Building (and testing) an EPIC Mini-ITX Gaming PC in the Tower 100!

Building (and testing) an EPIC Mini-ITX Gaming PC in the Tower 100!
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► TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:29 Key Parts: Tower 100 Case, Colorful RTX 3080
2:22 The Rest of the Parts and Testing Setup
5:09 Colorful RTX 3080 iGame Vulcan Graphics Card Overview
8:18 Initial Overview of The Tower 100 case
10:02 Building the PC! Case Disassembly and Internals
14:57 Motherboard and AIO Cooler Installation
17:44 RGB lighting plans, cable management
18:54 GPU Installation
19:43 Build Complete! Notes on RGB Software and Assembly
21:20 Performance - Testing Results
24:59 Conclusion and Closing Thoughts
► PARTS LIST
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-core AM4 CPU - geni.us/6viSzm
Thermaltake Tower 100 Mini-ITX Case - geni.us/TCBx
Colorful iGame GeForce RTX 3080 Vulcan OC 10G-V - en.colorful.cn/product_show.a...
ASUS ROG STRIX B550-I Gaming AM4 Mini ITX Motherboard - bit.ly/3se77Gq
Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Sync 120mm AIO CPU Cooler - geni.us/MBpf
Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 4000 16GB (8GBx2) Memory - geni.us/EFEE3
Thermaltake Toughpower GF2 ARGB 850W 80+ Gold Power Supply - geni.us/DaAJgBC
Gamers Nexus Thermaltake Video from Computex 2020: • Take-Down of Thermalta...
Please note that links above may be affiliate links -- clicking them earns me a small commission if you make a purchase and helps support my KZbin channel. Thank you!
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► Edited by Joe Aguilar - ShaostylePostProductions
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Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
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[@catbertz]

The case looks like a theater popcorn machine, or maybe one of those "claw crane to grab stuffed toys" game.

[@paulshardware]

yes, and yes 😁 lol

[@elvarg99]

Was about to write the same.

Or like a small beer cooler bar fridge :D

[@willmc55555]

My builds in its big brother, the tower 900. When it first came out, modders made those cases look just like those things. One of the best was a case modded out to look like a Classic Donkey Kong cabinet.

[@Poisoned2010]

those would make for some cool modding ideas though

[@thefluxlife]

Pauls Hardware + Steve's Hair = awesome crossover

[@furrysophie8997]

Saw it in the video preview and I was wondering who Paul hired... Himself. lol

[@cleveralias8085]

The makings of Tech-YT Voltron.

[@fist003]

good thing it's nota combover

[@NinjaWeazel]

Pauls Wardhair

[@randomhobbies5796]

next Halloween outfit lol

[@TechRated]

From Steve’s video review to this build, it looks like Thermaltake made some improvements. The temps don’t look bad either. Like you said, the trade offs for slightly higher temps is component protection and those things. I’ve always wanted to build a mini ITX machine, I might use this case! Nice job Paul and good to see you building again. 👊🏼

[@Gamepadder]

Good on you for removing that last screw at 10:26 . I bought this case and read the instruction which don't say that this screw above the IO needs to be removed. So I just kept pulling and pulling until the plastic broke. A warning for anyone else who buys the Tower 100. That last screw that isn't mentioned in the manual DOES need to be removed or you'll end up like me with some broken plastic.

[@DontCallMeScooterrr]

I almost missed it too, it's not an intuitively placed tiny little screw at all. It's not going back in mine, I WILL forget

[@helloman4251]

Took that dumb screw off and dont use it

[@Expectednacho]

I am about to buy this case, but i was wondering about the temperatures, are you guys having any problems? is it getting 2 hot?

[@kimbercakes_8264]

Great looking build, I am glad thermal take made the changes to improve thermals.

[@Just_Pele]

The case looks just like my 3D printer.

[@0fficialdregs]

i have that case, 100% worth it

[@georgf9279]

Does the 3D printer have this much RGB tho?

[@jakeexley4479]

Love it, glad you're building again!

[@paulshardware]

Thanks Jake, me too!

[@tylerm.9408]

Didn't realize how much I missed these builds until this video came out!! Great video!! One day, one day I will be able to afford a PC!

[@-MrGrizz-]

Nice! I'm getting ready to build in the Tower 100 as well. Glad someone finally did a good detailed video on building in this case. Thanks Paul!

[@StriderRyu7]

I really want an ITX build.... Powerful but minimalist.

