this thread quite silent

just completed an SFF build recently using Fractal Design Node 202, spec as follows:

- Node 202 case + 450W Integra PSU
- Intel Core i5-6500
- Asus H110i-Plus
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB DDR4 x1 (planned to add another 8GB stick later)
- EVGA GTX1060 3GB ACX 2.0
- Kingston UV400 120GB SSD as boot drive
- HGST 1TB 7200rpm 2.5" HDD for storage
- 2x Thermaltake Riing LED 120mm SP fans for intake

replacement rig for my recently sold Alienware X51 R2, after quite some time finally decided to go all-out custom PC for better upgrade route

I got my Node 202 from Topmaid in Lowyat back in March for RM650 (inclusive of Integra 450W 80+ Bronze PSU)

Not sure about the RVZ02 & ML08 availablility, but you can also check Topmaid, C-Zone and Viewnet

no thanks, already got a Node 202

awesome build bro

seems like the ML08 have a bit more room to work with compared to my Node 202

myself using stock cooler too, and been thinking of changing for an aftermarket one as well

went through some reviews, quite a number suggested the Cryorig C7 over the highly popular Noctua NH-L9i for SFF builds

This post has been edited by rihuhs: Jan 2 2018, 08:46 AM

awesome design & concept (similar internal layout to A4 SFX), but steep pricing (starting from 199 Euro for the base model with no add-on) and also the fact that it's need to be pre-ordered

would you prefer boxy look or more flat/HTPC looking?

btw what kind of hardware you're planning to put in the system? main purpose of the PC?

nice update

having the option to slot in a 3.5" drive is really a big advantage, unlike my Node 202 which is restricted to 2x 2.5" drive only

my current storage is a Kingston UV400 120GB SSD as boot drive, and a HGST 7200rpm 1TB 2.5" HDD for storage

those that came across my mind were the Fractal Design Node 202 and Silverstone Raven RVZ02 or ML-08

for better storage option I'd recommend RVZ02 or ML08, since Node 202 (the one I'm using now) only have compartment for 2x 2.5" drives only

even in current condition of me having a mini sized GPU there (an EVGA GTX1060 3GB) still some mod needed in order to get a 3.5" drive in there

but having said that, the bundled PSU (Fractal Design own brand one) only have 2x SATA power lol

so my future upgrade path would be upgrading to a mobo that has a M.2 slot (for boot drive), keeping my 1TB 7200rpm drive strictly for game/Steam library and add in another 2TB 5400rpm 2.5" drive for mass storage (photos, videos, music etc)

no discrete graphics and PSU placement not to my liking

the Winser M5 case looks nice, although there's a limitation for the supported graphics card

what's the purpose of the build?

I see. but the case looks like an OEM version of those prebuilt mini PCs from Dell or Acer

according to the PSU calculator site, the build should require somewhere around 230W

https://outervision.com/b/dLa6nV

running i5-6500 & GTX1060 3GB in a Fractal Design Node 202 here.. so far no issues with overheating

but I'm just a casual gamer, and adding 2x 120mm Thermaltake Riing SP fans really helps

lol hai

never had both (currently running my system in a Node 202)

but I'd go for RVZ03 unless if you're very good at cable management then go for the QBX

Rig update!

Recently been quite on a roll with updating my rig. Here's the summary:
1) swapped the mobo from Asus H110i-Plus to Asus Strix B250i (just for the sake of having M.2 slots)
2) swapped the RAM from Vengeance LPX to Vengeance LED
3) swapped the GPU from EVGA GTX1060 3GB to Zotac GTX1070 Mini
4) swapped the case from Fractal Design Node 202 + 450W Integra PSU to a Cougar QBX + CM Masterwatt 650W

basically the *only* original parts that I'm currently using is the Core i5-6500, the 120GB SSD and 1TB HDD. also aside from the case & PSU, all are used items

M.2 drives gonna wait for another round of shopping

pics:



notes:
- cable managing in this case is waaayy more challenging than my old Node202

- for easier cable management, I'd recommend to go for SFX PSU. this particular Masterwatt 650 has 140mm x 150mm (L x W) dimension, which is the maximum that this case supports

- the fans I'm using is the Thermaltake Riing 12 Plus, which requires a USB 2.0 header which my mobo didn't have. so need to manually set it by plugging in a micro USB cable (thank god) to an external USB port, set the profile I want, save it and unplug the cable again.

- the QBX can *barely* fit regular sized fans (25mm thick) and most builders would recommend using a 15mm thick, low profile fans for better clearance. I got away with squeezing in a rubber washer in between the GPU and the fans, or else the GPU fans would get stuck to the rubber mounting of the fans

This post has been edited by rihuhs: Mar 27 2019, 12:25 PM

I have never used Elite110 or the SG13 before, but my rig was running in a Node202 before and currently in a QBX.

Since you already got your budget limit there so I assume you already survey the market price for the listed cases. As in your case ( pun intended ) for travelling, in my opinion the Node 202 is the best candidate


My reasons are:

1) Layout - Node 202 have the GPU mounted to the mobo via a riser, so it will reduce the risk of physical stress to the PCIe x16 slot, which is one of the main concern if you're hauling your PC frequently

2) Size - I believe Node 202 would take the least space in your luggage out of the 4, and the QBX should come right after it. as of SG13 and Elite110 have similar layout and physical dimensions, and also take up a significantly larger footprint

3) Cooling - I am not sure on how Elite110 and SG13 thermal performance, but I can say in my own experience my system runs warmer in the QBX. Maybe it was due to the fact that the Node 202 have separate cooling chamber for CPU & GPU, and have reduced the risk of both component recycled hot air with each other


for the price that you have set, I don't think there are any more (locally available) compact ITX cases

additional note:

1) Node 202 have very limited storage option, and it will only support up to 2x 2.5" drives so you might want to consider looking for mobo with M.2 slot for additional drives

2) I would suggest to get the Node 202 with the 450W Fractal Design's own Integra PSU. it's 80+ bronze rated, and performance is pretty solid (used for more than 2 years before, never had a single issue) and the PSU feels like it was tailor made for Node 202. eventhough it's not modular (and excuse the ketchup and mustard coloured cables) but the length is just about right for all the hardware you're gonna fit inside the case. the provided power connectors are just the right amount for what the Node202 would be able to support; 24-pin power, 4+4 cpu power, 2x SATA power, and 2x 6+2 PCIE power with no extra (read: unneeded) connectors so you'll have better experience with cable managing inside the case.

cost-wise, it'll be relatively cheaper too (the case alone is about RM350, while the combo costs about RM650) since a decent SFX PSU (you really don't want to cheap out on this one) would cost about RM300 for a non-modular Silverstone 450W PSU. the modular ones gonna set you back almost RM400 for 450W.

budget wise I believe the combo is better in terms of cost, but if you have some money to spare then I'd suggest you get a higher rated SFX PSU with modular cables

This post has been edited by rihuhs: Apr 11 2019, 07:57 AM

good choice I'd say, if you don't mind about the limited upgrade ability