SFF System Build

Before we installed the CPU, we pulled off the default locking mechanism. The Thermal Grizzly frame is very easy to install with the supplied hex tool, giving you an improved base to secure the cooler to.


Even though the Corsair memory is taller than most other DDR5 modules out there, the Fractal Design Mood will have enough room to accommodate these as well. As you may have noticed, we are using the MP600 Elite variant that does not ship with a heatsink. This is simply due to the fact that the motherboard provides its own passive cooling component, allowing us to install the bare drive and then cover it up with that heatsink instead.


The Fractal Design Mood is laid out well, providing a dedicated space for the motherboard with plenty of ways to creatively wire the cables to keep the CPU area free for easy access. As the case also requires you to use an SFX PSU, that Corsair unit fits perfectly well. The fan of the PSU is set to pull air in through the back of the case, which means also pulling air past the GPU, but thanks to the massive fan at the top also creating additional airflow, this isn't a problem.


Installing the ASUS ProArt RTX 4080 Super OC into the dedicated bay illustrates that the Fractal Design case manages to provide more than enough room in terms of length and width. But, looking closer, you can clearly see how exactly the GeForce RTX 4080 Super lines up with the body of the case in terms of thickness. Remember, when we mentioned that the GPU is "almost" 2-slots slim? This is where the NVIDIA initiative proves itself as the ASUS GPUs fits perfectly into the chassis body - down to the millimeter.


Doing a quick victory lap with all the components installed, you can see that we not only used that 280 mm AIO, but also cable managed everything using our signature red zip ties. While we had to accommodate multiple ARGB components and a total of three fans alongside an RPM signal based pump, all the wires are bunched up at the bottom, next to the motherboard and away from any fan blades. The AIO is set to push air through the radiator and out the front of the case.


Taking one last peek at that core topic of the article: the GPU fits perfectly, even the cover slid over it without issue. Thanks to the clearance to the left, the 12VHPWR wire is only gently bent as well so that you can rest assured that your graphics card can be pushed to the max.