[@StriderRyu7]

@@adamd1347 Yeah..just thinking about it's footprint,basically.Terms got mixed... 🤪

[@dj8712]

Check out Optimum Tech here on YT. That guy lets you everything you need to know about ITX SFF minimalistic PCs.

[@jackantharia]

@@dj8712 thank you very much

[@iamteedoh]

@@adamd1347 I disagree. Mini-ITX is minimalist by definition. In other words, the "minor or moderate" versions of a handful of components. You definitely get to use full size components but for the most part, things are kept to a minimum to keep size and cost down - minimalistic 🤷‍♂️ Oh wait, but he said ITX, not Mini-ITX 🤦‍♂️

[@naoton201]

Think about yr motherboard

[@metrotechguru5863]

Another excellent vid, Paul. We appreciate the extra effort you have to put in when trying to establish metrics on a new/unusual case.

[@tonytone2349]

I actually really like the overall look of this case. Very cool

[@FabricateFrog]

Just Built in this case and i loved it. Looks amazing and can fit a massive gpu and pump fan

[@HeirofCarthage]

Really good looking build. Thanks for the video Paul!

[@denisnatera3633]

Wow youre here I love your WH vids bro

[@LotusReal]

What you doing here bro 😎

[@conza1989]

Awesome as always, particularly genius to test the parts for thermals/performance in and outside the case, that's fairly scientific and very cool! (argh pardon the pun sorry).

[@homi1001]

This is one of the coolest miniITX cases I‘ve seen. This build looks awesome.

[@metalbass211]

Man! Can I like this vid twice??? Really good job with this build, Paul. Sometimes I watch these builds but I can't really imagine it sitting on my desk or me actually building it. This really looks good and the components are right along the lines of what I'd buy if they were in stock. Thanks for all the great content and thanks for teaching me to build my first PC last year.

[@Mark-tl1yp]

Gorgeous case with decent enough airflow for mid range build. Great review, Paul.

[@RandomThingz81]

Thank you for being the only youtuber to explain what the extra panels are for. I'm doing a Tower 100 build with no GPU and this is exactly what I was hoping for.

[@michaelcurtis6664]

Awesome build looks stunning & it's good that thermaltake took the criticism on board & made improvements.

[@IronKnok]

You're so brilliantly comprehensive....kudos to you. Great to watch.

[@nines1918]

Really love the music in this one, keep up the great work Paul!

[@lynxg4641]

I'd say TT definitely listened and did some major revisions to the case, definitely needed it. Really nice looking case, very accessible and I bet would be fun to do some mods to. Flip screen on the GPU definitely works well with the case layout.

[@jeremyhickman308]

That case looks amazing, and acceptable temps. Great video as always.

[@phil2470]

It's nice to see you working on a build again Paul. That case does look nice and it looks to be pretty easy to build in for a small form factor case. I was concerned about the 120mm AIO on a 5900X but hey, I can't get a 5900X anyway. Great job as always. Thanks for the build.

[@davefroman4700]

This is the first ITX build that I have seen that actually looks really good. My wife agrees to the point that she ordered a MB and the case in BR Green already so I guess I get the pleasure of building in it for her. Jelly....

[@bigal2688]

Nice Build Paul! That GPU is actually just Perfect for that case with its LED Readout. Love how it can be rotated to a Vertical orientation! Cheers Paul! 👍🍻😎

[@TripleB-vw1ob]

Great video Paul! That case is pretty cool for saving desk space and I like the look.

[@jack007227]

Perfect mini itx build ,love the case ,all the thermaltake products and sick grafic card

[@lkarlsen2587]

Love it, really glad you're building again! :)

[@robhaney8568]

Wow, I really like this as an upgrade from my Elite 120 build I've had for many years. It sits in the living room and is also connected to a 55" for gaming (Skyrim in 4K👍) . Bought all my upgrades for a new build (except GPU) as soon as I saw things about to go crazy. My 1080 will just have to do for a long while. Thanks for showing us this build, I may have to send back my Lancool 2.

[@crazy_human2653]

6:30 I think the flip out part is more so that you can see it if you chose to vertically mount it

[@Artificial.Unintelligence]

Thanks Paul - this actually is making me consider a "small" build for once - typically paranoid about things fitting but you demonstrated the versatility on this revised case. Maybe Steve can revisit with the revision?

[@ibrokemykeyboard]

The cozy build video returns.

[@jeremybarber2837]

Good looking rig, I like how the flip out screen aligns with the “front” window.

