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

I don't see them on SFFLAB anymore. If you google for Lian Li toolless clip, or Lian Li front panel clips, you may find it on some other online stores (performance pc, overclockers in uk, ebay, etc)
 
Thanks man, depending on if dondan RMA process works or not I might have to try those 3d printed ones

It's just fastening clips, RMA seems a very overkill process. Let alone bothering to reach Dan for this.
I broke one of these clips trying to pry it out of my Ncase because of space needed for a tall Gfx card.

5 clip sets in stock at overclockers (female side should fit).
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/lian-li-pt-jt03-front-panel-clip-kit-ca-738-ll.html

www.Caseking.de also has them.
 
Well you know an extra set of clips would have prevented this. It's not like they cost a lot and I wouldn't have minded paying 5cent more per clips in my original order but I digress...
 
It's just fastening clips, RMA seems a very overkill process. Let alone bothering to reach Dan for this.
I broke one of these clips trying to pry it out of my Ncase because of space needed for a tall Gfx card.

5 clip sets in stock at overclockers (female side should fit).
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/lian-li-pt-jt03-front-panel-clip-kit-ca-738-ll.html

www.Caseking.de also has them.
Although I agree of the RMA being a bit overkill, dondan linked him the rma page of his website in response to his question about the clips.
 
I have some concerns regarding compatibility, thought you guys would know better than anyone how to answer them.
I have an A4-SFX v2 I got from Kickstarter but have yet to build anything in.
I looked at the Z390 Mini-ITX motherboard options available, and I noticed they all have heatsinks rather close to the CPU socket. Will that be a problem with the Cooltek LP53, considering the heatpipes that protrude from it? How much clearance is there really for the CPU heatsink on motherboards like the Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wifi and the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming? The ASUS looks like it might be problematic seeing as it has heatsinks on 3 sides of the CPU socket, and RAM on the 4th side. But maybe the heatpipes on the Cooltek LP53 will clear the RAM, or one of the heatsinks as they are not all the same height?
Looking at the features of the available Z390 Mini-ITX boards those two are my top choices, but I would prefer the ASUS if it will fit the Cooltek LP53.

The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX is also an option, but I don't like the design of it, and comparing it with the Gigabyte visually (by overlaying images of both on eachother) it looks to have the heatsinks positioned the exact same distance away from the CPU socket, so it likely wouldn't offer any better compatibility with CPU coolers. I guess there is some sort of standard for minimum clearance that I'm not aware of. The ASUS definitely appears to have larger heatsinks though.

Also, what are the exact dimensions of the Cooltek LP53 including the heatpipes?

As you might be able to tell, this is my first SFF build, and I want to make sure I don't order the wrong parts and end up having to return them because they won't fit together..

Hi guys here are all changes for A4-SFX v4

- ADT 185mm PCIe x16 gen 3 riser
- USB 3.0 Typ-C to 20pin intrnal header (90% confirmed)
- changed to the drive bay so it will support 15mm thick drives
- added thread for easy installation of custom window kits
- adding 92mm fan support under the motherboard
- lifting up motherboard for better bottom fan clearance
- the 120mm AIO bracket will not be included and an optional part on SFFLab

View attachment 131127

View attachment 131128

View attachment 131129

View attachment 131130

View attachment 131131

With best regards
Daniel
Does the v2 not support 15mm drives in the drive bay? Or is that only an issue with v3? When I backed the v2 Kickstarter, it said that it did, and that is a pretty big deal to me as internal storage options are limited otherwise with the biggest standard 2.5" drives being 2TB.
 
Hello All. I want to do a new build with Dan's case. I am planing to use EVGA 2080TI Hybrid. I want to know if I can also use 92mm AiO for the CPU. Please, can anyone who has installed 120mm AiO on Motherboard Side see if there is enough clearance to install 92mm AiO.
Pictures or diagrams would be nice and helpful! Please.


Thank You Very Much!
 
I have some concerns regarding compatibility, thought you guys would know better than anyone how to answer them.
I have an A4-SFX v2 I got from Kickstarter but have yet to build anything in.

Also, what are the exact dimensions of the Cooltek LP53 including the heatpipes?

As you might be able to tell, this is my first SFF build, and I want to make sure I don't order the wrong parts and end up having to return them because they won't fit together..


