As described in this topic, I've begun to build a mini-ITX machine for work (coding) purposes. The components were selected so that when this gig is over, I'll be able to just put it in my much older storage server.
The components are the following:
Case: RAIJINTEK Metis Window, silver
Motherboard: ASROCK Z97E-ITX/ac
CPU: Intel i7-4790K (@stock)
CPU cooler: Scythe Fuma
Memory: HyperX 16GB FURY DDR3 1866MHz CL10 KIT HX318C10FBK2/16
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB
PSU: Seasonic X-400
Idle temps were in the 35°C (delta+10-12) region, and noise levels were acceptable (apart from problem #1). However, I had to completely disassemble the case to get the build in, and I also excerted a considerable amount of pressure from the bottom of the case to the CPU cooler heatsink (the mobo is oriented upside-down), which is what I think caused Prime 95 temperatures to jump to 100°C. The positioning also makes the bottom 2.5" drive bays unusable.
The problems & observations:
- 1. Both fans (SY1225SL12M-CJP) with the Fuma exhibit a very annoying clickiness on low RPM. AFAIK they are simply recolored Scythe Slip Streams, but I've never had problems like this with their older revisions (I have 2 Mugen 2 rev.B in other builds).
- 2. It seems the motherboard will only control PWM fans on its CPU fan header. Or connecting through the scythe-provided PWM splitter to it confuses it to believe the fan connected needs to be controlled with PWM and eschews DC control. The mobo does have one other fan control which works OK with my 3-pin Nexus.
- 3. Unfortunately I only had one Nexus fan in stock, and the local supplier decided to call it quits. I might be able to buy some Noiseblocker Multiframe S-Series M12-S2 120mm fans, if I'm lucky. Getting some NOCTUA NF-S12B redux-700 fans should be easy, but those are 3-pin only, and not regarded as well as the Noiseblockers in the SPCR reviews.
- 4. As said, the CPU socket is too high, so I had to rotate the fuma by 90°, which means that instead of a fan-duct with great air-flow (in through the PSU, through the CPU cooler and out the back) I have a hackjob. And the Noctua fan does not like sitting flat, and is a bit noisier in this orientation.
- 5. If put in 90°, the fan clips of the Fuma will interfere with the back case fan, so I had to remove it.
- 6. While the 90°C orientation did drop the Prime 95 temperatures from 100°C spikes down to 70 max, (both at 100% fan speeds, most definitely not silent or even quiet) the heatpipes put some mechanical pressure on the memory. So far so good though.
- 7. The X-400 exhibits a white-noise buzzing in low load (idle). When the CPU ramps up with Prime 95, this stops completely as far as I can tell. (Since the fans ramp up at that point, I don't have much time to observe the quiality of noise.)
- 8. To whomever decided to put the BIOS reset button next to the HDMI output on the motherboard: I will find you.
Exchanging the mobo for another is a no-go. I went through our local supply, and this is the one board that has the features I'll need either at start or down the line. (6 SATA ports on the mobo, not Gigabyte, integrated wifi + bluetooth, DP, HDMI and DVI out with at least some being 4K capable, mini-ITX size)
Get either a NOCTUA NH-U9B SE2 or a NH-D9L. These should be able to fit in and provide at least adequate cooling. I was thinking about a rotated Mugen 4, buuuut first, that would leave only one fan in the entire build, and second, Noctua fans are much less of a gamble, and sound better in my experience.
I'm not sure which Noctua would be better though. SPCR reviewed the D9L, but not the U9B SE2 (only the U9B that had one heatpipe more but was bundled with only one fan.) The SE2 has two fans, but I'm not sure where I could put the second one: I have cabling between the heatsink and the PSU, and on the other side, there is already the 12cm fan on the case back, which could cause some nasty interference at least, and/or subpar cooling performance. But the D9L is 50% more expensive, and the SE2 is already more expensive than a Mugen 4. I'm thinking about going with the SE2 and adding some cardboard air ducts. And some LED lighting so all can appreciate the horrible end result.
short Scythe Fuma review:
Split tower design. Cools truly great on open air. Should be also great in a regular ATX case. You get a PWM splitter and 2 fans. 150mm tall, so should fit most cases. Unfortunately the fans are noticeably clicky on low rpm (~<750, higher the wind noise drowns it out), and getting the cooler in 90° can interfere a bit with the memory module in the first slot, unless you have reduced height ones.
Pictures time! (click for bigger)
Looking nice & big
The 12V cable is a "bit" stressed.
You can see the fins pressing against the rubber mounting gromets at the bottom of the case
The fan-"duct" cooling path I first tried. It could work if the CPU socket was about 15-20mm more distant from the top edge of the motherboard. (also, Hi!)
Another shot, with all but side panels fitted.
My cabling in this case follows the school of the tentacle monster.