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Mini Itx Powerhouse - Need Case Suggestions

M

Melee

Gawd
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
807
I have always used large mid tower to huge full tower cases and I really want to do a small ITX build for a change. It will be my main PC and not an HTPC/Streming/Editing computer.

I'm not 100% sure on the parts yet but it will most likely have an i7 6700K, Asus Maximus VIII Impact, GTX 1070 or 1080, 32GB Memory @ 2x16 GB sticks, 1x SSD + 1x HDD. I am hoping to fit in a nice EVGA power supply and 240-280mm AIO CLC.

I know absolutely nothing about ITX but a few cases that have caught my eye are the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX, Corsair 380T, and NZXT Manta. The only problem is they are fairly large cases which kind of contradicts the point of a small ITX build. I would prefer not to have just a plain black square if possible. What cases would you guys recommend and why? Thank you!
 
You could do all of above as far as I can tell with an Ncase M1. You could put a full size PSU in with a short GTX 1070 (assuming its length isn't absurd) or just use one of the SFX PSUs out there and use nearly whatever 1080/1070 you wanted. Obviously the price is substantial but it is one of the best cases I have ever used. I do of course say that without having used the Dancase A4 which is even more compact and ought to be able to achieve most/all of what you want to do. Both of these cases have large followings in the SFF forum on [H].
 
The Ncase M1 is out of stock until next month and will be over $200 including shipping so I'll pass. The other you mentioned I cannot even find for sale. I'd rather just keep it simple and mainstream for now. I'm not trying to find the smallest case possible I just want a small case that can house whatever components I want with good airflow and enough room for cable management and 240 - 280 millimeter CLC. I'll also be ordering everything from Amazon because I get a discount through work so I need cases that are available on there. Thank you.
 
I mentioned the NZXT Manta, Corsair 380t, and phanteks enthoo evolv. I also think the Corsair 250 d looks quite nice. It doesn't have to be anything extremely bold but it's nice to have something a little out of the norm of plain black Cube with a few vents. I'm sure that I have not seen all of the great ITX cases yet but those are the four that have caught my eye so far.
 
A common limiting factor for a lot of "small" ITX cases is graphics card length. Luckily, the Gigabyte GTX 1070 Mini-ITX OC is only 169mm in length. GIGABYTE - Graphics Card - NVIDIA - PCI Express Solution - GeForce® GTX 10 Series - GeForce® GTX 1070 Mini ITX OC This may help with your case decision, for fitting it in something like a Lian-Li PC-Q01. Then again, you also have to be mindful of CPU cooler height for ITX cases that place the power supply over the top of the CPU. (with watercooling, you can use 90 degree fittings) It's a pretty tough time finding the right ITX case if you want a quiet yet top end rig.
 
All of the cases I have mentioned and been looking at so far can hold 11 - 13 inch graphics cards which is plenty for the 1070 and 1080. The cards are also all dual slot so no issues there. As for CPU cooling, I am going to be using either a 240mm or 280mm CLC so that won't be a problem as I never use huge, heavy air coolers. The main factors are making sure a radiator will fit, that the graphics card will have enough ventilation, that the case we'll have plenty of air flow, and hopefully at least decent cable management.
 
The silverstone FT03-Mini is a really neat case, but is discontinued. Cant still be bought on amazon though. One recommendation for it, is to use blower style coolers for your gpu. I built one for a friend a few years back and even got a H80 to fit in there.
 
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