NCASE M1: a crowdfunded Mini-ITX case (updates in first post)

Qrash said:
Yes, this has been tried before and it does work. You can even plug the bottom fans (with the correct adapter and/or splitter) into the graphics card to let it control their speed.

A different idea is to construct ducts that ensure the cooler air from below the case is fed directly into the graphics card's own fans. Ducts have been created from cardboard, pop bottles, even empty fan bodies (a standard square 120 mm fan with the motor and blades removed).
Click to expand...

I wonder if an approach here might be to raise the mounting of the bottom fans in some manner (using foam mounting pads or something), so that they are close to or touching the Strix heatsink. In this scenario, the cooling should be quite comparable to the Accelro I guess.

Also, do you know what adapter might be needed to connect the bottom fans to the main fan header of the Strix/GPU. Strix has that fan connect but it seems to not be an ideal solution if using those fans as main fans (50% min speed , need for GPU tweak etc.)
 
fightertoad said:
I wonder if an approach here might be to raise the mounting of the bottom fans in some manner (using foam mounting pads or something), so that they are close to or touching the Strix heatsink. In this scenario, the cooling should be quite comparable to the Accelro I guess.

Also, do you know what adapter might be needed to connect the bottom fans to the main fan header of the Strix/GPU. Strix has that fan connect but it seems to not be an ideal solution if using those fans as main fans (50% min speed , need for GPU tweak etc.)
Click to expand...

Some googling and amazon search suggests that the answer to my question on main GPU fan header adapter might be this cable... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZKZEQA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18K25N425Y52T
 
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fightertoad said:
Some googling and amazon search suggests that the answer to my question on main GPU fan header adapter might be this cable... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZKZEQA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18K25N425Y52T
Click to expand...

Sometimes the connector for the graphics card has to be smaller than the PWM connector on 120 mm fans. My Zotac 970 needed a mini-PWM connector.

EDIT: I just had a look at the Amazon link. The white connector does look a bit smaller than the connector or a 120 mm PWM fan. Here is a link to a 5 pin mini--PWM to dual PWM splitter:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...to_Dual_PH_Mini_4-Pin_Fan_Cable_Splitter.html

In the end, carefully examine your graphic card's fan socket and try to order the appropriate part. Good luck!
 
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Qrash said:
Sometimes the connector for the graphics card has to be smaller than the PWM connector on 120 mm fans. My Zotac 970 needed a mini-PWM connector.

EDIT: I just had a look at the Amazon link. The white connector does look a bit smaller than the connector or a 120 mm PWM fan. Here is a link to a 5 pin mini--PWM to dual PWM splitter:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...to_Dual_PH_Mini_4-Pin_Fan_Cable_Splitter.html

In the end, carefully examine your graphic card's fan socket and try to order the appropriate part. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I suppose it is indeed wiser to be patient and just wait for my Asus Strix to arrive and inspect its fan header etc., before prematurely ordering items for this project of removing stock fans and cooling directly off the 2 bottom fans.

I was also checking options for the proposed spacing solution, and these shrouds came up as possibilities (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CLFFIA/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3GO5VFCNOM5I7). They are 20mm thick, so it might be better to wait and measure the actual distance from the bottom fans to Strix heatsink, my guess is that these may be a tad too thick.
 
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I can't decide on a cpu cooler. Any recommendations? Currently have a Cryrig C7 and want to upgrade. I have low profile RAM and the Asrock Z170 ITX board.
 
fightertoad said:
Some googling and amazon search suggests that the answer to my question on main GPU fan header adapter might be this cable... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZKZEQA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18K25N425Y52T
Click to expand...

I used that exact adapter before with a NZXT Kraken and my MSI GTX 970, it is the correct adapter for a video card connection.

The Strix appears to have 2 fan connectors, at least that is what these look like.

70b2f4cd79.jpg


Edit: You don't need the adapter with the Asus Strix, I remembered after posting this about a GPU that had additional fan headers for case fans and it is the Strix.

42ce5d8950.jpg
 
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rfarmer said:
I used that exact adapter before with a NZXT Kraken and my MSI GTX 970, it is the correct adapter for a video card connection.

The Strix appears to have 2 fan connectors, at least that is what these look like.

70b2f4cd79.jpg


Edit: You don't need the adapter with the Asus Strix, I remembered after posting this about a GPU that had additional fan headers for case fans and it is the Strix.

42ce5d8950.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, those are the Asus FanConnect headers. Those have the following issues I mentioned above - the minimum fan speed that can be set for the FanConnect fans is 50% and they require Asus GPU Tweak ii tool to customize the fan curve. The connector below these on the PCB seems to be the actual main GPU fan header. Connecting the bottom fans to that (after removing the GPU fans), would allow for use of the bottom fans using tools like Afterburner (which I much prefer). Atleast this is my operating theory based on research, as I don't have the card in hand yet.
 
Chapeau said:
CPU is a 6600k @ 4.5, GPU is GTX 1070, Core 2126MHz, Memory 9188Mhz
Fan speed under load is around 60%: ~ 1600 rpm at full load for both fans.
FYI bottom radiator fan 100% is 2064rpm (Silverstone FW121) , rear radiator fan 100% is 2893rpm (Silverstone FW91)

CPU temps spike to around 80 degrees when OC'ed. Honestly - I've tried a bunch of variations and OC'ing the CPU doesn't seem to really do all that much except create extra heat. At stock frequencies it's amazingly cool. I'm running a G-sync monitor so maybe that's the key, but I would concentrate on keeping the GPU cool so it maintains it's overclock.
I noticed that if the GPU gets warmer than say 65 degrees it start to drop a tiny bit of performance.


Err.... It's hard to say. I went all in again and didn't compare with using the old TIM and the Indigo XS at the same fan settings. I'd say my temperature spikes are roughly the same, but the average running temperature is 6-7 degrees cooler.
The main difference is that I'm no longer torturing the bottom slim fans once the entire loop is hot. I haven't really tried boosting the fan speed to 100 to see what temperature that might net because frankly it would be torture! The rear fan is a little monster - almost 3000rpm!
At this point I should admit that I'm not an expert at benching - I run Valley and Heaven along with Prime95, but the real test is still BF4 and GTA V. Both seem to really hammer the system on ultra settings and session times are long, but because I'm just messing around, it's not a totally repeatable process.
Click to expand...

80°C seems quite hot for the CPU. Why do you think the loop doesn't achieve cooler temps? Is it the radiator / fans or the size of the reservoir?

I think Prime95 is unrealistically hot for benching. Aida64 and Heaven are the two I would use.
 
anak85 said:
80°C seems quite hot for the CPU. Why do you think the loop doesn't achieve cooler temps? Is it the radiator / fans or the size of the reservoir?

I think Prime95 is unrealistically hot for benching. Aida64 and Heaven are the two I would use.
Click to expand...


I actually think there is a reporting error. For example when I start up my CPU temps always spike to around 50! But I look at the temp on the cores and they're all sitting on 27 - 28....
I never actually see any extended temperatures at the "max" temp I get from HW monitor.
 
Just got an email for my ncase shipping update!!!! says i will get my shipping tracking within a week...i feel trolled XD. Give me my tracking so I can stare at it every 5 mins for update please!!!!! Nah..I'm excited. Thanks.
 
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anak85 said:
Noctua NH-C14. Fits like a glove.
Click to expand...

I've emailed Noctua (about resurrecting the C14) and they consider the C14S to be the superior successor, given that it has a better fan with PWM.

Since I don't have any of these products yet, can someone explain why the C14S is not as good as the original?
 
Morgon said:
I've emailed Noctua (about resurrecting the C14) and they consider the C14S to be the superior successor, given that it has a better fan with PWM.

Since I don't have any of these products yet, can someone explain why the C14S is not as good as the original?
Click to expand...
The C14S is slightly taller than the C14, which means that you cannot install a regular thickness fan between the heatsink and the side bracket. A slim fan may work.
 
Looks great! Having all that free space promises good things for air circulation.

Mounting the fan on the rear panel is smart too... directly exhausting warm air to avoid recirculation.
 
Morgon said:
I've emailed Noctua (about resurrecting the C14) and they consider the C14S to be the superior successor, given that it has a better fan with PWM.

Since I don't have any of these products yet, can someone explain why the C14S is not as good as the original?
Click to expand...

