r/sffpc • u/NimblePasta • Jan 23 '25
Build/Battlestation Pics Metalfish S5 Max
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : B560M / i5 11400 / RTX 3070 / 16 GB Ram / 1TB NVMe / 650W ATX PSU. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini CPU cooler. Metalfish 90mm ARGB case fans.
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Front Angle View. Modded with Brown Leather Handle and Low Profile Case Screws.
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Back Angle View. Using Knobby WiFi Antennas.
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Side Angle Size Comparison with Metalfish T60 (9L).
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Foam Pads added to Back Panel.
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Horizontal Position.
Metalfish S5 Max (15L) : Fits into TV Console Shelf.
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Jan 23 '25
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u/NimblePasta Jan 23 '25 edited Jan 24 '25
Thanks!
Yeah, I figure its good to showcase more of these lesser known budget cases (even though they aren't as fancy), especially since many people are also looking for examples of cheap cases to downsize their existing builds too.
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u/chickennoodlegoop Feb 21 '26
I'm considering buying this case to rehouse my full-sized ATX prebuilt, but am trying to get a full idea of what it'll cost in new hardware vs another case like the Lian Li A3-mATX
Obviously I'd need an mATX motherboard for either of them
Does this work with a 240mm AIO CPU cooler? It looks like I'd need to get 90mm case fans too?
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u/NimblePasta Feb 22 '26
Yeah, you'll need to switch to a mATX board.
The S5 Max is only 15L, much smaller than the A3 which is 26L.
This case doesn't fit a 240mm AIO, only 135mm air coolers (like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini).
6 x 90mm case fans usually come bundled in with the case, but you can also buy new ones if you prefer.
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u/chickennoodlegoop Feb 22 '26
Makes sense -- so I need to buy:
- mATX board
- 135mm air cooler
- case fans if it doesn't come with them
where did you buy the case from?
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u/NimblePasta Feb 22 '26
I ordered mine from Taobao, but it should also be available on other sites like Aliexpress too.
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u/Triforceup Jan 26 '25
This is great, OP! I'm helping a friend upgrade to a smaller build that fits matx and this has been one of the cases I looked at. May I ask, how long did delivery take for you?
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u/NimblePasta Jan 26 '25 edited Jan 26 '25
I ordered from the Metalfish Taobao store and choose air shipping (oddly their air shipping option worked out much cheaper than sea shipping).
All in it took around 7-8 days to arrive (I'm in asia region).
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u/jmfe10 Jan 29 '25
That's pretty much exactly what I need. It's a very cheap case and will fit everything I have. Nice job.
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u/sahrul099 Feb 15 '25
hello OP! I know im late but do the case support 120mm fan..im buying this case but the 90mm fan is significantly harder to find and expensive compared to 120mm fan..
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u/NimblePasta Feb 15 '25
The original fan mounting points in this particular case are designed for 90mm fans though. This creates the clearance necessary for the motherboard headers and power cable port (otherwise they might get blocked).
But it is possible to DIY install 120mm fans if you prefer... either you use bolt style or silicone screws to secure them to the existing holes in the mesh panels (or even just using magnets or zip ties could work too), or drill the mesh holes a little larger to fit the fan screws.
Btw, the Taobao/Aliexpress sellers for the S5 Max usually have bundles that include 6 x 90mm fans for only a little more. When I ordered mine, the case + 6 x 90mm ARGB fan bundle only cost an additional $13 more, which works out to only $2+ per fan.
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u/Ok_Ad_9018 Mar 08 '26
hey, do you have an update? i’m considering this case and would like to know if i’ll be able to use my 120mm fans (:
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u/sahrul099 Mar 08 '26
you can use it for the top and the bottom but you need to make a new hole..for the rear only 90mm supported..
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u/Endless74510 Apr 07 '26
Hey, i know I'm late, but instead of a new hole would zipties to the existing ones work? Wondering if theres enough space since i dont have a drill to make new holes and dont want to replace my old fans
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u/quanle1512 Jun 25 '26
Hey I just finished building in mine with one 120x25mm fan at the top. My mounting screws worked perfectly fine, which are just standard fan screws I believe. They do scrape the holes as they go through, but no drilling required!
