SFF NCASE T1 (v2.5) Linux Dev/Gaming Build

ByteSizedWit99 · June 22

Budget (including currency): ~ €2000

Country: Netherlands

Hey all, looking for some feedback on this SFF build before I start ordering parts. I’ve built a PC once before (a while ago), but I’m new to the world of small form factor and want to be sure I’m not making any major mistakes—especially with thermals, fit, or Linux compatibility.

Build Goals & Priorities

- **Primary:** High-performance Linux development workstation (parallelized test suites, compiles, containers, etc.)
- **Secondary:** Light to moderate gaming (modded Minecraft, Cities: Skylines II, League, occasional AAA on medium/high)
- Quiet and cool operation on my desk (I work on it all day)
- Minimalist, clean aesthetic — I really like the **NCASE T1** (v2.5)
- I don’t have a hard budget in mind — just aiming to get the most out of the case’s space.

Planned Build

**PCPartPicker:** https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3mDN4p
**NCASE T1:** https://ncased.com/collections/t-series/products/t1-sandwich-kit-silver-color
_(v2.5 not listed on PCPartPicker; v2.1 selected for compatibility estimates)_

```
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (12-core, Zen 5)
Cooler: Noctua NH-L12S (70mm height)
Mobo: Asus ROG STRIX B850-I GAMING WIFI (Mini ITX, AM5)
RAM: Kingston FURY Beast 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe
GPU: ASRock Challenger OC Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB (2-slot)
Case: NCASE T1 v2.5 (9.95L sandwich layout)
PSU: Corsair SF750 (2024) 750W 80+ Platinum SFX
Fans: 2x Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (Chromax Black)
```

Compatibility & Fit Notes

- **Cooler clearance:**
PCPartPicker flags the NH-L12S as too tall, but from what I can tell the T1 v2.5 allows for ~73mm cooler height when using a 2-slot GPU. The NH-L12S is 70mm tall, so I *think* it should fit — but I’d really appreciate confirmation from anyone with firsthand experience.

- **GPU sizing:**
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger OC is a true 2-slot card and should work within the GPU chamber of the T1. Chosen to stay within width constraints while offering solid gaming performance without overkill.

- **Thermal capacity:**
NH-L12S is rated to cool ~130W; the 9900X has a 120W TDP. Hoping this combo is enough for decent thermals without ramping up fan noise too much — but would love feedback from others running similar setups.

——

What I’d Love Feedback On

1. Am I even doing this right? Or does this build make no sense at all?

1. **Fit confirmation:** Based on the above, do you see any red flags for clearance (cooler, PSU, GPU, etc.)?
1. **Smarter part choices?** Any components you'd swap for better value or performance within this constraint?
1. **Thermal sanity check:** Will the NH-L12S + dual NF-A12x25 be enough for the 9900X in terms of *both* cooling *and* noise?
1. **Fan layout tips:** I’m planning to mount both fans at the top as exhaust — is that the right move for this layout? Will the CPU / GPU fans then be intake?
1. **PSU sizing:** Is 750W enough for the 9900X + 9060 XT combo, with a bit of headroom?
1. **T1 accessories:** Are there any brackets or extras I *need* to order with the T1 v2.5? I want to avoid any "gotchas."
1. **Linux quirks:** Any issues I should prepare for? Specifically with this hardware?

Also open to general advice. Even if none of the above is an issue, I’d love general feedback. Is there anything else you think I might not have considered?

Thanks in advance for the help!

brob · June 22

6 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

Budget (including currency): ~ €2000

Country: Netherlands

Hey all, looking for some feedback on this SFF build before I start ordering parts. I’ve built a PC once before (a while ago), but I’m new to the world of small form factor and want to be sure I’m not making any major mistakes—especially with thermals, fit, or Linux compatibility.

Build Goals & Priorities

- **Primary:** High-performance Linux development workstation (parallelized test suites, compiles, containers, etc.)
- **Secondary:** Light to moderate gaming (modded Minecraft, Cities: Skylines II, League, occasional AAA on medium/high)
- Quiet and cool operation on my desk (I work on it all day)
- Minimalist, clean aesthetic — I really like the **NCASE T1** (v2.5)
- I don’t have a hard budget in mind — just aiming to get the most out of the case’s space.

