't really go wrong. But if you have the extra cash and don't mind the colour Noctua fans are defiantly worth a look.

Speaking of Noctua, they make an amazing heatsink that fits nicely into the FT03 as well 'Noctua NH-D14'. It's worth also google image searching "Noctua NH-D14 FT-03" so you can get an idea of how much room it takes up incase it conflicts with anything else in your setup.

Drop a link once you have a build log going.
Click to expand...

Hi Chris, thanks for the reply.
I have seen the Noctua NH-D14 and it looks great. I know it fits in the case, but the problem might be the motherboard. The Maximus IV Gene-Z has it´s first PCI-e slot close to the CPU socket and it could interfere with the GPU.
Noctua actually makes note of this on the website in the compatibility list here:
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=34&lng=en

and here

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=faqs&step=2&products_id=34&lng=en#18

As for the NH-U12P SE2.. that one doesn´t have the `warning` note on the Noctua website regarding the GPU.
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=31&lng=en#LGA1155_Asus

I think I will replace the stock fans (the one above the optical drive might have to go) with these from Noctua: http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=25&lng=en

And... I don´t mind about the color, not at all. It´s INSIDE my case. If they are silent and cool that´s all I care about. It also seems to me that Noctua is like a business with good support. Website is very clear and documentation I found on the website is very clear.
Reviews also state that installation method of the (huge) CPU cooler is a piece of cake because of the clever installation method. That isn´t something that´s alway the case as I recall from a buddy of mine complaining about the installation of his Mugen2

I would like to install the NH-D14 offcourse, but I might run into trouble with that.
Could someone with a NH-D14 and a Gene-Z confirm this maybe?
 
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Not sure about with the Gene-z, but the NH-D14 fits fine (I'm using P8P67-M pro):

imgp0992m.jpg
 
SUPERGT said:
Not sure about with the Gene-z, but the NH-D14 fits fine (I'm using P8P67-M pro):
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick reply and the pic.
The P8P67-M Pro has the same warning note on the website.
I seems no problem then I guess...the GPU could be close to the frames holding the CPU fans. So some insulation tape would be a save bet.

@ i2abid
Thanks for the input.
I was a bit worried about the noise levels, but i´am confident now.. I will get an FT03 and remove those stock fans.
(the fact that I didn´t order one yet, was actually doubt concerning noise. :D)

EDIT: removed the image in the quote.
 
Hi,

i'm thinking about the black FT03 (because the white plastic looks horrible, the black one looks acceptable at least), but have few things to clear up.

First the new components i plan to buy :
Silverstone FT03 black (obviously)
Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z

And these are the ones i already own and plan to put in this build :
Core i7-2600K
G-Skill RipjawsX 2x4GB 1333CL7
Corsair Force 120GB
Corsair AX750
Gainward GTX570 Phantom
T-Balancer bigNG
X-Fi Titanium

1) i know this type of graphics card is not recommended, but i got the Gainward GTX570 Phantom (see above). Technically, the heatpipes shouldn't be a issue, but the "vent all heat in the case" could be. I will run just this one card.
2) my CPU cooler is the Prolimatech Mega Shadow and i really wouldn't like to swap it if i really don't have to. If i seen the pictures around the web correctly, the only good way to run Megahalems/Mega Shadow is to run it fanless, using the air from the intake fan and venting it out using the outtake fan.

Considering these factors, what fans should i use ? I know many here recommend Gentle Typhoons (1150RPM version, will it be enough in this situation?), but i'm a little affraid of them due their whine noise at some voltage settings (at least they did that in the videos i seen on youtube). Considering i will have the fans controlled automatically, a fan whine is not something i would like to hear.
 
Here's my build. Tried routing the power cable through that small slot for the PCI-E cords, but it doesn't fit :(

Specs:
Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z
Intel 2500k @ 4.6GHz
Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme w/ 1155 bolt through kit *** NOTE YOU GOTTA HACK OFF THE MOUNT BRACKET TO GET TO CLEAR THE CAPS ON THE GENE-Z (see 2nd pic)
2x Antec TrueQuiet 120
2x Stock Silverstone fans
GSkill Ripsaw X 2x4GB
Intel 120gb G2
WD Raptor ADFD 150GB
Antec High Current Gamer HCG-620

No videocard yet, waiting on the AMD 7000 series :)


8zptl2.jpg




1z1zpev.jpg
 
Nice B0000rt, what kind of temps do you get?

I had the same problem with the bracket on mine while fitting a rad. Managed to pop out the rivets in the end. Nice case to work with.

tumblr_lpidoq7twS1qhaj9bo1_500.png


tumblr_lpiem5wyru1qhaj9bo1_500.png
 
Anyone else having trouble with the top cover not aligning properly and pushing down on / sitting on the power button?

topaj.jpg




I've gone through four FT03s and all of them have had this problem. It looks mostly like it's a problem with the screw holes (for the screws holding down the plastic part that houses the top I/O ports and power / reset buttons) not being exactly where they should be.
 
