Log My First mini-ATX SFF Build

[newdriv]

I'm a big fan of mini PCs and have experimented with models from various manufacturers. However, I found the customization options limiting, so I decided to build my own custom SFF (Small Form Factor) PC.

This is my first attempt, and I'd love any advice on cable management, as it's currently a bit messy.

Components Used​

• CPU: AMD 8600G
• Cooler: Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper Low Profile CPU Cooler
• Motherboard: ASRock A620I LIGHTNING WIFI
• RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5 5200 (PC5 41600)
• Storage:
  • 2x WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe
  • TEAMGROUP T-FORCE VULCAN Z 1TB SSD
  • Crucial 128GB SSD
• Case: AliExpress Mini ITX Case

Challenges Faced​

1. PSU Noise:
   I wanted to avoid using Pico or Plex PSUs due to noise concerns, so I opted for the HD Plex instead.
2. Direct Power Input:
   I wanted to avoid barrel plugs and charging adapters, so I implemented a direct input setup. However, no case I found included a C14 cutout, so I had to create one manually using a CNC machine. Unfortunately, no pre-built cases met all my requirements.

Suggestions for HD Plex​

1. Improved Mounting Options:
   Mounting the HD Plex was challenging due to the limited screw and mounting hole options. Including more screws and mounting configurations would greatly simplify installation.
2. Dual Input Plugs:
   Adding dual input connectors for both C14 and C5 plugs would be a fantastic feature, allowing users to switch between them as needed.

If anyone has tips for cable management or other feedback on my build, I’d greatly appreciate it!




Let me know if you’d like additional tweaks!

 

[newdriv]

Adding back image showing c14 and c5 connectors.

 

[newdriv]

Forgot to add the One component : HDPLEX 250W GaN Passive AIO ATX Power Supply

 

[BaK]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

Nice little case, good find!

This is my first attempt, and I'd love any advice on cable management, as it's currently a bit messy.

Just a bit lol

Since there is no place to hide them, you would need shorter cables first. Or even better, no cables at all.

Are the 2 SSDs really needed? Big part of the spaghetti comes from SATA power and data cables.
I would have gone with one m.2 for the OS (and games), second one for your data.

I wanted to avoid barrel plugs and charging adapters, so I implemented a direct input setup.

According to the last picture, you've added two input power options, one C14 socket and one C5 socket. Why is that?
Having only the smaller C5 should have been sufficient and would avoid the extra cables of the C14.

Finally, the two low profile 'PCIe' cards.
Hard to tell what's the one closer to the mobo, HDMI? What is it for?
The other one seems to add two USB ports to the build. But as you have some unused ones on the I/O of the mobo, an USB hub could be an option to replace that card. Would be a plus since this card is interfering with the PSU.

With all the above cables gone, only the HDPlex cables will be left and you can arrange them better with the free room now available.
Next step will be custom cables at the right lengths for your build. Beware of that rabbit hole

And oh, since nothing is attached to that top bracket, you can probably get rid of it and have a little more breathing room for the CPU cooler.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Suggestions for HD Plex​

1. Improved Mounting Options:
   Mounting the HD Plex was challenging due to the limited screw and mounting hole options. Including more screws and mounting configurations would greatly simplify installation.

Which HDPlex GaN did you get? There is two of them, 250 and 500.

The 250 has much better mounting options, just because its shorter, and takes up about the same amount of space as a modular Flex-ATX PSU would (150 + 25 mm is basically the same as the 170 mm of the GaN 250).

cu, w0lf.

 

[newdriv]

Are the 2 SSDs really needed? Big part of the spaghetti comes from SATA power and data cables.
I would have gone with one m.2 for the OS (and games), second one for your data.

According to the last picture, you've added two input power options, one C14 socket and one C5 socket. Why is that?
Having only the smaller C5 should have been sufficient and would avoid the extra cables of the C14.

Finally, the two low profile 'PCIe' cards.
Hard to tell what's the one closer to the mobo, HDMI? What is it for?
The other one seems to add two USB ports to the build. But as you have some unused ones on the I/O of the mobo, an USB hub could be an option to replace that card. Would be a plus since this card is interfering with the PSU.

I need Windows occasionally and Linux as the main driver, but I don't want them on the same partition. Also, Work needs constant backups, and other is my other data. So, unfortunately, I do need those drives.

I carry it to two places. One of them has c5. Hence the two input ports

One is type C, and the other has 2 USB ports. I can probably remove them as they aren't used very often.

 

[newdriv]

Which HDPlex GaN did you get? There is two of them, 250 and 500.

The 250 has much better mounting options, just because its shorter, and takes up about the same amount of space as a modular Flex-ATX PSU would (150 + 25 mm is basically the same as the 170 mm of the GaN 250).

cu, w0lf.

250

But still had to fit it at a 30-degree angle. with only 2 screws on one side