DAN A4-SFX: The smallest gaming case in the world

For anyone with a biostar board please check out my post here for fan settings. I have it set up for a fixed 950rpm fan speed up to 60degrees and a smooth ramp from 60-71 degrees. Temps hover at 68-69 degrees at 2200rpm in prime95 with my stock 1700 and Noctua L9a, very nice.
 
I sell my other storage to take a 2tb hdd and 256 m2 sdd.
But you only need metal plates for each sides of the hdd and screw it
 
Hello. I'm new here, or i have been reading this forum post for a long time now. But as i have a question, then i decided to make me an account here.

dondan, i'm pretty sure you are already in the thinking box for the v3 of your case. But i have a nice little request for the v3 that i think would be nice to have.

I know you can use some really long graphic cards in the case that takes up the whole space on the side where the GPU is. But if you are using a Mini / ITX card like the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Mini ITX GPU as i use, then there will be alot of space available after those small GPUs on that side. Then my question is.....

- Would it be possible to make that space (for those who are using those Mini / ITX GPUs) to fit in a 3.5 inch spinning harddrive by using a mounting bracket (that you can either buy as extra to the case or a bracket that comes with the case) of some sorts there?

That would be great if that would be possible to do.

Greetings from Lakagigar.
 
Lakagigar said:
Hello. I'm new here, or i have been reading this forum post for a long time now. But as i have a question, then i decided to make me an account here.

dondan, i'm pretty sure you are already in the thinking box for the v3 of your case. But i have a nice little request for the v3 that i think would be nice to have.

I know you can use some really long graphic cards in the case that takes up the whole space on the side where the GPU is. But if you are using a Mini / ITX card like the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Mini ITX GPU as i use, then there will be alot of space available after those small GPUs on that side. Then my question is.....

- Would it be possible to make that space (for those who are using those Mini / ITX GPUs) to fit in a 3.5 inch spinning harddrive by using a mounting bracket (that you can either buy as extra to the case or a bracket that comes with the case) of some sorts there?

That would be great if that would be possible to do.

Greetings from Lakagigar.
Click to expand...
No V3 for this case
 
Lakagigar said:
- Would it be possible to make that space (for those who are using those Mini / ITX GPUs) to fit in a 3.5 inch spinning harddrive by using a mounting bracket (that you can either buy as extra to the case or a bracket that comes with the case) of some sorts there?
Click to expand...

this would be a fun project! I think it would be difficult because the aluminum is so thin, and hard drives are so heavy. but someone could try to do it!

dan can make a v3 case, but that would be years away. so you should not expect anything ;)
 
mirgus said:
I pretty much never showed new pictures of my dan case since the first batch got released. I wrapped the case in february with that design. Just wanted to protect the case a little bit ( when i put it in my backpack) and give it an other finish.This setup is pretty final except of the custom cables which i will redo.

http://imgur.com/a/5GUfr
Click to expand...
where did you get that wrap done? I want something similar for my silver a4 but in orange.
 
Hi
mirgus said:
I pretty much never showed new pictures of my dan case since the first batch got released. I wrapped the case in february with that design. Just wanted to protect the case a little bit ( when i put it in my backpack) and give it an other finish.This setup is pretty final except of the custom cables which i will redo.

http://imgur.com/a/5GUfr
Click to expand...

Nice job, how long did it take to punch out all those holes? Also where did you get the wrap? It looks great.

Edit: I see someone else also asked where you got it :rolleyes:
 
Hey ;) i've got the wrap from a friend of mine. Thesy normale wrap cars and he printed the wrap for me. I think i took something about 6hours for the holes :D
 
Update:

  • The updated version of the User Manual is online now. I updated all drawings so it match with the A4-SFX v2. ( https://dan-cases.com/downloads/a4sfx_manual2.0.pdf )
  • I am proud to introduce you DIRAC (http://www.dirac.co.jp/) my new reseller for the Japanese market. If you are from Japan you will be able to order your A4-SFX v2 in early 2018 here.
  • In September Lian Li will start manufacturing ~3000 units of the A4-SFX v2. The assembly process will start in Oct. - Nov. if the 3M riser arrive.
  • Last week I got my EAN numbers so the A4-SFX v2 carton will have a bar-code that is readable on the European market.
  • Because of the extreme low faulty rate of the A4-SFX v1 Caseking and OverclockersUK will create a limited crazy prebuild system series under the label of an well known overclocker with some of the warranty samples.
  • Yesterday I send the new drawings of the HSLP-48 of an 6 and 5 heatpipe version and a Prototype Production Guide to my OEMs.
  • If the production will start in Sep. I will have more time of working on the CAD drawings of my following project.