This should help. All measurements are eyeballed in-case, and may be off by a mm or two.

myLP-53.jpg
 
This is cute and all, but I just don't understand why everyone is freaking out about tiny cases. Just put the Full Tower on the floor where it belongs, and it doesn't take up any desk space. Size is suddenly not an issue, you haven't given up any of the expansion options you do with a tiny case, and you can use massive quiet cooling, if you so please.
 
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This is cute and all, but I just don't understand why everyone is freaking out about tiny cases. Just put the Full Tower on the floor where it belongs, and it doesn't take up any deks space. Size is suddenly not an issue, you haven't given up any of the expansion options you do with a tiny case, and you can use massive quiet cooling, if you so please.

I completely agree. It's really tricky fitting a troll-shaped case on top of a desk. :android:
 
This is cute and all, but I just don't understand why everyone is freaking out about tiny cases. Just put the Full Tower on the floor where it belongs, and it doesn't take up any desk space. Size is suddenly not an issue, you haven't given up any of the expansion options you do with a tiny case, and you can use massive quiet cooling, if you so please.
But. But... Small form factor is a way of life!
 
This is cute and all, but I just don't understand why everyone is freaking out about tiny cases. Just put the Full Tower on the floor where it belongs, and it doesn't take up any desk space. Size is suddenly not an issue, you haven't given up any of the expansion options you do with a tiny case, and you can use massive quiet cooling, if you so please.

And when you want to go to a LAN or take it on a trip and throw it in a backpack, oh wait you can't do that with full tower.
 
See the last item in the Noctua FAQ for NH-L12S. It has to do with gravity working against the wicking action in the heat pipes.

Hmm, I see. I've read others cite a supposed airflow benefit to a vertical orientation for the fins, but I couldn't achieve that orientation with this motherboard.

What you shared is the first heat pipe orientation advice I've seen from a manufacturer. I wish Cooltek said the same. Let me see if the pipes will clear the VRM board on the bottom.

Thanks!
 
It will not fit because it is more than 2 Slots.

Hello Dan. I want to do a new build with your case. I am planing to use EVGA 2080TI Hybrid. I want to know if I can also use 92mm AiO for the CPU when I install 120mm AiO on Motherboard Side.


Thank You
 
This is cute and all, but I just don't understand why everyone is freaking out about tiny cases. Just put the Full Tower on the floor where it belongs, and it doesn't take up any desk space. Size is suddenly not an issue, you haven't given up any of the expansion options you do with a tiny case, and you can use massive quiet cooling, if you so please.

Gr8 b8 m8

Though really, it's portability. Maybe we can't fit big ass coolers or such to push high spec components to the limit but we can still use i7s and the best GPUs, just in a pretty metal shoebox that we can take just about anywhere. I backpacked my A4-SFX, keyboard and mouse, keyboard wrist rest, a 15 inch HDMI monitor, a PS4 controller, my wireless headset and all of the required cables just the other week on foot and was set up again at my destination in about 10 minutes tops. And I didn't break my back doing so
 

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Gr8 b8 m8

Though really, it's portability. Maybe we can't fit big ass coolers or such to push high spec components to the limit but we can still use i7s and the best GPUs, just in a pretty metal shoebox that we can take just about anywhere. I backpacked my A4-SFX, keyboard and mouse, keyboard wrist rest, a 15 inch HDMI monitor, a PS4 controller, my wireless headset and all of the required cables just the other week on foot and was set up again at my destination in about 10 minutes tops. And I didn't break my back doing so


Not bait. I was genuinely curious, and did not understand the appeal. I asked the question, and you answered it.

I have never once in my life wished that my PC build were more portable. I have never had the desire to go anywhere with it. At least not since the days of null-modem cable multiplayer gaming in the early to mid 90's. and I didn't realize people did this. The need for portability in a desktop had never even crossed my mind.

My builds plunk down under my desk and apart from when I move every 5 years or so on average, it never moves.

So - while this may not be the best place for this question - I am still curious. What do you do that results in a need for portability?
 
No worries mate, I'm not miffed or anything. I saw others pointed out the weird juxtaposition hence why someone would think bait x)

My use case and I guess concept revolves around how long I'm going somewhere and amusement requirements. I've got the little guns for average days out (PSP Go in pocket, handheld Switch in shoulder bag), the medium guns for staying somewhere with guests (Switch with dock and accessories in messenger bag) and the A4-SFX is my big gun, when I'm staying somewhere for few days and need to be able to take care of things that would be just plain awkward on a phone screen, while having an arsenal of modern games and upscaled emulators running at rock solid 60 FPS.
 
