Building a gaming PC that balances high performance with a compact form factor is no small feat, but ETA Prime demonstrates how it can be done with the world’s smallest RX 9060 XT build. This setup features the Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU, known for its 16 GB VRAM and efficient 140W power draw, paired with the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU to deliver smooth performance across demanding games. Housed in the LZOD A24 V5 case, which measures just 4.6 liters in volume, the build showcases how thoughtful component selection can achieve both power and portability without sacrificing thermal efficiency or usability.
Explore how this build handles modern gaming benchmarks, including 1440p and 4K performance metrics and gain insight into its thermal and noise management strategies. You’ll also learn about the design considerations that make this setup both aesthetically pleasing and functional, from its minimalist aluminum case to its modular power supply. Whether you’re looking to replicate this build or adapt its principles to your own project, this breakdown offers a detailed roadmap for creating a compact yet capable gaming PC.
Compact Yet Powerful
TL;DR Key Takeaways :
- Advancements in hardware now make it possible to build a high-performance, compact gaming PC that balances power and portability, featuring components like the Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU.
- The build includes carefully selected components such as a Mini-ITX motherboard, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, a 1 TB M.2 SSD and a low-profile cooler, all housed in a sleek 4.6-liter aluminum case.
- Performance benchmarks demonstrate seamless gaming at 1440p and 4K resolutions, with modern titles achieving high FPS on ultra settings and older games running smoothly at 4K Ultra settings.
- Thermal and noise management is optimized with efficient cooling solutions and thoughtful case design, maintaining low temperatures and tolerable noise levels even under heavy loads.
- The minimalist design of the build prioritizes functionality and aesthetics, with potential for future upgrades like a more powerful CPU or enhanced thermal efficiency to ensure long-term relevance.
Core Components:
The foundation of this build lies in selecting components that maximize performance while maintaining a compact footprint. Each part plays a critical role in making sure the system’s efficiency and power. Below is a breakdown of the essential hardware:
- GPU: The Radeon RX 9060 XT is a powerhouse with 16 GB of VRAM and a triple-fan cooling system. Despite its high-end performance, it operates at just 140W, making it ideal for SFF builds.
- CPU: AMD’s Ryzen 7 7700X features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock reaching up to 5.5 GHz. This ensures smooth multitasking and exceptional gaming performance.
- Motherboard: The ROG B850i Gaming Mini-ITX motherboard supports PCIe 5.0, offering future-proof compatibility with next-generation GPUs and storage solutions.
- Memory: 32 GB of Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5 RAM (6000 MT/s) provides the speed and capacity necessary for demanding games and applications.
- Storage: A 1 TB Kingston M.2 SSD ensures lightning-fast load times and ample space for your game library.
- Cooling: The Thermalite APX120 X67 low-profile cooler, standing just 67 mm tall, efficiently manages heat in the compact case.
- Case: The LZOD A24 V5 Gen 1 aluminum case, with a volume of only 4.6 liters, offers a sleek, durable and space-saving housing for the build.
- Power Supply: The fully modular Aiva 1U/Flex ATX power supply enhances airflow and simplifies cable management, crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient build.
Each of these components has been carefully selected to ensure that the system delivers high performance while maintaining a compact and efficient design. Together, they form the backbone of a gaming PC that is both powerful and portable.
Performance Benchmarks: Gaming Without Limits
Despite its small size, this SFF PC is capable of delivering impressive gaming performance. Benchmarks demonstrate its ability to handle modern games at high settings, whether you’re gaming at 1440p or 4K resolutions. Below are some key performance highlights:
- 3DMark Time Spy: Achieved an overall score of 14,428, with a graphics score approaching 15,000, showcasing its capability for demanding workloads.
- 1440p Gaming:
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultra settings, averaging 86 FPS.
- Forza Horizon 6: Extreme settings, averaging 83 FPS.
- The Dark Ages: Ultra settings, averaging 89 FPS.
- 4K Gaming:
- Forza Horizon 6: Ultra settings with FSR Balanced, averaging 66 FPS.
- Halo Campaign Evolved: Ultra settings with FSR Balanced, exceeding 80 FPS.
- Older Titles: Games such as GTA V and Fallout 4 run smoothly at 4K Ultra settings, demonstrating the system’s versatility.
These benchmarks highlight the system’s ability to handle both modern and older titles with ease, making it a versatile choice for gamers who demand high performance in a compact form factor.
Uncover more insights about small form factor systems in previous articles we have written.
- Best Low-Profile GPU for Compact Builds? Meet the Yeston RTX 3050
- Minisforum G1 Pro Review : Small Form Factor Gaming Tower Wi-Fi 7, Dual M.2, 5GB Ethernet
- Minisforum X1 Lite Challenges Desktops with USB 4 and Radeon 780M
- GPD Pocket 4 Running Steam Deck OS : Portable Gaming & Productivity
- MINISFORUM 895D7 Fits AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX in 8.7-Liter PC
- NVIDIA RTX 5060 : Best Low-Profile Graphics Card for Gamers
- Build a $540 1440P Gaming PC to Beat Steam Machine
- World’s First Low Profile RX 9060 XT Packs 16GB VRAM for SFF PCs
- New Minisforum UM870 Slim : Budget Mini PC for Gamers and Professionals
- Build a Budget Small Form Factor Gaming PC That Crushes AAA Titles at 1440p
Thermal and Noise Management
Efficient thermal and noise management is critical for compact builds and this system excels in both areas. The combination of a low-profile cooler and a well-ventilated aluminum case ensures that heat is effectively dissipated, even under heavy loads. Below are the thermal and noise performance details:
- CPU Temperatures: Averages 63°C during 1440p gaming, with peaks reaching 79°C under heavy load.
- GPU Temperatures: Averages 73°C, peaking at 79°C during intensive gaming sessions.
- Fan Noise: Noticeable at higher speeds but remains tolerable, even at 71% fan speed.
Adding aluminum feet to the case further enhances airflow by increasing clearance beneath the chassis, improving thermal efficiency. This thoughtful design ensures that the system remains cool and quiet, even during extended gaming sessions.
Design and Build Considerations
This build prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. The LZOD A24 V5 case is smaller than both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces or minimalist setups. By forgoing RGB lighting, the design maintains a clean and professional appearance that blends seamlessly into any environment.
The compact dimensions of the case, combined with its durable aluminum construction, make it both portable and visually appealing. This design philosophy ensures that the build not only performs well but also looks great in any setting.
Potential Upgrades
While this build is already a powerhouse, there is room for future enhancements to further improve performance and efficiency. Here are some potential upgrades to consider:
- CPU: Upgrading to a 9000-series AMD processor could provide a significant boost for CPU-intensive tasks, such as video editing or advanced simulations.
- Thermal Efficiency: Adding aluminum feet to the case can further improve airflow, especially during prolonged gaming sessions or heavy workloads.
These upgrades ensure that the system remains relevant and capable of handling future demands, making it a long-term investment for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
Media Credit: ETA PRIME
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