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

Hi,
img_3545hns2c.jpg

My case arrived and finished it to 90% :D


Here is a Pic and the rest is in Spoiler



Configuration:

8700K delided 5ghz@1.15
gigabyte 1080ti@2ghz 1.05
16gb 3000 spectrix Adata XPG
Alphacool monsta 180mm
Silverstone Airpenetrator & Phoby G-silent 18
AC Kryos Next Vision
Silent loop (pump)
XSPC Razer neo
Corsair SF 600
Crucial 525gb m2 sata



Temps are to awesome ^^

Damn you got a good 8700k, mine takes 1.35v to run at 5.0 Ghz.
 
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I've ordered now smaller corsair ram (not the RGB LED versions anymore)... Did someone need's 2x 16GB (32GB) Corsair Vengeance LED RGB 3200-DDR4? May be for a slightly better Price?
 
Hi guys, so its been a while since I last posted but some people wanted me to update them with my psu mod, so eventually I managed to fit in my Corsair SF600 rotated 90deg but this required some custom plates made up and a large cutout from the frame. the main reason for this mod was because I didn't like the psu cabes to come down directly towards the aio fan. I cut and re soldered the psu cables to custom lengths to make sure everything fit snugly, let me know what you think

Build:
i7 8700k delidded (not OC yet)
Asus z370 i
Corsair LP3 16GB 3200
500GB Samsung 960 evo
1TB Samsung 850 evo
asetek aio with noctua 92 mm x 14mm
corsair sf600
 

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Can you take more pictures on how you routed the cables?

Yes, I will have them up later today. Also, the 92mm fan grill was essential so if you don't have one, I highly recommend it. It has made installing the PSU and cables repeatedly much less troublesome.
 
Does anyone know if dondan has released a sketchup file for the case? looking to to test fit parts before the case arrives.

Thanks,
Jesse!
 
Hi guys, so its been a while since I last posted but some people wanted me to update them with my psu mod, so eventually I managed to fit in my Corsair SF600 rotated 90deg but this required some custom plates made up and a large cutout from the frame. the main reason for this mod was because I didn't like the psu cabes to come down directly towards the aio fan. I cut and re soldered the psu cables to custom lengths to make sure everything fit snugly, let me know what you think

Build:
i7 8700k delidded (not OC yet)
Asus z370 i
Corsair LP3 16GB 3200
500GB Samsung 960 evo
1TB Samsung 850 evo
asetek aio with noctua 92 mm x 14mm
corsair sf600

Wow this actually looks pretty interesting. Maybe future revisions can provide this as a mounting location. I hope in future the USB header is positioned somewhere different (possibly above or next to the power button) so that it doesn't have to be sacrificed for AIO use like this.
 
dglow Both of them got bad bearing noise at low RPM but the Silverstone´s is a bit quieter.

rfarmer ty yeah 1.15 is really nice but i will try testing my water setup with chips they make the 5g around 1.3-1.35 volt to see how the temps with this higher voltages :)

@PcHangover Because i love the Shape and construction of the Dan case and if we are honest then he makes a really really great job at all. N case is nice too but maybe its matter of taste ^^

The silent loop as replacement for the Laing DCC was the best Solution and the flow and noise is more then enough
 
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dglow Both of them got bad bearing noise at low RPM but the Silverstone´s is a bit quieter.

rfarmer ty yeah 1.15 is really nice but i will try testing my water setup with chips they make the 5g around 1.3-1.35 volt to see how the temps with this higher voltages :)

@PcHangover Because i love the Shape and construction of the Dan case and if we are honest then he makes a really really great job at all. N case is nice too but maybe its matter of taste ^^

The silent loop as replacement for the Laing DCC was the best Solution and the flow and noise is more then enough

Cool! Thanks for your input. It is a wonderful case.
 
Can you take more pictures on how you routed the cables?

sldr It's really hard to show it without pulling out the 24pin cable, and after all the times I've reassembled the system I just couldn't bear to do it again. Looking from the motherboard side, I ran the GPU power cables right and up the the right-side of the PSU and the 8-pin around the front of the connectors then down through the little cutout next to the bottom of the ram and through the cutout underneath the motherboard. From the GPU side, I ran the 24pin to the left as tightly as I could through the PSU/Motherboard channel, curled it on itself and connected it, and kinda pushed the twist as much under the motherboard cutout as I could.

