Welcome to my showcase of a recent build I've put together! The goal was to create a powerful gaming PC that's incredibly compact and features stunning RGB lighting that's more art than just illumination. I wanted to push the boundaries of small form factor (SFF) builds while maintaining excellent thermals and aesthetics.
Design Philosophy
The core idea was to balance a minimal footprint with maximum visual impact. Every component was chosen not only for its performance but also for its size and how it would contribute to the overall RGB theme. Cable management was critical to achieve a clean look that lets the lighting shine.
The Build Showcase
Key Components
Here's a breakdown of the hardware that makes this little beast tick:
| Component | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-13700K | Delidded and tuned for SFF thermals. |
| CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-L9i (Custom RGB Fan) | Optimized fan with integrated addressable RGB. |
| Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi | Mini-ITX with robust VRMs and RGB headers. |
| RAM | 32GB (2x16GB) Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 | 32GB clocked at 6400MHz, vibrant lighting. |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | Custom waterblock for integrated cooling, custom backplate with RGB. |
| Storage | 2TB Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD | Fast boot and load times. |
| Power Supply | Corsair SF750 Platinum | Fully modular, compact SFX PSU with custom sleeved cables. |
| Case | FormD T1 (v2.0) | The ultimate SFF case for flexibility and airflow. |
| Case Fans | Noctua NF-A12x15 (RGB Modded) | Slim profile fans with diffused RGB strips. |
| Custom Cables | CableMod Pro Sleeved Cables | Matching RGB accent colors. |
RGB Integration
The RGB setup is controlled using a combination of motherboard software and external controllers. I've focused on a cohesive color palette that can shift dynamically. The custom waterblock on the GPU and the modded CPU cooler fan are central to the lighting effect, with LED strips strategically placed behind panels to create a diffused glow.
Performance and Thermals
Despite its small size, thermals are surprisingly good. The RTX 4070 Ti is kept cool by its custom loop, and the CPU, while running warm, is managed effectively with the Noctua cooler and good case airflow. Gaming benchmarks show it performing on par with larger builds, easily handling AAA titles at high refresh rates.
I'm really proud of how this build turned out and hope you enjoy the showcase! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.
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