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

Jdbye said:
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.
Click to expand...

The pipes do clear the RAM when the curves are pointed to 9:00. I avoided this orientation at first because one of the heatpipe stubs blocks a fan header, but decided to work around this given Engr62's advice above.

myLP-53.take2.jpg



If those stubs clear that trapezoid-like structure on the Strix Z390-I this could work for you.

Strix-Z390-I.jpg
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
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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It costs you $0 to not be like this.
 
dglow said:
The pipes do clear the RAM when the curves are pointed to 9:00. I avoided this orientation at first because one of the heatpipe stubs blocks a fan header, but decided to work around this given Engr62's advice above.

View attachment 145919


If those stubs clear that trapezoid-like structure on the Strix Z390-I this could work for you.

View attachment 145920
Click to expand...
Thanks, you have no idea how helpful that information is.

That trapezoid stub is thin and seems designed so that a CPU cooler can fit over it, I don't think it would pose a problem as long as the cooler doesn't collide with the bigger part of the I/O cover/heatsink itself, since unlike most other motherboards it can't be easily removed. The heatsinks along with the I/O cover are one solid piece.
Removing the top of the m.2 heatsink might also give enough clearance for the pipes to fit in that direction. From what I heard the top piece doesn't do much anyway, it's just a solid piece of metal.

I have a feeling that it might get so crowded in the A4-SFX with that mobo and cooler that it looks silly though. Even if it fits and I like the aesthetic of it (which I do), it might not look great in that case. Then again maybe the heatsinks don't look as bulky in the A4-SFX as I'm imagining them.
 
Jdbye said:
Thanks, you have no idea how helpful that information is.
Click to expand...
Great, glad to hear it.

Removing the top of the m.2 heatsink might also give enough clearance for the pipes to fit in that direction.
Click to expand...
Okay, but read upthread a bit. Apparently orienting the heatpipe curves at 12:00 reduces cooling performance.

I have a feeling that it might get so crowded in the A4-SFX with that mobo and cooler that it looks silly though. Even if it fits and I like the aesthetic of it (which I do), it might not look great in that case. Then again maybe the heatsinks don't look as bulky in the A4-SFX as I'm imagining them.
Click to expand...
Honestly, after mounting the fan you won't see much of the heatsink anyway, especially if you use a fan shroud. Which, by the way, I highly recommend for the A4.
 
It seems to me that the top-tier GPUs can no longer fit inside the Dan anymore, given thickness of RTX cards.

Or compatibility is just a little more difficult, now.

I think I'd need to buy a Zotac rather than an Asus card.

Does anyone know if the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 AMP Edition 8GB would fit in the Dan?

Or what about the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 OC Mini 8GB instead? (The mini weirdly seems to be thicker than the AMP version.)

It seems to me that the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2060 OC Edition 6GB wouldn't fit.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
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?
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I don't need portability, however as I rent it's nice being able to throw it in a small box and move it when I need to. Also previously my reason for downsizing is when I was living at home (with my parents), I had quite a small room, so had limited space in that regard. A smaller, more compact system was easier to manage. And my carpet was terrible, so keeping something on the desk rather than on the floor was better for dust management too(I went mATX > ATX > mATX to my ITX), so it's not like I've not trialled larger towers!) Also I just like the look! Nowadays, I just have no reason to go big. Small works, I don't need any expansion PCIE slots, I use an External USB DAC, 16GB of RAM is plenty, has all the I/O I need. The 'only' challenge is cooling I suppose, but I don't have a particularly extreme machine so it's mostly a non-issue for me.
 
oblongpolygon said:
It seems to me that the top-tier GPUs can no longer fit inside the Dan anymore, given thickness of RTX cards.

Or compatibility is just a little more difficult, now.

I think I'd need to buy a Zotac rather than an Asus card.

Does anyone know if the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 AMP Edition 8GB would fit in the Dan?

Or what about the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 OC Mini 8GB instead? (The mini weirdly seems to be thicker than the AMP version.)

