Hello SFF.Net! I'm here with another build log, but this time to document my journey building my black NFC Skyreach 4 Mini. I've had it for just over a year, but it's been a fun case to mod, tweak, and otherwise tune. I just wanted to document the work I've done on it here.
Build Goal: Well, this is a bit complicated. I had a Sliger Cerberus (wonderful case, and I honestly plan to buy a Cerb X when I have an excuse/reason to), but I wanted something more portable. I prioritized build quality and portability when searching for a new case. I have followed NFC for a while and the S4M fit the bill. I know it has its drawbacks, but it makes the most sense as a well made, community supported enclosure.
I decided to go Team Red for this build because I like to root for the underdog, even when it comes to giant corporations. I'm pretty hyped about 7nm fab processes and I hope AMD keep pushing Intel to compete. The novelty of the 5700ITX from Powercolor had its own appeal. A year ago, it was probably the most power efficient gpu in a nearly true ITX form factor at ~175mm long, two slots, and standard height. Add the 3700X 8 cores and 16 threads at 65W thermal design and you have an appropriately powerful system in a small envelope.
For an on the go display, MSI's MAG161V 15.6" portable monitor attracted me the most. It's a name brand so warranty support should be a little better than the generic rebrand imports on Amazon. It's USB powered with mini-HDMI or USB-C input and when folded flat fits perfectly over the S4M in my Wallye Duffel bag.
Enricko's S4M.v1
Case: NFC Skyreach 4 Mini + Power Button
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix X570-I Gaming Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL14 Memory
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BPX Pro 960 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 5700 8 GB ITX 2DH Video Card
PSU: HDPlex 400W AC/DC/ATX
I'm defining v1 as the build while I was using the HDPlex 400W AC/DC/ATX combo. If you read through the album, I've made some notes on how I built v1. For a while I used the HDPlex in a bricked setup where the AC/DC module was external to the case like a laptop power supply. Eventually I got tired of that and decided to free up a little more desk space. I soldered a GX16 connector and cable for ac/dc connection to the back of the case (NFC offers this through their online shop now). That wasn't too complex of a mod, but it could've ended up way worse. I should've taken both PSU Panels off of the AC/DC module for cutting instead of leaving the one on.
V1.5 was when I got a walnut 3D bezel from Josh. I wanted some wood furniture and extra ventilation and it just made sense to order from Josh.
Build Goal: Well, this is a bit complicated. I had a Sliger Cerberus (wonderful case, and I honestly plan to buy a Cerb X when I have an excuse/reason to), but I wanted something more portable. I prioritized build quality and portability when searching for a new case. I have followed NFC for a while and the S4M fit the bill. I know it has its drawbacks, but it makes the most sense as a well made, community supported enclosure.
I decided to go Team Red for this build because I like to root for the underdog, even when it comes to giant corporations. I'm pretty hyped about 7nm fab processes and I hope AMD keep pushing Intel to compete. The novelty of the 5700ITX from Powercolor had its own appeal. A year ago, it was probably the most power efficient gpu in a nearly true ITX form factor at ~175mm long, two slots, and standard height. Add the 3700X 8 cores and 16 threads at 65W thermal design and you have an appropriately powerful system in a small envelope.
For an on the go display, MSI's MAG161V 15.6" portable monitor attracted me the most. It's a name brand so warranty support should be a little better than the generic rebrand imports on Amazon. It's USB powered with mini-HDMI or USB-C input and when folded flat fits perfectly over the S4M in my Wallye Duffel bag.
Enricko's S4M.v1
Case: NFC Skyreach 4 Mini + Power Button
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix X570-I Gaming Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL14 Memory
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BPX Pro 960 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 5700 8 GB ITX 2DH Video Card
PSU: HDPlex 400W AC/DC/ATX
I'm defining v1 as the build while I was using the HDPlex 400W AC/DC/ATX combo. If you read through the album, I've made some notes on how I built v1. For a while I used the HDPlex in a bricked setup where the AC/DC module was external to the case like a laptop power supply. Eventually I got tired of that and decided to free up a little more desk space. I soldered a GX16 connector and cable for ac/dc connection to the back of the case (NFC offers this through their online shop now). That wasn't too complex of a mod, but it could've ended up way worse. I should've taken both PSU Panels off of the AC/DC module for cutting instead of leaving the one on.
V1.5 was when I got a walnut 3D bezel from Josh. I wanted some wood furniture and extra ventilation and it just made sense to order from Josh.