- Feb 28, 2016
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I'm a Mini-ITX gamer. I love small cases that can be dropped into a backpack and taken over to a LAN party or to play with my friends. When building my main rig I tested thoroughly how to increase airflow in my case, so my PC wont become a heater.
I just want to point out to new timers in the Mini-ITX or small case "world" in PC building.
1. STOP WORRYING ABOUT AIRFLOW!
Airflow is NOT a problem in Mini-ITX cases (Unless if the case is bigger then 15 liters and is NOT a HTPC case.) and should not be the reason for stopping a build. Cables decrease airflow sure, but in cases such as the SG13 or Node 202, You really can't cable manage. It will only make a slight difference in temperature. The only way of combating temperature and heat is by adding fans or water-cooling. Only in bigger ITX cases cable managing will help. Some cases that will improve temps if you cable manage include (Just as examples) is: Most Lian-Li Mini ITX cases, Fractal Design's Desire Mini-ITX cases, and cases with at least 2-3 fans in the main "chamber" (Chamber is where you motherboard (At least) will be shown off.).
2. ALWAYS check if you're components fit!
You must do research on what your components size's are to see if they fit in your chosen ITX case. Usually the things you need to check first is the GPU length and width (Sometimes depth.) and PSU length and width. You should also see what type of PSU and GPU can fit. For example: Some cases may only allow a different type of PSU (Such as SFX) and some cases might require different GPU sizes (Such as Low-Profile.)
Next, Check the CPU Fan clearance, Ram height, and HDD/SSD size (Easy).
CPU Clearance is also important too. Check the height and make sure its small enough to fit. Same for the RAM. HDD/SSD size is just seeing if you have 2.5 or 3.5 drives and if they fit.
(Unfinished.)
I just want to point out to new timers in the Mini-ITX or small case "world" in PC building.
1. STOP WORRYING ABOUT AIRFLOW!
Airflow is NOT a problem in Mini-ITX cases (Unless if the case is bigger then 15 liters and is NOT a HTPC case.) and should not be the reason for stopping a build. Cables decrease airflow sure, but in cases such as the SG13 or Node 202, You really can't cable manage. It will only make a slight difference in temperature. The only way of combating temperature and heat is by adding fans or water-cooling. Only in bigger ITX cases cable managing will help. Some cases that will improve temps if you cable manage include (Just as examples) is: Most Lian-Li Mini ITX cases, Fractal Design's Desire Mini-ITX cases, and cases with at least 2-3 fans in the main "chamber" (Chamber is where you motherboard (At least) will be shown off.).
2. ALWAYS check if you're components fit!
You must do research on what your components size's are to see if they fit in your chosen ITX case. Usually the things you need to check first is the GPU length and width (Sometimes depth.) and PSU length and width. You should also see what type of PSU and GPU can fit. For example: Some cases may only allow a different type of PSU (Such as SFX) and some cases might require different GPU sizes (Such as Low-Profile.)
Next, Check the CPU Fan clearance, Ram height, and HDD/SSD size (Easy).
CPU Clearance is also important too. Check the height and make sure its small enough to fit. Same for the RAM. HDD/SSD size is just seeing if you have 2.5 or 3.5 drives and if they fit.
(Unfinished.)
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