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

I need to get my DAN v2 open again, and try to work out a way to cram another Noctua fan towards the top of the case, as well as a second fan at the bottom, below the mobo.

I'm sure some ducting for the CPU cooler could help performance, too.

Because I have a blower card, I'm thinking some ducting on the GPU could help it too, but there's not much room for it.

If this doesn't work, then I guess I'm hoping v4 of the DAN gives us enough room for a fan both below, and also above, the CPU / mobo.
 
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I need to get my DAN v2 open again, and try to work out a way to cram another Noctua fan towards the top of the case, as well as a second fan at the bottom, below the mobo.

I'm sure some ducting for the CPU cooler could help performance, too.

Because I have a blower card, I'm thinking some ducting on the GPU could help it too, but there's not much room for it.

If this doesn't work, then I guess I'm hoping v4 of the DAN gives us enough room for a fan both below, and also above, the CPU / mobo.

You should be able to use the Akasa 80mm slim fan (AK-FN076) both on top or bottom :) Noctua is to thick.
 
I need to get my DAN v2 open again, and try to work out a way to cram another Noctua fan towards the top of the case, as well as a second fan at the bottom, below the mobo.

I'm sure some ducting for the CPU cooler could help performance, too.

Because I have a blower card, I'm thinking some ducting on the GPU could help it too, but there's not much room for it.

If this doesn't work, then I guess I'm hoping v4 of the DAN gives us enough room for a fan both below, and also above, the CPU / mobo.

I found that the case fan at the bottom towards the front actually made a good difference for the mobo and CPU temps. I saw an 8 deg C improvement on average during a full load test. The trick was using good cable management with it. ;)
 
You should be able to use the Akasa 80mm slim fan (AK-FN076) both on top or bottom :) Noctua is to thick.
I installed this fan at the top of the case. Even with a Noctua low noise adaptor it's way noiser than the Noctua fan. Very noticeable at idle. I didn't see much if any temperature difference when running Prime 95 so removed it after a couple of days. I would have removed it anyway as it was way too noisy.
 
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Great news for every v2 owner. In the next days SFFLab will offer a USB 3.0 v3 upgrade kit. With this cable you can use a Asetek 92mm AIO together with front I/O installed.

https://www.sfflab.com/products/dan_a4_cable_usb
 
It's about to get a lot more exciting for my build. Should go great with my solid copper CPU heatsink (gallery in signature). Here's a preview, I just got it in the mail.

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no problem fitting the top right panel clip?
I'll install mine in 2 or 3 days
Kingpin Bros! Nice.
I removed the top right one for the install and then when the card was mounted and bolted I put it back in. The card and the clip are in contact but it's not a problem. There is a long rectangle gap to route the power cables that you will need to enlarge in the internal front panel unless you can find some right angle power connectors or some low profile ones. Enjoy man!
 
I don't have hard numbers but it's audible while gaming and pretty silent while working on the PC. On the benchmarks it's a symphony of coilwhine and turbines. LOL! i exagerate but with heaphone I dont hear it. It never thermal throttles. 4.4ghz CPU stays Bellow 80 and gpu 2000mhz Bellow 70 in all my quick benchmarks. Didn't try much overcoming the gpu yet but I got to 2050mhz at 70%fan speed.
 
Just bought the parts for my build in the V2.

Looking forward to it.

Feel free if anyone has any comments or feedback on my part list. GPU is a 1050Ti Palit at the moment, but i'll replace it with the 2060 when it's out. 950 Pro 512 m2 and 960 1Tb SSD also joins the parts list. All paired with a S2716DG Dell Monitor :)

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Just bought the parts for my build in the V2.

Looking forward to it.

Feel free if anyone has any comments or feedback on my part list. GPU is a 1050Ti Palit at the moment, but i'll replace it with the 2060 when it's out. 950 Pro 512 m2 and 960 1Tb SSD also joins the parts list. All paired with a S2716DG Dell Monitor :)

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Maybe check the tested ram list for your motherboard. Its more likely to work well with minimal effort. You should find the list on the Asus website.
 
Built!

Really easy getting all the parts into the board. Love the m.2 Heatsink. Under stress test it only got to 58c

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Then the hard part started! Getting the PSU cables in

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Though I've got to say the bending of the GPU cable into the socket was very hard, in hindsight i would suggest you connect it before you screw the board in.

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I opted for a "curl" versus "fold" for cable management. I can't believe you you're all getting AIO's or even case fans into that space, it's madness how small and tight it all is.

Then it was all done, in only 90mins or building..

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Temps so far are:

Ryzen 5 2600 idles at 50c with 1000-1200rpm on the noctua fan
1050ti idle is 40c
M.2 is 45c idle or thereabouts.

Under gaming, ( I dont really play AAA titles) the fans spin up a bit, but nothing too troublesome. All in all, in general use, the thing is silent, and I love it!

