Downsizing a gaming PC without rebuying everything

[@richardfarmer6570]

I know there were a lot of people in the same boat as you and ended up with a pre-built in order to get a 30 series GPU and this is a great way to re-use a majority of the parts.

[@Longjumping-War2484]

A perfect repurpose build walkthrough. No Streamer bloat to lengthen the time. You make me feel like doing the same thing with the old parts that I have from my old system that's still sitting in a box right now.

[@witchbang]

I would love to see that, and I too like his lack-of-nonsense content

[@chameechka]

Without temperature tests this video is crap.

[@Luke_4044]

would've been nice if temps were shown before and after

[@megadeth8592]

I mean.... He literally says they were 3 or 4 degrees higher....

[@hericerout1246]

@@megadeth8592 lul

[@overtaxed3628]

7:18

[@devyn.johnston]

Later in the video, I briefly discuss the thermal and noise differences. However, since I don't expect people to copy this build's specs exactly, but rather to downsize from a larger ATX case with the components they already have, these details will vary. Nonetheless, I cover them briefly to give an idea of what to expect in terms of slightly increased thermals and noise levels.

[@clownbaby420]

Just make some up, like LTT

[@ytQrash]

Good idea for a video: downsizing with almost no new components. It's an intermediate step for people that are curious about small form factor (SFF) computers.

[@mrtony3152]

Exactly

[@TheJamesKF]

This is how I caught the SFF bug. Picked up a Cerberus X to move my ATX rig down to 20ish liters and just had to by an SFX PSU. This was years ago and there are other and less expensive options available today as shown here. Good stuff!

[@klkmelaza3540]

Impressed by the case, disappointed by its price

[@jupes3003]

For anyone buying this case in the future, make sure you have a riser cable that has a 180 degree reversible connector for BOTH ends. Wish I knew that previously and it was kind of an annoyance, but it’s wtvr. Hope this helps to anyone building in the future.

[@ralphtabotabo8273]

Thank you

[@itsregs9110]

i wish i seen this comment before i case swapped because cable management was so stressful 😂

[@PcCentric]

You did a great job here, I tried this and did not enjoy it at all. The best ITX case, but I wouldn't do ATX in it again

[@devyn.johnston]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it! Big fan of your channel

[@asymsolutions]

I love it, as someone who went from building mid-atx builds to sff, the whole attraction to SFF was the lack of un-used space. This is exactly where my thought process was, a case that is litterally the bare bones chassis and covers to fit all the components in.

[@mr.electronx9036]

I build mini itx rigs for years now seeing a micro atx in a tiny case like this, makes me smile all day long. good job mate

[@vadnegru]

It's full ATX

[@user-ih6oe9ny3j]

lol

[@GaretCurry]

@@vadnegru Now you're going to make them smile all year.

[@Chymchymchym]

Hey man, as a SFFPC enthusiast myself I just wanted to say that you've done an excellent job here. I just so happened to stumble across this video and the production quality, thoroughness and delivery were all super impressive. Keep up the great work!

[@guinea_horn]

Using the acronym "SFFPC" is so pretentious and gatekeepy

[@mikeyyata]

@@guinea_horn fuck acronyms, all my homies hate acronyms laughing out loud

[@InstantNameOfficial]

​@@guinea_hornhow is it gatekeeping? Sffpc is the correct term.

[@mergenocide]

@@InstantNameOfficial I think they mean it's gatekeepy in that using a *five* letter acronym where a word like "mini-PCs" or "Small PCs" could suffice creates unnecessary esotericism that can be interpreted as gate keeping. I don't know if I entirely agree in this case, but I get where he's coming from. It's certainly the case in video-games where people will create acronyms, portmanteus or abbreviations (things used to shorten dialogue) that are longer then the things they are standing in for, negating it's entire purpose and thus existing purely as a gatekeeping device.

