I'm exploring options for a computer case and have gone from full-size to medium and now considering a micro case since I want it visible on my desk. My main concern is cooling, especially for my RX 9060XT and 9600 AMD. Is good cooling achievable in such a compact space? I'm aiming for minimal fan noise as well, so I'm open to any suggestions for suitable cases.
3 Answers
Both the RX 9060XT and 9600 AMD don’t generate much heat, so you should be able to manage cooling effectively in a micro case. Just plan your airflow carefully and pick your cooling components wisely, and you can keep it quiet too.
When choosing an SFF (Small Form Factor) case, be aware that they usually list height clearances for CPU coolers. For example, many sandwich-style cases have adjustable spines to optimize space between CPU and GPU. I recommend coolers like the Alpenfohn Black Ridge or ID-COOLING IS-55. I'm using the IS-55 with a similar setup, and with an exhaust fan, it keeps everything cool; I just had to do a bit of undervolting on my GPU.
Remember that airflow effectiveness depends more on how well air moves through the case rather than the size itself. A micro ATX case with three fans can move the same amount of air as a larger ATX case with three fans, so as long as the airflow design is good, you’re set! Check out the Montech Air 100 ARGB if you’re looking for a solid micro case.
Great tip, thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions!