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We are using the following system for our case test bed:
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CPU
Intel Core i9-9900K
Motherboard
Asus Maximus XI Hero WiFi
Memory
Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000 MHz, 16 GB (2x 8GB)
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Founder's Edition
CPU Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S Chromax.Black
Row 5 - Cell 0
Noctua NT-H2 Thermal Paste
Storage
Corsair Force Series MP510 NVMe SSD, 480GB
Power Supply
Corsair HX750i
We’ve recently implemented a new testing setup for our cases, but I’m pulling the old setup out of the closet for the O11D Air Mini to give the fairest comparison. I no longer have all of the same components around, but the motherboard, CPU, memory, GPU, and power supply are all identical. The main difference in the setups is that I won’t be using the vertical GPU riser, as this sample didn’t come with one. I’m also using a slightly different Corsair AIO, and we’re using the included case fans instead of chucking in aftermarket spinners.
The first step in this build process is to install the motherboard. But because I’m too lazy to remove the hard drive cage at the back, I did install the AIO’s CPU block onto the motherboard first.
Then, I mounted the fans onto the cooler, and installed the AIO’s radiator in the side port. I opted to use this because it’s what I did in the build of the O11D Mini, though I could have mounted it in any of the other locations.
Then, I dropped the GPU into place. This case does have room for larger GPUs, and I could use our Zotac RTX 3080 Ti. But because the new ATX testing rig isn’t complete yet, and because I want to compare data to the first case, I’m using the FE RTX 2070 Super.
This is something that took me by surprise when building the system – I had expected the O11 Air Mini to only support SFF-L PSUs at the largest, but no: This case will happily house large ATX PSUs up to 200mm long. Now that’s a relief.
For cable management, I first plugged all the cables in, including the iCue hub that came with the Corsair liquid cooler, and then tidied up all the cables.
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And when I say tidy, I mean tidying them up in the classic O11 fashion: shoving them all into the case without a second thought and hiding my mess with the cover.
If you haven’t spotted it yet, I’ve made a mistake in my build process. Although the 240mm radiator fits, with the fans, entirely into the side slot in the main chamber without colliding with the included intake fans, this is not the best way to mount it as it wouldn’t effectively exhaust the air out the side, instead warming up the secondary chamber.
There is plenty of space for the radiator or fans to fit on the other side, in the secondary chamber. So, I undid the radiator and mounted it correctly, to better exhaust out the side panel.
With that, the build was complete. I’m really digging the tidy mesh front panel. I didn’t think I’d like it more than the pretty glass, but it’s a much more sophisticated look than glossy glass.
OMG. This one is awesome(to me).
Mesh
Smaller footprint than the H500P Mesh I'm using
NH-D15S fits
ATX psu isolated from the main compartment
280mm gpu cooler can be mounted in the front
I definitely like the look and size of this one. While I like my old (and still current) case, this one would allow me to move my newly built system from my existing floor standing ATX mid tower and place it into this one on top of my desk. No more dog hair getting into my filters. it also fits my DRP4 and a full sized ATX PSU, which is most excellent. The price is reasonable, too.
Looks like something for me to keep an eye out for once NewEgg has them available.