Thank you for your support

Daniel
 
dondan said:
Update:

  • The updated version of the User Manual is online now. I updated all drawings so it match with the A4-SFX v2. ( https://dan-cases.com/downloads/a4sfx_manual2.0.pdf )
  • I am proud to introduce you DIRAC (http://www.dirac.co.jp/) my new reseller for the Japanese market. If you are from Japan you will be able to order your A4-SFX v2 in early 2018 here.
  • In September Lian Li will start manufacturing ~3000 units of the A4-SFX v2. The assembly process will start in Oct. - Nov. if the 3M riser arrive.
  • Last week I got my EAN numbers so the A4-SFX v2 carton will have a bar-code that is readable on the European market.
  • Because of the extreme low faulty rate of the A4-SFX v1 Caseking and OverclockersUK will create a limited crazy prebuild system series under the label of an well known overclocker with some of the warranty samples.
  • Yesterday I send the new drawings of the HSLP-48 of an 6 and 5 heatpipe version and a Prototype Production Guide to my OEMs.
  • If the production will start in Sep. I will have more time of working on the CAD drawings of my following project.


Thank you for your support

Daniel
Click to expand...
Keep the great job!!!!
I'm waiting for my A4-SFX v2 case to arrive!
 
Hello,

I'm new at this Forum. I follow the Thread for a long time. Now I have my own Dan Case and want to Share my Experience:

Hardware:
  • Intel Core i7 7700T Delidded (Exotic One in this Forum? 35W TDP)
  • Cooltek LP53 w/ Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM
  • Asus ROG Strix Z270i
  • Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB DDR4-2400
  • Asus ROG Strix GTX 1070 8G
  • Samsung 960 Pro M.2 512GB
  • Corsair SF450 w/ Corsair Premium Sleeved SF Cable-Set - Black

Tempertures:
  • Room Ambient for all Tests: 24.6°C
  • Idle: CPU: 34°C; GPU: 40°C
  • Gaming: CPU: 65°C; GPU: 64°C
  • Prime95: CPU: 68°C (With your Custom Settings, see Picture)
My Goal was a Powerful but Silent System. And it is Powerful and Silent in my opinion all Time. I'm very Happy with the System.
 

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A couple more pics of my buiild. I decided on a 1080ti over an RX Vega due to lack of availability for the Liquid Cooled model.


Hopefully you'll see where I'm going with this. Still a few more bits to get like fan grills and a PWM splitter so I can replace the GPU radiator fan with an LED one and power it off the motherboard.

So far temps are extremely good on both GPU and CPU. I'll get you some benchmarks and temps when I get some time.

36386706180_116e7806df_b.jpg


35974742863_980ed56a58_b.jpg


36736392516_2c2d8889b7_b.jpg


35974728453_f1379708b7_b.jpg
 
CompuG##K said:
A couple more pics of my buiild. I decided on a 1080ti over an RX Vega due to lack of availability for the Liquid Cooled model.


Hopefully you'll see where I'm going with this. Still a few more bits to get like fan grills and a PWM splitter so I can replace the GPU radiator fan with an LED one and power it off the motherboard.

So far temps are extremely good on both GPU and CPU. I'll get you some benchmarks and temps when I get some time.

36386706180_116e7806df_b.jpg


35974742863_980ed56a58_b.jpg


36736392516_2c2d8889b7_b.jpg


35974728453_f1379708b7_b.jpg
Click to expand...


