micro atx case PLEASE HELP!

[brycer79]

Hello all,

I ma going to be building a new system for a friend at work but they want a micro atx case the little cubes, now with that do I need a different cooling fan/hs for the cpu??

I ma looking at getting an Antec Aria MicroATX Cube Case. And the manual said something about a CPU cooling fan bracket that is optional but it looked like a fan that was just supported in mid air???

I will be putting in an athalon 64 3500+ socket 939 CPU and want to make sure I get the right hs if I need a smaller one or whatever I need to do...

THANKS!

Brycer79

 

[Mondoman]

The problem with building a small-form-factor (SFF) computer from separate parts is that the parts are not designed to work with each other wrt fitment, power and cooling. As you've already found out, the CPU hsf needs to fit physically in a particular volume -- contact the case manufacturer for details on that (because the case's non-standard PS takes up the area right above the I/O shield). Another major fitment issue will be the optical and hard drives; since they extend over the MB area. Finally, there's the issue of the graphics card's size and location.

For power, if you plan to run the latest power-hogging graphics card, you may be in trouble. Again, check with the case/PS manufacturer for specs on how much current (especially +12V) it supplies.

For heat, the only fan venting air from the box will be the PS fan, so hopefully it will provide enough airflow for the SFF box. Heat may limit your CPU and/or graphics card choices.

A good way to avoid 95% of the SFF hassles is to buy a SFF barebones system (case + MB + PS) from a company with a good track record of designing SFF systems: Shuttle. Find one of their models that handles the CPU you want and you'll be 80% done (and will have a much better chance of keeping your friendship).

 

[jaguarskx]

You will have about 70mm - 75mm clearance between the CPU and the power supply that overhangs the CPU. The stock HSF should be able to fit. If it does not or you are looking for an aftermaket HSF then consider the Zalman 7000 which is only 62mm tall.

The following are different versions of the Zalman 7000. Aluminum/Copper or all copper. LED fan or non LED fan.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118113

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118119

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118118

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118112


The Zalman 7700 maybe doable, but it uses a 120mm fan. That means the side of the case may get in the way.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118114

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118115

Goto www.zalmanusa.com to find out if the motherboard will be compatible with the Zalman 7000/7700.

 

[jaguarskx]

I ma looking at getting an Antec Aria MicroATX Cube Case. And the manual said something about a CPU cooling fan bracket that is optional but it looked like a fan that was just supported in mid air???

Yeah, no real point in using it.

Also, be aware that it comes with a 300w custom power supply. You will not be able to replace it with a m-ATX power supply. In addition, the PSU only has a 20-pin plug for the motherboard. Many current motherboards uses 24-pin plugs, while a 20 pin to 24 pin adaptor can be used, there are instances where it will not work. As an example, if you plan on using any of the nForce 6100 motherboards, you may not be able to use the integrated graphics since not enough power may reach the motherboard. There have been quite a few posts regarding this issue.

As an alternative, use can use the APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 case. But I would get rid of the cheap power supply and replace it with your choice of a standard ATX PSU. Good PSU are made by Antec, Fortron, Enermax, Silverstone, Seasonic, and XClio.

 

[badge]

Hello all,

I ma going to be building a new system for a friend at work but they want a micro atx case the little cubes, now with that do I need a different cooling fan/hs for the cpu??

I ma looking at getting an Antec Aria MicroATX Cube Case. And the manual said something about a CPU cooling fan bracket that is optional but it looked like a fan that was just supported in mid air???

I will be putting in an athalon 64 3500+ socket 939 CPU and want to make sure I get the right hs if I need a smaller one or whatever I need to do...

THANKS!

Brycer79

I used a coolermaster Hyper 3 with this case. Also managed an ATX 500w psu. This Aspire micro case sill surprise at the amount of stuff it will hold.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144109

http://www.sundialmicro.com/Cooler-Master-CPU-Cooler-Hyper-L3-rplchp9e1_1740_613.html