SENTRY 2.0: Evolution of console-sized gaming PC case

[ZombiPL]

Quick update:

- We finally received the funds from Indiegogo,
- We sent and paid in USD currency for most of the components which will be delivered from outside the EU-zone,
- We are waiting for an exchange company to exchange funds from USD currency to PLN to start ordering process for parts which will be manufactured in Poland (most of Sentry elements),
- We turned off the InDemand order option on our Indiegogo campaign page, but it turns out it is not a toggle on-off process, and we have to wait for up to 3 working days until Indiegogo will review our request and turn it off.

Stay tuned for more updates.

 

[Chimpee]

That power consumption for 3700X. Definitely know what CPU I will put on my Sentry 2.0.

 

[aznpotpie]

Any chance to join in on this still?

 

[SaperPL]

Any chance to join in on this still?

Right now you will have to wait for us to deliver all cases to backers, because we will start thinking about what's next only afterwards.

Note that case manufacturing is not our main line of business, so making another batch may not happen right away.



From other news, Wendell from Level1Techs checked PCI-E 4.0 compatibility of our riser:


UFD Tech in their news video yesterday was talking about risers crashing on 4.0, so I assume that either no risers support it fully right now and there will be a need for new 4.0 spec for risers or AMD will have to fix it in their AGESA BIOS.

 

[SaperPL]

Small update on the compatibility spreadsheet

Super & 5700 series GPUs were added as well as some info on the CPU coolers.

If there's something we've missed/omitted, please let us know.

 

[St1X]

I got Radeon VII as a gift from AMD, but can't put it in my Sentry :'(

 

[SaperPL]

A bit late, but still

 

[m-jeri]

Was not able to jump in on the campaign, but looking forward for you next run. Will be getting a black one for sure!. Thanks and keep up the good work.

 

[Chimpee]

New rumor - AMD might release a 65 Watt 3900 Pro, if it is anything like 3700X and 3800X in terms of performance loss, then the 3900 Pro is a very attractive option for Sentry.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ryzen-9-3900-ryzen-7-3700-ryzen-5-3500-amd-3000-series,40040.html

 

[Gr8Scott]

I know the Asrock Challenger 5700 (and XT) have been mentioned before as able to fit in the sentry https://www.asrock.com/Graphics-Card/AMD/Radeon RX 5700 XT Challenger D 8G OC/#Specification it also appears that PowerColor is releasing a 5700 (and XT) model cards that will fit in the Sentry as well: https://www.powercolor.com/product?id=1565953800#spe

I have no idea how either of these cards will perform on thermals, though there is already a video on YT (

) for the Asrock Challenger 5700 (non-XT) model that says it can get up to high 70s and a little less than 42dBa. That means it could run a little hotter in the Sentry. Just posting here for reference.

 

[SaperPL]

 

[octagoncow]

Linus has another video featuring the Sentry 2.0 (it's the one that's hinted at in SaperPL's post above). It's nothing really new, but it's just nice that this case is still getting coverage. It also has a chance to win the PC, but that's obviously highly unlikely.

 

[SaperPL]

There's something I haven't had time to show for some time.


Some time ago one of the backers asked about various ways we could adapt Black Ridge to the boards other than the Aorus ones that have socket far enough from pci-e slot so the fin stack doesn't obstruct it.


I found one way to do this, but you'll need different riser set than the one coming with 2.0, if you have 1.1, then you'll just need a single piece. And you need to be extra careful when bending the riser.

http://imgur.com/a/AoxBGQy

Also for reference if you haven't seen how the complete thing looks inside Sentry 2.0, because Black Ridge obstructs 2.5" drive mounts:

http://imgur.com/a/561m3cG

 

[ZombiPL]

1st, 2nd and 3rd transport sent

 

[Talyrius]

I've already received mine (delivered today).

 

[St1X]

is there a consensus on the best cooler for Sentry?
As far as I understand Black Ridge needs low profile RAM and I have TridentZ that's quite tall, so there are only two options there - Noclua L9A and Cryorig C7 (Copper Edition)?
Which one should I buy? Looking to build new rig in my Sentry over this holidays period, so I need a recommendation ASAP

 

[Chimpee]

is there a consensus on the best cooler for Sentry?
As far as I understand Black Ridge needs low profile RAM and I have TridentZ that's quite tall, so there are only two options there - Noclua L9A and Cryorig C7 (Copper Edition)?
Which one should I buy? Looking to build new rig in my Sentry over this holidays period, so I need a recommendation ASAP

Hmm Cyrorig will give you a better temp but its fan is pretty loud at full load from users complaint while NH-L9a will give you better noise. Zaber tested a those two, Cyrorig will give you about 6-8 C max temp than Noctua (see link below).

https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/sentry-2-0-evolution-of-console-sized-gaming-pc-case.7106/post-116930

Depending which CPU you are getting, I will take the Noctua over Cyrorig if you are using a 65W TDP CPU and Cyrorig if it is above 65W TDP with a Noctua fan mod if noise is a concern for you.