Nanook said:
The C14S is slightly taller than the C14, which means that you cannot install a regular thickness fan between the heatsink and the side bracket. A slim fan may work.
Click to expand...

Yup. The NH-C14 is 130mm tall. The NH-C14s is 142mm tall. 130mm is the exacty distance for mounting your fans in the side bracked of the case and they fit on the CPU cooler as if mounted to them.

If you can't find the Noctua NH-C14 second hand, go for the Dark Rock TF. It also is 130mm tall. Please don't go for the Noctua NH-U9S. Costs the same money and is not as good a solution for this case.
 
anak85 said:
Yup. The NH-C14 is 130mm tall. The NH-C14s is 142mm tall. 130mm is the exacty distance for mounting your fans in the side bracked of the case and they fit on the CPU cooler as if mounted to them.

If you can't find the Noctua NH-C14 second hand, go for the Dark Rock TF. It also is 130mm tall. Please don't go for the Noctua NH-U9S. Costs the same money and is not as good a solution for this case.
Click to expand...
The C14 is far harder to find, and the U9S (at least here) is cheaper than the Dark Rock TF. The TF also has some compatibility issues with (most) boards/RAM, where it slightly touches something. The U9S is the best 'tower' style cooler for this case, but a top-down is a better choice, yes.
 
ReaperX22 said:
The C14 is far harder to find, and the U9S (at least here) is cheaper than the Dark Rock TF. The TF also has some compatibility issues with (most) boards/RAM, where it slightly touches something. The U9S is the best 'tower' style cooler for this case, but a top-down is a better choice, yes.
Click to expand...

I don't dislike the tower solutions in general. I just prefer the biggest fan I can find for the cooler. A fan with twice the radius can pump through 4 time the amount of air. So if NH-C14 and Dark Rock TF are no options I'd probably go for the Noctua NH-L12 and getting a 140mm fan.
 
Is anyone on the current ship schedule considering a Kaby Lake CPU? Availablity from Intel should be pretty close to our receiving dates.
 
Chimaera43 said:
Is anyone on the current ship schedule considering a Kaby Lake CPU? Availablity from Intel should be pretty close to our receiving dates.
Click to expand...

If I was doing a new build I would probably go ahead and get the Kaby Lake, unless release gets pushed back. Prices will be pretty much the same as Skylake. I wouldn't upgrade unless I was on Sandy or Ivy Bridge. I upgraded from a 4690k to a 6600k and the difference is too minimal to tell.
 
rfarmer said:
If I was doing a new build I would probably go ahead and get the Kaby Lake, unless release gets pushed back. Prices will be pretty much the same as Skylake. I wouldn't upgrade unless I was on Sandy or Ivy Bridge. I upgraded from a 4690k to a 6600k and the difference is too minimal to tell.
Click to expand...
I'm coming from a 3750.. part of me really doesn't want to wait until January (I have 4K drone footage I need to edit!), but as you mentioned, the prices should be similar. Are there enough features/changes in Kaby Lake to care?
 
Morgon said:
I'm coming from a 3750.. part of me really doesn't want to wait until January (I have 4K drone footage I need to edit!), but as you mentioned, the prices should be similar. Are there enough features/changes in Kaby Lake to care?
Click to expand...

A couple improvements, but not big changes from Skylake. native usb 3.1 support, some additional pci 3.0 lanes, higher clock speeds. You won't really see much difference from Skylake. If I could get one I would, but I don't think I would wait long.
 
rfarmer said:
A couple improvements, but not big changes from Skylake. native usb 3.1 support, some additional pci 3.0 lanes, higher clock speeds. You won't really see much difference from Skylake. If I could get one I would, but I don't think I would wait long.
Click to expand...
Good points all. What about the new 200 series chipset that supports the new, faster Intel storage system 'Optane'? Do we know enough about Optane to make it worth waiting for?
 