It seems to me that the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2060 OC Edition 6GB wouldn't fit.
Click to expand...
What this about it not fittting top tier GPUs? My 2080Ti FE fits inside the Dan A4 just fine. Now, if you are talking about 3rd party cards more thick than 2 slot, sure, but that’s always been the case since the Dan A4 was release.
 
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Hello!

After one year using the case, I'm really happy with my purchase.

Now, I want to know if I can get rid of a source of noise, and replace my SF450 with a smaller PSU + external brick.

This is what's in my case: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/KwZJxG - I'm not overclocking anything, neither do I plan to (if anything I wonder if switching to a 8400k would be a wise move).

Would a HDPlex 400 work fine with those components, especially during gaming sessions?
Bonus question: any pics of such a setup?
 
michel v said:
Hello!

After one year using the case, I'm really happy with my purchase.

Now, I want to know if I can get rid of a source of noise, and replace my SF450 with a smaller PSU + external brick.

This is what's in my case: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/KwZJxG - I'm not overclocking anything, neither do I plan to (if anything I wonder if switching to a 8400k would be a wise move).

Would a HDPlex 400 work fine with those components, especially during gaming sessions?
Bonus question: any pics of such a setup?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't downgrade to a 8400 (non k, doesn't have a K Sku). Just undervolt/clock your 8600k if you feel it's getting too toasty, but I imagine at stock speeds it should be fine.

PSU would be fine for your components. What PSU are you using? Corsair SF450 or Silverstone, etc? What's noisy about it? Your machine shouldn't really be hitting over 250w~ much.
 
RedSawn said:
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
Click to expand...

Same for me and I've been looking for a case to do just that! The photography cases I've looked for are just too large though, what are you using as a case?
 
irbab00n said:
Same for me and I've been looking for a case to do just that! The photography cases I've looked for are just too large though, what are you using as a case?
Click to expand...

I've got the WALLYE Tactik v2 dufflebag, another Kickstarter story
 
Just finished my build with my V1 (buyed on kickstarter and never used), and i have to say thanks Dan this case is a beauty. Ryzen 2600 with rtx 2060 and i can play in VR with it ( the heaset is almost as big them the case lol).
 

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Will the v4 come to overclockers? And is that the v4 on sff lab already because it says v4 on the listing but then it shows images of one of the previous versions without the usb c on the front?
 
DanielOS96 Yes it will come to overclockers in May. On SFFLab they started preorder for v4. They will get the new pictures on weekend so they can update the page.
 
My case gots very warm. With removed side part, it is much better now, noticeable by lower fan noise. For this reason, I wanted to improve the airflow and edited a side panel with my Dremel. This works very well. My plan was actually to fine-tune the mesh, but somehow I like it the way it is now.....
 

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makenick said:
My case gots very warm. With removed side part, it is much better now, noticeable by lower fan noise. For this reason, I wanted to improve the airflow and edited a side panel with my Dremel. This works very well. My plan was actually to fine-tune the mesh, but somehow I like it the way it is now.....
Click to expand...
Pretty nice :) How are temps now?
 
makenick said:
My case gots very warm. With removed side part, it is much better now, noticeable by lower fan noise. For this reason, I wanted to improve the airflow and edited a side panel with my Dremel. This works very well. My plan was actually to fine-tune the mesh, but somehow I like it the way it is now.....
Click to expand...

Nice Dremel grill
 
Here is a step by step guide on how to build a silent Dan A4 SFX system. If you are tired of your case sounding like a jet engine then this is the video for you. I have also ordered a fan shroud and may post the before and after thermals if it helps cool the system down further. Enjoy.

 
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ReaperX22 said:
PSU would be fine for your components. What PSU are you using? Corsair SF450 or Silverstone, etc? What's noisy about it? Your machine shouldn't really be hitting over 250w~ much.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm currently using an SF450, and it's fine. Could be that I exaggerate the noise, when really it's all the GPU's fault. :)
 
Hello!

I want to change GPU in my v2, and go AMD with a Vega 56 or 64.

Is there a compatibility list somewhere?
Thanks in advance.

(I have searched on the forum and came up empty handed.)
 
Narrowing down the perfect board for an 8400 and a Dan Case v4.

