Completed S401: Salvo Studios <8L mITX Steel Unibody Chassis w/ GPU & CPU fans in same direction

[grsychckn]

Ok, below is information I gathered from running the Firestrike stress test on various configurations. By no means is this exhaustive in any way however as I only ran 8 or 9 tests in full - I've not got a lot of spare time to do this outside of preparing to ship cases. The case was oriented vertically with the mainboard/PSU on top. Below when I reference all 3 chassis fans I men the top two are exhausting and the bottom is configured to intake (unless specified otherwise).

System Configuration:
ASRock B350 Fatal1ty mITX
AMD Ryzen 1800X w/ Cryorig Aluminum C7 (stock fan)
8GB GSkill 3200RGB DDR4 (2x4GB)
Lian-Li 750W SFX-L PSU
Vega 64 LE or R9 290X Lightning GPU
Toshiba 512GB m.2 drive
2 x 60x60x15 Delta PWM fans
1 x 60x60x25 Noctua PWM fan

Vega 64 - Firestrike Stress Test no chassis fans
CPU Max 60.5
GPU Max 83
GPU HBM 88
GPU HostSpot 94
System 53

Vega 64 - Firestrike Stress Test w/ all 3 chassis fans
CPU Max 57.1
GPU Max 82
GPU HBM 87
GPU HostSpot 94
System 53

Vega 64 - Firestrike Ultra Stress Test no chassis fans
CPU Max 55.3
GPU Max 79
GPU HBM 85
GPU HostSpot 92
System 47

Vega 64 - Firestrike Ultra Stress Test w/ all 3 chassis fans
CPU Max 53.9
GPU Max 80
GPU HBM 86
GPU HostSpot 93
System 48

R9 290X Lightning - Firestrike Stress Test no chassis fans
CPU Max 61.8
GPU Max 82
System 52

R9 290X Lightning - Firestrike Stress Test w/ all 3 chassis fans
CPU Max 48
GPU Max 83
System 50

R9 290X Lightning - Firestrike Stress Test w/ all 3 chassis fans in performance mode (full speed)
CPU Max 53.6
GPU Max 82
System 45

R9 290X Lightning - Firestrike Stress Test w/ all 3 chassis fans, GPU fan directed as exhaust
CPU Max 46
GPU Max 80
System 50

 

[papayo]

Looks like I'm trying all 3 as exhaust to start. Thanks for the info!

 

[papayo]

I'm gathering from the website that, due to differing thickness of the acrylic versus standard panels, different thumbscrews are being supplied to attach them. Would these thumbscrews work in the horizontal position or do you have a recommendation for those of us that like the acrylic look but plan to use it in the horizontal layout? I briefly considered just using the acrylic vented side and the standard non-vented side with the flat screws for feet but I think the asymmetry would end me. Do the thumbscrews work as feet? If there isn't a flat screw option, can you point me in the direction of one (something closer to the feet on the S400)?

 

[grsychckn]

I'm gathering from the website that, due to differing thickness of the acrylic versus standard panels, different thumbscrews are being supplied to attach them. Would these thumbscrews work in the horizontal position or do you have a recommendation for those of us that like the acrylic look but plan to use it in the horizontal layout? I briefly considered just using the acrylic vented side and the standard non-vented side with the flat screws for feet but I think the asymmetry would end me. Do the thumbscrews work as feet?

Great question - and one I hadn't thought about really. I just so happen to have several 1/2" screws (in silver) that are identical to the 3/8" screws that work with the steel panels (other than the color). I could include a set of them with a case if someone wanted them (at $0.38 each they aren't cheap screws so I may have to come up with a better long-term solution). I will be including round self-adhesive epoxy pads that can be used as feet when in the horizontal position - these can also be used on the acrylic to prevent direct surface contact (and thus some scratching).

 

[grsychckn]

Pictures of the demciflex filters installed (magnetic so they can be easily removed). Sorry for the bad image quality as my photography gear isn't currently setup.

I'm in contact with them to try and get these available on my website for order so you know you're getting the compatible filters. Hopefully I'll be able to offer them at least at the same price as Amazon or on their own website.

 

[annasoh323]

Pictures of the demciflex filters installed (magnetic so they can be easily removed). Sorry for the bad image quality as my photography gear isn't currently setup.

I'm in contact with them to try and get these available on my website for order so you know you're getting the compatible filters. Hopefully I'll be able to offer them at least at the same price as Amazon or on their own website.

I remember you saying previously that they had a version that would work with non-magnetic surfaces via some kind of magnetic tape strip or somesuch. Do you know where those might be available? I'm thinking about the acrylic side panels and how to filter those.

 

[rfarmer]

I remember you saying previously that they had a version that would work with non-magnetic surfaces via some kind of magnetic tape strip or somesuch. Do you know where those might be available? I'm thinking about the acrylic side panels and how to filter those.

They are included with the Demciflex filters.