It is a shame you don't have a low profile ram, Black Ridge is the best sub 50mm CPU cooler though it may also interfere with motherboard VRM heatsink or shroud.

 

[St1X]

Hmm Cyrorig will give you a better temp but its fan is pretty loud at full load from users complaint while NH-L9a will give you better noise. Zaber tested a those two, Cyrorig will give you about 6-8 C max temp than Noctua (see link below).

https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/sentry-2-0-evolution-of-console-sized-gaming-pc-case.7106/post-116930

Depending which CPU you are getting, I will take the Noctua over Cyrorig if you are using a 65W TDP CPU and Cyrorig if it is above 65W TDP with a Noctua fan mod if noise is a concern for you.

It is a shame you don't have a low profile ram, Black Ridge is the best sub 50mm CPU cooler though it may also interfere with motherboard VRM heatsink or shroud.

Thanks for a reply! I wasn't considering to use Cryorig with their stock fan - I'd replace it instantly with Noctua's fan. But as far as I've heard somewhere - it was causing too much turbulence, so was quite loud?!

 

[Chimpee]

Thanks for a reply! I wasn't considering to use Cryorig with their stock fan - I'd replace it instantly with Noctua's fan. But as far as I've heard somewhere - it was causing too much turbulence, so was quite loud?!

That I am not sure. I don't know if you lived in the US but just to let you know, Cryorig C7 inventory in the US is pretty much non existent, major US retailers haven't gotten any shipment for more than 6 months, but International market is fine, though you have to pay a premium.

 

[ZombiPL]

In case you were wondering which type of GPU use (with open-air or with blower-style cooler), Optimum tech made a direct comparison between those cards in console style cases (Senty 2.0) and shoe-box cases (Ghost S1):

 

[St1X]

Finally I built it - Sentry with Radeon VII

 

[SaperPL]

Finally I built it - Sentry with Radeon VII

How are you planning to close it?

 

[Ej24]

How are you planning to close it?

Ah good eyes, I didn't even notice but yeah the gpu looks like it sticks out beyond the side of the case by the rear i/o. I was wondering more about the thermals... iirc that's a very power hungry gpu.

 

[St1X]

How are you planning to close it?

I pushed all cables aside and successfully closed the case 8)
So you can update your GPU compatibility list to include Radeon VII - it fits, but only with low profile power cables. I used this ones - https://www.moddiy.com/products/PCIE-90-Degree-Angle-L-Shape-Low-Profile-Connector-Extension-Cable.html

Ah good eyes, I didn't even notice but yeah the gpu looks like it sticks out beyond the side of the case by the rear i/o. I was wondering more about the thermals... iirc that's a very power hungry gpu.

No, GPU fits well, but it needs low profile power supply cables. I haven't had enough time to play with my new build, but thermals seem to be OK - I tested it in Metro Exodus benchmark only and it was around 69 degrees (from the top of my head). AMD recommends 650 Watt PSU for this GPU. I have Corsair SF600 v2.

 

[St1X]

So I played Metro Exodus for around 1:30 h and GPU peaked at 80 C because it maintained low fan rpm, was quite silent and CPU (AMD Ryzen 5 1600) peaked at 62 C.
I am very excited about performance\noise\thermals combination.
Will try to undervolt GPU, though

 

[Ej24]

So I played Metro Exodus for around 1:30 h and GPU peaked at 80 C because it maintained low fan rpm, was quite silent and CPU (AMD Ryzen 5 1600) peaked at 62 C.
I am very excited about performance\noise\thermals combination.
Will try to undervolt GPU, though

Not bad. Thats a lot of hardware in a tiny package! Though I guess you can say that about almost any Sentry owner

 

[St1X]

I undervolted Radeon VII to 950mv @ 1800Mhz and after an hour of Metro Exodus CPU and GPU both peaked at 65C. My Sentry is hell of a beast!

 

[phinix]

Were can I buy Sentry 2.0?

Is there a point getting version 1.1?
I may grab 1.1, but don't know if differences made in 2.0 are worth more and 1.1 isn't way to go?

 

[SkorpioNElite]

My build just got the last touch in form of noctua chromax fans. Black is beatiful ^^.