I'm hoping to find a board with a front m.2 and a Gen 2 front connector.

There's the Asus Z370/390 boards but it seems a bit weird to buy a Z board for a locked processor.

Anyone got any tips for a H board that has my two limitations?
 
Hello everybody, I am not exactly new to the Dan Case. I actually ordered the v2 back in 2017 and got it but never built in it. So actually on this note, if anybody wants an open box but never built in Dan Case v2, I am trying to sell it. Anyways, I am parting out a newer build in the v4 of the Dan Case.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LrGCYT

Do all the parts here look compatible and if not, any suggestions? I decided not to build in the v2 due to the lack of compatibility between the v2 and the Asetek AIO. But now the v4 supports it and supposedly has been made a bit bigger to accompany the Asetek cooler. I don't know if that last bit is true, so if anybody could confirm that fact, I'd appreciate it. Also, how would thermals be with the 2700x and the Asetek? I've seen Black Ridge but would rather have more optimal cooling. Thanks for any replies!
 
It'd be pretty neat to buy upgrade kits for dan cases. Assuming the previous generation panels are compatible with the newer frame.
 
Jandresen: Yes it has 20pin
darxder: The Corsair Dominnator is too tall so you can't fit the tubes of the Asetek 645LT. Furthermore there is no need to buy the Asus X470 the B450 is more than enough. The temps on the 2700x with the Asetek should be very good.

Aegelward: Sorry we do not offer upgrade kits.
 
How do I work out the specifications / compatibility dimensions, of the old DAN v2 model, which I own?

The website currently gives the v3 specifications. And soon, I imagine, it will be giving the v4 specifications.
 
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dan-casesswjnx.jpg



I updated www.dan-cases.com with all information about the A4-SFXv4. Furthermore I updated the tutorial section under FAQ with some helpful guides.


>> If you find typos or misspelling please send me a private message <<


With best regards

Daniel
 
oblongpolygon: I do not change the size of the case so the specifications are the same and also the compatibility. Please refer to the changelog section under specification on dan-cases.com to see what I changed. All outer parts are compatible on every version. Only for v4 the USB fron cutout changed.
 
Hmmmm,

ordering via Caseking or SFFLAB, which one is faster for Austria....SFFLAB ships direct from the factory.
 
I use a 100 mm fan that fits under the board in my DAN A4 V1, it just need a small cut to the board mountingplate and fan mounting holes (fan = Scythe SY1012SL12L, production unfortunately expired).
My 92mm slim fans do not fit, they are a bit too high.
IMG_20190413_230032.jpg IMG_20190414_003048.jpg
 
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Nanook said:
Pretty nice :) How are temps now?
Click to expand...

This weekend I had time to do the test.
IMG_20190414_003633.jpg
I7-6700K, delidded, no oc, undervolted -0,15V
Asus Z170I
Alpenföhn Black Ridge
DAN A4 V1 with 2 casefans and custom panels

I did the test with Prime 95
1.jpg

Result after 15 minutes Prime without sidepanels:
2.jpg

Result after 15 minutes Prime with sidepanels:
3.jpg

With sidepanels temperature has only risen by 1 degree, but the speed of the fans has increased significantly, also the noise.
I like to have a quiet and cool computer that still has a few reserves, so I like the result.
 
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Does the extra 100mm fan help with the temp much? I can't decide if I should do something like that or order a new V4..
 
broddy said:
Does the extra 100mm fan help with the temp much? I can't decide if I should do something like that or order a new V4..
Click to expand...

That's an interesting question, I just tested it. Since the 92mm Noctua is connected to the CPU fan port, I've covered it for the test, without a fan at this port, the computer does not start.

mit.jpg ohne.jpg
Without the two case fans, the CPU temperature remains the same and the board temperature rises by 4 ° C. In addition, there is higher fan speed and noise. The 92 mm Noctua will probably have little to no effect here, maybe I should completely expand it.
The result surprises me a little, I expected a bigger difference. It looks like the 120mm Noctua with the Alpenföhn Black Ridge is a good combination for my DAN A4.

broddy it looks like there is no need to buy a V4 just because of the option to have a extra casefan below MB
 
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