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FT03-mini Gaming Build

5K views 19 replies 6 participants last post by  DiHydrogenMonOxide 
#1 ·
Hi, I recently purchased

- i7-3770k (CPU)
- XFX 7850 Core Edition (GPU)
- MSI Z77IA-E53 (MoBo)
- Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (RAM)

I was thinking of getting a FT03-mini but i'm worried about the heat from the graphics card coming back into the case as the XFX GPU isnt a reference model and doesnt only exhaust in the back of the case. Do you think it matters much ? Or is there any other small case kinda like the ft03-mini ? If not i'm just gonna go with a prodigy
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#2 ·
Fwiw, i'd be worried about that too. Pretty slick case,but it only has the one 140mm fan in the bottom. What are you're plans for the CPU cooler?

Fractal Design has some small cases too: Node 304, Arc Mini, Define Mini. The two minis are < 16" tall and provide fan mount options along the lines of many midsize cases (so lots of cooling options).
 
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by xhaloedx View Post

I would say get a reference cooler on your GPU that way it will expel heat from the top (Orientation of the case) then with the H60 you'll have no issue if you mount the rad to the bottom of the case

Example:
But i already bought the graphics card. how do i get just a reference cooler ?
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jomboh View Post

For CPU cooler i was thinking about getting one of those maintenance-free water cooler like H60 or H80i. The node 304 looks a little "fat" lol
So in the Fortress-mini the radiator would have to go on top of the 140mm fan in the base of the case, is that right? Still leave room for a 10" GPU? I think the node 304 is a bit boxy looking too. I wonder what case this is... http://www.falcon-nw.com/desktops/fragbox?

The prodigy is pretty slick looking too.

Some other ideas here... http://lifehacker.com/5994570/five-best-small-form-factor-pc-cases
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jomboh View Post

But i already bought the graphics card. how do i get just a reference cooler ?
I think the impellor fan cooler on the GPU and the Fortress-mini case is a bit of a mismatch myself. That case wants a shrouded gpu with a blower fan. Arci/Define minis looks like a better match (mount fans galore inside those little cases).
 
#8 ·
Well considering you have the card , I would say you could manage. If the air flows into the case I would have the Fan on the rad set to pull if internal or push if set to external like the picture. This way air comes into the case as an intake and naturally pushes the air to the top, heat rises so in my theory it makes sense. I would say not to overclock the card much though if you do end up with toasty temps.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by xhaloedx View Post


I know you have your sights set on the FT03 Mini but the Node 304 really is more optimal for your GPU.
but i dont really like how it looks. Im gonna be moving in my university dorm next semester and my room isnt too big. wanted to get a small computer i could put on my desk without taking too much space. it seems like the node is even bigger than the prodigy
 
#11 ·
I believe it is the same width and length as the Prod but I believe its much shorter. The FT03 Mini is actually bigger than the Node 304 (height). Considering the orientation it's in still smaller than the Prod though just the height is taller.

FT03 Mini:
Height :15.63"
Width: 7.44"
Depth: 9.26"

Node 304:
Height: 9.84"
Width: 8.27"
Depth: 14.72"

Prodigy:
Height: 9.84" (Not including case feet and handles)
Width: 15.91"
Depth: 14.13"
 
#12 ·
Arc Mini
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H: 15.95"
W: 8.27"
D: 19.1" (way deeper than the fortress)

The node is tiny.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jomboh View Post

- XFX 7850 Core Edition (GPU)
I was thinking of getting a FT03-mini but i'm worried about the heat from the graphics card coming back into the case as the XFX GPU isnt a reference model and doesnt only exhaust in the back of the case. Do you think it matters much ?
Yes it matters, but since that GPU is doesn't draw very much power, temps will still be acceptable. The case is small enough internally, that even the single 140mm fan is able to bring in enough fresh air to keep components cool. I've had my old Phantom 560ti in my case to test - it's also a card with wide open shroud but higher power draw than your 7850. Although it was a little loud, it was not overheating. I don't remember exact temps, sorry, but something around 80C after some hours running folding@home.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jomboh View Post

For CPU cooler i was thinking about getting one of those maintenance-free water cooler like H60 or H80i.
The FT03-mini is designed to work with the H60 and it fits exactly
smile.gif
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by WiSK View Post

Yes it matters, but since that GPU is doesn't draw very much power, temps will still be acceptable. The case is small enough internally, that even the single 140mm fan is able to bring in enough fresh air to keep components cool. I've had my old Phantom 560ti in my case to test - it's also a card with wide open shroud but higher power draw than your 7850. Although it was a little loud, it was not overheating. I don't remember exact temps, sorry, but something around 80C after some hours running folding@home.
The FT03-mini is designed to work with the H60 and it fits exactly
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Are u saying i should be okay with a FT03-mini case then ?
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I wont really be overclocking or anything ... just playing some games like borderlands 2 and Dota/LoL

EDIT : Is there anywhere i can buy a reference cooler if that doesnt work ?
 
#16 ·
Yup, I think so too. Cooling the CPU via a bottom mounted radiator seems like it would mitigate heat from the GPU circulating in the case. I dug up some reviews, one of them plugged an impeller fan cooled GPU into it. Seems like some vents on the side of the case nearest the GPU fans might be a desirable thing?

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Silverstone/Fortress_FT03_Mini/1.html
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2012/09/28/silverstone-ft03-mini-review/1

Other cases would probably be easier to work with and provide greater flexibility, but this one certainly does have curb appeal and seems like it can be made to work.
 
#18 ·
#19 ·
I have a Mini too and I am so impressed with its cooling ability, even at low fan speeds. I have only run a 650ti boost in it though. Its very quiet though and the CoolerMaster Seidon 120 fits good. Now if I could just figure out how to get the 3.5" HD cage back in there, lol. I am looking for a good air cooler for it though.
 
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