Choosing between mITX cases 250D and Define Nano S depends on your specific needs.
Choosing between mITX cases 250D and Define Nano S depends on your specific needs.
I'm preparing a new PC with Zen release in mind. My plans include overclocking both the CPU and GPU, using an mITX case, motherboard, and PSU that meet the requirements.
Build details:
CPU: High-end Zen processor ($350.00)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C14 / Frostflow 240/120 *
Other components:
AM4 Motherboard ($175.00)
Memory: Kingston FURY 16GB (1 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 ($70.47 @ OutletPC)
Storage:
Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB SSD (2.5", $0.00)
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB HDD (3.5", $0.00)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X ($0.00)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W (80+ Bronze, ATX) ($0.00)
Overall cost: $595.47
*I'll decide the cooler based on my PSU's overclocking limits. Also, comparing Frostflow 120 to Noctua is a minor point. So - if I manage the OC, are any of these parts limiting my PSU? If not, which would provide better heat and sound quality?
You should examine websites with reviews on both platforms, though it seems there are limited cases where both have received notice from advertisers when one scores higher than the other.
Check out the links provided:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm44CviMWik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVTuZYJ1wZo
This reviewer seems to prefer the Define S 250D, which received a "Damn Good Value" award.
Define S also earned a "Damn Good" award without the "value" label.
However, each situation has its pros and cons—decide which aspects matter most for you. Consider the smaller size of the 250D compared to the Nano S's excellent sound isolation.
Review both opinions and see which one resonates more with your needs.
If none of the cases limit my PSU, deciding a CPU cooler is next. How do the Noctua NH-C14 and ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 stack up in terms of noise and temperatures? Also, with an mITX setup, will I need enough overclocking to simply upgrade to the Frostflow 240? Thanks for your fast replies, @SR-71 Blackbird and @jjbtexas!
Because it's an unfinished chip and chipset, it's hard to give a definite opinion on temperatures or overclocking potential. The Noctua cooler stands out against most 120mm AIOs, though a 240mm model would likely perform better. If you really want to extract maximum performance from the CPU, the 240mm might be the best option, but this remains purely speculative.
I’d check the Enthoo ITX... it offers more space than anything else, with a solid construction.
Link: pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#sort=a8&page=1
Corsair 250D
GPU Length Cap = 290mm
CPU Cooler Height Max = 95mm
PSU Length Cap = 180mm
Fractal Nano S
GPU Length Cap = 315mm
CPU Cooler Height Max = 160mm
PSU Length Cap = Not specified
Enthoo Evolv
GPU Length Cap = 330mm
CPU Cooler Height Max = 200mm
PSU Length Cap = No limit
It seems a CLC-built cooler can’t match an air cooler at a similar price. Budget?
$25 - Hyper 212
$50 - Scythe Mugen Max
$65 - Phanteks PH-TC14-PE
$90 - Noctua NH-D15
$150 - Swiftech H240 X2
The Enthoo mITX featuring tempered glass offers a stunning design.
I’d check out the Enthoo ITX... it offers more space than anything else and has the strongest construction.
Link: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#sort=a8&page=1
Corsair 250D
Longest GPU = 290mm
Highest CPU cooler height = 95mm
Longest PSU = 180mm
Fractal Nano S
Longest GPU = 315mm
Highest CPU cooler height = 160mm
PSU length not specified
Enthoo Evolv
Longest GPU = 330mm
Highest CPU cooler height = 200mm
PSU length has no limit
It seems a CLC model can’t match an air cooler in price. What’s the budget?
$25 - Hyper 212
$50 - Scythe Mugen Max
$65 - Phanteks PH-TC14-PE
$90 - Noctua NH-D15
$150 - Swiftech H240 X2
Unfortunately, I can’t purchase the Enthoo since it’s not available locally.
The budget is also a challenge because CPU coolers don’t always cost the same here. For instance, a Noctua NH-C14 (about $90 in the U.S.) would be around $80 here, while a Corsair H110i GTX (~$120) would be about $170...
So I’ve limited myself to the options that fit my needs and budget.
The best match for my case is the C14 cooler, and among affordable AIOs I can manage, the Frostflows are the top choices.
I could also repurpose my current case (a Corsair 300R), install an NH-D15, and it would be fine—just a concern about the motherboard stability...
The Enthoo mITX with tempered glass offers a stylish design.
Apparently, the TG is only offered in the ATX form, not iTX or mATX so far.
Where are you situated?
Regarding Cryorig, H7 measures 145mm and should fit in the Fractal. The H5 fits perfectly at 160mm.
Weight concerns seem minor unless you're sending it via GorillaExpress. The cooler weighs 2 pounds, and you'll notice it can handle up to 60 pounds of clamping force.
In PC building history, no cooler has ever broken off a MoBo on a desk. I've replaced three MoBo units for people who tightened their Hyper 212s too much.