If anyone has any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks Dan
 
Here is the RTX 2080 & RTX 2080 Ti compatibility list:

RTX 2080 Ti Cards:

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition = compatible

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Advanced = incompatible (3 Slot)
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 2080 Ti OC = incompatible (2.5 Slot)
ASUS Turbo GeForce RTX 2080 Ti = compatible

EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XC Gaming = compatible
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra Gaming = incompatible (3 Slot)

Gainward GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Phoenix GS = incompatible (3 Slot)
Gainward GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Phoenix = incompatible (3 Slot)

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming OC 11G = incompatible (2.5 Slot)
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Windforce OC 11G = compatible

INNO3D GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming OC X3 = compatible
INNO3D GeForce RTX 2080 Ti X2 OC = compatible

KFA² GeForce RTX 2080 Ti OC = compatible

MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Duke 11G OC = incompatible (2.5 Slot)
MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming X Trio = incompatible (3 Slot)

Palit GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GamingPro OC = incompatible (3 Slot)
Palit GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GamingPro = incompatible (3 Slot)

PNY GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Blower Design = compatible
PNY GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XLR8 Gaming Overclocked = compatible

Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 Ti AMP Edition = incompatible (3 Slot)
Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Triple Fan = incompatible (3 Slot)



RTX 2080 Cards:

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition = compatible

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 2080 OC = incompatible (3 Slot)
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2080 OC = incompatible (2 Slot)

EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 XC Gaming = compatible
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 XC Ultra Gaming = incompatible (3 Slot)

Gainward GeForce RTX 2080 Phoenix GS = compatible
Gainward GeForce RTX 2080 Phoenix = compatible

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Gaming OC 8G = incompatible (2.5 Slot)
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Windforce OC 8G = compatible

INNO3D GeForce RTX 2080 Gaming OC X3 = compatible
INNO3D GeForce RTX 2080 Jet = compatible
INNO3D GeForce RTX 2080 X2 OC = compatible

KFA² GeForce RTX 2080 OC = compatible

MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Duke 8G OC = incompatible (2.5 Slot)
MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Gaming X Trio = incompatible (3 Slot)
MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Sea Hawk X = unknow
MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ventus 8G OC = unknow

Palit GeForce RTX 2080 GamingPro OC = compatible
Palit GeForce RTX 2080 GamingPro = compatible

PNY GeForce RTX 2080 Blower Design = compatible
PNY GeForce RTX 2080 XLR8 Gaming OC Triple Fan = compatible
PNY GeForce RTX 2080 XLR8 Gaming OC Twin Fan = compatible

Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 AMP Edition = incompatible (3 Slot)
Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 Blower = compatible
 
Hey all, I've been looking around and getting mixed reports, so I figured I'd just come here to ask:

I'm trying to put together a rig that will run a 2700x in the CPU and a 1080Ti in the GPU in the Dancase. I've heard that the FTW3 runs pretty well in this case, it has good cooling capabilities, but I'm worried about the 2700x. TDW of 105 is a bit high for such a small form factor case it sounds like.

My goal is to just use air cooling, like the noctua nh-l9a, as I don't think AIO will work super well with the FTW3. To help, I don't plan on overclocking anything, and looking at dan's advice in the quoted post, lowering the voltage will probably help. I wouldn't be doing anything crazy, just gaming and some VR eventually.

Most of the builds I see in this case are intel, so I'm not getting a ton of help there. Does anyone have any feedback for keeping the 2700x relatively cool in this case? For CPU coolers that dan mentioned, is the LP53 a good idea for AMD over the noctua?

Thanks in advance
I got the 2700X in my build, it definitely is throttling on synthetic load (down to 3.5 for me), but I never had this while rendering or gaming, so it doesn't affect me that much - as CknSalad said, you'll be around 3.8GHz with it, if using the Cryorig C7 - which is pretty loud tho.

I personally am moving forward to Dans new C4 case, as soon as it gets released, to stuff a watercooler in.
 
I got the 2700X in my build, it definitely is throttling on synthetic load (down to 3.5 for me), but I never had this while rendering or gaming, so it doesn't affect me that much - as CknSalad said, you'll be around 3.8GHz with it, if using the Cryorig C7 - which is pretty loud tho.

I personally am moving forward to Dans new C4 case, as soon as it gets released, to stuff a watercooler in.
Maybe wait and see what the Alpenföhn® Black Ridge turns out like? It is fun to rebuild in a new case though...
 
I got the 2700X in my build, it definitely is throttling on synthetic load (down to 3.5 for me), but I never had this while rendering or gaming, so it doesn't affect me that much - as CknSalad said, you'll be around 3.8GHz with it, if using the Cryorig C7 - which is pretty loud tho.

I personally am moving forward to Dans new C4 case, as soon as it gets released, to stuff a watercooler in.

Yeah, after looking at a bunch of sources, I have decided to go with the 2700. You're looking at 15 to 20C temp differences for about 10% less performance, but the 2700 still gives you a lot of power for casual gaming. Who cares if you're at 120+ fps instead of 140?
 