I don't see the point of doing this sacrilege to an A4-SFX. Really.. Just buy a bigger case.
 
dondan said:
Update:

  • The updated version of the User Manual is online now. I updated all drawings so it match with the A4-SFX v2. ( https://dan-cases.com/downloads/a4sfx_manual2.0.pdf )
  • I am proud to introduce you DIRAC (http://www.dirac.co.jp/) my new reseller for the Japanese market. If you are from Japan you will be able to order your A4-SFX v2 in early 2018 here.
  • In September Lian Li will start manufacturing ~3000 units of the A4-SFX v2. The assembly process will start in Oct. - Nov. if the 3M riser arrive.
  • Last week I got my EAN numbers so the A4-SFX v2 carton will have a bar-code that is readable on the European market.
  • Because of the extreme low faulty rate of the A4-SFX v1 Caseking and OverclockersUK will create a limited crazy prebuild system series under the label of an well known overclocker with some of the warranty samples.
  • Yesterday I send the new drawings of the HSLP-48 of an 6 and 5 heatpipe version and a Prototype Production Guide to my OEMs.
  • If the production will start in Sep. I will have more time of working on the CAD drawings of my following project.


Thank you for your support

Daniel
Click to expand...
Hi Dan,

One thing I have been meaning to ask is what size screwdriver is supposed to be used for the all the countersink cover screws? Manual looks great well done!
 
pedrofan said:
I don't see the point of doing this sacrilege to an A4-SFX. Really.. Just buy a bigger case.
Click to expand...

I could have done that, yes, but that's boring. I hung a couple radiators out the back because why not? I got the idea from Dan when he posted a picture of the A4 with a 240mm rad hanging out the back in the early pre-kickstarter days.

https://smallformfactor.net/forum/t...ming-case-in-the-world.252/page-15#post-47671

Some initial temp numbers

1800x @ 3.9ghz running around 52c during Aida64 Stress test

1080ti @ 2025mhz running around 50c during 4k Witcher 3 gameplay
 
I cant wait to get mine in, already started collecting parts! Just need to know if it will be my old 3570k or a new CPU, still deciding. Might go with a new CPU since my 3570k is still going strong on all games I play.
 
@CknSalad I think on SFF-Forum I saw a test of it. But the result should be nearly the same or worse because I made similar test on my Dynatron T318. If the fan is bigger as the heatsink the air will choose the easiest way and this is not through the heatsink. So you will lost air pressure and air pressure is very important for small heatsinks where the fins are very close to each other.
 
Gulvan said:
I cant wait to get mine in, already started collecting parts! Just need to know if it will be my old 3570k or a new CPU, still deciding. Might go with a new CPU since my 3570k is still going strong on all games I play.
Click to expand...

woudlt upgrade the 3570k, except if you are going for more cores like ryzen
 
Anybody knows if and when will asus release an am4 mitx? I would prefer the Strix over the Gigabyte gaming. I'm thinking of a R7 1700 and GTX1070/2070 build for my Dan case. Can wait for Volta but I'm not sure about Ice lake since it might take forever before Intel to release it. I'm slowly buying parts now for that January build :)
 
jenosmaverick said:
Anybody knows if and when will asus release an am4 mitx? I would prefer the Strix over the Gigabyte gaming. I'm thinking of a R7 1700 and GTX1070/2070 build for my Dan case. Can wait for Volta but I'm not sure about Ice lake since it might take forever before Intel to release it. I'm slowly buying parts now for that January build :)
Click to expand...
There is the AsRock mini itx board as well. Biostar has a mini itx board too, but the bios is kind of bare bones.
 
mirgus said:
Gigabyte boards are pretty good. Asrock always have shitty fan controls and software
Click to expand...

I'm pretty impressed with the fan control on my ASRock AB350. You can control each individual fan (only use my CPU fan) from the BIOS as well as the software. This has helped with my 1700X as the +20C is annoying.
 
Hey Guys !

Im back with another status update for my Dan build. Last time i got my Noctua fans mounted on CPU and GPU.

Since then i have been hard at work to get my GPU and CPU at the best possible temp.

I kept running into throttling issues on my 1080ti and the Ryzen 1700 boiled up to 90degrees as soon as i started doing the slightest OC.

So, i started thinking about how to isolate the heat generated in this case. I ended using a thick double sided tape around the CPU and GPU to create a makeshift fan-duct for both. That bought me a few degress, but nothing near enough for OC.

I then started thinking about the design of the sidepanels. The panels are incredibly perforated, to allow for all sorts of coolers, but is also really terrible at managing all the heat generated from the mainboard and the Cryorig C7 cooler itself.