Damn, have they all be delivered like that? I sent my first FT03 back due to a broken clip on top and scratches on the base of the case. SilverStones quality control seems a bit lacks as of late.

Have you tried remounting the screws? in case they have gone in at a strange angle. Or would drilling new holes be an option for you? (i know it should be right the first time)
 
Yes, all of them came out of the box like that. I can try drilling new holes in the plastic, but I'd have to remove more cables than I want to. Those front panel cables are routed in hard to reach spots.
 
I don't have that issue on either of the two FT03s I have/had. My best guess is, well, there are actually some 3+ things that could cause that misalignment :(
 
Synomenon said:
Anyone else having trouble with the top cover not aligning properly and pushing down on / sitting on the power button?

topaj.jpg




I've gone through four FT03s and all of them have had this problem. It looks mostly like it's a problem with the screw holes (for the screws holding down the plastic part that houses the top I/O ports and power / reset buttons) not being exactly where they should be.
Click to expand...

typical ss alignment issue....
 
I've had a SG03 and SG05 in the past. They were pretty well built so I'm disappointed that all of these FT03s have this problem.
 
Mine's perfectly fine


308867t.jpg




@ChrisT

My temps aren't great... I think I've gotta reapply the thermal paste... Or lower my voltage :D
2d0mo2g.png
 
Well, I removed the top part today (that houses the top ports, power / reset swtich) and elongated the screw holes so I could wiggle it into place and not have it misaligned like in my pic. above. Problem fixed. I shouldn't have had to do that though.

SilverStone needs to work on QA / QC.
 
Synomenon said:
Well, I removed the top part today (that houses the top ports, power / reset swtich) and elongated the screw holes so I could wiggle it into place and not have it misaligned like in my pic. above. Problem fixed. I shouldn't have had to do that though.

SilverStone needs to work on QA / QC.
Click to expand...

I agree. My SG06 silver had a rivet that was improperly attached, bending the metal that it was supposed to be attached to, and slightly comprimising the structure in that area. A quick amount of drilling and properly bolt+nut fixed that, however.
 
My build - Maximus IV Gene-Z, i7 2600K, Prolimatech Mega Shadow (i know there is a bit of dust there, but i really couldn't find a solution for that small dust which didn't go away even with water), Gainward GTX570 Phantom (unfortunately in this position i can hear the issue with one of the fans :( ), Corsair Force 120, Corsair AX750, 2x4GB GSkill Ripjawsx 1333 CL7, T-Balancer bigNG (in the ODD bay). The CPU fan and outtake are Air Penetrators, the intake fan bellow the graphics card is a Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1450RPM. The temperatures didn't change much compared to my Fractal Design setup, maybe a bit lower GPU temperatures at load.

componentsn.jpg
frontsiden.jpg
backna.jpg


PS: 15cm SATA cable FTW :D.
 
faugusztin said:
My build - Maximus IV Gene-Z, i7 2600K, Prolimatech Mega Shadow (i know there is a bit of dust there, but i really couldn't find a solution for that small dust which didn't go away even with water), Gainward GTX570 Phantom (unfortunately in this position i can hear the issue with one of the fans :( ), Corsair Force 120, Corsair AX750, 2x4GB GSkill Ripjawsx 1333 CL7, T-Balancer bigNG (in the ODD bay). The CPU fan and outtake are Air Penetrators, the intake fan bellow the graphics card is a Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1450RPM. The temperatures didn't change much compared to my Fractal Design setup, maybe a bit lower GPU temperatures at load.

componentsn.jpg
frontsiden.jpg
backna.jpg


PS: 15cm SATA cable FTW :D.
Click to expand...


nic rig. one thing, Air Penetrators were designed to blow towards parts, not as exhaust.
 
I need the gentle typhoon down there, because directed airflow is not good at that bottom spot at 45° angle.If directed airflow would make sense everywhere, i would have used Air Penetrators everywhere (i have 2 more at home). I had to buy that one Gentle Typhoon for that spot :).

So far, it looks good, the CPU idles at 40C and GPU at 46C (same as before), but at load the GPU is about 10C lower (from 70-75C to 60-65C) and graphics card fans are 400RPM slower (from 2300-2400 RPM down to 1900-2000RPM). Plus in case i need to cool myself down, i can just put my hand over the case and i get directed airflow from the case right at my hands :D.

PS: If anyone wonders why i have left those SATA3 cables there - i'm waiting for this little one to show up in stores around end of September :
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/accessories/internal-usb3-adapter/
 
Yeah, it's not on their website. You have to call or email them and ask for it.
 
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