Here is the RTX 2080 & RTX 2080 Ti compatibility list:

RTX 2080 Cards:

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition = compatible

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 2080 OC = incompatible (3 Slot)
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2080 OC = incompatible (2 Slot)

Dan, doesn't ASUS make a 2080 version of the Turbo GeForce that would fit the A4?
 
Just wanted to drop some install notes before I forget for anyone interested in using either the HDPlex PSU or the NZXT M22 120mm AIO in the Dan case v3.

- This AIO (M22) is not on Dan's supported AIO list, but if you use a 120x15mm fan you're fine. The CPU block is exactly 48mm tall, the rad about 32mm. I think you have around 52mm of possible clearance.

- If you install in pull config (presumably for acoustics/to avoid turbulence/because you don't know about screws like me) AND you want the HDPlex, you can keep the front USB but it's a little tricky.

- The HDPlex seems to only have one accessible screw mount. I may be missing it because I've already mounted my SSD to the front panel. 3M tape neatly solves this. (dondan corrected me, there are 4 standoffs for mounting)

- You are losing some GPU space with the HDPlex, so if you've somehow fit a kingpin in the v2, I'm uh...sorry for your loss?

- If you installed the radiator with the tubes on the top, I think you could also the 92mm fan beneath it. I think it might vary between AIOs.

I'm still working on the case, and I'll provide my notes on cable management and hopefully thermals tomorrow.

Hi... Can you tell if the aio fits with the sfx psu? Thanks
 
kraken m22 can fit, but you must use 120mm slim fan like scyhte fan slim or noctua slim fan 15mm. another aio have a problem about tubing, its so short around 30-32 cm.
 
kraken m22 can fit, but you must use 120mm slim fan like scyhte fan slim or noctua slim fan 15mm. another aio have a problem about tubing, its so short around 30-32 cm.
I am asking because the aio as 32 or 33mm tickness... Plus 15mm or 12 for the fan could not fit...
 
Guys, anyone in Germany with custom cables? I'm looking for some advice of where to buy those
 
Tip: don't get the M22. Get the rosewill version which had a slimmer cpu block.

Here is mine with the rosewill PB120. Using a thermalright fan to cool the motherboard area. 65C gaming run on 2600X.

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Is a pain to install. Had to remove the PCIE riser board. I recommend Dancase shave off 2mm for the middle board to make it easier for these types of builds.
 
Any air cooler better than Noctua - NH-L9a-AM4?
Do I need to worry about ram sticks with too tall heatsinks on them?


My setup is
dan a4v2
ryzen 5 2600
MSI - B450I GAMING PLUS AC
corsair sf 600w
two 2.5 inch storage devices
some ancient 770gtx for the moment
maybe G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 (rather have corsair lpx but this is cheaper)

Nothing better than the Noctua for air cooling. Consider making some kind of shroud for the cooler so that it is restricted to only taking in cool air.
 
I'm attempting my first iteration of a Dan v2 build. I'm currently trying to decide between a 2080 ti blower card (Nvidia Founders or Asus Turbo edition) vs an open 3 fan model (PNY XLR8). Which should I get for best temps given our case and fan configuration.

Also how should one configure the CPU fan. It should blow down into the CPU heatsink or up and away? I have a noctua L9i.

The only other fan in the case right now is the PSU fan (Corsair SF600) and a 92mm fan (Artic F9) mounted at the bottom where the AIO would be.

This will be my system that I'll be taking with me on my month long rotations into South East Asia where ambient temps are 88-96 degrees F.

ASUS ROG Strix Z370-i Gaming
i7-8700
G.Skill TridentZ RGB 16GB
Samsung 970 PRO 1TB NVMe M.2
Corsair SF600
Noctua NH-L9I
 
I'm attempting my first iteration of a Dan v2 build. I'm currently trying to decide between a 2080 ti blower card (Nvidia Founders or Asus Turbo edition) vs an open 3 fan model (PNY XLR8). Which should I get for best temps given our case and fan configuration.

Also how should one configure the CPU fan. It should blow down into the CPU heatsink or up and away? I have a noctua L9i.

The only other fan in the case right now is the PSU fan (Corsair SF600) and a 92mm fan (Artic F9) mounted at the bottom where the AIO would be.

This will be my system that I'll be taking with me on my month long rotations into South East Asia where ambient temps are 88-96 degrees F.

ASUS ROG Strix Z370-i Gaming
i7-8700
G.Skill TridentZ RGB 16GB
Samsung 970 PRO 1TB NVMe M.2
Corsair SF600
Noctua NH-L9I

No one is ever happy with blowers. Everything should blow inwards.
 
Nothing better than the Noctua for air cooling. Consider making some kind of shroud for the cooler so that it is restricted to only taking in cool air.

What kind of shroud? Something 'boxing' the fan on all sides bar top and bottom, or a plate mounted on top of the fan?
 
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