Small form factor gaming - build log and support forum for new builders

[tabascosauz]

I have a Corsair full set from a previous build, but they may end up being a tad too long for something like this. Who does custom length sleeved cables?

Some of the build photos on the case maker's website look like they use SF450/600/750 like I did, it comes with short length black sleeved set which is okay if you try and hide it a bit. But not sure, length might be tight.

There are lots of cable makers. I've dealt with pslate a few times for other stuff, not PSU cables. I also have a custom set from Cablemod from way back for Corsair SF, but I'm not sure if I'd recommend them to anybody. They also have lots of standard length kits for different PSUs but afaik they do not come in an appropriate length for SFF (more similar to what you have, and what I currently use).

If you don't want to go to the point of perfection and tailoring cables to this specific build in this specific case, then I do think Corsair SF stock is good enough.

 

[67Elco]

May have to go with the Micro version to ease the problems. It can use a full size psu and I would have many useable pieces already in hand. The Micro is only a couple of inches larger in dimensions.

Interesting...they have moved all the connectors to the back side of the mb. Wonder how that would pan out? https://www.newegg.com/msi-b650m-project-zero/p/N82E16813144643?Item=N82E16813144643

 

[tabascosauz]

May have to go with the Micro version to ease the problems. It can use a full size psu and I would have many useable pieces already in hand. The Micro is only a couple of inches larger in dimensions.

Interesting...they have moved all the connectors to the back side of the mb. Wonder how that would pan out? https://www.newegg.com/msi-b650m-project-zero/p/N82E16813144643?Item=N82E16813144643

ahhhhhhhh................the new "connector on back" thing with boards kinda needs a case that is specifically designed for it. ie. appropriate cutout holes not beyond the board edge (like most cases, like the OCPC case), but within the board itself. Hence why so far the "hidden connector" boards usually are released in tandem with a special case from the board manufacturer (Gigabyte/MSI), you're supposed to use that case. I don't think the OCPC case will work with it, but any normal mATX board should.

Though.........the case only costs $120 so..........dremel time? lol

 

[AusWolf]

Yeah, in those images they actually connected both ends lol. I'm considering one for a 8700G build sans a gpu when they become available next month.

I'm really tempted to upgrade my bedroom HTPC (seen in a post above) with an 8700G, but my wallet is crying no.

 

[67Elco]

ahhhhhhhh................the new "connector on back" thing with boards kinda needs a case that is specifically designed for it. ie. appropriate cutout holes not beyond the board edge (like most cases, like the OCPC case), but within the board itself. Hence why so far the "hidden connector" boards usually are released in tandem with a special case from the board manufacturer (Gigabyte/MSI), you're supposed to use that case. I don't think the OCPC case will work with it, but any normal mATX board should.

Though.........the case only costs $120 so..........dremel time? lol

Actually we got it wrong about this mb and it's limitation to certain cases. In the video below it is readily apparent what they have done for access in their bundled case. I have bookmarked several different cases where the opening to the mb backside is already done or would require only minimal notching. The MSI case has in fact openings that go far beyond the perimeter of the motherboard. I'm sold on the motherboard and I'll order one as soon as I can verify MSI has a bios ready to support the 8700G. I will likely wean myself away from that open frame to a smallish cube with glass surround.

 

[tabascosauz]

Actually we got it wrong about this mb and it's limitation to certain cases. In the video below it is readily apparent what they have done for access in their bundled case. I have bookmarked several different cases where the opening to the mb backside is already done or would require only minimal notching. The MSI case has in fact openings that go far beyond the perimeter of the motherboard. I'm sold on the motherboard and I'll order one as soon as I can verify MSI has a bios ready to support the 8700G. I will likely wean myself away from that open frame to a smallish cube with glass surround.

Wait, I'm confused, the board still infringes strict mATX spec though? It's not any wider than a normal full-size mATX board. Unlike what the reviewer said, you won't even be able to mount the board properly (let alone plug everything in) in a case that can't fully accommodate it - EPS and 24 pin female sockets are way, way bigger than the length of standard standoffs, not to mention the other solid caps and headers.

That said, the connectors along 3 edges are relatively close to the edge though, so case modification might still be minimal or unnecessary in cases with the requisite holes already as is probably true with the cases you've found.

As to 8700G, I would lean towards 10- or 12-layer ITX for memory compatibility. DDR5 OC with a good Hynix kit will undoubtedly carry 780M performance, and 6-layer 4DIMM mATX boards are not exactly a recipe for success in that department. There's also the Gene, but...well...

 

[67Elco]

Wait, I'm confused, the board still infringes strict mATX spec though? It's not any wider than a normal full-size mATX board. Unlike what the reviewer said, you won't even be able to mount the board properly (let alone plug everything in) in a case that can't fully accommodate it - EPS and 24 pin female sockets are way, way bigger than the length of standard standoffs, not to mention the other solid caps and headers.

That said, the connectors along 3 edges are relatively close to the edge though, so case modification might still be minimal or unnecessary in cases with the requisite holes already as is probably true with the cases you've found.

As to 8700G, I would lean towards 10- or 12-layer ITX for memory compatibility. DDR5 OC with a good Hynix kit will undoubtedly carry 780M performance, and 6-layer 4DIMM mATX boards are not exactly a recipe for success in that department. There's also the Gene, but...well...

