All things SFF
- Thread starter immolationepoch
- Start date
immolationepoch
Forerunner
Wow, I didn't expect this much traffic! I've never actually built an ATX system. I started off with a surplus Dell Inspiron with an i5 4440 to which I added a Corsair CX450, Crucial MX500, and a Galax 1650 Super. This was in 2020 after the first wave and just before the market started going haywire. I'd spent some leisure time playing Max Payne 3 on a work laptop with a 940M at 20 FPS during the lockdown and felt I could do with some more grunt. My first complete build was in the NR200 which I grew to appreciate more with every build iteration (houses my current build). Massively capable, brilliant compatibility, and easy to modd. I wanted something smaller though and ended up buying a Dan A4. Spent way too much money getting the case, parts, custom cables etc. Building in it was a challenge and joy and I have some regrets selling it on. It also looked b**ching on my desk.
I don't have much time to game etc. and there are very few that I can get into these days. I love the hardware though and find a lot of joy in the build process. The goal is to be more than just someone who can screw some hardware together. I'd like to be able to design and 3D print my own parts, create my own cables, learn to be handy with power tools, and generally 'level up'. Won't lie, I've thought about putting some effort towards learning these skills and starting a side-hustle in the domain of custom builds. Optimum Tech and NFC Systems have been a huge inspiration for me. Just need to stop procrastinating and get to it..
I've lusted after the T1 but decided against it thinking the NR200 is all the case I need (which it is). I'm getting the itch to test a new case though and am eyeing the Dan Case A4 H2O. It's reasonably priced (as far as premium SFF cases go) and seems to be custom loop friendly. If I end up get it, I'll also haemorrhage some money on a slim radiator, quick disconnect fittings, a SFF friendly res-pump combo. Also very interested in the HDPlex 400 AC-DC unit but it remains OOS and hard to get.
Might have to get some therapy for my addiction at some point..
I don't have much time to game etc. and there are very few that I can get into these days. I love the hardware though and find a lot of joy in the build process. The goal is to be more than just someone who can screw some hardware together. I'd like to be able to design and 3D print my own parts, create my own cables, learn to be handy with power tools, and generally 'level up'. Won't lie, I've thought about putting some effort towards learning these skills and starting a side-hustle in the domain of custom builds. Optimum Tech and NFC Systems have been a huge inspiration for me. Just need to stop procrastinating and get to it..
I've lusted after the T1 but decided against it thinking the NR200 is all the case I need (which it is). I'm getting the itch to test a new case though and am eyeing the Dan Case A4 H2O. It's reasonably priced (as far as premium SFF cases go) and seems to be custom loop friendly. If I end up get it, I'll also haemorrhage some money on a slim radiator, quick disconnect fittings, a SFF friendly res-pump combo. Also very interested in the HDPlex 400 AC-DC unit but it remains OOS and hard to get.
Might have to get some therapy for my addiction at some point..
immolationepoch
Forerunner
If this case is available in india and in stock with price being justified like nr200, then definitely I'm in.
immolationepoch
Forerunner
I'd love to get my hands on one too, but the potential import duty kills it.
Pricing is $115 for the version with the gen3 riser and $155 for the one with the gen4 riser:
Also, for those with the Ampere FEs: https://www.dan-cases.com/downloads/a4h2o_founders-guide.pdf
IIRC it has aluminum panels right? Then won't be cheap.
The design is great, and the layout is fantastic for that super specific kind of build. It's as efficient as it gets, and thermals are nice, despite CPU being exhaust.
Yeah, not cheap. Looking at 12-13k base price and add tax india I guess 15-16k not sure.
This would've been a fantastic case if it allowed upto 165mm tower coolers. Wasted opportunity..
immolationepoch
Forerunner
Not a fan of companies that rip existing products off as opposed to innovating. Not a pretty case either. And at the price, not sure why one would buy this over a NR200.
NR200 can't house the Gigabyte x Noctua 3070. Hence proved, NR200 is a fail
/s
immolationepoch
Forerunner
I would have bought the NR200 in a heartbeat if it had been a Matx, it would add so much flexibility to a otherwise great case.
immolationepoch
Forerunner
That's fair given Mini-ITX boards suffer from scant availability and extortionate pricing in India.
immolationepoch
Forerunner
I have looked at this reasonably priced option for some time so will leave this here -
Reviews appear to be favourable -
www.techpowerup.com
Reviews appear to be favourable -
Cougar QBX Review
The Cougar QBX costs a mere 50 euro, but offers everything you could be looking for in a compact Mini-ITX gaming rig. It sounds nearly unreal, but we take a closer look to see what you get for such little money and do not find the chassis lacking - on the contrary.
immolationepoch
Forerunner
I have looked at this reasonably priced option for some time so will leave this here -
Reviews appear to be favourable -
Cougar QBX Review
The Cougar QBX costs a mere 50 euro, but offers everything you could be looking for in a compact Mini-ITX gaming rig. It sounds nearly unreal, but we take a closer look to see what you get for such little money and do not find the chassis lacking - on the contrary.
buzz88
Forerunner
Came across this price drop today:
Never understood the appeal of this ugly case. Bad layout, crappy internals and unnecessarily big. What's the saving grace?