With my Asrock X370 Gaming ITX/ac board, the Cryorig C7 ends up blasting all the hot air directly into the ram and VRM cooler, resulting in all the hot air getting pushed out of the side panel again and sucked back in through the fan, even with the duct. This raises the temp continuously.

So i thought about what to do and came up with a solution i think many of you could use.

Tape.......clear tape.

I took the side panel off and measured where the CPU fan and GPU fan was located. I then masked off the area surrounding the fans and left out the part where the duct meets the panel (duh). This is all done on the panel itself, not the case.

See the pictures for reference. The CPU side is shamelessly ripped from google but the GPU side is my own picture.

On the CPU side, the red squares represent clear tape and the green square represents free space for airflow.

On the GPU side the masked square is green, because of the red hue messing up the color otherwise.

I also stuffed some foam in between the PSU and the SSDs to minimize heat transfer from the GPU side to the CPU side.

I481e7M.png

jPXsNko.png


THIS did the trick!

Now that the fans are not pulling in hot air generated by the case, but exhausting it all though the top, the temps dropped drastically.

We are talking going from 90s to 78 in realbench on the CPU (now able to OC to 3.5 1.2volts) and going from 86 to 77 on the GPU (now able to OC to over 1900mhz 120% power target)

This seems like a major design flaw, seeing as how a simple mod like this can give these kinds of results.

Please, try this yourself and see what kind of temp you can get with fresh air and post them back here. Be sure to use a fan duct. Even if it is only a janky one made with tape around the fan. Else you will be pulling hot air anyway.

Bonus: I got the A4 mounted on the wall today. Pretty satisfied with the result:

UNJXU60.jpg

mVuVQs6.jpg
 
Last edited:
Pr0Pain said:
Hey Guys !

Im back with another status update for my Dan build. Last time i got my Noctua fans mounted on CPU and GPU.

Since then i have been hard at work to get my GPU and CPU at the best possible temp.

I kept running into throttling issues on my 1080ti and the Ryzen 1700 boiled up to 90degrees as soon as i started doing the slightest OC.

So, i started thinking about how to isolate the heat generated in this case. I ended using a thick double sided tape around the CPU and GPU to create a makeshift fan-duct for both. That bought me a few degress, but nothing near enough for OC.

I then started thinking about the design of the sidepanels. The panels are incredibly perforated, to allow for all sorts of coolers, but is also really terrible at managing all the heat generated from the mainboard and the Cryorig C7 cooler itself.

With my Asrock X370 Gaming ITX/ac board, the Cryorig C7 ends up blasting all the hot air directly into the ram and VRM cooler, resulting in all the hot air getting pushed out of the side panel again and sucked back in through the fan, even with the duct. This raises the temp continuously.

So i thought about what to do and came up with a solution i think many of you could use.

Tape.......clear tape.

I took the side panel off and measured where the CPU fan and GPU fan was located. I then masked off the area surrounding the fans and left out the part where the duct meets the panel (duh). This is all done on the panel itself, not the case.

See the pictures for reference. The CPU side is shamelessly ripped from google but the GPU side is my own picture.

On the CPU side, the red squares represent clear tape and the green square represents free space for airflow.

On the GPU side the masked square is green, because of the red hue messing up the color otherwise.

I also stuffed some foam in between the PSU and the SSDs to minimize heat transfer from the GPU side to the CPU side.

I481e7M.png

jPXsNko.png


THIS did the trick!

Now that the fans are not pulling in hot air generated by the case, but exhausting it all though the top, the temps dropped drastically.

We are talking going from 90s to 78 in realbench on the CPU (now able to OC to 3.5 1.2volts) and going from 86 to 77 on the GPU (now able to OC to over 1900mhz 120% power target)

This seems like a major design flaw, seeing as how a simple mod like this can give these kinds of results.

Please, try this yourself and see what kind of temp you can get with fresh air and post them back here.

Bonus: I got the A4 mounted on the wall today. Pretty satisfied with the result:

UNJXU60.jpg

mVuVQs6.jpg
Click to expand...
Wow! I will definitely try this trick!

At the same time, I'm looking for what gtx 1070 to buy. People say different about blower or with 2/3 fans.
Should I go with a gtx 1070 FE/msi aero/asus turbo OR msi armor/zotac mini/asus EX or dual/gigabyte windforce 2?
The zotac mini (which is a dual fan) is the cheapest where I live.
 
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