Chimaera43 said:
Here' a little preliminary info on 3D Xpoint, or Optane as Intel calls it:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-optane-ssd-2016-3dxpoint/
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, I saw that the 200 series chipset supported Optane but I hadn't looked into it yet. Looks like some interesting applications, lot will depend on how long it takes to implement them. If you don't plan on upgrading for a while might be a good idea to wait for Kaby Lake and have the technology on hand.
 
rfarmer said:
Thanks for the link, I saw that the 200 series chipset supported Optane but I hadn't looked into it yet. Looks like some interesting applications, lot will depend on how long it takes to implement them. If you don't plan on upgrading for a while might be a good idea to wait for Kaby Lake and have the technology on hand.
Click to expand...
I'm retired, 73 years young and moving from New Mexico to Texas next month, so I have enough other other things going on to distract me from my usual compulsive build behavior. So I doubt I'll really get into this nCase build until after the first of the year. Things should shake out somewhat by then, I hope. ;-)
 
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback! The part list is just about finalized:

CPU: Core i5 6600k
Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S
MB: Asus Z710I Pro Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 2133MHz
M.2: Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
PSU: Corsair SF450
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070 Mini
ODD: Silverstone SOB02
Fans: Noctua NF-F12 (x2)

I only have two questions left: optimal fan configuration, and installation order.

I was planning to have one 120mm fan exhaust from the rear, and one 120mm fan acting as an intake from the front side panel, next to the CPU cooler. The idea is to bring cold air into the case, through the CPU cooler, and then exhaust out the back. The GPU is blower style, but would be 0db at idle.

Would this fan configuration inhibit dust from entering the system, or should I add another intake fan (and where)? I’m also planning to cut/tape pantyhose to the inside of the perforated panels to help manage the dust (filters are pricey).

Finally, any pointers for the build/installation order? I’m hoping to knock this out relatively quickly, but it’s my first ITX :)

Thanks as always for the help!
 
jferreir said:
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback! The part list is just about finalized:

CPU: Core i5 6600k
Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S
MB: Asus Z710I Pro Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 2133MHz
M.2: Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
PSU: Corsair SF450
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070 Mini
ODD: Silverstone SOB02
Fans: Noctua NF-F12 (x2)

I only have two questions left: optimal fan configuration, and installation order.

I was planning to have one 120mm fan exhaust from the rear, and one 120mm fan acting as an intake from the front side panel, next to the CPU cooler. The idea is to bring cold air into the case, through the CPU cooler, and then exhaust out the back. The GPU is blower style, but would be 0db at idle.

Would this fan configuration inhibit dust from entering the system, or should I add another intake fan (and where)? I’m also planning to cut/tape pantyhose to the inside of the perforated panels to help manage the dust (filters are pricey).

Finally, any pointers for the build/installation order? I’m hoping to knock this out relatively quickly, but it’s my first ITX :)

Thanks as always for the help!
Click to expand...
Looking forward to following your build, looks like well thought out parts list.
 
jferreir said:
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback! The part list is just about finalized:

CPU: Core i5 6600k
Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S
MB: Asus Z710I Pro Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 2133MHz
M.2: Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
PSU: Corsair SF450
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070 Mini
ODD: Silverstone SOB02
Fans: Noctua NF-F12 (x2)

I only have two questions left: optimal fan configuration, and installation order.

I was planning to have one 120mm fan exhaust from the rear, and one 120mm fan acting as an intake from the front side panel, next to the CPU cooler. The idea is to bring cold air into the case, through the CPU cooler, and then exhaust out the back. The GPU is blower style, but would be 0db at idle.

Would this fan configuration inhibit dust from entering the system, or should I add another intake fan (and where)? I’m also planning to cut/tape pantyhose to the inside of the perforated panels to help manage the dust (filters are pricey).

Finally, any pointers for the build/installation order? I’m hoping to knock this out relatively quickly, but it’s my first ITX :)

Thanks as always for the help!
Click to expand...


1. There is no space for a rear exhaust 120mm fan.

2. Exhaust fans are not neccessary if you have two intake fans. The case has enough holes so that the intake fans cause a nice positive pressure and all the hot air will be forced out.
I have 4 intakes (two bottom / two side) and all the hot air leaves through the top of the case. Added bonus, no dust settles ontop of the case.

3. The case comes with dust filters. You can keep the panthose in your wifes drawers ;-)

4. Installation order- trial and error :) it took me 3-4 attempts. PSU last definitely.

If you can, take a CPU cooler with 120-140mm fan.
 
anak85 said:
1. There is no space for a rear exhaust 120mm fan.

