Inspired by Optimum Techs awesome video about the Dan C4 SFX (https://youtu.be/PpENpqI7BiE) I decided to upgrade my PC and try my hand at this whole MiniITX-thing:

HW:

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (AM5, 4.20 GHz, 8 -Core)
  • Noctua NH-D12L (145 mm)
  • Corsair Vengeance (2 x 16GB, 6400 MHz, DDR5-RAM, DIMM) which kinda bit me in the arse
  • ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI
  • Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 MASTER 10G LHR
  • Samsung 990 Pro 1TB for OS und apps
  • WD Black SN850X 4TB for games
  • Lian-Li SP850 SFX power supply
  • Dan Cases C4-SFX

I admit, I was quite intimidated by the prospect of building in such a small case, but the C4 SFX makes it easy.

Some tipps for first time builders like me:

  • Check your graphic card measurements carefully against the numbers on the website for this case:https://www.dan-cases.com/c4sfx_spec.html
  • Don’t be afraid to use a bit of force when running the power supply cables. Don’t destroy the plugs but you can push a bit to make them fit.
  • Best use only NVMe-drives. The less you try to shove into the case the better.

For those who are a bit unsure I recommend the video from Optimum Tech. While it’s not a detailed step-by-step guide it does cover most of what you should know. Sure made my day easier and gave me some confidence.

  • _MoveSwiftly@lemmy.worldMEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    This is a really nice write up. Very organized and detailed, thank you for contributing!

    I really like the Noctua cooler here. It looks touch and kinda stepping out of the case a bit. How’re the temps on the CPU with this?

    BTW, he used this case for the water cooling. For air cooling, he used the FormD T1.

    I’d also recommend custom cables. :)

    • r0ckr@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      The tips are maybe one or two milimeters away from the sidepanel. So it does fit, but just barely. Playing D4 results in temps of 70-80°C, which is absolutely acceptable to me.

      The only issue I ran into was enabling DOCP on the RAM. I did not inform myself about RAM speeds and AMD processors beforehand and thus needed to CMOS reset after the system stopped booting 🙃

      • _MoveSwiftly@lemmy.worldMEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Those are the same temps I’m getting with a watercooler. :)

        Ugh, I had a similar issue. Over clocked, stress tested, had an issue, and had to CMOS reset because of a noboot. It was before vacation and I was panicking lol.

  • bitwolf@lemmy.oneEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Nice! We have almost the same setup. Rocking a 7900xtx instead. Love this case!

  • bitwolf@lemmy.oneEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Dan commented somewhere in r/sffpc with a list of current GPUs that fit. Figured I’d drop it here in case someone else is looking to build a Dan C4

    Here is a list of all compatible RTX 40x0 and RX 7900 cards:

    AMD

    • AMD RX 7900 XT
    • AMD RX 7900 XTX
    • AsRock RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming 24GB OC
    • Gigabyte AORUS RX 7900 XTX ELITE
    • Gigabyte RX 7900 XT GAMING OC
    • PowerColor RX 7900 XTX Hellhound
    • Sapphire RX 7900 XTX NITRO
    • Sapphire RX 7900 XTX Pulse

    Nvidia

    • ColorFul RTX 4080/4090 BattleAx
    • Gainward RTX 4080/4090 Phantom
    • Gainward RTX 4080/4090 Phoenix
    • GIGABYTE RTX 4080/4090 WINDFORCE
    • INNO3D RTX 4080/4090 iChill X3
    • INNO3D RTX 4080/4090 X3 OC
    • KFA2/Galax RTX 4080/4090 Serious Gaming
    • MSI RTX 4080/4090 Ventus X3
    • MSI RTX 4080/4090 Gaming Trio
    • Nvidia 4080/4090 Founders Edition
    • Palit RTX 4080/4090 GameRock
    • PNY RTX 4080/4090 XLR8