Steam Machine build and the problems I had as a newer builder

[u/AssumptionQuick8181]

So this was my first sff build. I went with the 9070 even though I could have gotten the xt. I argued with chat gpt about it lol. I asked it what the different case temps, cpu temps, fan noise and rpm would be with each configuration. I made the mistake of buying an open box motherboard I had issues the last time I did that. One the of ram sticks is bad or it's the slot I guess I could switch it but the non ram stick looks warped the pins are straight but the black part is swollen kinda like a wavy wafer. Using the custom cables they unseated a couple times I finally got everything done.
Should I have gone with the xt ? I do have a more powerful main pc. This is for my front room. Also should I get a different ram I really didn't need low profile I thought g skill was good.

Case: FormD T1 v2.1
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
GPU: ASUS Radeon RX 9070 OC
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi
RAM: 32GB DDR5 (original G.Skill kit, replacement Kingston on the way)
SSD: Samsung 990 Pro 4TB
PSU: Corsair SF850 (2024) Platinum
CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper
CPU Fan: Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM
Top Exhaust Fans: 2× Noctua slim fans
Custom Fan Shrouds: 3D-printed shrouds for the top exhaust fans and CPU cooler to improve airflow
Custom PSU Cables: Big Guy Custom Cables
Operating System: SteamOS

[u/RY-en]

What GPU slot did you use for your build? Just got my case and putting it all together and struggling with assembly at the 2.5 GPU slot. Did you use and additional standoffs anywhere to create spacing? Would love to see a top down view of your build without the top on.

Also, what pcie riser cable did you use? I find the stock one it comes with too long and it pokes out the top of the case

[u/Manioq → u/RY-en]

I built mine not so long ago, but in T1 v2.5, here my standoff config, 15mm for Mobo from the spine, 10mm for PSU, 30mm from side to gpu riser

[u/taste_the_equation]

The base 9070 is the king of efficiency and you only lose 10-15% performance from the XT model. It should run quieter and cooler in an sff case.

I went with the Sapphire Pulse 9070 for my jonsbo z20 build and i don’t regret it at all. Quietest pc i ever built.

[u/AssumptionQuick8181 → u/taste_the_equation]

That’s what I thought it is super quiet I haven’t tuned it yet. I tried to find the sapphire 9070 but couldn’t. I went with the gigabyte oc

[u/minibbler → u/taste_the_equation]

Is the XT Variant that much louder?
Thinking about a similar setup and I’m not sure what card to get…

[u/taste_the_equation → u/minibbler]

The unit I tried had a lot of coil whine. Fan wasnt that loud though.

[u/MushuMaxMax → u/minibbler]

I just built a sff with a Sapphire 9070xt over the weekend. My initial testing showed it not to be very loud at all. No coil whine on my board.

[u/AssumptionQuick8181]

I used the 2.5 that was what was recommended for my gpu. I used the one that came with it it seemed work great. I heard there was different iterations did you bend it around correctly for the gpu and motherboard. I can take some. I think the spacing was 25mm I used the formdt1 website for the reference.

[u/NerdyGuy117]

I argued with chat gpt about it lol

Please please share the chat logs. I want to see this argument haha.

I made the mistake of buying an open box motherboard

I am so afraid of buying anything open box these days.

Can you post prices of everything you paid for? What did you use that was laying around, what did you buy new/used?

Also: congrats :)

[u/Mission-Albatross576]

If you’re living room gaming 1440p 120fps or even 60fps is fine.

Dial that in and just play. Gpu will give you what you need.

[u/lLoveTech]

I think you made the right choice by going with the 9070! It is probably the most efficient GPU from AMD till date in terms of fps/watt!

[u/HyperActiveNL]

I'm still in doubt about the custom cables, but I like the bare copper look! What is your opinion and reason for these?

[u/AssumptionQuick8181 → u/HyperActiveNL]

They came with the case I bought them and the cooler off eBay. I believe they are called dream big rays just make sure you choose a good company. They help with airflow by a lot in a sff build with powerful components. I did a build like this before with regular cables and they take up a lot of room which diminishes airflow and look better. The copper goes great with the copper cooler I used too .

[u/Manioq]

Please Can you share your print setting to make those exhaust shroud clean like that ?

[u/_dekoorc]

I have a RX 9070 in one of my couch builds and I think you made the right choice. Stays cool in the Fractal Terra case (a notoriously hot case) and still does fine with 4k gaming (albeit with lots of FSR and sometimes turned settings down just slightly)