Silverstone SST-FT03-Mini (Mini-Itx)

ekuest said:
thats awesome! so you didnt use tapped holes right? just screwed into the vent holes? sounds kina risky like that would be easy to strip if you tighten them at all. does it feel pretty tight or is it a little loose?
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In that photo, the bottom right screw is in a tapped/threaded hole. The screw directly above it is in a hole that's in metal as thick as the threaded holes, not part of the PSU's vent holes. The 2 screws on the left are in vent holes, but there was zero flexion in that vent screen and there was no issue tightening the screws. There is zero wobble.

On a side note, I'm a little bummed to find out that the loudest thing in my case is the Antec 620 Kuhler pump. It sounds like sand running around in the pump, but I suppose it's air bubbles? Also, I'm thoroughly unimpressed with 57C temp idle at desktop. This sounds like something is wrong... I'll have to research what other's experiences have been with it.
 
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SalemSwift said:
In that photo, the bottom right screw is in a tapped/threaded hole. The screw directly above it is in a hole that's in metal as thick as the threaded holes, not part of the PSU's vent holes. The 2 screws on the left are in vent holes, but there was zero flexion in that vent screen and there was no issue tightening the screws. There is zero wobble.

On a side note, I'm a little bummed to find out that the loudest thing in my case is the Antec 620 Kuhler pump. It sounds like sand running around in the pump, but I suppose it's air bubbles? Also, I'm thoroughly unimpressed with 57C temp idle at desktop. This sounds like something is wrong... I'll have to research what other's experiences have been with it.
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gotcha. yeah that does seem high i think. whats your ambient and what cpu is under it at what clock speed and voltage? did you use the thermal compund it came with? try reseating it with new TIM before anything else.
 
Novice mistake, thought I could trust OpenHardware Monitor for temps, apparently not in this instance. RealTemp is showing me at 24 C idle. That's what I was expecting. Now to finish wrapping this build up and investigate a way to cure the pump noise. I've heard massaging the pump when it's off can help.

Thanks for the help.

The X560 PSU is dead silent since the fan has yet to turn on while installing Win 7. If the fan is anything like my previous MkII PSU, it won't make a peep.
The 140mm SilverStone Air Penetrator (will never get used to that name) is loud unless I cut its RPM below 800. Over that RPM, the fan will send an audible vibration through the case and into my desk. The 120mm is similar. I'll be swapping them out.
 
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SalemSwift said:
Novice mistake, thought I could trust OpenHardware Monitor for temps, apparently not in this instance. RealTemp is showing me at 24 C idle. That's what I was expecting. Now to finish wrapping this build up and investigate a way to cure the pump noise. I've heard massaging the pump when it's off can help.

Thanks for the help.

The X560 PSU is dead silent since the fan has yet to turn on while installing Win 7. If the fan is anything like my previous MkII PSU, it won't make a peep.
The 140mm SilverStone Air Penetrator (will never get used to that name) is loud unless I cut its RPM below 800. Over that RPM, the fan will send an audible vibration through the case and into my desk. The 120mm is similar. I'll be swapping them out.
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Are you planning on installing a video card? You have me intrigued with the X560, just curious how the video card will fit.. Sounds like there hasn't been much negative thermal impact from the new power supply, which was my other concern..

You probably mentioned it and I just missed it, but what / why are those cables coming out of the corner of the PSU, right under the A/C connection?
 
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nameBrandon said:
Are you planning on installing a video card? You have me intrigued with the X560, just curious how the video card will fit.. Sounds like there hasn't been much negative thermal impact from the new power supply, which was my other concern..

You probably mentioned it and I just missed it, but what / why are those cables coming out of the corner of the PSU, right under the A/C connection?
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i believe those are the "front" panel connectors. its actually on top for this case and is taken off and pushed to the side in that pic.
 
Yea, they were wires from the power/reset/USB/HD Audio, not the PSU. Then there's the pump hoses.

I've finished the build, everything is pretty tidy inside, nothing really blocking airflow. I have never spent so long routing wires in my entire life. ITX setups are nuts. I've taken pics, but it's late and I'm exhausted. I'm disappointed that I have to lock the Antec Kuhler 620 at 5 Volts for it to shut up, but idle temps still avg 24C, Prime95 for 10 minutes hit 55C and oddly went down 3C after that mark. At full voltage, the pump noise is enough that I may order another one and see if it's any better. It's dead silent at 5 Volts.