[@HairFollicle]

Lies all lies the microcentre gpu section does not look like that 1:03 😂

[@paulshardware]

ouch, yes that is very true 😅

[@sjohn5779]

The MC at North Jersey completely removed the GPU section

[@e2rqey]

Still love Microcenter though. That's where I got my 5900X

[@psoma_brufd]

@@paulshardware in the UK at list, the CPUs are plentiful on Amazon.

[@kaelinmarkert5852]

Microcenter is great! Yes, stock runs out fast. But they do seem to bring in stock more frequently than others have. I was lucky enough to get a 3060ti there just before year end.

[@FallOnFridays]

This was a super cool alternative to an sff build with itx. Super aesthetic if you have the desk space!

[@themoeman2947]

looks sick cant wait to see more builds by you

[@ivegyattocomment]

thank you for covering this case, seems like this would be my next case to have some fun on. just recently switched to the CM NR200.

[@LoveToMix]

Great video. I've got the exact setup in a cart waiting to buy... Loved it Paul.

[@robrath31]

Sub'd because of this vid, great stuff, thanks Paul! Everything I could ever want to know about building with this case!!!

[@KamronGiannini]

Digging the background music in this!

[@ghostzini17]

Hell yeah!

[@joshthewritersmith]

That's a thing of beauty. I'm digging that case and setup.

[@ErrorNotFound40425]

I gotta admit, thats a pretty rad build! I love thats colorful GPU espescially

[@kopilkaiser8991]

Enjoyed watching you build such a nice looking mini atx gaming tower.

[@toddmclaughlin8153]

Glad to see a review of something I could buy, & something diffrent. So many chases never get seen.

[@VariusSep]

Great review and appreciate all the steps and explanations of what you exactly did.

[@DagoCoria]

The best build I've seen for this particular case, great vid

[@coletrueblood909]

Super pumped. I ordered all the pieces for almost this exact built on prime day and this video is pure GOLD when it comes to showing how to put it all together. This will be my first custom build so it helps a ton.

[@sergfolio]

how did it turn out?

[@coletrueblood909]

@sergfolio really well! I ended up upgrading my GPU about a month after and it was about 2mm too long to fit but there is a hex panel at the bottom is exactly the right spot for an easy cut to make room (lol or just dont get an 7800). The thermals on the case do tend to run a bit hot, but with proper air flow I haven't had any issues.

[@forthrightnight]

Really enjoyed the music selections during the time lapse segments. Might have been mixed a little on the quiet side. They were so good I was turning them up and then Paul would come blasting in.

[@shiolei]

Refreshing to get a different case design. Aesthetically, the build looks beautiful with excellent cable management channels. Hoping there will be an update to the design in the future to allow for more active airflow.

[@thriftdude]

Thanks for all of the great videos Paul!

[@itsdeonlol]

Very sweet Mini-ITX Build!!! Mini-ITX needs love too!

[@nicholasneyhart396]

i still prefer working with e-ATX because my hands and wrists are very thick and wide.

[@ghostzini17]

Already bought it and exactly the vid i needed for support. Thanks, got my sub!

[@LazerboltVids]

I love that case! Looks great

[@SouthFive]

I love the look of the case and the build. In my opinion, maybe a CPU that doesn't draw so much heat would be a good fit with an aio and the passive cooling? I could see a budget build fitting well into the case.

[@neuroticjester4173]

Hi Paul, Thanks for another great build. Just a note about your the bar graphs. It may be better to group by type of test rather than by "No Case" and "Tower 100. That way your eyes not have to skip over lines to compare the data.

[@bullgerbil842]

Very informative. Great job on the graphs

[@KazYual]

I just got mine yesterday and I love it!

[@jrherita]

Great video - this helps me with my decision to buy this case. Thanks Paul!

[@ferrumregit4252]

Would be a good looking build for living room, home entertainment PC 🤔. Thanks for the video - they are always very informative and helpful!

[@chrisdeguia4764]

i was looking to build an ITX for my build project this year, and i came across this case, and typed in the search in youtube and here I am at Paul's Hardware. Looking at the full build i think this will be my future build.

[@Ryutai7]

beautiful! this will be my next case for sure!

[@badllama8090]

Love it, wish i could build a PC as id be making one of these..... Great new vid too 👍

[@teh0wnz0r76]

this case looks great. i love thermaltake core v1, this looks like an evolution.. if i ever do another itx build i mite look for this case

[@licksorestockpile1190]

perfect! i was thinking about building a mini form factor just for the heck of it

[@KevinMCable]

I'm LOVING the B-roll music

[@walteraxelsson9049]

Cool computer Paul!

[@paulshardware]

thanks Walter!

