ultimate mini PC build (step-by-step)

[@optimumtech]

I know new GPUs are just around the corner but I wanted to get this out before CES and new year stuff. This should fit the upcoming GPUs no problem but we'll wait and see!

[@lowkeybaddie]

Hey optimum! Wondering if you’ve been to a car show in Berwick Australia recently if not thier is someone with the same McLaren as yours driving around!

[@optimumtech]

@@lowkeybaddie nope not me 😅

[@lowkeybaddie]

@@optimumtechreally? Damn lol 😆 been waiting 2 months to ask that haha, your is a 720s right? Such a lovely pick up Great Choice!

[@_alucid_]

@@optimumtech When is the car review? 🙏

[@PLAYER2035]

Plenty of current 40 series cards already have width problems using the inverted/traditional layout, particularly with the 12VHPWR connector hitting the side panel. They need to release the wider AC168 version.

[@Remaq07]

I love how there is just a McLaren casually sitting in the back like it’s fucking nothing.

[@blac.6712]

fken mental

[@dh_FNBR]

Exactly

[@arunbansal124]

its a fuckin' lamborghini

[@TheEchelon]

@@arunbansal124 It's a McLaren..

[@circasurvive9891]

…that's cause it is… It literally is nice for what it is The freedom you have if you're a US citizen is literally how ③rd world countries view as your McLaren that's just chillen in the back lol

[@Feffe-j2o]

I’m starting to think Optimum is the real life Batman

[@drainstar333]

this is like the 5th time i've seen this comment

[@Feffe-j2o]

@@drainstar333 ty for letting me know

[@maiwandhimmat4808]

NPCs are all over ​@@drainstar333

[@DarkKillerEdu]

and like batman, he was probably born rich

[@Aintrushedprobably]

Justice. FOR DESKTOPS

[@rmsoftware3759]

Hi, FanControl guy here, Consider using a "Mix" curve to combine a CPU and GPU curve for your case fans. They will spin according to the highest of the two. Cheers.

[@Siris444]

Love your software. Super easy to use, and all my pcs have been dead silent and super cool since I started using it. Plus it’s not bloatware like most software that comes packaged with aio water coolers.

[@blank1873]

thank you for your amazing software

[@FlowMichael]

I downloaded your software yesterday on my new build and it is excellent

[@Reza1984_]

Hey, thank you for your great work, I created my own fan controller and wrote a plugin to use your software.

[@Grimlo9ic]

Thanks for your software! I like how lightweight it is, and really easy to use too.

[@AzzaTTVYT]

Just casually having a McLaren 570S in the background of his video.

[@ice.3000]

we all got one, don't you?

[@Wiisporter]

Iirc it's a 540c

[@fredsas12]

I can just imagine the insurance cost on it. The racing sim rig is a lot more interesting and costs less to drive.

[@prowlxio]

540c is not sold in the us​@@Wiisporter

[@prowlxio]

​@@Wiisporternvm forgot he's in Australia

[@wilazn]

Bro loves cars, pc gaming, and weight lifting. Its like I'm looking in the mirror (except I'm poor 😂)

[@NeonMako]

The rare gamer who actually reaches success instead of having no life and living in their parent's basement.

[@mimp8365]

You are not poor, you’re broke.

[@ijustyap]

@@mimp8365 a wise man once said 😂

[@ikeaiscool5873]

SAME LMAOO

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

​@@NeonMako wonder what job optimum works that pays so well

[@neuplop]

I'm also thinking on building something similar, only thing missing is 3000$.

[@ExOhz]

I feel ye buddy, im saving up for the 5000, series gpus, still using a 1060 gpu with my 7950x xD not the greatest combo but it's holding its own...