Some info of the system:

Intel i9-9900K
Gigabyte Aurous Z390
Gigabyte Aurous RTX 2080Ti Turbo
Corsair 750 SFX
Corsair DDR4 32G
Samsung 970 Pro 1TB
Samsung 860 Pro 4TB
Cryorig C7 G
Noctua NF-A9x14 HS

Settings:

CPU limited to:
100W - 10s Short Power Limit
80W - 10s Long Power Limit

GPU limited to:
80% Powertarget (200W)
+140MHz Core

Temps:

CPU:
20+ minutes @ 80W (Prime etc ... Doesn't matter because of power limit) => 79°-81° with peaks of 82°-84°
Fan:
~2000rpm (Currently PWM @80° => 80%) Not done with those settings. But you will get noticeable air noise @ 100%. Testing in prograess ^^
GPU:
20+ miuntes @ 200W (power limit) => 69°-70° with peaks of 72°-76°
Fan: 60% Max. (Limited by MSI Afterburner) Don't know the rpm. Nvidia Frame Limiter @ 60fps. It's not silent @ max to be honest.

Samsung 970:
70°-72° under load (Writing /Reading files). Idle: 50°-56° (The higher temp of 2) - These are the max temps, as the controller of the 970 randomly does something
Samsung 860:
Always under 40° regardless of the system load. Not much activity in a data graveyard ^^.

The system is silent when idle. the blower style gpu will be loud when under maximum load, but because of the limited powertarget it is still acceptable. With frame limiter @60fps it is silent even with "Rise of the Tomb Raider" @ max settings @1080p

BTW: I tried the 120 Slim Fan alternative ... With the noctua 120*15 fan in blow configuration the temps are worse, even @ 100% while being close to the cooler (+4° on average)
I guess it underperforms because of its low static pressure and bigger hub.

 

[JGP]

My build just got the last touch in form of noctua chromax fans. Black is beatiful ^^.

View attachment 221754

Some info of the system:

Intel i9-9900K
Gigabyte Aurous Z390
Gigabyte Aurous RTX 2080Ti Turbo
Corsair 750 SFX
Corsair DDR4 32G
Samsung 970 Pro 1TB
Samsung 860 Pro 4TB
Cryorig C7 G
Noctua NF-A9x14 HS

Settings:

CPU limited to:
100W - 10s Short Power Limit
80W - 10s Long Power Limit

GPU limited to:
80% Powertarget (200W)
+140MHz Core

Temps:

CPU:
20+ minutes @ 80W (Prime etc ... Doesn't matter because of power limit) => 79°-81° with peaks of 82°-84°
Fan:
~2000rpm (Currently PWM @80° => 80%) Not done with those settings. But you will get noticeable air noise @ 100%. Testing in prograess ^^
GPU:
20+ miuntes @ 200W (power limit) => 69°-70° with peaks of 72°-76°
Fan: 60% Max. (Limited by MSI Afterburner) Don't know the rpm. Nvidia Frame Limiter @ 60fps. It's not silent @ max to be honest.

Samsung 970:
70°-72° under load (Writing /Reading files). Idle: 50°-56° (The higher temp of 2) - These are the max temps, as the controller of the 970 randomly does something
Samsung 860:
Always under 40° regardless of the system load. Not much activity in a data graveyard ^^.

The system is silent when idle. the blower style gpu will be loud when under maximum load, but because of the limited powertarget it is still acceptable. With frame limiter @60fps it is silent even with "Rise of the Tomb Raider" @ max settings @1080p

BTW: I tried the 120 Slim Fan alternative ... With the noctua 120*15 fan in blow configuration the temps are worse, even @ 100% while being close to the cooler (+4° on average)
I guess it underperforms because of its low static pressure and bigger hub.

I finished my Sentry build about a month ago and I have the GTX 1070 mini with noctua open air fans for cooling on top of the heatsink, and I throttle with the case closed up. I am reaching 83 degrees with Rise of the Tomb Raider as a bench. With the case opened up - max temps are at 58 degrees. Both times I put fans at 100%. Even with the the fans at 60-70% with the case opened...the GPU doesnt go over 60 degrees. Have you had any experience with the hot air that cycles through the sentry causing thermals to be outside your expected range? Im thinking of getting a few 40mm noctua fans for near the power supply/cpu and then some where the GPU to exhaust the heat. Your thoughts? Thanks for you time.

 

[Ej24]

I finished my Sentry build about a month ago and I have the GTX 1070 mini with noctua open air fans for cooling on top of the heatsink, and I throttle with the case closed up. I am reaching 83 degrees with Rise of the Tomb Raider as a bench. With the case opened up - max temps are at 58 degrees. Both times I put fans at 100%. Even with the the fans at 60-70% with the case opened...the GPU doesnt go over 60 degrees. Have you had any experience with the hot air that cycles through the sentry causing thermals to be outside your expected range? Im thinking of getting a few 40mm noctua fans for near the power supply/cpu and then some where the GPU to exhaust the heat. Your thoughts? Thanks for you time.

