My "Next-Gen Console": Cubitek Mini Cube build

[A_Prime]

I’ve decided to join the small form factor craze and rebuild existing machine using the Cubitek Mini Cube case with a few upgrades.

Parts from my old build:

Intel Core i5 3570K

Kingston HyperX Blu 2X4 GB

Corsair TX750 Power Supply

Samsung 830 128gb SSD

Seagate Barracuda 2TB HDD

New Parts:

Galaxy Gefore GTX 780 Reference (Replacing my PNY GTX 560 ti)

Gigabyte Z77N-WIFI mITX motherboard

Noctua NF-P12 fans x2

Gelid Low profile heatsink

Fiio Olympus E10 (Replacing my Asus Xonar DX soundcard, only one PCI-E slot)

Cubitek Mini Cube case

New Parts:

New case vs old case (Corsair 500r)

LOVE how the reference cooler looks

First time I’ve seen a mITX motherboard in person, it’s so funny how tiny it is

I really should have invested in a modular power supply...thankfully the case closed

The inside, at least this side is clean

It glows!

Everything all set up and ready to go

Conclusion:

SFF builds are really neat, and suits me personally, I consider myself a light enthusist, I love building PCs but not interested in SLI/Crossfire, or massive overclocking. I’ve actually haven’t tried overclocking this PC yet because I’m worried about temps, but the GTX 780 should eat up any frames I would have lost by running stock.

Not going to lie, this was a very rage inducing build, you have to plan SFF builds very carefully, the order you put everything together is very crucial or you’ll spend a lot of time taking everything apart (Example,I had to put in the 4 pin power to the mobo BEFORE you screw it into the case).

Also, SFF builds are all about compromises, it’s not for people who want the best of everything. Airflow is poor, you’re going to have to either give up on overclocking or go with a minimum. I had to go with a refrence cooler on the GTX 780 for the same reason (So the heat exhaust out the back of the case, but the beautiful cooler design makes up for it).

Future upgrades:

2x8gb Ram (When ram isn’t insanely expensive)

A quiet, modular power supply (Maybe the RM650)

If possible, somehow mod a small AIO watercooling unit like the H60, to fit the 80/92mm exhaust in the back..

Hope you enjoyed this simple build log.

[Fate]

Great cable management, didn't expect it to be that good with a non-modular power supply.

Good job

[Qpm5]

cool build. its so small and has a 780 in it i like itx builds.

[JoshM]

That's a beast build mate! 

[Coombzy]

I have to say I really like the cleanness of that case great job on the build! 

[prolemur]

Very nice build, i love small pcs

Is there space for an exhaust fan?

[aleks677]

For some reason, this is super cute. 

Great build!

[JokuTyyppi]

Thumbs up! Great job! If this was mine I would add a fan as a rear exhaust (if you haven't done it yet)

[A_Prime]

Very nice build, i love small pcs

Is there space for an exhaust fan?

 

Thumbs up! Great job! If this was mine I would add a fan as a rear exhaust (if you haven't done it yet)

 

I left the rear 80/92mm exhaust empty for now, I am hoping I can somehow mount an AIO watercooler in that spot, so more planning is in order

 

 

Great cable management, didn't expect it to be that good with a non-modular power supply.

Good job

 

If the back of the case has enough room, you can definitely get away with a non modular power supply as you just pull everything to the back and route what you need back to the front.

 

Thanks for the nice comments everyone

[JokuTyyppi]

I left the rear 80/92mm exhaust empty for now, I am hoping I can somehow mount an AIO watercooler in that spot, so more planning is in order

 

AIO could be good because then all of the cpu heat goes straight out And in this kind of situations reference coolers are acceptable. Otherwise..I would say no to them.

[prolemur]

I left the rear 80/92mm exhaust empty for now, I am hoping I can somehow mount an AIO watercooler in that spot, so more planning is in order

Just a little bit of drilling and this could be a very good option!

[bob345]

nice job. great cable management for such a small case

[Chatzev]

Well done, it looks really neat and clean. What sort of temps are you getting?

[LogicDeifying]

Nice going on doing a SFF build really nice.

[A_Prime]

Well done, it looks really neat and clean. What sort of temps are you getting?

 

Prime 95 puts my CPU at 70-75 degrees

 

My GTX780 uses GPU 2.0 and I told it to not go over 80 so that's what it hits when I'm using Unigine Heaven Benchmark maxed at around 45-55 FPS

[nickpc]

nice

[TheLordofMoisture]

Very nice, what temps are you getting on CPU and GPU?

[gastew15]

Very nice looking clean build. I really like the look of the case, and the fact that it has all the cable management room in a little case is awesome.

[Dacho]

I like

[Quantum]

Nice build .