I don't know if any of that makes any sense, but here's the best pictures I could take without tearing everything apart again. Hope that helps, or at least gives you a starting point!
 

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I use EVGA 1080 FTW DT, When I doing game, maximum temp is 70C.
Temp is okay, but fan makes a lot of noise. I assume that A4's VGA cooling is good. Because it always gets fresh air. But it spins more than 1700rpm. So it is noisy. PUBG has no BGM, and my g533 headset nearly can't noise isolation.
It makes me annoying. Can you bear a noise by VGA?
 
I use EVGA 1080 FTW DT, When I doing game, maximum temp is 70C.
Temp is okay, but fan makes a lot of noise. I assume that A4's VGA cooling is good. Because it always gets fresh air. But it spins more than 1700rpm. So it is noisy. PUBG has no BGM, and my g533 headset nearly can't noise isolation.
It makes me annoying. Can you bear a noise by VGA?

I run the 1080 Ti FTW3 and the 40mm fan I have cooling my NVME drive is WAY louder than the graphics card.
 
I run the 1080 Ti FTW3 and the 40mm fan I have cooling my NVME drive is WAY louder than the graphics card.
I saw your situation. did you get rid of 2.5inch ssd on upper side? When I got A4, I was installed A4 under desk(using cpu holder). My system throttled soon. A4's holes need be opened I think.
Your 40mm is so small and placed the center of the case which is full of hot air(by the radiator). I think Your NVME need more fresh air. is there no room for A9x14? I can see the screw hole near the nvme heatsink. You can use them. and removing I/O shield is perhaps good.
As I know the motherboard is not good. it has poor VRM capacity and easily get heat.
 
I saw your situation. did you get rid of 2.5inch ssd on upper side? When I got A4, I was installed A4 under desk(using cpu holder). My system throttled soon. A4's holes need be opened I think.
Your 40mm is so small and placed the center of the case which is full of hot air(by the radiator). I think Your NVME need more fresh air. is there no room for A9x14? I can see the screw hole near the nvme heatsink. You can use them. and removing I/O shield is perhaps good.
As I know the motherboard is not good. it has poor VRM capacity and easily get heat.

The SSD is still in the upper side and is working fine. I really don't have any heat issues right now even while heavy gaming and mining. I'd like to fit a bigger fan in there to help with vrm cooling so we'll see how that works out.
 
For anyone interested. Wallye finally released V2 of their Tactik bag that is designed to fit cases like the A4 and a bunch of other stuff:

http://kck.st/2sI88wz

I got the weekender + padding + tkl sleeve

So, I wanted a carrying bag pretty much as slim as I could get it. This bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW1E4CF is <$13 and fits the case AMAZINGLY for the price.

It has some sectional padding I got rid of. Then it has a section at the back which is not able to be removed but it fits without the window panels with it just fine. I am using the window panels so to make it easy, I just cut it off using scissors.

It becomes a very compact fit, some space/compartments at the front can hold small things, maybe a mouse, etc. And I will be placing my 60% keyboard on the top of the case once it's inside.

If someone is interested and needs pics let me know.
 
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So, I wanted a carrying bag pretty much as slim as I could get it. This bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW1E4CF is <$13 and fits the case AMAZINGLY for the price.

It has some sectional padding I got rid of. Then it has a section at the back which is not able to be removed but it fits without the window panels with it just fine. I am using the window panels so to make it easy, I just cut it off using scissors.

It becomes a very compact fit, some space/compartments at the front can hold small things, maybe a mouse, etc. And I will be placing my 60% keyboard on the top of the case once it's inside.

If someone is interested and needs pics let me know.

I'd be interested in some pics.
 
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Here it is, the IMGUR album here: https://imgur.com/a/TafpF has the explanations of what I did and how I use it but it's pretty basic.

Seriously, for $13, it takes the sting off purchasing a case this pricey :whistle:

Link for bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW1E4CF

View attachment 54951 View attachment 54952 View attachment 54953 View attachment 54954 View attachment 54955 View attachment 54956 View attachment 54957 View attachment 54958

Looks good. I just ordered one to see how I like it. If it's good enough I can save a bunch of money from the other bag.
 