[@00Cubic]

@@ExOhz bro wtf 😭😭with that budget you couldve gotten a 7700x or a 7600x or something and made a gpu upgrade

[@Davon234able]

Just parted the total build and it’s about $1,300. Nowhere near 3k

[@AlteredVisioned]

​​@@Davon234able 4080 = 1000 CPU = 500 Mb = 180 Not 3k but that's already 1680 without all the other stuff

[@neuplop]

@@Davon234able it's a joke, I'm happy with my 5700x3d and rx6600

[@satoru556]

car in the background looks sick

[@reighnaut]

Mclaren 540 or 570

[@lowkeybaddie]

@@reighnaut it’s a 720s

[@crownedcorn]

fr

[@GtownCars009]

@@lowkeybaddieno it’s a 570

[@JamalPennant]

Yeah looks like McLaren 570s ​@@reighnaut

[@DocHuckleberry09]

Always appreciate your videos man, no sponsors, no clickbait, and always informative/interesting. No one on YT does tech videos like optimum. Happy Holidays from the states, excited for a new year with new tech on the horizon.

[@beng1732]

no one on yt does videos (!) like optimum

[@schraderclemens6122]

I would love a video on the Mclaren with your amazing cinematography and crisp voice over.

[@ChoomW]

Makes me want to finally dive into my own mini PC build. Mad respect!

[@ExOhz]

Dooo it, just do it Even iv been slacking on it been using gaming laptop from like 2015 or something with a 1060 in it...but iv recently started the build, mainly just need GPU, got basically everything else / can get them at local stores no problem

[@haydenap]

I just finished my first ITX conversion in the Ncase M2 Round recently! This channel was a big inspiration for wanting to convert my mid tower into an ITX build. It was a fairly challenging build but it was fun to work on. I ran into a few problems with my build which I'll share here in case it helps anyone. The Ncase M2 Round needs one USB 3.2 19/20 pin header, and a USB E header to connect the two USB 3 and one USB C front panel I\O. My mobo only had one 19/20 pin header, and no USB E headers. So I ended up buying a USB 3.2 19/20 pin splitter and a 19/20 pin to USB E adapter off of amazon for about $20 which solved the issue for me. This solution does limit bandwidth to those ports to 5 Gbps which is kind of a bummer but definitely better than having useless I\O. I kind of struggled with the power supply position and orientation at first. My PSU's CPU cable is really short and meant that I needed to stretch that cable to it's limit while also positioning the PSU closer to the mobo than I would have otherwise. Lastly I didn't buy all of my parts at once, and I was doing what I could to transfer parts from my mid tower build to the ITX instead of buying everything brand new for it. Since I was waffling on what case to get forever I didn't check to see if my existing CPU tower cooler would fit in this case when I got it, and it stuck out the side by about 10-15mm so I needed to order a new one after initial setup which meant I had to keep the side panel off for a bit until it came in and I made the swap. CPU coolers range in price wildly, and I actually ended up going with the same one used in this video which is a crazy good deal for an ITX build.

[@haydenap]

@@chuckyboi He mentions the name in a past build he did in the M2 I think. It's the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 90. Key thing is it's surprisingly cheap, like 25 bucks, and it's short enough to fit in many SFF cases.

[@afrokidd214]

I'm trying to build my first ever mini i don't wanna buy a pre-built since I wanna upgrade in the future how challenging it was to build the mini

[@ethanaranha5780]

The McLaren at the back 🤩🤩

[@Awngelo]

in*

[@JBLHPJ]

@@Awngelo poor english, 'at' is correct

[@Awngelo]

@@JBLHPJ it’s an enclosed space so it’s literally only “in” the back of the building lmao.

[@yanni-duff]

@@Awngelo at the back is correct, he is right

[@G.AngHWBG]

This was the most chill and balanced and Zen video I have ever watched ... man, this is outworldly!

[@Swiss4.2]

Ali please don't abandon videos like these. These videos are really the essence of your channel and the reason you have so many subscribers today. I understand you have to branch out to get new people watching and all the sim racing content you have done has been really cool but don't abandon the PC build and ITX content.

[@liberteus]

All his videos are work of art. Music, narration, studio, lighting, fkn everything. Such a treat.

[@leemndl]

amazing cable management as always

[@mushiim8]

please do more of these step by step builds. Really helps a lot for some of us who struggle with small form factor builds

[@Lt_Koro]

Babe wake up, optimum is building another tiny pc

[@Drewstir68]

WAKE UUUUUUUP!!!!

[@empathy_ggs]

The music during your building section is very, very nice! This is basically the type of build I am thinking up right now, I love the build videos, thanks optimum.