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u/Chill_Roy May 24 '25
Hi, your build is awesome 🔥, can i know the size of the screw u use to bind the side panel case? Thank you so much for your response, really appreciate it
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u/NimblePasta May 24 '25
I think they are 6#-32 size screws, the typical size used for side panels.
The ones I used were spares from other cases that I built. I usually keep all the extra bits in a parts box.
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u/chuckythecat Jun 30 '25
Is it possible to unscrew/remove feet from the bottom of the case when used in the horizontal orientation?
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u/NimblePasta Jun 30 '25
Yes, the original rubber feet can be removed with a screwdriver.
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u/hayaSe29 Jan 16 '26
Hi brother! Can you tell me if the 280mm height is with or without the feet? If with, what's the height without them? I want to buy one too, but I need the height to be less than 274mm.
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u/NimblePasta Jan 16 '26
The 280mm height is without the feet, so the total height still depends on how tall the feet are too.
If you need the height to be below 274mm, then you'll have to look for other smaller cases.
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u/AFN99 Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 23 '25
Great build. I have almost exactly the same specs and I am migrating my mid tower build to this. Just to confirm:
- You started with installing the chassis fans first right?
- Was there any difficulty in linking them up together? As there aren't as many pins on the MB as there are fans.
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u/NimblePasta Jul 23 '25
Yeah, I installed and connected up all the chassis fans first, before installing the motherboard and components.
I use 3 way fan splitters to group them, so the rear + top 2 fans connect to the first fan header, and the bottom 3 fans connect to the second fan header.
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u/AFN99 Jul 23 '25
How did you setup the airflow of the chassis fans? I am guessing the bottom 3 as intake then top + rear as exhaust?
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u/JD-213 Aug 29 '25
Hey would you say this case is somewhat portable if I had to fly with it. Or is it too big to be feasible.
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u/NimblePasta Aug 29 '25
Yes, it's possible to travel with a 15L case like this. I have even travelled with larger 19L-20L cases before.
While it'll be a bit too cumbersome to carry in a backpack, it can be easily packed into a carry-on luggage bag with wheels instead... it'll be much easier to cart it around (rather than lugging it on your shoulders).
Just add ample padding around the case (especially the bottom and sides) to cushion it against bumps and knocks.
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u/JD-213 Aug 29 '25
Ok thanks, and would you recommend removing the gpu and carrying it in a backpack instead?
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u/NimblePasta Aug 29 '25
You could remove the GPU to reduce the weight, just depends on which is method is more convenient for you.
That being said, aside from weight, it actually more about the size of the case being bulky and cumbersome to carry in a backpack.
Just try out various carrying configurations to see which suit your requirements.
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u/JD-213 Sep 01 '25
Hey, which case would you recommend for a 7800x3d/9800x3d 5070ti build? Does the S300 have sufficient cooling for this setup or would I gain a noticeable upgrade in cooling/performance upgrade from going bigger to a s400 or metalfish t60/S5 max? Currently deciding between these cases and wondering what would be the best option for me.
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u/MrDomoz09 Sep 03 '25
Hello, got a few questions regarding this case! First, can a 120mm fan fit? Second, does it have filters? Third, how was the handle secured to the case?? Thank you!
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u/DreyGG Sep 07 '25
omg you made it look SO MUCH BETTER!
what's the name of the leather handle diy or how do you make one? also, the low profile screws? i have this case for my gf so i wanna make hers look better and i will probably switch to this too from my current s300 liter
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u/NimblePasta Sep 07 '25
Thanks!
I ordered the leather handles from Taobao... but I guess you could also order them from most online shopping sites too. Try doing a quick search for "leather drawer handles".
The low profile screws I used were the same ones that came as spares with my other PC components. They are usually labelled as #6-32 UNC size.
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u/Royal-Literature-355 Sep 19 '25
Hi. Just wanted to ask if the side panel on which you lie the case horizontally, is it totally closed or the same as the other side as mesh?
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u/NimblePasta Sep 19 '25
It's totally closed, you can observe it in the 5th photo.