2. Exhaust fans are not neccessary if you have two intake fans. The case has enough holes so that the intake fans cause a nice positive pressure and all the hot air will be forced out.
I have 4 intakes (two bottom / two side) and all the hot air leaves through the top of the case. Added bonus, no dust settles ontop of the case.

3. The case comes with dust filters. You can keep the panthose in your wifes drawers ;-)

4. Installation order- trial and error :) it took me 3-4 attempts. PSU last definitely.

If you can, take a CPU cooler with 120-140mm fan.
Click to expand...

1. I could have sworn I saw a picture of someone with the NH-U9S (single fan) and a 120mm exhaust fan. Ah well, I'll take your word for it.

2. Where do you suggest I put the other intake fan? Bottom front, where presumably it won't be blocked by the mini GPU? That way cold air would be blow toward the CPU cooler from the side and from the bottom. Would only 2 fans be sufficient to build positive pressure? There won't be an HDD in the case.

3. There's only two filters, so I might still use a bit of a pantyhose... but it ain't a fetish!

4. Haha, I was planning to install the PSU first. Thanks!

Also, I settled on the NH-U9S because it's affordable, easy to source, and easy to install. The NH-C14 is nowhere to be found, and I'm not familiar with many other viable solutions for this setup.
 
jferreir said:
1. I could have sworn I saw a picture of someone with the NH-U9S (single fan) and a 120mm exhaust fan. Ah well, I'll take your word for it.

2. Where do you suggest I put the other intake fan? Bottom front, where presumably it won't be blocked by the mini GPU? That way cold air would be blow toward the CPU cooler from the side and from the bottom. Would only 2 fans be sufficient to build positive pressure? There won't be an HDD in the case.

3. There's only two filters, so I might still use a bit of a pantyhose... but it ain't a fetish!

4. Haha, I was planning to install the PSU first. Thanks!

Also, I settled on the NH-U9S because it's affordable, easy to source, and easy to install. The NH-C14 is nowhere to be found, and I'm not familiar with many other viable solutions for this setup.
Click to expand...

1. The rear spot is a 92mm fan, same size fan as the U9S.
2. One bottom and one side if you wanted. I personally have 2 bottom and 1 side. 1 CPU, 1 rear exhaust.
3. 2 fans would be enough IMO, use one at the bottom, one side. Let the GPU handle itself for your build.
4. I installed my PSU somewhere halfway through.. But I connected the cables to it before I put it in so I wasn't trying to squeeze my hands in later to connect.

U9S is still a solid option.
 
jferreir said:
1. I could have sworn I saw a picture of someone with the NH-U9S (single fan) and a 120mm exhaust fan. Ah well, I'll take your word for it.

2. Where do you suggest I put the other intake fan? Bottom front, where presumably it won't be blocked by the mini GPU? That way cold air would be blow toward the CPU cooler from the side and from the bottom. Would only 2 fans be sufficient to build positive pressure? There won't be an HDD in the case.

3. There's only two filters, so I might still use a bit of a pantyhose... but it ain't a fetish!

4. Haha, I was planning to install the PSU first. Thanks!

Also, I settled on the NH-U9S because it's affordable, easy to source, and easy to install. The NH-C14 is nowhere to be found, and I'm not familiar with many other viable solutions for this setup.
Click to expand...

1. I can also confirm the exhaust on the rear of the case is 92mm. It will be offset from the fan on the U9S, as the rear exhaust fan has to clear the rear OI panel on the montherboard. U9S/D9L are very similar. I have the D9L and chose it because it was cheaper at the time compared to the U9S. I also had no luck with a reasonably priced C14.
2. I have one fan on the side panel as an intake, and two slim fans on the bottom as intakes. My PSU is vented out the side of the case, the CPU fan pushes towards the back of the case and rear fan is exhausting air out of the case. There is some air coming out the holes on the top of the case.
3. No comment.
4. You should be able to put this together pretty quickly. It is a well designed case and easy to work in (given it's size it's amazing). Where you will spend time is optimizing cable runs to suit your level of perfection. I think I reran my cables half a dozen times until I was happy with how it looked.
 
jferreir said:
1. I could have sworn I saw a picture of someone with the NH-U9S (single fan) and a 120mm exhaust fan. Ah well, I'll take your word for it.

