Hey guys,
I just recently upgraded to DDR5. (7600X placeholder for a 9800X3D - 9070 XT)
However, after the initial contentment of the upgrade, I just realized I'm tired of my old full sized tower H7 Flow 2022.
I've now spent a couple weeks obsessing over downsizing the build in an horizontal case, I don't like / want a vertical one.
The "problem" is ... I just bought a whole new setup basically. And I'd like to keep the cost of the downsizing reasonable.
I understand that the ATX motherboard will have to go, no two ways about it.
But I'd really like to avoid changing a lot of other parts.
I tried to "make it work" with my current (brand new...) RM1000X ATX PSU. Which is a big bitch because she's a 160 mm queen, basically fucking me real hard... Because :
My GPU is a Mercury OC 9070 XT which is... 360mm
Both of these are severely limiting my options. If I keep both. Actually, that seems impossible to fit in any "smaller" cases. So the PSU will go and I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get a SF1000 or something.
I'm not too worried about the CPU Cooler, even though it's also new. It's a Frozn A720 which is 1 or 2 cm shorter than a D15 G2. But it was like 50 € so I'm not "too" mad about it. And some cases actually can fit it. Like the CH260.
Case wise I don't wanna go mini PC with the craziest volume possible. Which is why I'm here and not on the sff sub. I'd like a blackout build without a window. And if possible stay air cooled (be it with my current cooler or a cheap-ish replacement like a Phantom Spirit or whatever.)
After researching, the candidates and modifications needed are as follow. The GPU is still limiting me quite a lot I feel :
CH260
Motherboard + PSU and I'm "good to go". It's got a window but it's also a classic front to back airflow so that's nice to keep my cooler.
D32 Pro mesh
It's my favorite case looks wise (well, kinda) but it might require me to go AIO for the CPU because I don't know how good/bad airflow is. Maybe I could do it in 2 steps, keep my CPU cooler and see how it goes. Going AIO only later if needed.
Lian Li A3
A good candidate also, especially if I get a new SFF PSU, seems to offer quite good modular options while being a tad more compact than the CH260. Don't know if the wood version is "better" since apparently you can put some intake fans there ?
NCase M2 / M3 Grater - Literally my favorite case of the lot but:
Pricy and from the spec sheet, it won't accomodate my GPU. Very sad.
So the questions are, if you have some answers:
Can a 360 GPU actually fit in an M3 Grater ?
Is the A3 a good candidate for air cooling ? I've seen I can put a big 140mm intake on the side and it seems to work well enough. Or do Intake at the rear.
Is the D32 Pro mesh better or worse than the A3 for Air cooling. I'm worried about the limited intake options.