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So with Haswell and the NCASE M1 coming out this summer and my 4850e/GT430 based HTPC getting extremely frustrating as more and more newer games gain full controller support... I've decided to start early by converting my 3570K desktop into a HTPC form factor device. 
This sort of happened by accident as I went into a local shop asking if they would price match a Fractal Design Node 605 down to 139.99 CAD. Obviously they said no, as this was well below their cost, as I expected. However they did let me have it for 149.99 which would have been cheaper than buying online with shipping. I bought it and ran home!
First off here's some pictures of the case, which is absolutely stunning in person. I wont be taking the plastic wrap off for a while yet so keep it fresh!
The store also had Nexus fans! So hard to find and expensive online ($9/$11bux each!):
The white paint is extremely glossy, just beautiful:
Stock fan with 3 channel fan controller and power button PCBs nuzzled in the corner:
PCI card flap is secured with a screw and flips down on a hinge:
Now I wanted to talk about this bit. The fan grills also have a fan filter attached behind them. The grill is restrictive enough as it is and the filter is just redonk. I'm startign to get why some of the reviewers were hating on the cooling. Here's a shot with and without the extra filer:
The 80mm nexus have a 4pin fan connector attached to the 3pin.... out of the box anyway. The fan connectors are so easy to remove, I think i'm going to sleeve them!
After getting all the nexus fans installed with the silicone fan pins, I transplanted my system from my Corsair 550D into the Node 605. Due to the size of my Noctua D14, I used the stock cooler on the 3570K until I decide on a replacement.
Immediately I booted up furmark and was very unimpressed with the noise and temperature of the GTX 680. I probably should have taken readings of the system in the 550D, oh well. I spent a few hours researching new fans as these Nexus might not cut it, then I had an idea. Ran furmark in my fiance's PC - 660ti in a well cooled Lian-Li PC-A05. (73* @ 45% fan). I swaped out my 680 for the 660 and reran my test in the Node with the same results. Perfect, ventilation is not the problem, which is great because I love the look of the Nexus and they are so damn quiet. I intended to keep the 680 for my new Haswell PC and buy a 650ti boost or 660ti for this HTPC anyway, so this was a perfect test.
Testing the 660ti (was done with lid on):
Don't get started on the cable mess, I know.
So that's where I am right now, I dont have it all planned out yet but I want to try some sleeving and I will be adding a button to the front flip down panel to sync my xbox controllers with an internal wireless receiver. I'm also still debating returning the Nexus 120mm fans and getting Noctua NF-P12s, i was testing with the one form my D14 and it's got much higher airflow at a similar sound level.
Updates to follow.
This sort of happened by accident as I went into a local shop asking if they would price match a Fractal Design Node 605 down to 139.99 CAD. Obviously they said no, as this was well below their cost, as I expected. However they did let me have it for 149.99 which would have been cheaper than buying online with shipping. I bought it and ran home!
First off here's some pictures of the case, which is absolutely stunning in person. I wont be taking the plastic wrap off for a while yet so keep it fresh!
The store also had Nexus fans! So hard to find and expensive online ($9/$11bux each!):
The white paint is extremely glossy, just beautiful:
Stock fan with 3 channel fan controller and power button PCBs nuzzled in the corner:
PCI card flap is secured with a screw and flips down on a hinge:
Now I wanted to talk about this bit. The fan grills also have a fan filter attached behind them. The grill is restrictive enough as it is and the filter is just redonk. I'm startign to get why some of the reviewers were hating on the cooling. Here's a shot with and without the extra filer:
The 80mm nexus have a 4pin fan connector attached to the 3pin.... out of the box anyway. The fan connectors are so easy to remove, I think i'm going to sleeve them!
After getting all the nexus fans installed with the silicone fan pins, I transplanted my system from my Corsair 550D into the Node 605. Due to the size of my Noctua D14, I used the stock cooler on the 3570K until I decide on a replacement.
Immediately I booted up furmark and was very unimpressed with the noise and temperature of the GTX 680. I probably should have taken readings of the system in the 550D, oh well. I spent a few hours researching new fans as these Nexus might not cut it, then I had an idea. Ran furmark in my fiance's PC - 660ti in a well cooled Lian-Li PC-A05. (73* @ 45% fan). I swaped out my 680 for the 660 and reran my test in the Node with the same results. Perfect, ventilation is not the problem, which is great because I love the look of the Nexus and they are so damn quiet. I intended to keep the 680 for my new Haswell PC and buy a 650ti boost or 660ti for this HTPC anyway, so this was a perfect test.
Testing the 660ti (was done with lid on):
Don't get started on the cable mess, I know.
So that's where I am right now, I dont have it all planned out yet but I want to try some sleeving and I will be adding a button to the front flip down panel to sync my xbox controllers with an internal wireless receiver. I'm also still debating returning the Nexus 120mm fans and getting Noctua NF-P12s, i was testing with the one form my D14 and it's got much higher airflow at a similar sound level.
Updates to follow.
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