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I'm considering this case, but I'm not sure if some of the components I have are really appropriate.

CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP-200 Muscle (73 mm)
GPU: MSI GTX 960 (open-air, 267 mm)

I have an SFX PSU, so the AXP-200 *might* fit, but I question how effective it will be in such a tight space. Also, the GPU will probably fit, but it's open-air.

What I would like is a case that is less than 300 mm in height, less than 20 L in volume, and good thermally. Considering the components I have, is the SG13 a good fit, or are there cases that will give much cooler temps given the constraints? I've looked at the Fractal Design Core 500 and Cougar QBX, but I'm not sure how much better they would be for temps. Thoughts?

 

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You might be able to fit the Thermalright AXP-200 Muscle with an SFX PSU mounted high, however airflow will not be that great due to the PSU blocking a good portion of the air supply.



If you are interested, mounting the PSU in the front of the case and freeing up all the room above the CPU takes the case from being not very good thermally, to a pretty stellar performer when air cooling.

Thanks for the reply. What's the easiest way to front-mount the PSU?

 

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The best is if you have access to a 3D printer/laser cutter/CNC machine that can build an adapter that holds your PSU while being secured to either the front fan holes or bottom SSD holes.

That's what I was afraid of. I don't have access to a 3D printer, so I think I'll have to pass with this mod.

I was considering the SG08 as well, but it sounds like it's not a great case. That's a shame, because the size is great.

 

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It really depends on what you are willing to do mod wise. I have 3d printed parts on my build, but i could have done my mods with some paper and off the shelf stuff.

If you are willing to cut into a new case to mount the psu similar to what i did, then all you need is a drill and dremel or tin snips.

I simply used printed parts because i have one and I'm always looking for an excuse to use it!

If you dont want to cut the case to mount it there are still some options given you have an SFX psu. You could mount on its side and use some double sided tape to keep it there. Might not be the most professional job ever, but a little time and attention to detail things can look great and no one would know the difference.

I believe there are a couple people out there that side mounted an sfx psu with great results.

The other thing is, if you plan to run your system at stock speeds then your setup will be just fine with psu mounted in its stock location.

I really like the SG13 and that's why I put so much effort into mine, its a great size and with some minor layout changes it can be a great air cooling machine!

Thanks again for the advice. I suppose I could always try modding the case later. Out of curiosity, what GPU temps do you get?

 

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Now that I have the SG13, I need an intake fan. I'm looking for something that's not too expensive (<£20) and also near-silent. I was considering the Noiseblocker B12-2, but I heard it's rather noisy as an intake. I suppose this is always an issue with intakes (which is why I've avoided them until now), but are there any fans that are good in this regard?

Apologies if this is a little too off-topic.

Edit: Oh, let me make clear that I'm looking for a 120 mm fan.

 

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What thickness are you looking at? Where in the case is it being mounted ?

25 mm (thicker the better, right?) and mounted in the front. Are there any other locations where I could put a fan? I would be willing to add another one if there are.

 

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Are you going aircooling for CPU and PSU in standard top rear position ? If so a lot of people fit a slim (12mm) exhaust fan on the vent at the right rear though that does depend a lot on choice of motherboard. It is also reasonably easy to fit a couple of 50mm exhaust fans above the graphics card between case side and PSU.

Thanks. For the right rear position, you mean something like this? It looks like a slim 80 or 92 mm fan is more appropriate if you don't want to do any modding. Actually, does it have to be slim if I choose a 92 mm fan?

For the time being, I'd like to avoid any changes to the case itself, so the TY150 isn't appropriate for me, as I have a full-length GPU.

 

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A 25mm fan is not going to work with an ATX supply. With an SFX PSU I suspect a 25mm fan would end up hard against the PSU unless you used a custom mounting plate that moved it towards the GPU.

With the TY-150 you would not be modifying the case, just cutting back the frame of the the fan. However I never personally tried it with a full length card so hard to tell how well it would work.

Ok, I'm using an SFX PSU. A little earlier, I saw a thread on reddit (link) where someone used a 25 mm fan. Like you said, it's a tight fit against the PSU. The author moved it lower, away from the PSU, and is using it as an intake. I suppose I could at least try, but a slim fan does seem better.

Alright, I'll consider the TY-150, at least in the future.