Now the 140mm fan at the bottom needs to go. After that, the whole unit will be silent. I ditched the 120mm pull fan b/c it didn't do anything except add noise. I'm not overclocking, so push/pull is not necessary.

And last but not least, the PSU doesn't make a peep. Pics tomorrow.
 
The cables and hoses are all on the wall opposite of where the video card will be (test fitting one this weekend). The images may not show that perspective well, but nothing is blocking the air flow besides the hoses that lead to the CPU.
I've already ordered a replacement Antec Kuhler 620 to compare its pump noise. A Cougar CF-V14H is also in the mail to replace the 140mm Air Penetrator.

I had to ditch my custom hard drive/DVD bracket b/c of the ATX PSU, and scratched my head as to where to place the SSD. I didn't want to attach it to one of the panels, so I squeezed it onto the far side of the case.
Next step will be to make MUCH shorter PSU cables, or buy some. I don't want to cut the Seasonic ones b/c of resale some day.

I almost dread pulling this thing completely apart to install the new cooler.

http://imgur.com/a/5KLwf
 
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Got my case today. Can already see some stuff being removed, custom length on the cable as well.

Perfect location for my SSD as it's 7mm is under the mobo. I bought some kapton tape off ebay for insulation on the top. I will drill 4 mounting holes for the ssd to then bolt it from the back side of the mobo. Nice solid and hidden. Can fit 3 within the ITX footplate but i got a feeling my system is faster with 1 than it is with 2 but if i mod it for 2 then it allows that upgrade.

The one mod i did try quicky was PSU on the base. This allowed the bigger air cooler or a rad at an angle

Stock 140mm is bin fodder. Something will be replacng that shortly.
 
Pjalchemist said:
Got my case today. Can already see some stuff being removed, custom length on the cable as well.

Perfect location for my SSD as it's 7mm is under the mobo. I bought some kapton tape off ebay for insulation on the top. I will drill 4 mounting holes for the ssd to then bolt it from the back side of the mobo. Nice solid and hidden. Can fit 3 within the ITX footplate but i got a feeling my system is faster with 1 than it is with 2 but if i mod it for 2 then it allows that upgrade.

The one mod i did try quicky was PSU on the base. This allowed the bigger air cooler or a rad at an angle

Stock 140mm is bin fodder. Something will be replacng that shortly.
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You can always try the 3M double sided tape. It works wonders and you don't have to spend the time drilling.

Also beware of the stock 140MM fan...that thing makes deltas and ultra kazes look like a toy...accidentally brushed my finger against it yesterday while recycling it in another case and it took a good chunk of my skin/meat off. Running my hand across the blades now I realize that the edges of the fins are very sharp enough to cut tape or paper.
 
Agenesis said:
You can always try the 3M double sided tape. It works wonders and you don't have to spend the time drilling.

Also beware of the stock 140MM fan...that thing makes deltas and ultra kazes look like a toy...accidentally brushed my finger against it yesterday while recycling it in another case and it took a good chunk of my skin/meat off. Running my hand across the blades now I realize that the edges of the fins are very sharp enough to cut tape or paper.
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Yeah the 3M is good but i'd prefer to bolt it down. More soild and i will be moving the rig about.

I got a spear one of these

http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/cooling/fans/100mmplus/ak-fn063.html

I'll replace stock with that
 
Hey gang.. i'm considering replacing that air penetrator 140mm bottom fan with this one, from Cougar..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835553003

Seems like more airflow / less noise (plus it's nifty orange..). I know the air penetrator was designed for the case and I've seen the video on how it focuses air, but I'm hoping with the additional airflow things would even out (even though it'll be below my H80 radiator) and get the benefit of less noise.

Any input on those? I'm assuming mounting holes are standard across all 140mm fans and that it should mount to the case just fine.. I'm guessing the dust filter would still fit it (they're both 25mm thick)..
 
With a radiator, you need to be looking at static pressure (mm/H20). That airflow rating isn't accurate when you put the fan below a rad. But I think the vortex effect helps with static pressure, so those are pretty decent.
 
