Description
Wanted to make an ITX build for a while. Ordered the case first, then the motherboard. Decided that I wanted more airflow for a two fan graphics card so used a SFX power supply. Needed longer power cables because the ones that came with the PSU were too short.
Recently a friend of mine gave me the cooler that AMD includes with the 2700. It has three connectors including RGB and partial USB. The fan is rated at 140W TDP. Now I'm able to keep temperatures under control for hours of synthetic load. Max temperature after 1 hour of Prime 95 is 72C. Have CPU Overclocked to 3.8 GHz using vcore of 1.35 V. This machine can play BFV at 60FPS at 1080p with settings on High preset.
Part Reviews
CPU
I purchased this after they announced the new 2600 but had a motherboard that didn't support the newer Ryzen parts. It has good performance for most tasks, but in some games it was slightly bottle necking the GPU. Overclocked to 3.8 GHz using 1.35V but now temps are up to 65-70C range on stock cooler. Overall it is a great value.
Motherboard
First ITX board and I learned that at this size there are compromises. No way to change BIOS without CPU using USB drive. Good VRM with bad heat spreaders. Wish is had more usable I/O like USB drives. But so far it has worked with DDR4-2400 G Skill Flare X RAM. I have been able to overclock a R5 1600 to 3.8Ghz around 1.355V and the RAM to 2666 at 1.35V so it has some overclocking capability but I don't think it could handle 4GHz overclocking with 8 core Ryzen CPU
Memory
High DRAM prices have compelled me to purchase slower RAM. Was looking at 3200 Flare X and just couldn't justify the 5-10% performance increase for the 40% increase in price. Worked right away in ASROCK AB350 ITX mobo and have had some success overclocking to 2666
Video Card
Low power consumption and low core temps when used at 1080p. Idles around 36C and in most games is only 65C and with FurMark Stress test it only gets to around 70C. In my setup the CPU is holding 1060 back in some games. A really good graphics card and I like the color scheme and cooler design, silent operation is a good thing and since I use it in small case HTPC it is perfect for no fan noise when watching videos. I paired it with a 600Watt PSU and a R5 1600 CPU. Would purchase again!
Case
Nice minimal case design that matches my Define R5 desktop. Easy to work in and has room for good cable management. No RGB, but it comes with two very nice fans and a nice hardware kit to customize the layout. I look forward to growing into this case and maybe on another build using it for a water cooling setup. Wish the top could be partially opened like the bigger version since it is nice to have a top exhaust fan right at the back of the case. Overall a good value and a great addition to my inventory.
Power Supply
After reading an in depth analysis of this PSU's voltage regulation and efficiency even in high temperatures I knew I found the right power supply. At 50% load it almost has 80+Platinum ratings and is dead silent. I wished it came with a longer set of cables but I ended up buying a set of CableMod cables that fit this and their older RM power supplies which I have a RM 750. Had enough cables between the two setups and the cable mod kit to do both computers so they both look great.
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