Building a small form factor pc

November 26, 2024 • 341 views

I've been building custom PCs for years, always going for big, beefy systems. This time, I wanted a challenge: create a compact powerhouse that could sit on my desk and turn heads.

Choosing the Case: Terra

The first step was selecting a case. I chose the Terra for its sleek design and space efficiency. At just 14.6L, it offers a premium, minimalist look while still being functional for high-performance builds.

Component Selection

To pack serious performance into this small chassis, I did extensive research to ensure a balance of power, efficiency, and thermal management. Here's the final build:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
  • GPU: GIGABYTE RTX 4070 Ti
  • Motherboard: GIGABYTE B650I AORUS ULTRA
  • RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000
  • Storage: 2x 1TB Samsung 990 EVO M.2 SSDs
  • Power Supply: Corsair SF750 SFX
  • CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP90 X53 (low profile)

The Build Process

Building in the Terra was a whole new experience compared to the spacious cases I’ve used before. Here’s what stood out:

Cable Management

Cable management was critical. I carefully planned routes for each wire to avoid clutter and maintain optimal airflow. Every millimeter mattered, and it felt like a game of tech Tetris ensuring everything fit perfectly.

Build Photo

Performance Results

I’m blown away by how well this compact system performs. It handles demanding games with ease, and the thermals are surprisingly good for such a small chassis.

  • CPU Temps: 60-70°C under load
  • Clock Speeds: 5.2-5.3 GHz sustained during gaming

Here's a snapshot I took after an intense Rust session:

Temperature Screenshot

Key Takeaways for SFF Builders

If you're considering building a small form factor (SFF) PC, here are some key lessons I learned:

  1. Prioritize cooling and airflow – They're even more critical in a tiny case.
  2. Plan your component layout carefully – Take your time to avoid issues later.
  3. Don't stress about the latest hardware – Choose parts that fit and run efficiently.
  4. Enjoy the process – Crafting a unique, personalized machine is half the fun!

Conclusion

This compact build has quickly become my favorite PC. It's a conversation starter on my desk and a total powerhouse. If you have any questions about the parts, process, or performance, drop a comment below. I’m always happy to geek out about PC building!

Happy building!