Inspired by Optimum Techs awesome video about the Dan C4 SFX (https://youtu.be/PpENpqI7BiE) I decided to upgrade my PC and try my hand at this whole MiniITX-thing:
HW:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (AM5, 4.20 GHz, 8 -Core)
- Noctua NH-D12L (145 mm)
- Corsair Vengeance (2 x 16GB, 6400 MHz, DDR5-RAM, DIMM) which kinda bit me in the arse
- ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI
- Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 MASTER 10G LHR
- Samsung 990 Pro 1TB for OS und apps
- WD Black SN850X 4TB for games
- Lian-Li SP850 SFX power supply
- Dan Cases C4-SFX
I admit, I was quite intimidated by the prospect of building in such a small case, but the C4 SFX makes it easy.
Some tipps for first time builders like me:
- Check your graphic card measurements carefully against the numbers on the website for this case:https://www.dan-cases.com/c4sfx_spec.html
- Don’t be afraid to use a bit of force when running the power supply cables. Don’t destroy the plugs but you can push a bit to make them fit.
- Best use only NVMe-drives. The less you try to shove into the case the better.
For those who are a bit unsure I recommend the video from Optimum Tech. While it’s not a detailed step-by-step guide it does cover most of what you should know. Sure made my day easier and gave me some confidence.
The tips are maybe one or two milimeters away from the sidepanel. So it does fit, but just barely. Playing D4 results in temps of 70-80°C, which is absolutely acceptable to me.
The only issue I ran into was enabling DOCP on the RAM. I did not inform myself about RAM speeds and AMD processors beforehand and thus needed to CMOS reset after the system stopped booting 🙃
Those are the same temps I’m getting with a watercooler. :)
Ugh, I had a similar issue. Over clocked, stress tested, had an issue, and had to CMOS reset because of a noboot. It was before vacation and I was panicking lol.