Concept Modifying Dan Case Side Panel for taller cooler

[mcwobby]

Hi all, I'm starting my first true small form factor build (I have done a fair few Mitx builds, but just cause they were the cheapest option at the time).

I want to take most, if not all, of the performance from my EATX workstation and cram it into a Dan Case A4.
I'm pretty happy with the case, looks easy enough to build in, but I am worried about CPU cooling. My room can reach 40 degrees C ambient, and while I've never had a problem before, I am not expecting a Noctua L9i to keep up with a stock-clocked (probably undervolted) Coffee Lake Refresh i7/i9.

I also don't like the Asetek AIO and the space it takes up.

So my proposal - cut out a hole in the side panel for a tower cooler to protrude from. Inspired by this RAM cutout from Linus Tech Tips small form factor build: https://i.imgur.com/6oH9Sj1l.png

I was thinking either an L9i with a thicker fan or preferably an L9x65 also with a thick fan. Then enclosing it all in a chimney with mesh on the top. My current case is a Thermaltake Level 10GT, so I don't mind asymmetry but would like it to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. I unfortunately lack the tools or the hand/eye coordination to do it myself, but assuming I could find someone who did, would it be feasible for improving cooling?

 

[dumplinknet]

Eww

 

[rosinbole]

Eww

Come on dude, you're better than that.
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Your idea is feasible. If done right, it can even look very pretty. Here's a link to a fellow sff'er who did excactly what you're talking about: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/dan-a4-sfx.252/page-32

 

[dumplinknet]

Come on dude, you're better than that.
___________________

Your idea is feasible. If done right, it can even look very pretty. Here's a link to a fellow sff'er who did excactly what you're talking about: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/dan-a4-sfx.252/page-32

Well see, as I read it, it was a tall,long tower protruding out the side which would look terribly. Well . Ugly?

 

[rosinbole]

Well see, as I read it, it was a tall,long tower protruding out the side which would look terribly. Well . Ugly?

Yeah, sorry for maybe misunderstanding you too, just thought that you were being toxic...

 

[mcwobby]

Come on dude, you're better than that.
___________________

Your idea is feasible. If done right, it can even look very pretty. Here's a link to a fellow sff'er who did excactly what you're talking about: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/dan-a4-sfx.252/page-32

Great to hear! Will explore the idea further.

Well see, as I read it, it was a tall,long tower protruding out the side which would look terribly. Well . Ugly?

If I used the Noctua L9x65, then it would be a protrusion of 3-5cm depending on what fan I use. If made properly and fully enclosed, it would barely be noticeable.

Other option is to make a new side panel which is a bit taller the whole way around.