Something like this perhaps? https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-006A-000C8?Item=9SIAY3SJUV0954

 

[tabascosauz]

Something like this perhaps? https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-006A-000C8?Item=9SIAY3SJUV0954

Probably not without dremeling - the MSI board requires the cutouts to go all the way up to the edge of the board (thus, standoffs), no less.

I love the look of the case though. Jonsbo's made interesting stuff for a long time. And now that it's not an open bench, no reason not to just get a cheaper+normal+better board. Can just use your existing Corsair set and hide the extra length.

 

[67Elco]

I anticipate surgery regardless of the case selected. I'm leaning towards various diameter hole saws instead of all that grinding. I like the idea and I can envision the end look which is really more important to me than any minor deficiencies. This will occupy the left side of my desk to be used as my daily instead of having the gamer spun up all day. I believe I still have a hub somewhere that I used before to enable the use of one keyboard/mouse/monitor between two pc's.

 

[AusWolf]

Actually we got it wrong about this mb and it's limitation to certain cases. In the video below it is readily apparent what they have done for access in their bundled case. I have bookmarked several different cases where the opening to the mb backside is already done or would require only minimal notching. The MSI case has in fact openings that go far beyond the perimeter of the motherboard. I'm sold on the motherboard and I'll order one as soon as I can verify MSI has a bios ready to support the 8700G. I will likely wean myself away from that open frame to a smallish cube with glass surround.

The idea isn't bad, but considering that a case has to be carefully selected for such a motherboard, and even then you may run into clearance issues, it seems a bit like an excessive solution to a non-problem to me.

 

[67Elco]

It's looking up...the case I want to use is already configured for back connector mb's which means no surgery needed. I'm about to go ahead and order the motherboard and case.

https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-006A-000C8?Item=9SIAY3SJUV0954

 

[AusWolf]

It's looking up...the case I want to use is already configured for back connector mb's which means no surgery needed. I'm about to go ahead and order the motherboard and case.

https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-006A-000C8?Item=9SIAY3SJUV0954

View attachment 329114View attachment 329136

Good luck, and post pictures when ready!

 

[67Elco]

Interesting little case, but a little pricey for what it is... https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-05JW-00029?Item=9SIBJJTK5J9453&cm_sp=product-_-from-price-options

 

[Deleted member 237269]

Interesting little case, but a little pricey for what it is... https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-05JW-00029?Item=9SIBJJTK5J9453&cm_sp=product-_-from-price-options

View attachment 329634

Expensive lunchbox.

 

[tabascosauz]

Interesting little case, but a little pricey for what it is... https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-05JW-00029?Item=9SIBJJTK5J9453&cm_sp=product-_-from-price-options

View attachment 329634

This looks like a common taobao case that they're selling on Newegg for a markup? No premium materials or design, it's all just riveted SECC steel with some thin alu plates.

 

[A Computer Guy]

This is really cool and puts my 7 liter ML09B w/ 4060 (low profile) to shame.

 

[tabascosauz]

This is really cool and puts my 7 liter ML09B w/ 4060 (low profile) to shame.

Welcome to the wonderful world of SFF. Not gonna lie to you, 7L is really not particularly impressive....you gotta go smaller

 

[Hyderz]

i come across this brand making itx and matx case... and it looks very clean but the prices are a bit high in my opinion...

Products

COOJ Design

cooj.cc

Cooj... im not sure about how to pronounce this brand.... ill leave it to your imagination

 

[A Computer Guy]

i come across this brand making itx and matx case... and it looks very clean but the prices are a bit high in my opinion...

Products

COOJ Design

cooj.cc

Cooj... im not sure about how to pronounce this brand.... ill leave it to your imagination

Ouch on that price for 14.6L.

 

[AusWolf]

i come across this brand making itx and matx case... and it looks very clean but the prices are a bit high in my opinion...

Products

COOJ Design

cooj.cc

Cooj... im not sure about how to pronounce this brand.... ill leave it to your imagination

A bit? They're very high! They do look nice, though, just probably not worth the price.

 

[Hyderz]

A bit? They're very high! They do look nice, though, just probably not worth the price.

You’d think that a smaller case, small motherboard and small psu would help in cost saving but it is the complete opposite…. as much as I love sff I think building a cost effect rig now is Matx size

 

[AusWolf]

You’d think that a smaller case, small motherboard and small psu would help in cost saving but it is the complete opposite…. as much as I love sff I think building a cost effect rig now is Matx size

Agreed. It's kind of a middle ground between compactness and serviceability, too. That's why it's my chosen form factor for my main rig now after many years on m-ITX.

 

[A Computer Guy]

An interesting solution. Oddly I have found myself in a position where my PSU also does not work.

 

[tabascosauz]

So uh, I put the Impact into the HT5 lol

Somehow it booted right up. Good ol reliable Impact. I don't wanna do that again. That was laborious

 

[dgianstefani]

So uh, I put the Impact into the HT5 lol

Somehow it booted right up. Good ol reliable Impact. I don't wanna do that again. That was laborious

View attachment 343938

I miss when Impact mobos were ITX.

Wait

That isn't ITX, is that the mini DTX?