[@beefwantko7269]

this is a great video and something that Im definetly going to do.. and something I wish that the the NZXT Sff tower could do.. maybe with the V3 because the nxzt is bigger to my knowkledge... but if you really want to get into SFFP... optiumum tech is the King... hes production value.. the way he gets non conforming parts to fit.. or finds extremely creative ways to fit watter cooling into sub 10 L casses with 3090s and 4090s.. everything he does is fun to watch.. he even builds his own 3d printed parts to test thermals on certain cases..

[@medowucha]

On another note: There is a lot of mods and guides available for the Meshi, which also apply to most of the Meshroom S, too, including the standoff mod (either MB or GPU), that allows for better cable management.

[@silversavior4130]

thats great to hear! is there anything you can link to specifically about the standoff mod?

[@painfromabove]

@@silversavior4130 4 months and no response.... gg

[@silversavior4130]

you name is appropriate for that response haha@@painfromabove

[@Computerguy64]

never have i thought you could do an ATX motherboard in an itx case, good job on this one Devyn

[@FluidRat]

That is absolutely brilliant. Super well designed case, and the parts you had in the prebuilt transitioned perfectly.

[@tonyd7164]

I did this same thing with my kids old gigantic pc. Had to buy a sff power supply as well, but found out his 3060 ti will fit at the top horizontal location using a long pcie riser with one mm to spare. makes plugging in the display port plugs much easier.

[@nurtbmtv]

thank you for making a video thats straight to the point and in detail. hate it when people drag a video that can be a 5 mins to 30 mins and just talk nonsense. this is a great video

[@pkpnyt4711]

The meshlicious is definitely built better than the meshroom. Though, If I had an MATX board I would have gotten the meshroom too. The panels are a bit thicker and don't bend that easily on the meshlicious. I'm happy I got one before they ran out.

[@ModzHome]

Devyn, you’re going to make it big. I don’t comment at all but you definitely deserve the praise.

[@riflesmcknight9456]

Your videos are top of the line. I'm watching them like a hawk because I'm looking to replace my Corsair 540 builld (Nvidia 980ti, Intel 4790k). I definitely need to downsize it. Your last video on the 2000 D case with the 4080 looks like a great option. I also keep seeing stories where 4090 cards are melting. And it's really great that you do noise tests. Very few youtubers do this, and my 540 build makes a noticeable hum even at idle. I have a fanless mini pc that is nowhere near as powerful (Mele Quieter 2), but the silence is golden.

[@beefwantko7269]

Check out optimum tech.. he is like the Godfather of SFF pcs.. he tes thermals.. sounds.. compatibility.. and he usually builds one in a new case every couple weeks for his channel.. sometimes he makes his own parts.. its just wild the video production he produces.. the 1 of a kind SFF s cases.. he teaches you that you can run a 4090 and a 13900ks in a ten litter case with a corsair min itx power supply.. this video is awesome and geared towards people who want to go smaller without the cost of doing so... Optimum tech shows you the absolute best you can do in the smallest form factor possible.I believe he is even asked to help SSF pc brands as a consultant

[@riflesmcknight9456]

@@beefwantko7269 I've been watching Optimum Tech for a couple of years now. It's from his content that I found Devyn's videos because I was looking for SFF builds.

[@dreamingabyss]

SSUPD knocked it out of the park with all three of their cases. I've never used a case easier to build in than my Meshlicious, even with top-end components.

[@medowucha]

In terms of "not being able to use PCIe slots": Have you tried using another riser cable? There are REALLY small ones. I bought one for my SAMA IM01 vertical mod, because the GPU was kinda blocking the lower PCIe 1x slot, rerouted the card to the lowest slot and that fixed the issue. OC, in the Meshi, you might have to become a bit creative, but if I can relocate my SFX-L PSU to the back and just use an SFX GPU, while managing to not break my fingers, you should be able to reposition a small WiFi card to a better place, too :)

[@riseabove3082]

I think it looks very nice. Good job. As much as I like a smaller case I like having room to work around in so I guess I'll just be sticking with my mATX cases. But I think yours looks terrific.

