If you have decided recently that you want to build a small form factor computer, then prepare to do a lot of research. While you could always just look up a build online and buy the exact same parts, more often than not a person building an SFF pc will want it to be customized for their own needs. Here is a short guide on things to consider when assembling a new SFF build:
One thing you will want to decide early on is whether you plan to use it for regular tasks, intense gaming, or even as a mini server or movie streaming device. Most SFF cases allow space for dual-slot graphics cards, but if you aren't going to be gaming on it then you can go with something even smaller.
Keep in mind that the hardware you choose for the system will dictate your available options for cases and other parts, so it is always best to keep an open mind and stay flexible with your choices. When it comes to SFF cases, some sacrifice usually has to be made for the sake of another component.
After you have learned a bit about some of your favorite cases, it would also be a good idea to decide on how you want to cool your system. Are you fine with air cooling? Do you want a case that will fit a larger heatsink or even a liquid cooling solution? This is a good time to consider this because some options may require you to sacrifice on something else (most often a liquid cooling solution will remove support for extra storage drives).
The most common thing to do is just search for a new part that will fit, or remove another part that you don't need, but you can always go with more exotic solutions, such as modding. Some pc enthusiasts like to cut their parts to fit, and others might swap out things with different accessories. One of my favorite mods I have seen is in the Ncase M1, where people take the stock heatsink off of the GPU and replaced it with an Arctic Accelero III, which opens up extra space in the case for larger fans to provide better cooling. Whatever the case, just make sure to read about what users have done before you decide to go with something like this.
Go through the refinement process as many times as you need until you reach a final build that you are satisfied with. Sometimes a build may only require one sacrifice, while others may need many. Whatever happens, stay determined and try to find the closest solution possible.
And never forget, Research is Key!
Choose Hardware
First, you should decide what kind of hardware you want to use. If you are planning to use parts that you already have on hand, then it may limit the kind of case you can use. However, if you are going to buy parts later, then you can be a lot more flexible in your selections. Typically in this stage you should only look at the Motherboard, graphics card, power supply, and any storage drives you would like to use.One thing you will want to decide early on is whether you plan to use it for regular tasks, intense gaming, or even as a mini server or movie streaming device. Most SFF cases allow space for dual-slot graphics cards, but if you aren't going to be gaming on it then you can go with something even smaller.
Keep in mind that the hardware you choose for the system will dictate your available options for cases and other parts, so it is always best to keep an open mind and stay flexible with your choices. When it comes to SFF cases, some sacrifice usually has to be made for the sake of another component.
Do Research
With a rough draft of the parts you would (ideally) like to use, it's time to hop online and look at available cases. Find ones that you think look cool, and read about them on forums and their website. Make sure that the parts you want to use will fit, so double check the height and length of your parts, as well as if the case has enough space for your storage drives.After you have learned a bit about some of your favorite cases, it would also be a good idea to decide on how you want to cool your system. Are you fine with air cooling? Do you want a case that will fit a larger heatsink or even a liquid cooling solution? This is a good time to consider this because some options may require you to sacrifice on something else (most often a liquid cooling solution will remove support for extra storage drives).
Refine your Selections
Once you have set your sights on a couple cases that want to go with, its time to take a second look at your part selection. This is where you are going to have to start making some hard choices, because most likely, there will be some space conflicts. Fear not however, as there are a lot of things you can do to refine your build.The most common thing to do is just search for a new part that will fit, or remove another part that you don't need, but you can always go with more exotic solutions, such as modding. Some pc enthusiasts like to cut their parts to fit, and others might swap out things with different accessories. One of my favorite mods I have seen is in the Ncase M1, where people take the stock heatsink off of the GPU and replaced it with an Arctic Accelero III, which opens up extra space in the case for larger fans to provide better cooling. Whatever the case, just make sure to read about what users have done before you decide to go with something like this.
Go through the refinement process as many times as you need until you reach a final build that you are satisfied with. Sometimes a build may only require one sacrifice, while others may need many. Whatever happens, stay determined and try to find the closest solution possible.
And never forget, Research is Key!
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