Question What mini ITX case would have better cooling for my system?

[maccannon]

Hi all - I have a recent node 202 build that's running a little on the hot side. Idles around 36c-40c. Under load averages about 78c-ish when I play games and do work with an occasional short burst/peak to about 85c. It's pretty hot here lately, though. Can't seem to fit any better cooling in this node 202, two little fans at the top helping exhaust didnt really help at all, so I took them back out. So I'm considering a new case (unless, that avg temperature is ok for a SFF build?)

Thinking about the Thermaltake Black Core V1, but not quite sure. What mini itx case would be better?

Current Specs:
CPU - Intel Core i7 8700
MOBO - ASUS ROG Strix H370-I
Graphics - ASUS Dual GeForce GTX 1660 Ti OC Edition
Memory - Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
SSD - Samsung 500GB SSD, 970 EVO Plus
SSD #2 - Samsung 1TB SSD, 970 EVO Plus
Case - Fractal Design Node 202 Black Mini ITX Case
PSU - SilverStone 500W SFX
Cooling - 2x 120 Noctua Slim Case Fans
CPU Cooling - Silverstone AR06 Low Profile

Thanks!

 

[velocityg4]

That Thermaltake is certainly a better case. You slim case just isn't meant for the hardware you have.

I would also replace your heatsink with a 140mm liquid cooling option (a decent 120mm is probably fine given no OC). Those little case do best when heat is directly vented out. There just isn't enough room for re-circulation. A tower cooler could also work but I would make a shroud for it to vent directly out the rear.

Not much you can do about the GPU now. Blower style are preferable for small cases. As they also vent directly out the rear. Avoid cases which jam the GPU against the PSU. Your GPU needs some space. Luckily the Thermaltake places it by a coarse mesh opening.

You may also want to take a look at the Bitfenix Prodigy. It can take up to a 240mm radiator in either the top or front.

Prodigy

Overview Specs Reviews Gallery Download Center...

www.bitfenix.com

I didn't really see better options for your setup than the Bitfenix I mentioned or the Thermaltake you mentioned. Most other jam the GPU against a solid sheet of metal or glass.

 

[maccannon]

Thanks for the reply - Yeah, the GPU wasn't ideal but I got it super cheap from a work colleague so I have to make do with it I guess

I'll look into that Bitfenix Prodigy though - looks great!