[@tongoso]

What a great idea, never seen a build like this in this case, I agree definitely using an itx motherboard, would love to see more temps and benchmarks in gaming!

[@kindbud]

welcome to the ITX squad! Ive been using an Ncase M1 and Dan Case S4 for years and take them to all kinds of LAN events, gaming with friends, and take it more places than my laptop most of the time! I love having mITX over my old full sized towers.

[@Voltarion_WWa]

That's exactly what I needed. I guess I know what I will be getting myself for Christmas.

[@demot-productions3321]

For a case that is $150 the panels should not be cheap enough to bend. And before everyone hates on me I know mini towers are expensive but it doesn’t make sense if they use cheaper materials and worse construction. It costs them very little to install structural bars. They will probably eventually sell a v3 at $200 just for those bars. Also good video I’m looking for a case to downsize an old system too as a server and this other than the panels checks the boxes.

[@ApashePelican]

This was the perfect video honestly, I've been wanting to do the same for about a year, great stuff man, its the first time I've seen an actual downsizing and not a "buy ITX"

[@vis-exile]

that's really impressive managing to reduce the overall footprint without compromising too much. A few degrees and some fan noise never really bothered me. I'm really considering something like this for the future! Nice work!

[@joeschmoe5608]

This is something I’ve been thinking about as I use my PC in the living room as well and couch game with controller. Currently have my an O11D Evo rig with a ton of stuff in it, so a lot will be compromised for downsizing. Thanks for sharing!

[@emperorfloch]

Meshroom S is my favorite case. I just finished building mine with a custom watercooling loop 5800X3D and RTX 3080 founders edition along with and EK pump res combo and a 280mm radiator. It still amazes me all the options and stuff you can fit in this case! 😁

[@pyroo3]

production value is amazing. can't believe you only have 28k subs!!! you deserve so many more!!!!

[@questeusher]

this case is exactly what i was looking for a few months ago but had no luck so ended up modding a g3 case to fit my needs

[@Shrektus]

dB perception is logarithmic. That means "2 or so" dB is actually perceived by the ear as "almost double", as the "loudness" doubles every 3 dB.

[@tomasdanielnieto5398]

And here I am considering an eatx case because why not

[@WitchxBrew]

I’ve been wanting to downsize without having to buy a bunch of new components and man this is perfect! Thank you!

[@WitchxBrew]

@DevynJohnston_1 LMAO NOT THE SCAM ACCOUNT

[@MADTH1NK3R]

I literally done this a day ago, but in me case I kept the ATX PSU and swap the ATX MOBO for a M-ITX MOBO.

[@TheRulzux]

Gotta love the vergepc build music in second half of the video, cracked me up

[@thunderatsea3843]

Wouldn't mind this pc, small form factor without compromising the atx motherboard. Awesome video, very simple without very much fluff.

[@marcoa395]

This is literally what iwant to do. My case gets delivered on Tuesday I'm hype. Love your work bro.

[@BundlesOfLemons]

This is phenomenal I have been watching a bunch of what you put out since I want to move into a small form factor for my "upgrade build' but this video is exactly what I need! I have the same mobo and AIO which is the main reason I didn't want to move cases and have to rebuy more parts!

[@NothingHereForYou]

Just what I needed. I have a prebuilt with a 2070s and an i79700k. I still think the performance is fine but the size is huge. Going itx meant needing to get a itx motherboard which meant getting a new processor too since I’m finding it hard to find one for the i7 that’s reasonably price. I was honestly just gonna give up and start fresh but now I can get this with a power supply and be good

[@dennissimiyu3109]

i love you living room design with that single seat sofa!!!

[@MrNathan07]

I’m literally in this same boat myself, wanting to downsize to save some desk space, I have a Montech case that’s almost identical to the 4000D in terms of size. I’m running a more “entry level” setup with a 12600K & a 3060.