Wow that's hot for a 1070 in Sentry. I have had a 1080 Founders Edition and a 1080ti black edition from evga in Sentry and never hit 83. Can you provide some pictures of your fan setup?

One thing that worked well for me, sealing the face of the gpu to the case side panel. Essentially going around the perimeter of the gpu with weatherstripping that is thick enough to connect the gpu and case vent. This prevents recycling of hot air as the gpu fans will then function more like case fans directly drawing in only outside air. Not sure it'd work with your noctua fans?

 

[JGP]

Wow that's hot for a 1070 in Sentry. I have had a 1080 Founders Edition and a 1080ti black edition from evga in Sentry and never hit 83. Can you provide some pictures of your fan setup?

One thing that worked well for me, sealing the face of the gpu to the case side panel. Essentially going around the perimeter of the gpu with weatherstripping that is thick enough to connect the gpu and case vent. This prevents recycling of hot air as the gpu fans will then function more like case fans directly drawing in only outside air. Not sure it'd work with your noctua fans?

I never thought about sealing the shroud and fans to the side panel. I just figured that since there is little exhaust for this case (in the way of case fans, etc.) that hot air was just being pulled right back to the fan. I will definitely try sealing the fans to the shroud. Here is a picture of my gtx 1070 inside and out of the case. Thanks for your response.

Also - with the case pulled apart and left open - the GPU thermals dont go above 58 degrees. I was literally just about to order some Noctua 40mm fans to put beside the 1070 to pull the hot air out.

 

[Ej24]

I never thought about sealing the shroud and fans to the side panel. I just figured that since there is little exhaust for this case (in the way of case fans, etc.) that hot air was just being pulled right back to the fan. I will definitely try sealing the fans to the shroud. Here is a picture of my gtx 1070 inside and out of the case. Thanks for your response.

Also - with the case pulled apart and left open - the GPU thermals dont go above 58 degrees. I was literally just about to order some Noctua 40mm fans to put beside the 1070 to pull the hot air out.

Yeah this is not like a typical case where you have dedicated intake fans and dedicated exhaust fans. It doesn't work like that. However if you seal the cpu fan and seal the gpu fan shroud to the case panel they become like case fans, directly drawing in cool outside air, creating huge positive pressure inside the case, forcing out hot exhaust wherever possible. It's honestly more like a laptop cooling setup if you think about it. The fans that cool a laptop directly draw in the exterior air while simultaneously pushing it through the heatsink. There's no separate intake and exhaust fans in a laptop.


Here's sentry without any particular ducts, seals or shrouds.

http://imgur.com/7X37NKi

Here's sentry with a cpu shroud made of simple cardboard paper. Attached to the fan with electrical tape. I just pressed the lid down and the paper is compressed, tight, and flush against the case lid/side.

http://imgur.com/yf4qran

Same goes for the gpu, though it's easier to use weatherstripping. The adhesive kind is handy but a pain to remove later. Lots of isopropyl alcohol
This is my GTX1080 founders edition, I tried to give as wide a perimeter as possible, if you put it too close to the fan you get a lot of turbulent air noise.

http://imgur.com/eQ7C3k4

 

[Ej24]

I never thought about sealing the shroud and fans to the side panel. I just figured that since there is little exhaust for this case (in the way of case fans, etc.) that hot air was just being pulled right back to the fan. I will definitely try sealing the fans to the shroud. Here is a picture of my gtx 1070 inside and out of the case. Thanks for your response.

Also - with the case pulled apart and left open - the GPU thermals dont go above 58 degrees. I was literally just about to order some Noctua 40mm fans to put beside the 1070 to pull the hot air out.

Also most importantly that shroud looks f*cking epic. How did you match the noctua colors so well? Also how you mount the noctua fans within the shroud? Did you cut them out of their original frame? I need to know! All gpu's need noctua fans!

 

[SkorpioNElite]

JGP

Your problem seems to be the hot air that gets recycled inside the case. A costum fan duct with weatherstripping like Ej24 suggested should be the easiest solution.

Or is there enough space between the heatsink and case to fit two 92*14mm slim fans? with their orientation changed to pull the air through the heatsink and outside the case the temps should drop.

Edit: Just encountered something unusual. Forgot to close the window, so the room was around 10° C. Saw something like a cold bug then. Colored lines horizontal across the screen, even in the BIOS.
Of course just on the first cold start. GPU / Monitor / Riser?

On a sidenote. What is the minimum riser lenght for third party risers?