 

[Poblopuablo]

Pictures of the demciflex filters installed (magnetic so they can be easily removed). Sorry for the bad image quality as my photography gear isn't currently setup.

I'm in contact with them to try and get these available on my website for order so you know you're getting the compatible filters. Hopefully I'll be able to offer them at least at the same price as Amazon or on their own website.

I'd be very interested to see if these fit on the Interior with the "L" shaped brackets discussed previously.

I know you have a lot going on, and little time for even more experiments, but when you get the opportunity I'd love to know if they work.


Enjoy your weekend!

 

[annasoh323]

They are included with the Demciflex filters.

Really, I'll have to look into that again.

I'd be very interested to see if these fit on the Interior with the "L" shaped brackets discussed previously.

I know you have a lot going on, and little time for even more experiments, but when you get the opportunity I'd love to know if they work.

That is a good thought. Aesthetically, I'm not sure how much of an improvement it would be personally but who knows?

Enjoy your weekend!

I second the motion! Thanks for getting this project off the ground!

 

[grsychckn]

They are included with the Demciflex filters.

They don't have to come with them. I can offer both the ferrous and non-ferrous options. The difference is about $1.70 per filter. I'm trying to offer both.

FYI, the ones on the Amazon link come with the non-ferrous magnetic strips you can adhere to any surface.

As for fitting them in the inside in not sure that would work but I can measure once I get a sample set of spacers made.

 

[annasoh323]

They don't have to come with them. I can offer both the ferrous and non-ferrous options. The difference is about $1.70 per filter. I'm trying to offer both.

FYI, the ones on the Amazon link come with the non-ferrous magnetic strips you can adhere to any surface.

As for fitting them in the inside in not sure that would work but I can measure once I get a sample set of spacers made.

Did I have that right? The non-ferrous version comes with a magnetic strip which makes the filter stick to it? I guess what I'm asking is that if I get the non-ferrous version, there will be a way to transition the filter part between a magnetically-taped acrylic panel and the standard steel side panel if I go traveling or something.

That'd be really convenient if you can get them in prior to pre-orders shipping. Hopefully you won't lose any money to the 'zon on these

<muttering to self> so that takes care of the filters... what else was it I was supposed to try to get before the computer rebuild?... <continues muttering>

 

[grsychckn]

Did I have that right? The non-ferrous version comes with a magnetic strip which makes the filter stick to it? I guess what I'm asking is that if I get the non-ferrous version, there will be a way to transition the filter part between a magnetically-taped acrylic panel and the standard steel side panel if I go traveling or something.

That'd be really convenient if you can get them in prior to pre-orders shipping. Hopefully you won't lose any money to the 'zon on these

<muttering to self> so that takes care of the filters... what else was it I was supposed to try to get before the computer rebuild?... <continues muttering>

Yes, you have that right, the non-ferrous version includes the adhesive magnetic strip you could apply to the acrylic. I'll post here if I get word back from Demciflex about selling their filters on my site.

 

[grsychckn]

I also just realized yesterday that *some* PSUs will probably be incompatible. The problem is both the clearance due to the front button and the orientation of the C14 (PSU) extender cable I use. I'm going to have to come up with a list of known incompatible units but for the most part there will be workarounds available or I'll accept returns. The clearance needs to be 1CM from the left edge (picture below) when the fan inlet is up and looking at the C14 inlet on the back. Aside from that, to ensure compatibility, the C14 inlet should be oriented the same as the image below (with the notched corners facing up). If the C14 inlet has the notches facing down, the PSU extender inside the case will work but might require some adapters based on the location.

Simple rule of thumb: You want the C14 connector in the middle or right side of the PSU and have the notches facing up. If the notches are on the left or right your PSU will not work. Below are some images with model numbers to show what I mean.

1. Corsair SF-series: *Should* work. The C14 connector will be very close to the front panel button. However, I do believe this PSU will fit without modifications. If not, I will make it work as I know this is pretty much the go-to for SFF builds. I have already ordered one to confirm it will fit no problem. If I find a problem I will also find a solution for this one.

2. Seasonic SSP-300SFB: Not compatible. C14 connector is vertical and the dongle I include with the case requires a horizontal C14 connector (notches facing right).

3. Silverstone SST-ST30SF-V2: Will work but the dongle will exit from the C14 connector to the left from this view and have to make a 180 degree turn to backtrack to the right where the cable exits. The cable included should be long enough to do this.

4. Silverstone SFX SX800: Compatible.

5. Silverstone SX700-LPT: Incompatible as the C14 connector is again vertical (notches facing left).

6. Thermaltake PS-STP-0600FPCGUS-G: *Should* work with a short C14 dongle to extend back to the included PSU extender inside the S401. The notches on the bottom mean the included extender would exit and head left from this angle which would definitely interfere with the front button. A simple 90 degree C14 connector that would exit to the right from this view could work, but would require a straight C14 exender dongle on top of the 90 degree adapter.

