mini-ITX build - PSU & GPU not fitting together

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kalakala

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Mar 2, 2016
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Hit a massive noob blocker with my first build - PSU and GPU don't fit into my case. Assumed all ATX PSUs are the same size; apparently not.
Looks like the GPU would physically fit in, being flush with the PSU, but since all the power cables are coming out from that side, it's a no-go.

(top view of the setup - note it's not exactly my build, but the situation is effectively the same.
All locations in following description are relative to the abovementioned top-view.)

The AC cord is coming out from the lower left corner, and components' cables from the top side. As can be seen, the PCI-e slot is essentially flush with the top side, meaning there's no room for those cables.

I see 3 options:

  • - get a new case
    - get a new PSU
    - work around the current situation
First one is out of the question, leaving either swapping the PSU or hacking the ones already there.
How idiotic would it be to go with the latter choice? Suppose I

  • - turn the PSU 180 degrees
    - re-solder the switch + AC socket to a new location, creating a new opening on the PSU enclosure for it.

The main downsides with this would be the inability to mount the unit to the case with the screws, and having to find a really thin electrical insulator between GPU and PSU to protect the former.

What do you guys think, is it feasible?
 
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gopher1369

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You refered yourself as "a massive noob" in your opening post, so bearing that in mind, no, I wouldn't recommend Hacky MfHacxkface as a solution, I'd be worried you make a bad situation worse. If you have enough money that you can afford potentially breaking something and having to replacing it, sure, why not, otherwise I'd suggest playing it safe and either getting a replacement case or psu.

 
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gopher1369

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The only issue I have with the ITX graphics cards is that they tend to be a lot noisier as they are restricted to a single cooling fan, instead of a pair. Depends on how much that bothers kalakala, apart from the noise, that's a good suggestion.
 
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Dustybin

Dustybin

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I have a 960 ITX and the increased noise doesn't really bother me. The fans don't spin when not in game and I normally have my headphones on when gaming so for myself it isn't an issue. The card is a louder under heavy load than the 270 I had previously but I agree it would be down to personal preference.
 
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kalakala

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Thanks for the suggestions.

Wasn't aware of the mITX GPUs, but that ship has sailed. Wouldn't want to change the graphics. Same goes for the case (simply a personal preference to get the smallest case).

Haven't tested it out yet, but how bad would it be if the PSU was flipped 180 degrees as one of the alternatives, but instead of relocating the AC socket, flip the unit also top-to bottom, leaving the socket next to the GPU, not behind it? That way the intake would be just below of the case intake and drive banks, but exhaust ends up on the opposite side. Air movement wise certainly sub-optimal, but if it'd simply run tad hotter, I'd be well willing to try that out.
 
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gopher1369

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Me too, I love building tiny PCs. I have 2 PCs, the biggest of which is a Coolermaster Elite 130 which is about the same size as your case (yes, I consider that big!) and the smaller is an Antec ISK 110.

FYI The Coolermaster Elite 130 would easily fit all of your compoonents without any modification needed because the PSU is mounted to the top of the case above the GPU.
 
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IckyPickle

IckyPickle

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+1 on the cooler master 130, but I feel the true king MiTx is the Fractal Core 500. It fits everything OP has, dedicated intake/outtake for the PSU, plenty of room for storage, dust filters, etc.
 
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gopher1369

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That's a good call IP, +1 on the Core 500.

kalakala, although the Node 304 and Core 500 look like they have the same basic design, and are a very similar sizer, the Core 500 allows an extra couple of centimetres clearance for the PSU cables, so all of your components would fit (Maximum PSU length that will fit in the Core 500 is 160mm, your PSU is 150mm).
 
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kalakala

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For the unlucky other, that might be facing exactly the same issue - getting smaller form factor PSU of GPU is deffo the way to go. I ended up removing the PSU mount bracket from the case, which enabled to push (emphasis on the push part) everything into the case. Not too worried about the PSU not mounted onto the case, as all the other components and cables are forcing everything rather tightly together.
 
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