.

So - while this may not be the best place for this question - I am still curious. What do you do that results in a need for portability?

I work from home, but that gets boring, so I often take my PC to a mates place, & go to the office a couple of times a week (each of these locations have a monitor, network and power cables waiting for me). I do a lot of work with cad and solid works, which necessitates a pretty beefy machine, I could have gone for a laptop, but I dislike their upgradeability, they tend to be hot and noisy & heavy with the specs I want too.

Finally I like building / tinkering with my PC, so having a laptop would cost me hobby time.
 
Not bait. I was genuinely curious, and did not understand the appeal. I asked the question, and you answered it.

I have never once in my life wished that my PC build were more portable. I have never had the desire to go anywhere with it. At least not since the days of null-modem cable multiplayer gaming in the early to mid 90's. and I didn't realize people did this. The need for portability in a desktop had never even crossed my mind.

My builds plunk down under my desk and apart from when I move every 5 years or so on average, it never moves.

So - while this may not be the best place for this question - I am still curious. What do you do that results in a need for portability?

Some people do not need desktops, some people don't play games, some people don't need 32GB of ram let alone 64GB. Taking a desktop around is heavily centered around lifestyle choices and situations. Asking why someone would take a desktop around is like asking why someone would play games or need 64GB of ram. In the end you'll up up explaining very specific and personal situations of why you do what you do that people wouldn't understand because they've never been in those situations.
 
Not bait. I was genuinely curious, and did not understand the appeal. I asked the question, and you answered it.

I have never once in my life wished that my PC build were more portable. I have never had the desire to go anywhere with it. At least not since the days of null-modem cable multiplayer gaming in the early to mid 90's. and I didn't realize people did this. The need for portability in a desktop had never even crossed my mind.

My builds plunk down under my desk and apart from when I move every 5 years or so on average, it never moves.

So - while this may not be the best place for this question - I am still curious. What do you do that results in a need for portability?

It's not just portability. Not everyone wants a huge monster computer on the floor. I certainly do not. I like having a small sleek looking machine that is unobtrusive and/or blends in with other consumer hardware, but that I still like the looks of if I do see it or want to put it somewhere it can be seen. I also value minimalist sleek design and you see that more in small cases. The A4 for example is a beautiful looking case. Way too many large towers are ugly monstrosities. There are some good ones but they are a minority.
 
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I accidently ripped out two of the four clips that hold the side Panel in place - is there any place where I can order new ones to replace that?
 
I think an extra-THICC A4 would be great, now that high end video cards are 3 slots. But it's not a priority because it's easy to get 2 slot cards.

Dan makes such a good product because he believes in limits. He could make a bigger case that fits more stuff... but that would be a different case than this one ;)
 
I think an extra-THICC A4 would be great, now that high end video cards are 3 slots. But it's not a priority because it's easy to get 2 slot cards.

Dan makes such a good product because he believes in limits. He could make a bigger case that fits more stuff... but that would be a different case than this one ;)
IMO the M1 is perfect for a 3 slot card

For me the A4 is more straightforward with less options but smaller. The M1 is bigger with more wiggle room
 
Not bait. I was genuinely curious, and did not understand the appeal. I asked the question, and you answered it.

I have never once in my life wished that my PC build were more portable. I have never had the desire to go anywhere with it. At least not since the days of null-modem cable multiplayer gaming in the early to mid 90's. and I didn't realize people did this. The need for portability in a desktop had never even crossed my mind.

My builds plunk down under my desk and apart from when I move every 5 years or so on average, it never moves.

So - while this may not be the best place for this question - I am still curious. What do you do that results in a need for portability?
I understand that and some of us like having both a big ass rig and a portable power house for lan gaming.
 
This should help. All measurements are eyeballed in-case, and may be off by a mm or two.

View attachment 143477
Thanks. Based on that picture it looks like the heaetpipes would not clear the RAM, so that ASUS motherboard likely wouldn't fit it. The heatsinks on the ASUS are pretty chunky and close up to the CPU area. The Cooltek is really utilizing all the available space, which is good for cooling, but kind of makes putting a build together a hassle, which I hadn't considered. I think the Gigabyte is probably my best bet, but I heard their BIOS is awful. The Z370 motherboards seem like they are more compatible overall, with smaller/fewer heatsinks, but I don't have a CPU to put in it should it require a firmware update for the 9xxx series CPUs to work.
 
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