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Can I please ask a few of you good folks to review a proposed build / order, for a DAN A4 v2?

I'd be really, hugely grateful for any advice / guidance.

I have needed to save for longer than I care to admit (a few years, sadly) in order to be able to do something like this, so I'd really like to be sure that the parts will fit, and that there aren't any glaring problems with it.

I'm considering ordering the following system:
  • ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I Gaming Motherboard
  • Intel Core i7 8700
  • Noctua NH-L9i Low Profile Intel CPU Cooler
  • SilverStone 550W SFX Power Supply
  • Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2A2666C16 32GB (2x16GB) 2666MHz DDR4
  • Samsung 960 PRO 512GB M.2 (PCIE) SSD
  • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080, 8GB
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Home Retail Pack
Sooo... are there any issues with the above?

I tried to pick Memory on the "small" side - in terms of physical footprint.

Gonna be too hot? I can redo the CPU cooler down the track, if needed - computer store would rather I work with the parts they stock, initially.

If the Strix doesn't fit (but I believe it will) or if it's too loud, or hot or something, I also have the following GPU options, listed from most costly to least costly for me:
  1. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme Edition, 8GB
  2. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Edition, 8GB
  3. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti AMP! Edition, 8GB
  4. ASUS Turbo GeForce GTX 1070, 8GB
  5. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 AMP! Core Edition, 8GB
  6. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1060 OC, 6GB
  7. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 AMP! Edition, 6GB
But... no lower than that, otherwise I'd just have bought a laptop again.

My current machine is a 2010 release N53JQ laptop from ASUS, so this is a huge upgrade for me. But a powerful machine, available at lunchtime at work, has given me a chance to really get into CAD and modeling, which I want to be able to pursue at home... and also do some mind-blowing gaming, of course, like back in my youth.

Again, thanks in advance for any assistance offered.
 
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When will a manufacturer come out with an alternative GPU cooler that takes advantage of the added real estate at top/bottom area when using vertical mounted GFX cards? It could either be pre installed or an aftermarked solution, and it could be specially tailored for the A4, or as a general solutions that should fit all the most popular cases with the Dancase configuration.
 
Can I please ask a few of you good folks to review a proposed build / order, for a DAN A4 v2?

I'd be really, hugely grateful for any advice / guidance.

I have needed to save for longer than I care to admit (a few years, sadly) in order to be able to do something like this, so I'd really like to be sure that the parts will fit, and that there aren't any glaring problems with it.

I'm considering ordering the following system:
  • ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I Gaming Motherboard
  • Intel Core i7 8700
  • Noctua NH-L9i Low Profile Intel CPU Cooler
  • SilverStone 550W SFX Power Supply
  • Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2A2666C16 32GB (2x16GB) 2666MHz DDR4
  • Samsung 960 PRO 512GB M.2 (PCIE) SSD
  • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080, 8GB
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Home Retail Pack
Sooo... are there any issues with the above?

I tried to pick Memory on the "small" side - in terms of physical footprint.

Gonna be too hot? I can redo the CPU cooler down the track, if needed - computer store would rather I work with the parts they stock, initially.

If the Strix doesn't fit (but I believe it will) or if it's too loud, or hot or something, I also have the following GPU options, listed from most costly to least costly for me:
  1. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme Edition, 8GB
  2. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Edition, 8GB
  3. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti AMP! Edition, 8GB
  4. ASUS Turbo GeForce GTX 1070, 8GB
  5. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 AMP! Core Edition, 8GB
  6. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1060 OC, 6GB
  7. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 AMP! Edition, 6GB
But... no lower than that, otherwise I'd just have bought a laptop again.

My current machine is a 2010 release N53JQ laptop from ASUS, so this is a huge upgrade for me. But a powerful machine, available at lunchtime at work, has given me a chance to really get into CAD and modeling, which I want to be able to pursue at home... and also do some mind-blowing gaming, of course, like back in my youth.

Again, thanks in advance for any assistance offered.

It can fit full gpus as long as they are 2 slots. I think the Strix 1080 ti is the only 2.5 slot in the Strix line so 1080 and below will fit in. I'm just not sure the you can cool the 8700 with one fan alone you need to put another 92mm on the drive slot and try to get more airflow.