 

[annasoh323]

I also just realized yesterday that *some* PSUs will probably be incompatible. The problem is both the clearance due to the front button and the orientation of the C14 (PSU) extender cable I use. I'm going to have to come up with a list of known incompatible units but for the most part there will be workarounds available or I'll accept returns. The clearance needs to be 1CM from the left edge (picture below) when the fan inlet is up and looking at the C14 inlet on the back. Aside from that, to ensure compatibility, the C14 inlet should be oriented the same as the image below (with the notched corners facing up). If the C14 inlet has the notches facing down, the PSU extender inside the case will work but might require some adapters based on the location.

Simple rule of thumb: You want the C14 connector in the middle or right side of the PSU and have the notches facing up. If the notches are on the left or right your PSU will not work. Below are some images with model numbers to show what I mean.

1. Corsair SF-series: *Should* work. The C14 connector will be very close to the front panel button. However, I do believe this PSU will fit without modifications. If not, I will make it work as I know this is pretty much the go-to for SFF builds. I have already ordered one to confirm it will fit no problem. If I find a problem I will also find a solution for this one.

2. Seasonic SSP-300SFB: Not compatible. C14 connector is vertical and the dongle I include with the case requires a horizontal C14 connector (notches facing right).

3. Silverstone SST-ST30SF-V2: Will work but the dongle will exit from the C14 connector to the left from this view and have to make a 180 degree turn to backtrack to the right where the cable exits. The cable included should be long enough to do this.

4. Silverstone SFX SX800: Compatible.

5. Silverstone SX700-LPT: Incompatible as the C14 connector is again vertical (notches facing left).

6. Thermaltake PS-STP-0600FPCGUS-G: *Should* work with a short C14 dongle to extend back to the included PSU extender inside the S401. The notches on the bottom mean the included extender would exit and head left from this angle which would definitely interfere with the front button. A simple 90 degree C14 connector that would exit to the right from this view could work, but would require a straight C14 exender dongle on top of the 90 degree adapter.

Thanks for checking this out. My SF450 thanks you for checking for it.

Or, I guess we could all get the 800W Silverstones...

I've already started investigating options for potential PSU cabling. The SF450 isn't known for its stock cable flexibility so I'm going to take a look at my motherboard and start seeing how cable routing might look. Hopefully, the SATA power cable string can reach . I did do a bit of cable pin crimping in college so it'd be more a matter of just getting the tools and supplies and not crossing wires but with a good few afternoons of work, I should be able to do it. We'll see how things fit first though.

 

[papayo]

Thanks for checking this out. My SF450 thanks you for checking for it.

Or, I guess we could all get the 800W Silverstones...

I've already started investigating options for potential PSU cabling. The SF450 isn't known for its stock cable flexibility so I'm going to take a look at my motherboard and start seeing how cable routing might look. Hopefully, the SATA power cable string can reach . I did do a bit of cable pin crimping in college so it'd be more a matter of just getting the tools and supplies and not crossing wires but with a good few afternoons of work, I should be able to do it. We'll see how things fit first though.

For those looking for a quick fix for the stiff corsair cables, I found these cables were worth the investment: Corsair CP-8920202 SF Series Premium PSU Cable Kit

They really should be the default cables included with the PSU.

 

[annasoh323]

For those looking for a quick fix for the stiff corsair cables, I found these cables were worth the investment: Corsair CP-8920202 SF Series Premium PSU Cable Kit

They really should be the default cables included with the PSU.

Huh, I thought they were more $. I guess $40 isn't too bad. The only thing I'm not sure about is length and how well things will be running around the case. Plus, since a lot more of the internals will be visible, I have more to lose from an ugly cable job.

 

[rfarmer]

For those looking for a quick fix for the stiff corsair cables, I found these cables were worth the investment: Corsair CP-8920202 SF Series Premium PSU Cable Kit

They really should be the default cables included with the PSU.

Those will be the default cables for the SF Platinum, if they ever manage to release it.

 

[annasoh323]

Those will be the default cables for the SF Platinum, if they ever manage to release it.

Hopefully it'll come out by the time that real-time ray tracing becomes a practical feature in a gaming video card.

 

[grsychckn]

While we're on the subject of PSU cables, pay attention to type of SATA power cables you buy. SATA power cables requiring clearance above and below the SSD/HDD power interface will not work with drives mounted in the S401. Below are images showing the type of SATA power cables you want to look for (and avoid).

This style will work best:

Avoid these:

 

[annasoh323]

While we're on the subject of PSU cables, pay attention to type of SATA power cables you buy. SATA power cables requiring clearance above and below the SSD/HDD power interface will not work with drives mounted in the S401. Below are images showing the type of SATA power cables you want to look for (and avoid).

This style will work best:

Avoid these:

Thanks for the heads up. I see why this would be. Perhaps you can give an opinion on the stock corsair cable connectors and their suitability though I suspect they may be no bueno.