[@Fliim]

I travel 4 months out of the year for work. Hotel to hotel type of thing. I got tired of just playing my switch and Xbox one S. So I decided to rebuild my desktop in this exact case and travel with it. It’s amazing and scary having my main rig with me. It’s very high end (sort of, 3080 and a 7800X3D. I was one of the lucky ones that snagged a 3080 for retail a week after launch.) I thought about just investing into a really good laptop but just couldn’t accept the price to performance compared to my desktop and I already had 2 really nice 144hz portable monitors. Once I got home the laptop would just become a paper weight anyway.

[@matthewclinton3338]

The pace and detail of your narration is exceptional

[@megadeth8592]

I actually think the riser cable looks cool like that. I'm weird.

[@klikboers]

Wish I had seen this literally two days again when I began ordering all the pieces to build a new PC for my living room when neither ATX sized tower I had would fit. Ended up getting a Thermaltake Core V21 case to fit the space I needed but this case would have worked much better.

[@IdunRedstone]

I dont get the point of a case that can fit an ATX motherboard by blocking the bottom slots. Sure ITX costs more, but this case also costs double a good ATX case cost, so what's point of the extra money? Save a few bucks on MATX motherboard while still spending ITX tax on case, PSU and AIO cooler?

[@ezecskornfan]

*Hates to pay up for smaller PC with same performace.* This video Thanks man.

[@ZenTunE-]

The way you placed the riser diagonally, it looks good in my opinion, not ugly at all.

[@LamontJohnson23]

For the Wi-Fi, it's actually a m.2 form factor card on a pcie adapter with antennas. Just install in the extra m.2 slot on the MB with an external antenna. All good.

[@JawzCOD]

added to my watch later for when i move back to DC, my pc is HUGE , thanks for the info!

[@Shepard_Mango]

i was wondering what the price of the itx case, its currently unavailable and all I see it online for is $200+.

[@maildump4395]

This case seems great as someone who wants to upgrade to the new platforms but the itx motherboards are too overpriced.

[@thegamingconnoisseur]

I've been loving your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@AnthonyMalesys]

It looks so much better ! I hate big cases. This one is perfect !

[@Yaboidavey]

I just built my own case from scratch. Its much smaller but the way its laid out i have much better air flow. My cpu temps have dropped 5°c with the exact same fans, board and everything.

[@a.j743]

Definitely same case here: I had to buy a pc on a bundle due shortage, and it comes with a huge inconvenient flashy RGB light case that I don't like, and I want to compress everything to something smaller and discrete.!

[@triforce_network]

ive got an h510 elite i upgraded to from my h510, cool looking case but i built it before i matured and started liking more minimal builds, love challenging pc builds! hopefully this will be a good option for me, thanks for the great vid bro!

[@RhoadsChristopher]

I put a barrier between my GPU and AIO radiator to help keep a "hot" side and "cold" side. I tested it out with cardboard, but I'm going to use a sheet of plastic. It's flush with the side panel to help create separate compartments.

[@mtunayucer]

Msi z490a-pro, rtx 3080, 10th gen intel, all the parts i have right now inside my main pc! This video is too tempting

[@ricardomarino3763]

I am doing exact the same thing. Cant stand those big pc cases anymore. Great video.

[@Acquire]

Probably the best SFF case out there IMO. I have the predecessor to this, Meshlicious, and it's a great case.

[@miZuTiERia]

I'm gonna build a pc soon so I went to learn by watching videos. I would say I'm not gonna build something like this, but still this is very interesting to watch and learn!

[@Trusteft]

Nothing sexier, NOTHING, than seeing a motherboard with all the RAM slots filled. I LOVE IT! And don't get me started on that cute little PSU!!! Oh my! Great video. I do like the idea of having smaller PC case, though how cramped everything has to be is not that attractive to me. Especially when I consider down the line when I am going to do further work, even simple work, like clean it from dust. One thing I would definitely do differently is not have liquid cooling. Air all the way!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@emperorfloch]

Really nothing is “sexier” then that? 😅😅😅

[@Trusteft]

@@emperorfloch Did I stutter?

