Building a Small Form Factor pc and need to decide on a case

[knighty437]

Hi Guys,

This is one of many questions I have at the moment regarding a new system that I want to build so if you could also assist me with those questions that would be brilliant thanks!

I'm hoping to build a small form factor Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX system for university in September and I'm unsure of what case to use. I want something that I can place on a desk that won't take up too much room. I will be using a dedicated GPU (something like the GTX 970) but not necessarily a mini-itx version. The case must also be able to hold an SSD and a HDD. Optical drive slot isn't necessary as I can always use an external one but I won't consider it a negative if the case does have one. Cooling is also a factor and I'd like to make sure the components are comfortably cooled, whether that be through an air or a water cooler (I'm open to suggestions on what setup would be best with a particular case), whilst not being too loud.

I've listed some cases and some builds which I like the look of.

Silverstone SG09 or SG10
I was really impressed with this build from NCIX, although I only plan on using a single GPU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSOxvwbke9w

Rosewill U3
I understand that this name varies from region to region but I've seen some fairly impressive builds with this case. My only uncertainty is cooling and its storage facilities.
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/zbYrxr
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/93JV3C

Another Linus SFF build which I like the look of, although people have said his temperatures (mentions them near the end in a conclusion) are very high which makes me feel uncomfortable. The noise level is impressive though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGIb0tws_e4

The Prodigy is simply too big in my opinion so I'd like something smaller. The Corsair 250D and Node 304 are also contenders for mini-itx and the Corsair air 240 for Micro-atx.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Alain Auclair]

maybe this one can interest you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229599
cyberpower let you costumize it on their site

 

[Philfreeze]

If you want to go as small as possible with a mid to high end GPU there is only one case I would go with and that is the ncase. https://www.ncases.com/
It is extremly small but you can still get everything you need into it.

If you want to make this as powerful as possible you will also have to go with luquid cooling because as you can imagine, the air flow is far from perfect in a case of this size.

Update:
http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/290102-complete-ncase-m1-high-end-gaming-photo-video-editing-pc/
Here is a proof that it works

 

[knighty437]

Thanks for your replies! Some great suggestions. I'd really like to build the system myself as I love the satisfaction when it's complete, and often it is cheaper. Unfortunately I live in the UK so the Ncase is very expensive for me as it already costs a lot and then to ship it would cost even more. However I really liked the look of it (Hardware Canucks did a great review of it) and if there is anything similar and cheaper then I'd consider it.

 

[Philfreeze]

Thanks for your replies! Some great suggestions. I'd really like to build the system myself as I love the satisfaction when it's complete, and often it is cheaper. Unfortunately I live in the UK so the Ncase is very expensive for me as it already costs a lot and then to ship it would cost even more. However I really liked the look of it (Hardware Canucks did a great review of it) and if there is anything similar and cheaper then I'd consider it.

Yes it is expensive I know ^^
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA66Z2KU0729
That is another option
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-q35/

 

[madchemist83]

Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case
is a great little case.

 

[knighty437]

Thanks for your replies! Some great suggestions. I'd really like to build the system myself as I love the satisfaction when it's complete, and often it is cheaper. Unfortunately I live in the UK so the Ncase is very expensive for me as it already costs a lot and then to ship it would cost even more. However I really liked the look of it (Hardware Canucks did a great review of it) and if there is anything similar and cheaper then I'd consider it.

Yes it is expensive I know ^^
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA66Z2KU0729
That is another option
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-q35/

I've seen the Raijintek case before but I'm worried about cooling, just one 120mm fan seems risky to me. I've seen some people mod it (I think NCIX even did something similar) allowing them to install a bottom intake fan for extra cooling.

Lian-li have so many cases I seem to find a new one everyday! I'd never seen the PC-Q35 before but really liked the look of it- just seems so professional. However the reviews that I've been reading say that it's more of a NAS case, although a gaming rig can be installed it's just not ideal they think. I'm only planning on using an i5 CPU (deciding between Haswell or the new Skylake, I did have a thread on it but I accidently selected a "best solution" so I'll have to restart it when I get the chance) so it's not going to be an extreme gaming system- I just want to be able to play games smoothly at 1080p or possibly 1440p.

Sorry if I'm being too fussy and I may not find "The Case", but I just want to find something with decent cooling potential, graphics card support and that's small enough to put on a desk. I really appreciate the help though!