[@OntarioGuy430]

The full size ATX PSU support is what sold me on this case. I wanted a smaller case and had small form factor everything except the PSU - didn't want to replace a perfectly good PSU.

[@alexr9030]

nice build , Paul , love this case , tad sad for the cpu temps but overall it was extreme , love the GPU . Hope it will serve you well . Cheers 👍

[@mechicables6183]

I really love the look of this case!

[@SportbikerNZ]

Looks good. I like all the dust filtration.

[@uglybob7505]

Great video Paul, thanks for sharing.

[@vintagekane5247]

I don't know Paul, i'm up in the air on this.................PC build or Pie build............... Straw poll please

[@paulshardware]

this is the true debate among tech enthusiasts

[@shannonrhoads7099]

Pie can be afforded.

[@timmyboi2865]

love this build looks awesome!!

[@Serge08]

Shorting the Power pins with a knife like a boss

[@welcometoronsworld6589]

Nice Mini ITX build Awesome Paul.

[@jessehoeper2674]

I freaking love the look of this case

[@deathVIAavatar]

The ThermalTake Popcorn Machine looks pretty good (even better in white on their promos images on the site), and is fairly unique without a huge premium markup that you'd normally see. Provided that passive cooling remains pretty good no matter your location (I'm in humid, coastal Florida), it would be a great addition for someone wanting a showpiece case that also has limited desk space.

[@TomasPiliponis]

I like the new time lapse soundtracks, Paul. Nice!

[@BrianWasHere]

Great review! I think I'm going to buy one for a new work station build. Thanks!

[@chriswhite6882]

Wow this case looks amazing that guy is awsome too this is pretty much my dream rig and is the exact foot print I need

[@steffithompson]

I've got a system build in this case for my office/workshop build and I like it a lot, stock AMD cooler and CPU never gets above 60C. 2 Noctua 140mm fans for airflow.

[@Fabric_unfolded]

I built a system with the Thermaltake Core V21 last year and I have to say that it was really helpful to be able to remove all the panels. It made for a super smooth build and the cable management was really well thought out. I especially liked the 200m intake fan behind the front grill. I think what you gain in visuals with the tower 100, you lose in active ventilation. I did add a 140m exhaust fan hooked up to the fan header on my GPU and that kicks in at about 50 degrees C on the GPU. Overall this looks like Thermaltake have kept the majority of the cool features but that loss of active intake is a shame.

[@StigmataSasha]

Followed this build similarly and its great!

[@Biggarou]

that looks hot Paul, and doable minus the GPU. I liked this so much I'm now looking at that tower for a home theatre build case. thanks for this Paul.

[@jubthreesixnine688]

Very nice case and build, Id consider building in this unit now that its more semi modular.

[@a.filakiewicz2942]

I like this case, it has a lowkey "prebuild" vibe.

[@randyharpel619]

Just picked up this case today in white. Working on replacing the right side glass panel with an ultra thin XSPC 240 radiator. It should workout to be pretty easy.

[@rickgibson6632]

First time watching a build in awhile, it was fun. I'm thinking about building another computer, I only have six running right now!

[@balls2bone]

It looks like a hotel minibar!!!

[@SolarFlareGaming]

Ok a sweet idea for the RGB. Make the bottom fan blue and the top fan orange for like a Portal theme!

[@mikescomputercorner1204]

Nicely assembled and not a big difference in temperature and the unit looks really good..

[@GeneralCheezyPr0ductionz]

I could put my coffee inside and it’ll stay warm ❤️

[@grahamastor4194]

My current build uses a Thermaltake Core P3. I'm looking to move to mini-DTX and was targeting the Core P1, but the Tower 100 may be exactly what I'm looking for and I could run it without the side panels similar to a Core P1. Thanks for the build and review.

[@capitaldd3693]

great video, Just about to pick up this case ,,,,,,great info

[@sirsneakybeaky]

Cant wait for AM5 to land. Plan on doing my next build in this. Already have the case ready to go.

[@dustinryan1336]

Man, I love this build. Gonna do some research into this case now. Really reminds me of a terrarium or some type of reptile enclosure lol.

[@jonnyfontane3607]

true

[@jonnyfontane3607]

put some plastic plants in it

[@dustinryan1336]

@@jonnyfontane3607 cool idea!

[@damolin77]

Great video Paul man that graphics card shines like a Diamond to bad it's a rare one

[@JeremyArchie]

I like it...and the fact that you don't need a SFX power-supply is a bonafide win. I think I'm gonna cop one on principle.