Fractal Node 304 Modular PSU

[nj4ck]

Hi forum,

 

I just signed up so this is my very first post in this forum. As you may have guessed by the title of this topic, I have a question related to the Fractal Node 304 and a PSU for it. I've been doing quite a lot of reading on this topic, but I havn't really been able to find an answer to my question, even though there are many threads about this issue in all kinds of forums.

 

So I'm looking into doing a fairly high-end ITX build inside a Fractal Node 304. The main purposes of this build are going to be gaming, some video editing and 3D work. It is supposed to be quiet, super-compact and deliver some serious performance at the same time. Here's a quick list of the hardware I intend to use:

 

CPU: i7 4770k

Mobo: Asus Z87I-Pro 

Cooler: NZXT Kraken X40

RAM: 16 gigs of Kingston HyperX black (1600mhz)

GPU: AMD R9 290 (non-x) (waiting for non-reference coolers, something like an ASUS DirectCUII is what I'm hoping for)

SSD: 240 GB Crucial M500

HDD: 1TB WD Green

Case: Fractal Node 304

Fans: 2x Noctua NF-B9 92mm and 1x Noctua NF-A14

 

I'm pretty sure that I've found the best possible bang-for-buck-ratio with the components I have selected so far, at least with the prices here in Germany. But here's the problem I can't seem to find a solution to:

 

I need a PSU that can deliver at least 600 W (that's what various online PSU-calculators have told me, at least) and it needs to fit the Node 304 with the fairly long R9 290 installed. That alone isn't a problem, as I could go with the Corsair CX600 or the be quiet! Pure Power l8 600W. But I don't want all those super-long cables inside the case, obstructing airflow and ruining the looks. I've been told that Modular PSUs will not fit the Node 304 with a long GPU in it. I would love the PSU to be modular in order to minimize the cable-mess I'm going to end up with and maximize airflow.

Either that or a non-modular one that has very short cables.

Also, I would want it to be 80+ rated and be as quiet as possible. 

 

So here's my question in a nutshell: does anyone know of a modular power supply that is short enough to fit the Node 304 with the R9 290 installed, while at the same time delivering at least 600 Watts and not completely breaking the bank?

 

 

Thanks in advance,

 

nj4ck

[needmorewood]

i think if you overclock both the GPu and CPU u may run a little too close to the MAX. although i could be wrong

[AlwaysFSX]

Power supplies come in three sizes. Larger than ATX, ATX, and those mini little things. The Node 304 only fits an ATX power supply so it's either you stick a power supply in the case or you choose a smaller graphics card.

 

Sooo... Buy a modular power supply, get a short cable kit, and find a gpu short enough to fit inside the case.

[Sarcasm]

It ain't gonna happen. With the size of cases going up, cables get longer and longer, or else you wouldn't be able to reach the top 4+4 in a mid tower. Time to look into a new case, or hope they come out with a Mini version like the 670 DCii Mini.

[nj4ck]

Power supplies come in three sizes. Larger than ATX, ATX, and those mini little things. The Node 304 only fits an ATX power supply so it's either you stick a power supply in the case or you choose a smaller graphics card.

 

Sooo... Buy a modular power supply, get a short cable kit, and find a gpu short enough to fit inside the case.

 

As far as I know the ATX specification covers all the dimensions of the power supply, exept the length of it. You'll see that when you take a look at different PSU's from different manufacturers as they can vary in length quite a bit. The Corsair AX series power supplies for example can be up to 200mm long, other PSUs are often only 160mm long and I'm looking for even shorter ones. 

[bacosta1993]

Corsair CX Modular series. I have a CX 600m in my node 304 with a Sapphire 7950 Boost.  

[nj4ck]

It ain't gonna happen. With the size of cases going up, cables get longer and longer, or else you wouldn't be able to reach the top 4+4 in a mid tower. Time to look into a new case, or hope they come out with a Mini version like the 670 DCii Mini.

 

Well I ain't changing the case and I ain't changing the graphics card so in that case I'll just have to bite the bullet and fill my case with some nice, messy cable-spaghetti  But does anyone have any personal experience with this case? On youtube videos it looks like it might just work to fit a 160mm long modular PSU with a long graphics card in there... on the other hand I keep hearing that it won't fit, noone actually seems to have tried it themselves, though...

[nj4ck]

Corsair CX Modular series. I have a CX 600m in my node 304 with a Sapphire 7950 Boost.  

 

Seriously? How long is the 7950 boost? is it long enough that it would collide with the Cables if the PSU where too long or is it short enough to clear the cables coming out the rear of the PSU? 

[bacosta1993]

Seriously? How long is the 7950 boost? is it long enough that it would collide with the Cables if the PSU where too long or is it short enough to clear the cables coming out the rear of the PSU? 