Edit: my bad sadly strix 1080 would fort but 1070 and below you should have no problems. You can view the 1st page for a complete list of viable gpu's to be sure.
 
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PC-HAngover what are your temps using the AIO compared to an air cooler, any ideas? I have a 7700k (delidded) which hits pretty high temps on a Cryorig C7 if I have the side panels on. If there's a drastic difference in temps I'm just going to bite the bullet and spend the $110+ for the AIO solution.

I also have an EVGA 1080 ti similar to yours (potentially exact) and it gets really loud with side panel on.
 
Please, can anyone with the Asetek Aio answer my question?

Do you use the Fan Above the Radiator with Push (press Air down, outside the case) or pull (pull Air Up inside the case) Direction?
 
Please, can anyone with the Asetek Aio answer my question?

Do you use the Fan Above the Radiator with Push (press Air down, outside the case) or pull (pull Air Up inside the case) Direction?
the one on this page is pull...
 
Please, can anyone with the Asetek Aio answer my question?

Do you use the Fan Above the Radiator with Push (press Air down, outside the case) or pull (pull Air Up inside the case) Direction?

I use pull and that's what Dan did the testing with. I can't compare directly to an air cooler so you'll have to compare to other people's results. I posted my temps a page ago
 
Please, can anyone with the Asetek Aio answer my question?

Do you use the Fan Above the Radiator with Push (press Air down, outside the case) or pull (pull Air Up inside the case) Direction?
I'm using mine above the radiator with a pull configuration (Air into case), no problems so far!
 
Hello all,
I have a dilemma, I have the A4 v2 still in its box and I got the chance to get a good deal for a machine for what I need before opening the box.
Bottom line I don't/won't need any case for a "long" time.
Would someone here be looking/interesting by a v2 black (+ windows) ?
 
dondan any news about those "new", better grip case feet, where and when we can buy them? I'm searching for something better for a while but i can't find anything.

Also an update on my last post, testing done. I was really impressed by the results 3-5°C cooler on idle and 8-10°C load with the fan duct vs without. I don't know why it's cooler with the 3D printed duct vs the paper one, maybe because it's a bit larger and covers >80% of the motherboard?
Anyway, here are some pictures:
qEdHi0Ib.png
8djiRVQm.jpg

5GZmSEfm.jpg
khj6NQqm.jpg
Q6XEY4im.jpg
Any chance you could share the files for your duct? Would be a huge help.
 
I
Please, can anyone with the Asetek Aio answer my question?

Do you use the Fan Above the Radiator with Push (press Air down, outside the case) or pull (pull Air Up inside the case) Direction?

I tried push and pull. The problem with push is it puts the tubes into really tight bends as it's right up against the PSU. The CPU temps were a 1-2 C cooler from my brief experience but I wouldn't recommend it.
 
To pre-order a A4-SFXv3 on SFFClub and sell the v2 or not ...... I want to but bying all three versions of the A4-SFX is a bit too much, even for me.
 
I


I tried push and pull. The problem with push is it puts the tubes into really tight bends as it's right up against the PSU. The CPU temps were a 1-2 C cooler from my brief experience but I wouldn't recommend it.

No, you are disunderstanding me! I'm using the noctua allways on top of the Radiator (all direct under the psu with it's cables). My question is about the air-direction of the noctua.

push/downwards: (pressing air from the case down)
pull/upwards: (taking air from below the case to the inside of the case - and directly into the cables of the psu)

I'm knowing: upwards is the ideal way for the air, but I'm thinking about the heated air in the case. The AIO is heating the psu-cables directly and the formerly splittet case (cpu & gpu section) is not splitted anymore in pull-direction of the fan.

As I see, the most users are using the pull-direction (upwards).
 

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Do any of the following cards not fit in the Dan A4 v2?

Or, which do fit?

I'm primarily interested in the Strix 1080, I think.
  • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080, 8GB
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme Edition, 8GB
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP! Edition, 8GB
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti AMP! Edition, 8GB
  • ASUS Turbo GeForce GTX 1070, 8GB
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 AMP! Core Edition, 8GB
  • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1060 OC, 6GB
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 AMP! Edition, 6GB
It seems like the measurements given online are too close to make a call - so... better, I thought, for someone to confirm that they do / don't fit, based on their real-world experience.
 
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