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Fractal Design Node 605 GPU cooling

L

Lt Broccoli

n00b
Joined
May 26, 2015
Messages
36
Initially I was interested in the NCase M1, but I've switched focus to an HTPC build. I like the look of the Node 605, and I enjoy the quiet of the R4's I currently use.

Before getting the Node 605 case, has anyone had trouble cooling a single 250 watt GPU in it? I'm wondering if a reference design is required to extract the heat or not.

The CPU should not be a problem with the Noctua NH-U9S cooler.
 
I don't own one, but every review I've seen says the default fan configuration sucks. There's mounts for more fans, but you'd have to do that research yourself.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6532/...eview-is-fractal-design-ready-for-primetime/6

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1339-page5.html

The Node 304 (I own one) has better stock airflow, and is more silent, although you'd have to get an SFX PSU to have enough room for a big 12 inch card. Just remove one of the hard drive cages (there are three). Favorable review for the Node 304:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6470/...tx-case-review-paving-the-way-to-the-future/6

http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/henry-butt/fractal-design-node-304-mini-itx-case-review/5/

It's not as silent as the R4, but is quiet enough you won't notice from across the room. It also has enough airflow for a GTX 750 Ti at low fan speed. You should be able to keep up with a 250w GPU with fans on medium or high, if you avoid overclocks.

To be honest, you're not going to get silence if you put 250w into a tiny box. The reason your R4 is so quiet is because it has a lot of open space, sound deadening materials, and indirect airflow to kill noise. A tiny case like the Node 304 can't hope to do quiet with that powerful a GPU, but it won't be earsplitting.
 
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Yeah, I've read the same reviews. I'm willing to change fans, and expect I would have to with a hot graphics card.

Unfortunately the Node 304 doesn't fit the space I plan to fill. The Node 605 would fit perfectly; it's the same size as my Sony STR-DN1040.

My other option would be SilverStone's Grandia GD07, but its depth is greater than ideal.
 
Lt Broccoli said:
Yeah, I've read the same reviews. I'm willing to change fans, and expect I would have to with a hot graphics card.

Unfortunately the Node 304 doesn't fit the space I plan to fill. The Node 605 would fit perfectly; it's the same size as my Sony STR-DN1040.

My other option would be SilverStone's Grandia GD07, but its depth is greater than ideal.
Click to expand...

I would go with the GD07 in a flash. Although STOCK it may not have the brunt to handle a 250w graphics card, it didn't break much of a sweat with this 100w HD 6850, and a 95w i5 750:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1340-page6.html

If you need to add more airflow, you can add 2 80mm to expel air out of the case. You can also add one more 120mm intake. It has one more extra 120mm fan mount than the Node 605.


Better to start with a known working case than a known trainwreck, I always say :D
 
Yeah, might be my only option. I wish either of the GD07/GD08 had a nicer front. That's one thing the Node 605 got right.
 
I had a Silverstone GD08 for my HTPC that I parted out in February. I'm probably going to buy another one, the GD08 and GD07 are the only cases that fits my needs of fitting on my AV rack with a blu-ray optical drive, 4 x HDD and 1 x SSD. I can't find anything else that works.

I refuse to go with any Nodes because their cooling sucks per reviews. The GD08 had zero cooling issues for me. It wasn't easy to work in but I figured it out.

If anyone has any other case suggestions let me know. Building a Skylake HTPC next month or September.
 
Lt Broccoli said:
Yeah, might be my only option. I wish either of the GD07/GD08 had a nicer front. That's one thing the Node 605 got right.
Click to expand...

I haven't see the GD07 in person but the GD08 front looks really nice in person
 
Taking a closer look, it also appears the EVGA GTX Hybrids' cooler wouldn't fit in front of the power supply: the door hinge would interfere. It would also collide with the motherboard if mounted on that side.

I may have to give up on the idea of doing a gaming machine with the 605.

The Streacom F12C is a beautiful alternative, but getting one in Canada is painfully expensive.
 
I just think you're going about this the wrong way. Making a case look like a piece of stereo equipment invariably reduces it's flexibility and/or performance, or getting one that works costs you through the nose.

I compromised on the Node 304 because it's an optimally-designed gaming / storage case FIRST, but then has a high regard for style with that simple sexy exterior SECOND. I don't think you're going to find a case in the size that you desire that doesn't have one compromise or another.

If height is your limiting factor here, why not get a new cabinet?
 
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If case depth is important to you, then make sure you also check out GD09 and GD10.

They are nearly as short as our other Micro-ATX HTPC cases.
 
So the Node 605 came up for sale for $80 CAN ($61 US), no taxes and shipping included. I jumped on it. Still need to assemble the rest of the components!
 
Well, you knew what you're getting yourself into. Let us know if you actually tame the beast, or give up :D
 
defaultluser said:
Well, you knew what you're getting yourself into. Let us know if you actually tame the beast, or give up :D
Click to expand...

Will do! I kind of like the challenge... though I might just move my GTX 760 into the case... or stick to a plain media machine with no dedicated graphics.
 
Lt Broccoli said:
Will do! I kind of like the challenge... though I might just move my GTX 760 into the case... or stick to a plain media machine with no dedicated graphics.
Click to expand...

You could probably handle a 760 if you install all the available fan slots. I was just saying that 250w looked nigh impossible.

Also, what CPU are you using? Total wattage is the concern here, not just the GPU.
 
Not sure yet. My current home system is an Athlon II X4 640. I am considering putting it in there, and building a new gaming system into my R4 case instead. The Athlon is rated at 95 watts. Either way, I'm thinking of picking up a Noctua NH-U9S cooler for whatever ends up in the 605 and blowing hot air towards and out the back.

The bigger concern would be putting the GTX 760 in there as it's not a shrouded cooler, and I'm concerned about getting the air out. If I put a 250 watt card in, I'd certainly go with a shrouded design (the EVGA 980 Ti Hybrid's radiator won't fit). I have some shrouded 580's I could experiment with, too (they usually number crunch 24/7 at work).

Given my experience with two 580's in an R4, I think I could make a single 580 work in the 605 with some fan noise and no mechanical drives.
 
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