2. Where do you suggest I put the other intake fan? Bottom front, where presumably it won't be blocked by the mini GPU? That way cold air would be blow toward the CPU cooler from the side and from the bottom. Would only 2 fans be sufficient to build positive pressure? There won't be an HDD in the case.

3. There's only two filters, so I might still use a bit of a pantyhose... but it ain't a fetish!

4. Haha, I was planning to install the PSU first. Thanks!

Also, I settled on the NH-U9S because it's affordable, easy to source, and easy to install. The NH-C14 is nowhere to be found, and I'm not familiar with many other viable solutions for this setup.
Click to expand...

What version of the case do you have? My V5 comes with a magnetic filter installed in the side and two additional filters that I installed in the case floor.

Yes, one fan infront of the PSU (I have the PSU intake towards that fan so it also gets cooled by that fan and no dust drawn into the PSU this way) and one below that in the case floor is probably the best 2 fan solution.

ReaperX22 said:
1. The rear spot is a 92mm fan, same size fan as the U9S.
2. One bottom and one side if you wanted. I personally have 2 bottom and 1 side. 1 CPU, 1 rear exhaust.
3. 2 fans would be enough IMO, use one at the bottom, one side. Let the GPU handle itself for your build.
4. I installed my PSU somewhere halfway through.. But I connected the cables to it before I put it in so I wasn't trying to squeeze my hands in later to connect.
U9S is still a solid option.
Click to expand...

Second those comments!

incredadamible said:
1. I can also confirm the exhaust on the rear of the case is 92mm. It will be offset from the fan on the U9S, as the rear exhaust fan has to clear the rear OI panel on the montherboard. U9S/D9L are very similar. I have the D9L and chose it because it was cheaper at the time compared to the U9S. I also had no luck with a reasonably priced C14.
2. I have one fan on the side panel as an intake, and two slim fans on the bottom as intakes. My PSU is vented out the side of the case, the CPU fan pushes towards the back of the case and rear fan is exhausting air out of the case. There is some air coming out the holes on the top of the case.
3. No comment.
4. You should be able to put this together pretty quickly. It is a well designed case and easy to work in (given it's size it's amazing). Where you will spend time is optimizing cable runs to suit your level of perfection. I think I reran my cables half a dozen times until I was happy with how it looked.
Click to expand...

Yup, cable management took the longest time. And then realizing there is a better cable path once everything has been installed can lead to a lot of fiddling to get a cable detatched and reattached in a different way.
 
Awesome, it looks like I have a clear path forward. Thanks again to all that chimed in!

Now I have to wait impatiently for the case to arrive, and for components to go on sale. Argh...
 
jferreir said:
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback! The part list is just about finalized:

CPU: Core i5 6600k
Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S
MB: Asus Z710I Pro Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 2133MHz
M.2: Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
PSU: Corsair SF450
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070 Mini
ODD: Silverstone SOB02
Fans: Noctua NF-F12 (x2)

I only have two questions left: optimal fan configuration, and installation order.

I was planning to have one 120mm fan exhaust from the rear, and one 120mm fan acting as an intake from the front side panel, next to the CPU cooler. The idea is to bring cold air into the case, through the CPU cooler, and then exhaust out the back. The GPU is blower style, but would be 0db at idle.

Would this fan configuration inhibit dust from entering the system, or should I add another intake fan (and where)? I’m also planning to cut/tape pantyhose to the inside of the perforated panels to help manage the dust (filters are pricey).

Finally, any pointers for the build/installation order? I’m hoping to knock this out relatively quickly, but it’s my first ITX :)

Thanks as always for the help!
Click to expand...
Check the mini for GPU compatibility. I was thinking of putting it but It is protruding out over thr PCI bracket Which can create issues in putting it into the case. I will suggest go for FE or aero, turbo etc editions.
 
jferreir said:
Awesome, it looks like I have a clear path forward. Thanks again to all that chimed in!

Now I have to wait impatiently for the case to arrive, and for components to go on sale. Argh...
Click to expand...
Waiting for Black Friday? Same here!! It is a long wait. Though I am yet to get the case.
 
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