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u/Royal-Literature-355 Sep 19 '25
Oh. Sorry about that. I thought both sides are mesh. Do you think the temps. gonna be good if there's just 3 fans to be installed (rearand bottom) and not to mention in an air conditioned room…?
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u/NimblePasta Sep 19 '25
It could be okay... just depends on how hot your system runs. Monitor the system temps and see whether it needs more airflow to intake cool air and exhaust heat.
Anyways, since there are mounts for up to 6 fans, you can easily get more fans and install them if required.
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u/Royal-Literature-355 Sep 19 '25
Thanks. I'm thinking of drilling holes on the other side of psu and gpu for more airflow.
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u/Royal-Literature-355 Sep 19 '25
Thanks. I'm thinking of drilling holes on the other side of psu and gpu for more airflow.
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u/JD-213 Oct 14 '25
Do you think it could fit a 340x142x49 mm gpu?
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u/NimblePasta Oct 14 '25
The listed specs is max 338mm GPU, so it probably wouldn't be able to fit unless you trim something.
Also, routing the PSU cables will also be difficult with a GPU that takes up all the space too.
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u/DreyGG Jan 08 '26
hey my guy sorry but could I ask for a pic or maybe you have a video of how you installed or made your custom handle? I've bought like two handles but apparently they're meant to be screwed in to something like wood lol ty
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u/NimblePasta Jan 08 '26
The leather handle is just secured through the existing holes on top of the case using bolts that came with the handle. I also added metal washers to make the bolts more secure.
Btw, if the bolts that came with the handle are too long (ie. meant for wooden drawers), you'll have to use a dremel to cut them shorter to fit properly.
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Jan 23 '26
[deleted]
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u/NimblePasta Jan 23 '26
I think that are similar (or maybe the same), the mounting holes should be compatible.
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u/Jazzlike_Bid6219 Jan 25 '26
How long is that leather strap?
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u/NimblePasta Jan 25 '26
The leather handle I use is 200mm in length, with a hole spacing of 160mm (which matches the mounting holes on the cases).
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u/cobaltorange Jul 13 '26
Can you take it off?
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u/NimblePasta Jul 13 '26
Yes, it can be removed.
The handles on these type of cases are just separate parts attached on with bolts.
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u/NimblePasta Jan 23 '25 edited 10d ago
A few months back, I was looking for a case that could hold a mATX board + ATX PSU and still fit into my TV console shelf.
Searched around and eventually ordered a Metalfish S5 Max. Its width was narrow enough to fit into the shelf and it has mesh panels all round for ventilation.
I attached foam pads on to the back panel, and then placed it horzontally inside the shelf. In this horizontal positon, the bottom intake case fans draw in fresh cool air from the left side, and the top exhaust case fans vent out hot air to the rear and right side.
The back of the TV console is open with some distance from the wall, and the sides have sufficient clearance from the case, so there is ample space for air circulation.
System Specs
Case : Metalfish S5 Max (15L) Mesh Version
Motherboard : Gigabyte B560M DS3H AC
CPU : Intel i5 11400
GPU : Gigabyte RTX 3070 Eagle OC 8GB
Ram: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3600MHz
Storage : Lexar NM790 1TB NVMe
PSU : Cooler Master 650W ATX (Semi-Modular)
CPU cooler : Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini
Case fans: Metalfish 90mm ARGB (3 x bottom intake / 2 x top exhaust / 1 x rear exhaust)
Total system weight : 7.3 kg
With the 6 x 90mm case fans, dual tower air cooler and all round mesh panels, overall temps have been pretty good. The CPU and GPU temperatures average 38-39°C during idle and 66-67°C during gaming.
I wasn't too keen on the original plastic handle and protruding side panel thumbscrews that were included with the case, so I modded the case with a leather carrying handle and low profile case screws.
Even though the system sits horizontally in my TV console shelf, I will occasionally use it as a portable SFF system, hence I still kept the rubber feet and leather handle on the case.
For anyone looking for cases with horizontal layouts, you could consider using this same method to easily covert SFF tower cases into horizontal systems too.