[@Amin_2k]

This is amazing, i could never do this without breaking something.

[@Harrison.DuRant]

Such a better looking case. I just made the same transition from a MASSIVE ATX case to a naked/sandwich ITX case (Xtia Xproto ATX) will an ATX Motherboard. Love it so, SO much more than I did my old one. Get to see all my components too.

[@oscarcharliezulu]

Those components look brand new. Nice to see a fellow clean freak!

[@alphacompton]

Thanks for making this, I'm currently considering this exact project. Bought a prebuilt during the pandemic as the only way to get a RTX 3080 without paying a scalper (I tried for months with stock monitoring tools and channels) and it's an Alienware PC, it's not bad but not great. Case size is definitely too big with tons of wasted plastic and water cooling is not impressive but then again I haven't been impressed by AIO water cooling yet anyway. I'm building a new PC for my living room gaming and VR and I want to bring my Alienware PC up to my room but not in that huge ass bulky case. Your case suggestion looks ideal.

[@joshemminger9022]

The motherboard is limiting it too if you got a higher end AMD cpu fyi

[@skuskin2000gaming]

Yeah if it’s dell alienwear the motherboard is so ristricting you better off just moving the gpu and replacing everything else depending on your ram and cpu if it’s good enough yk? When I was in your same exact boat I only cared for a good gpu in the pre build bc I knew I’d eventually build my own

[@Enratic]

Those longs cables will effect air flow, while very slight every bit helps with this form factor.

[@Nanerbeet]

Wow, that case is compact. And so is the video!

[@theonlybuster]

Was so close to buying this case, then I started noticing a LOT of reviews noting how the feet are not balanced, sides being bent upon arrival, and various quality control issues. Sad because the case seemed like a winner for me. But after watching this video, I see see where the negative remarks derived from.

[@MB-tz7by]

great video. started pc journey with a prebuilt and now looking to downsize while trying to maximize component reuse. Thanks!!

[@J.Wick.]

This is sick my man..I really like it. I've considered buying one of those Corsair PREb's before. And I've also considered an ITX build myself. I've done neither lol...Been running my HP Omen for 5yrs now (8700/2080) as it's been perfect for 1440p/90fps. Just now it's beginning to show some age. Ive recently put a 4070 in it, and to my surprise its not a bottleneck beast. It's pretty well utilized. But it's got me thinking of new builds etc. Great vid.

[@cezarsantos97]

this is one of the most beautiful PCs i have ever seen

[@LegendOfEpona]

Good idea, although I'm a little bit concerned about thermals and how all the devices are generating so much heat and are so close together... I don't think 2/3 degrees is accurate... but it also depends on what you're doing with the system... Thanks for sharing!

[@yearofthegarden]

Really slick design, I really enjoy basic minimal computers, I currently have a matx in a SAMA IM01 case, which looks similar but larger. I was originally going to just use a ryzen 5700g without a dedicated graphics card, and make a custom small aluminum case for it, but got a good deal on a 3060 12gb. I'd really like a smaller computer still, this one is great, but having less stuff is a real asset to my existence, but it is nice to have smaller lighter possessions to reduce overall foot print but have the same utility capacity. I think we are still about 5-10 years away from affordable micro computers, but it's great to see things headed in that direction when considering what computers looked like 20 years ago.

[@billcipher534]

According to the ssupd website for the case you should be able to get a riser that can fold into the 90 degree bend to route it under the mb.

[@GreatYamatanoOrochi]

SF750 for a RTX 3080 and 10850K is extremely ill-advised. That power supply will guaranteed explode because SFF power supplies are just not robust enough to handle the 3080's transient loads, just hope it doesn't take any other components with it. I'm speaking from experience, you need to overspec the power supply to at last 1000W.

