Stumbling my way into SFF, I present to you my latest ongoing build of Cougar QBX.
Here's my specification:
The build is quite straightforward, typical SFF issues where you have to carefully drawn out the build plan or you have to go back and disassemble few things. One quirk is that the back panel motherboard cutout is too small, just barely clears the heatsink backplate. Not a problem per se, but the configuration blocks the M.2 slot on my motherboard, so I have to strip my custom heatsink MP500 to its bare chips and apply thermal pads, essentially making the whole case as its heatsink. It works wonderfully. On my Evolv ITX with plenty of clearance for my custom heatsink, MP500 idle is at 60 degrees C, on the QBX, only 52 degrees C... *laugh in metric*
Cooling performance:
For cooling my CPU, I use NH-D9L. I tried plopping my trusty Deepcool Captain 120 EX, but the tubing is too rigid, so I gave up. With my NH-D9L, idle temp is a bit higher at 37 degrees, compared to 34 degrees (measured at same condition) using the AIO. Gaming temp is higher as well, but still negligible at delta around 8 degrees. Fan configuration is one thing I love about the case. With two exhaust on the rear and above the case, airflow is generous at the most important part of the case. There's also another fan position above the PSU, but the weird PSU cable extension only allows for fan placement if the PSU power cable is situated near the front of the case. My Corsair SF600 orientation with the fan intake facing outside of the case has its power cable port at the center of the case, preventing me from mounting any fan.
Another quirk or benefit (or disadvantage for me) is the mesh side panels. In one hand, the case has better thermal performance than my Evolv ITX. However, dust accumulation is near tragic. It's only a few weeks and the HSF fins already starting to accumulate dust. I might have to look at 120 AIO with flexible tubing soon.
Cable management:
Cable management is standard fanfare for SFF, the 24 pin pose the hardest challenge since its thick and short for the SF series (built a PC before with SF450, same issue). There's plenty of space on top of the case if you so choose to use fan hub, RGB hub, whatever hub. Tried installing Corsair LL RGB fan, but the RGB function failed, need to return the fan for some checkup. The biggest issue is the side mounted storage. Since it's on the side bracket, trying to close the bracket can lead to astray cables. Not quite an issue, but annoying, knowing that the cables just dangles freely.
Noise:
Noise level is acceptable, although the fans are very audible. The loudest noise for the case fans comes from the top fan. I suspect the holes are not big enough and causes turbulence, or the generic fans I used are total crap. Still, on my DB meter, the total noise on my room with the PC about 40 Centimeters to my right, is about 35 DB of sound, library quiet, although I prefer 30 DB and below.
Wishlist:
As is, I'm satisfied with the build. However, I do want to add some spices to the case. Will need to check the Corsair LL 120 fan, why the RGB function failed.
Edit:
Finally made the Corsair RGB fan works.
Main duty is quite boring actually, as a three stage temperature indicator.

Here's my specification:
- Ryzen 7 1700X stock
- Asrock AB350-ITX Gaming Fatality
- Noctua NH-D9L
- 16GB RGB Corsair DDR4
- Corsair SF600
- Corsair MP500 256GB
- Samsung EVO 750 500GB 2x
- Toshiba 7400 RPM 2TB
- Extra fans: generic 12 Cm 2x, Noctua NF-B9 1x
The build is quite straightforward, typical SFF issues where you have to carefully drawn out the build plan or you have to go back and disassemble few things. One quirk is that the back panel motherboard cutout is too small, just barely clears the heatsink backplate. Not a problem per se, but the configuration blocks the M.2 slot on my motherboard, so I have to strip my custom heatsink MP500 to its bare chips and apply thermal pads, essentially making the whole case as its heatsink. It works wonderfully. On my Evolv ITX with plenty of clearance for my custom heatsink, MP500 idle is at 60 degrees C, on the QBX, only 52 degrees C... *laugh in metric*



Cooling performance:
For cooling my CPU, I use NH-D9L. I tried plopping my trusty Deepcool Captain 120 EX, but the tubing is too rigid, so I gave up. With my NH-D9L, idle temp is a bit higher at 37 degrees, compared to 34 degrees (measured at same condition) using the AIO. Gaming temp is higher as well, but still negligible at delta around 8 degrees. Fan configuration is one thing I love about the case. With two exhaust on the rear and above the case, airflow is generous at the most important part of the case. There's also another fan position above the PSU, but the weird PSU cable extension only allows for fan placement if the PSU power cable is situated near the front of the case. My Corsair SF600 orientation with the fan intake facing outside of the case has its power cable port at the center of the case, preventing me from mounting any fan.
Another quirk or benefit (or disadvantage for me) is the mesh side panels. In one hand, the case has better thermal performance than my Evolv ITX. However, dust accumulation is near tragic. It's only a few weeks and the HSF fins already starting to accumulate dust. I might have to look at 120 AIO with flexible tubing soon.
Cable management:
Cable management is standard fanfare for SFF, the 24 pin pose the hardest challenge since its thick and short for the SF series (built a PC before with SF450, same issue). There's plenty of space on top of the case if you so choose to use fan hub, RGB hub, whatever hub. Tried installing Corsair LL RGB fan, but the RGB function failed, need to return the fan for some checkup. The biggest issue is the side mounted storage. Since it's on the side bracket, trying to close the bracket can lead to astray cables. Not quite an issue, but annoying, knowing that the cables just dangles freely.

Noise:
Noise level is acceptable, although the fans are very audible. The loudest noise for the case fans comes from the top fan. I suspect the holes are not big enough and causes turbulence, or the generic fans I used are total crap. Still, on my DB meter, the total noise on my room with the PC about 40 Centimeters to my right, is about 35 DB of sound, library quiet, although I prefer 30 DB and below.
Wishlist:
As is, I'm satisfied with the build. However, I do want to add some spices to the case. Will need to check the Corsair LL 120 fan, why the RGB function failed.

Edit:
Finally made the Corsair RGB fan works.

Main duty is quite boring actually, as a three stage temperature indicator.
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