Mini ITX Fanless Build: Looking for a Good Case / CPU Cooler / Advice.

CalvinRoth

Prominent
Jun 30, 2017
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Hi guys, I'm building a computer and due to price/availability of second hand lga1155 mobos, I've ended up purchasing an Asus Mini-ITX as it was by far the most reasonably priced at time of purchase.

My intention is to run this PC with ideally no fans if possible and if that is totally unfeasible I will be happy to use one or two fans to circulate air throughout the case.

I am planning to use a Nofan CR-80EH Copper IcePipe 80W as I have read that the 3570k just barely fits this bracket at 77w. It is then my intention to add a passively cooled Palit GTX 1050ti in to the mobo (which I believe MAY be able to fit under the cooler by a few millimeters). I intend to buy this as it is available relatively cheaply and I do not intend to spend over £100 on a CPU cooler if it is not 100% necessary.

I have been looking for a good case in which put these components and still be able to use the machine without having to worry about overheating. Currently I am primarily considering the Fractal Design Nano S due to it's ability to allow for an upward release of heat with it's meshed top. I have also looked at the Thermaltake Core V1 which looks like a nice option however I've had to decide against it due to a closed top design, a shame when considers that the sides are totally meshed.

I would very much like to hear opinions on whether or not this is a feasible build / if it is too risky with no fans at all. Also if anyone has any suggestions about a good case to use (ideally not pricey) that would fit an m-ITX board. I don't mind if it is a mid-tower intended for an matx, all I am looking for is the ability to make this PC as quiet as possible without stretching as far as one of those £300 Streacom cases.

This build will be primarily used for non-intensive programs and occasional light gaming.

Thank you!

Components:
i5-3570k
Asus Mini ITX Mobo: PH861-I
Palit GTX 1050ti (Passively Cooled)
XFX 420w Fanless 80Plus Platinum PSU
Vengeance Pro 2x4gb LP DDR3 Ram
500gb SK Hynix SSD
 
Solution
Recently tansferred my HTPC/ light gaming setup into an Ncase M1. Fantastic case, but expensive. Also, in a small chassis, passively cooling a 3570k could keep it on the warm side when a load is applied. On a side note, this particular case can fit a rather large CPU cooler for its dimensions. I'm using a Noctua NH-U9S myself.
Recently tansferred my HTPC/ light gaming setup into an Ncase M1. Fantastic case, but expensive. Also, in a small chassis, passively cooling a 3570k could keep it on the warm side when a load is applied. On a side note, this particular case can fit a rather large CPU cooler for its dimensions. I'm using a Noctua NH-U9S myself.
 
Solution