The card is about 11 and a half inches. I can take a picture and upload it later. if you like. 

[nj4ck]

The card is about 11 and a half inches. I can take a picture and upload it later. if you like. 

No need, that fully answers my question. Thanks a lot, you really helped my decision, looks like I'll be going with a CX 600m, then 

[James.]

Just as another option, but you could also try the Silverstone ST60F-PS with their Short cable kit. It would cost a fair amount more, but you would get much shorter cables, as well as a smaller and higher rated power supply.

[nj4ck]

Just as another option, but you could also try the Silverstone ST60F-PS with their Short cable kit. It would cost a fair amount more, but you would get much shorter cables, as well as a smaller and higher rated power supply.

Yeah I just discovered that one, too... It really is quite a bit more expensive but that short cable kit is a real selling point. AFAIK there is no such thing available for Corsair PSUs...

[N7_Zer0]

I'm looking to build a new system out of a Node 304 too except it'll be a file/DLNA server. I really hate messy cabling as well which is why I make my own so that I can tailor their length to my needs. You can buy crimping kits from mdpc who are based in Germany.
 
It may be more expensive than buying pre-made short cables, but in the long run, it's probably worth it if you build a lot of PCs.
 

 

 

[ZeCPUMASTER]

Hi forum,

 

I just signed up so this is my very first post in this forum. As you may have guessed by the title of this topic, I have a question related to the Fractal Node 304 and a PSU for it. I've been doing quite a lot of reading on this topic, but I havn't really been able to find an answer to my question, even though there are many threads about this issue in all kinds of forums.

 

So I'm looking into doing a fairly high-end ITX build inside a Fractal Node 304. The main purposes of this build are going to be gaming, some video editing and 3D work. It is supposed to be quiet, super-compact and deliver some serious performance at the same time. Here's a quick list of the hardware I intend to use:

 

CPU: i7 4770k

Mobo: Asus Z87I-Pro 

Cooler: NZXT Kraken X40

RAM: 16 gigs of Kingston HyperX black (1600mhz)

GPU: AMD R9 290 (non-x) (waiting for non-reference coolers, something like an ASUS DirectCUII is what I'm hoping for)

SSD: 240 GB Crucial M500

HDD: 1TB WD Green

Case: Fractal Node 304

Fans: 2x Noctua NF-B9 92mm and 1x Noctua NF-A14

 

I'm pretty sure that I've found the best possible bang-for-buck-ratio with the components I have selected so far, at least with the prices here in Germany. But here's the problem I can't seem to find a solution to:

 

I need a PSU that can deliver at least 600 W (that's what various online PSU-calculators have told me, at least) and it needs to fit the Node 304 with the fairly long R9 290 installed. That alone isn't a problem, as I could go with the Corsair CX600 or the be quiet! Pure Power l8 600W. But I don't want all those super-long cables inside the case, obstructing airflow and ruining the looks. I've been told that Modular PSUs will not fit the Node 304 with a long GPU in it. I would love the PSU to be modular in order to minimize the cable-mess I'm going to end up with and maximize airflow.

Either that or a non-modular one that has very short cables.

Also, I would want it to be 80+ rated and be as quiet as possible. 

 

So here's my question in a nutshell: does anyone know of a modular power supply that is short enough to fit the Node 304 with the R9 290 installed, while at the same time delivering at least 600 Watts and not completely breaking the bank?

 

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Kevin

Kevin, I think a here is a list of PSUs that are really reccomended

 

-Fractal Design Newton R3600 Platnium (5 star for me)

-Rosewill Tachyon 650 Platnium (4 stars)

-Corsair AXi760i platnium (if you want ALOT of Headroom)

-Corsair RM650 Gold (Best Bang for the Buck Silent PSU)

 

So I hope this will help

 

Kent

[nj4ck]

Kevin, I think a here is a list of PSUs that are really reccomended

 

-Fractal Design Newton R3600 Platnium (5 star for me)

-Rosewill Tachyon 650 Platnium (4 stars)

-Corsair AXi760i platnium (if you want ALOT of Headroom)

-Corsair RM650 Gold (Best Bang for the Buck Silent PSU)

 

So I hope this will help

 

Kent

 

Thanks, but I was looking for a modular PSU to specifically fit the Fractal Node 304, which is the case I'm building in. The Power Supplies you recommended are all good, but simply too long. I'm looking for a super-short one.

[chunkybean]

silverstone has this psu only 140mm long,its 600-650w i think forgot the name,

avoid 160mm modular psu because it will not let you have long gpus on node304

[N7_Zer0]

avoid 160mm modular psu because it will not let you have long gpus on node304

 

The Seasonic G Series modular PSU are 160mm but work with long GPUs. The modular sockets are located at the bottom (below the GPU) so it doesn't interfere with the card.