[@gucky4717]

Nice sponsored video. But I prefer cases without riser, since they make problems very often. I prefer the NR200P or the cheaper µATX cousin Sama IM01. Or you could go with the bigger Asus AP201. All 3 cases don't use riser, can fit a 4090FE and an AIO. And they are more then 50% cheaper.

[@levissarmiento2740]

this guy deserve more subs his making great contents more subs to come sir and make more great viseos 😇

[@jordan-mn6yy]

the "bigger" case is not big though.

[@IlMemetor72]

Yeah lmfao- I moved from a 4000D to a 5000X and the 4000D felt tiny coming from it. It's the perfect size, not big at all

[@Dougline_]

I'm upgrading my PC, but it's too old to get any noticeable performance increase by now, it's a I7 4790, 16G DDR3 1600Mhz and a freaking RX6700 XT that the CPU just can't handle well by now, I bought it cuz my GTX 970 broke and thinking on upgrading it further with another build with the new AM5 Ryzens, and now I'm really considering a small build like this, just looks so clean.

[@dantem306]

Dang man, I'm in the same boat with my 3080 prebuilt. I think I'll upgrade the GPU and try and watercool it and put it in a different case. Prebuilts are very convenient for a lot of people.

[@EyelessAce]

thank you so much for this video! ive been trying to find something like this because i really want an itx build but dont have the funds to completely upgrade everything and I only have ATX parts! this is a clutch video and im definitely buying this case

[@ShowXTech]

I wish there was a standart for smaller, flatter psu's, maybe without a fan and just and full metal body that acts as a heatsink. Also MicroATX very underrated.

[@riseandshine7174]

it's cool case but base on this build that AIO tube routing not the best since over time the liquid inside will evaperate and with less liquid inside chance of bubble will increase and if the tubing is routed up top then the bubble will happen where the tubes are going to be at.

[@m01fps]

this is the minimalist build I want thank you for sharing, Subscribed

[@therandomdot2563]

Companies keep making stuff smaller and faster, but we really need innovations in cable management. There's just too many darn cables to deal with when building PC's, and shoving things into a micro-ATX or mini-ITX just makes it painfully obvious.

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Nice job on the rebuild.

[@tannerhoch952]

Awesome stuff, man. Wish I saw this video before I built in my H1!

[@Ksordus]

The main question is: what for do you need ATX board if you are using NVME? - mini-itx is more than enough for 2 of them. Buy 2 TB each & forget about it. Sound? - u need an external solution, all board-sound solutions are shit-like. DDR5 channels? - up to 128 GB in mini-itx in 2 slots. Overclocking? - not in such cases as this one. All your stuff can be settled up on a mini-itx board with no issues.

[@vadnegru]

This is quite opposite to empty cube "ITX" cases that sometimes bigger than mATX ones. When building fron scratch, for ultimate desk space, NZXT H1 v2 is still better, but may not fit beefier cards.

[@deadinside777]

Interesting. Maybe a summer project. Always wanted to dabble in itx machines, but then my claustrophobia and anxiety kicks in 😆.

[@bimmer.sh0ts]

Dude I've been looking for something like this case! Great video and will def check it out!

[@just_matt3937]

Great video! I've been thinking about downsizing my PC for a while now.

[@jeffreystangojr]

I did not know you can use an ATX motherboard in this case. I have been wanting to downsize my pc but couldn’t justify the cost to move to ITX. This is going to be my play real soon.

[@DengueBurger]

We have similar minimalist tastes. Also nice husky/Siberian big boy (malamute), can’t tell.

[@DrFlexit]

That riser cable really draws a lot of attention. Please do something about it. :D

[@JordanVic87]

nice one but im personally a high airflow atx case kind of guy. SFF cases are so pretty to look at though.

[@PitiPablo_]

That is one of the cleanest prebuilt I've seen lol