WiSK said:
With a radiator, you need to be looking at static pressure (mm/H20). That airflow rating isn't accurate when you put the fan below a rad. But I think the vortex effect helps with static pressure, so those are pretty decent.
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Thanks! Sounds like from the reviews it does pretty decent with radiator setups.
 
However, if you want higher static pressure (double compared to the Cougars) and pretty quiet operation (still quieter than the Air Pen) then consider these:
Akasa Apache Black 14cm

Plus I read that Swiftech is coming out with a 140mm version of the Helix. Here's a link to the Helix120-PWM. That's what I'm waiting for: 140mm Helix underneath/push and 120mm PWM on top/pull.
 
WiSK said:
However, if you want higher static pressure (double compared to the Cougars) and pretty quiet operation (still quieter than the Air Pen) then consider these:
Akasa Apache Black 14cm

Plus I read that Swiftech is coming out with a 140mm version of the Helix. Here's a link to the Helix120-PWM. That's what I'm waiting for: 140mm Helix underneath/push and 120mm PWM on top/pull.
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Will the PWM fans work with the ASRock z77 board? In brief, PWM means that I can control the RPM's from software, right?
 
Replaced my Antec Kuhler 620 today with another one, the pump is much quieter now. I don't have to undervolt it to keep it hush hush.

The first time I started the new pump, I rested the FT03-mini on its side based on a few anecdotal posts I came across. Quite a few people also recommend having the Kuhler logo upside down (hoses on top), but that's how I've always had it. I can't say that either of these suggestions helped over simply getting a new pump, but I can say that the new one is quieter than the 140mm AP fan running at 700RPM.

i7-3770 stock
Idle temp: 26C
Prime95 for 10 minutes steadied out at 56C with the fan on 5 volts (slow).
 
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I stripped mine down last night. I will upload some photos now. Thinking of modding the base as well. Cutting the big square out to make a cleaner mount for fans or rads and allow a better flow of air
 
bnbn said:
sadly they didn't include Gentle Typhoons / Cougar Vortexes in this review. I was torn between those two for my build, ordered Cougars for now. I might just order the GTs for kicks later haha.
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Yeah, those would have been great additions.. I'm ordering one SP-120 to run on top of the radiator, and then the Cougar vortex to replace the stock 140mm air penetrator.. of course I'll do some testing to see how temps end up with the stock air penetrator and stock 120mm h80 fan on top and see if the new fans make any difference.. even if they end up the same, at least the new ones look "cooler".. :)
 
Anyone else using a wireless mouse/keyboard with this case?

It seems to be fantastic at blocking radio signals from my dongles. I read a review on Amazon for the silver case and the buyer mentioned that he couldn't get a good wireless internet signal.

I might have to run a short USB male to female cord with the dongles connected to that in order to help the signal escape the case, or use the hub built into my monitor.
 
SalemSwift said:
Anyone else using a wireless mouse/keyboard with this case?

It seems to be fantastic at blocking radio signals from my dongles. I read a review on Amazon for the silver case and the buyer mentioned that he couldn't get a good wireless internet signal.

I might have to run a short USB male to female cord with the dongles connected to that in order to help the signal escape the case, or use the hub built into my monitor.
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Uh oh.. I might want to do the same.. wireless keyboard and mouse.. :(
 
I plugged the dongles into my monitor's USB hub and everything is fine with the signal again. For reference I have a Microsoft Arc keyboard and mouse, both were having signal issues just 18 inches from the case.

At least I know where to put radioactive material should I need to store some.
 
SalemSwift said:
I plugged the dongles into my monitor's USB hub and everything is fine with the signal again. For reference I have a Microsoft Arc keyboard and mouse, both were having signal issues just 18 inches from the case.

At least I know where to put radioactive material should I need to store some.
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No monitor ports here though my razer epic has a massive mouse-dock anyways, so that should be OK.. have to see about the KB dongle, might need to go with a tiny usb hub and stick it out the grill..
 
Is there any room in the plastic base of the case, either around the intake fan, or in the case legs? Maybe you can reuse one of those old USB 2.0 internal brackets.
 
