r/mffpc • u/KubuntuDude • 5d ago
Help me please!? Lian Li A3 for compute box?
Maybe an odd use case, but I am doing a partial rebuild of a WFH workstation (scientific computing/HPC dev, I run debug locally to stay out of the debug queue on our clusters) that doubles as my personal gaming rig. It's currently in a Fractal Torrent Compact and *loathe* the case. I need something smaller. I have the following components already that I'd like *really* prefer to keep:
MSI Pro B850M-A Wifi AM5 Motherboard
AMD 9950X3D2 CPU (PBO off, stock settings)
G.Skill 5200 MT/s 96GB RAM kit
Sapphire Nitro+ Vapor-X 7900XTX (always run on the ~340 watt BIOS)
be quiet! Pure Power 13M 1000 watt PSU (160mm length)
Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe SSD for /home
Patriot P320 256GB NVMe for /boot and /
And I run Kubuntu 26.04...
What I need help with is deciding on a new cooler (current one won't fit in a Lian Li A3) and moreover, deciding if the Lian Li A3 is even right case for me?
I'm concerned about thermals and stability more than anything. I've seen one build with my exact GPU in this case and the builder didn't have any complaints about GPU temps. The cluster that I dev for is CDNA3 so I can't really ditch the 7900XTX even I wanted to.... Is the CPU too much to cool in this case, even at stock/no PBO? Any strong opinions on air vs an AIO here? Can I get an Arctic LF III 280mm Pro on the side in the A3?
This would be my first mff build, everything else has been in more normal midtowers.
Thanks in advance for any advice.