Planned Build

**PCPartPicker:** https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3mDN4p
**NCASE T1:** https://ncased.com/collections/t-series/products/t1-sandwich-kit-silver-color
_(v2.5 not listed on PCPartPicker; v2.1 selected for compatibility estimates)_

```
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (12-core, Zen 5)
Cooler: Noctua NH-L12S (70mm height)
Mobo: Asus ROG STRIX B850-I GAMING WIFI (Mini ITX, AM5)
RAM: Kingston FURY Beast 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe
GPU: ASRock Challenger OC Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB (2-slot)
Case: NCASE T1 v2.5 (9.95L sandwich layout)
PSU: Corsair SF750 (2024) 750W 80+ Platinum SFX
Fans: 2x Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (Chromax Black)
```

Compatibility & Fit Notes

- **Cooler clearance:**
PCPartPicker flags the NH-L12S as too tall, but from what I can tell the T1 v2.5 allows for ~73mm cooler height when using a 2-slot GPU. The NH-L12S is 70mm tall, so I *think* it should fit — but I’d really appreciate confirmation from anyone with firsthand experience.

- **GPU sizing:**
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger OC is a true 2-slot card and should work within the GPU chamber of the T1. Chosen to stay within width constraints while offering solid gaming performance without overkill.

- **Thermal capacity:**
NH-L12S is rated to cool ~130W; the 9900X has a 120W TDP. Hoping this combo is enough for decent thermals without ramping up fan noise too much — but would love feedback from others running similar setups.

——

What I’d Love Feedback On

1. Am I even doing this right? Or does this build make no sense at all?

1. **Fit confirmation:** Based on the above, do you see any red flags for clearance (cooler, PSU, GPU, etc.)?
1. **Smarter part choices?** Any components you'd swap for better value or performance within this constraint?
1. **Thermal sanity check:** Will the NH-L12S + dual NF-A12x25 be enough for the 9900X in terms of *both* cooling *and* noise?
1. **Fan layout tips:** I’m planning to mount both fans at the top as exhaust — is that the right move for this layout? Will the CPU / GPU fans then be intake?
1. **PSU sizing:** Is 750W enough for the 9900X + 9060 XT combo, with a bit of headroom?
1. **T1 accessories:** Are there any brackets or extras I *need* to order with the T1 v2.5? I want to avoid any "gotchas."
1. **Linux quirks:** Any issues I should prepare for? Specifically with this hardware?

Also open to general advice. Even if none of the above is an issue, I’d love general feedback. Is there anything else you think I might not have considered?

Thanks in advance for the help!

I don't see any red flags.

There is one yellow flag, the CPU cooler. There will likely be some throttling at higher loads. Have you considered a 240 AIO instead?

ByteSizedWit99 · June 23

6 hours ago, brob said:

I don't see any red flags.

There is one yellow flag, the CPU cooler. There will likely be some throttling at higher loads. Have you considered a 240 AIO instead?

I’m thinking about switching to AIO now. I didn’t initially because I couldn’t figure out the dimensions / fit. It’s a really tight case so I’m unsure what’s possible.

With a 2 slot GPU I should have 73 mm of clearance for the CPU cooler.

The radiator fits & fans then fit on the top of the case I think. FormD advertises 46mm of max height for the radiator + fans. (https://formdt1.com/products/t1customize)

With a 3 slot GPU I have a lot more options on what GPU I can choose and can opt even for something like a Radeon RX 9070 XT. That leaves 53 mm of clearance for the CPU cooler.

Is that sufficient for most AIO options? Or do I need to be very careful / specific?

How do you assess if a certain cooler has enough “power” to cool a certain chip? If I switch to 240 AIO will that give me enough headroom to use the 9950X over the 9900X? So I get even more cores?

Is something like that + switching to the RX 9070 XT advisable in a small form factor case like this? Since the radiator will also act as exhaust for the heat that the GPU is sucking in since it blocks the full top of the case.

Should I look to see if I can add an additional fan on the CPU side using their special bracket since there is now (perhaps) some room for it? (If the CPU mounted part of AIO isn’t too tall) I’m not sure pumping air into that chamber helps since the CPU is liquid cooled.

(what do you call that CPU mounted part of AIO?)

thanks so much!

brob · June 23

8 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

Is that sufficient for most AIO options? Or do I need to be very careful / specific?

You will need to check the AIO specs for exact measurements. When working with a very small case one has to check everything.

8 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

The radiator fits & fans then fit on the top of the case I think. FormD advertises 46mm of max height for the radiator + fans.

As the link shows, you will need to use slim fans (15mm). That will impair performance, but it should still offer better cooling than the < 73mm air coolers.

8 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

How do you assess if a certain cooler has enough “power” to cool a certain chip? If I switch to 240 AIO will that give me enough headroom to use the 9950X over the 9900X? So I get even more cores?

Perhaps, but the 9950X is a 170W TDP part and I would expect it would elevate noise levels.

8 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

what do you call that CPU mounted part of AIO?

It's the pump and cold plate assembly in most AIO.

8 hours ago, ByteSizedWit99 said:

I’m not sure pumping air into that chamber helps since the CPU is liquid cooled.

Having good airflow through a case is important. There are several motherboard components that need cooling. The VRM heatsink in particular, but also the chipset heatsink.