Sorry only posting photos now, been one them days

Back of mobo tray, this can be drilled to mount SSD/2.5'' and 3.5''

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Inside gutted out

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The bottom, think this can be opened right up

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Side cross section

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I was shocked how thick these are

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Some more gubbings

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vipz said:
Is there any room in the plastic base of the case, either around the intake fan, or in the case legs? Maybe you can reuse one of those old USB 2.0 internal brackets.
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Yes, you can do that. If I didn't have a USB hub on my monitor, that's among the cleanest looking alternatives.

I've been considering popping a hole somewhere down there and run all of the cables from the motherboard's i/o panel back through the case and out of the bottom. My concern was disrupting air pressure, not sure it would have an effect. With some care, the cables spilling out of the top rear are concealable simply by keeping them tightly controlled behind the case.

WiSK said:
Could it be because the case is powdercoated? I think they use high voltage to charge the powder before spraying it on.
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I'm impressed you recall that, haha. I watched the process on my patio furniture once. I suppose it could be a factor. As Pjalchemist mentioned, the panels are quite thick, but the top should allow for signals to come and go. It seems like there could be something interfering like you mentioned.
 
Okay so tonight i gutted it back down and had a play with some hard wear.

Optical drive in, SSD can fit right behind. This is a 7mm job if anyone wants to know. SATA cable & data on SSD is out the bottom.

IMG_0661.jpg


SATA cable & data on SSD is out the top in this one.

IMG_0663.jpg


Just a dry fit to get size feeling/ideas. Artic freezer 13 by the way. Kept my 3770k cool @ 4.9Ghz.

IMG_0664.jpg


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Quick measure, from tip of mobo to tip inner edge of case floor is 3.5'' os 88.9mm.

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Akasa Viper 140mm PWM.

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Im still insure on what to WC wise. I have some bits.......

Laing DDC 18w
Moonson black chrome (1/2" - 3/4") 19/13mm
Tubing for the above
DT Snipper
Magicool SLIM SINGLE 140 MC Radiator http://www.watercoolinguk.co.uk/p/Magicool-SLIM-SINGLE-140-MC-Radiator_11027.html

CPU wise this could be a good cooling loop.

There is 2'' between the case base and the table top. Im thinking of a push pull setup with a nice thick rad and with a custom new insert base that an insert/folded/formed/pressed in channle box i have no idea how to explaine it but so the base is sealed and that the gfx (670) can still fit. So about 5.5'' max to play with but really 5'' as intake space.

All extra HDD/SSD mounts are gone. The optical tray im going to cut the lip off it. This will open more space.

Can always mount a cheap 2.5'' mechanical if needed at any stage to the mobo back plate below mobo.
 
Pjalchemist said:
The optical tray im going to cut the lip off it. This will open more space.
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Before you take a saw to it, get some cloth, two small pieces of wood and some pliers and try to bend/flatten it. It should bend back to fit into the optical tray. At least, it did on the SG05.
 
SalemSwift said:
Anyone else using a wireless mouse/keyboard with this case?

It seems to be fantastic at blocking radio signals from my dongles. I read a review on Amazon for the silver case and the buyer mentioned that he couldn't get a good wireless internet signal.

I might have to run a short USB male to female cord with the dongles connected to that in order to help the signal escape the case, or use the hub built into my monitor.
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I'm using a G700. Reception is even fine on the first floor when my computer is on the second.
 
So what is the best slot loading blue ray/dvd combo drive for this case? I'm one that still likes to use them for watching movies and such things.
 
Skott said:
So what is the best slot loading blue ray/dvd combo drive for this case? I'm one that still likes to use them for watching movies and such things.
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I'm not an authority on this at all, especially since I don't use disks, but I've run across users saying some slot loading drives don't like to be vertical. SilverStone's own drive can handle it, but perhaps there are some better options.
 
nameBrandon said:
Does the plastic 'filter' still fit on the case to cover the fan? Just wanted to make sure it does, I have a dog who sheds like crazy, so that was a big selling point on this case for me..
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It's a 140x25 fan replacing a 140x25 fan ... I don't know how the filter wouldn't fit over it. Heck there's a lot of spare room there, I bet you could even fit a thicker fan.
 
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