[@Eternal0001.]

love your warehouse setup

[@cliffordduhh45]

I love the hustle, Optimum. I was watching some of your oldest videos tonight. Seven years of effort and a ton of videos. Cheers to the past and all the best to your future!

[@jacobnelson9789]

Vids like this make me want an ITX build, but I don't even need a new pc yet

[@KudaKae]

seeing you grow from barely 100k subs to now is amazing and you always kept your style. Keep doing what you are doing mate, you deserve it all

[@FattyDomes]

optimum probably the only person to get a car to match his entire esthetic, congrats on the mclaren car is sick!

[@tomaszjurewicz7419]

Love how clean and easy your videos are. Been watching for some time now. Great work man! Keep it up!

[@k3y.mp4]

0:22 massive, you say? you wanna know what else is still massive?

[@marcusmessier]

LOWWWWWW TAPER FADE

[@shredmajor700]

Hey Optimum, i just wanted to say thank you for the amazing reccomendations on this channel. Your guidance helped me build a dream pc that shluld hopefully help me build a future. I really appreciate you dude!

[@lowkeybaddie]

Hey optimum love your videos I’m 90% sure I’ve seen you in your McLaren such a nice car! I’m 100% gonna love this video so Great Video!

[@donaldexley1852]

Amazing build. That studio setup is probably just as amazing as the builds, love this channel.

[@yevheniikyshko6765]

4:41 “today is a good day…” Every day is a good day if you have mclaren ~720s~ 570s in your garage.

[@Hunter116]

I believe it's a 570s. Still an awesome car though!

[@2JZUL8R14]

Not a 720 but its still a Mclaren

[@Lostniko33]

Finally, i waited months for this video. I ordered a NCase M2 for my first PC Build. I love your videos ❤

[@BananaBaconyt]

I am a simple man. Optimum uploads video, I watch

[@ziptiepepe]

I don’t care how many times optimum posts an itx build or the fact that they all look pretty much the same. I’m gonna watch every single one and be glued to the screen every time

[@anyiel1]

That shift+f10 tip was really cool

[@AFP14.]

He is a real one. Freind is gonna remember him forever with this pc makin me dribble.

[@p_serdiuk]

I question the fan setup. Making all case fans exhausts warms up the air at the bottom, which will rise and re-circulate into the system. It seems to me that a smarter choice would be to make all three of them intakes and rely on the GPU fans and the CPU cooler fan to exhaust warm air to the top and behind the case where it won't be re-absorbed. This also helps to cool any components on the motherboard.

[@Otter_in_water]

really confused about the airflow here as well

[@golfwangswag666]

So the three fans as intake, and the cpu-fan orientation to blow *out* the back of the case?

[@Tuno85]

Nice build again. I have built in the NCase M1 many years ago and my current setup is the FormD T1. Both after your examples. I like the new NCase M2 and probably will be for my next setup. I also like your step by step build guide and explanation.

[@KelvinLee]

How is there no reverb in a warehouse? Great sound work.

[@schnibbyy]

Green screen

[@qMorda]

@@schnibbyy😂

[@laLakshya]

@@schnibbyy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@emmaknijn]

There actually is, probably tons of sound proofing in front and on top of him with added hopes and prayers that it'll work

[@Kells6661]

One of the most satisfying pc hardware video ive seen

[@tylerjohnson1933]

0:21 y'know what else is massive?

[@xtreepvps]

Steve

[@Lukevader1972]

Optimums muscles

[@XTendingYT]

IMAGINE IF…

[@okamisamakun]

My mom!!!

[@randomcrashingfacility31]

LOW TAPER FADE!

[@coolest50]

Thanks for the vid Optimum. Bought the M-2 case and slapped together an awesome build! HUGE upgrade.

[@steviejandjoseline776]

YES BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!

[@TuboSYX]

These videos are so satisfying. Loving the content as of recent!

[@yorifant]

ah yes, the universal unit of measurement: the banana

[@Yuridrial]

Fellow 9GAGer is spotted

[@yorifant]

@@Yuridrial banana for scale ;)

[@Callsign_Jaeger]

Finally a grater build. I received mine two weeks ago and I absolutely love it.

[@onimashou8705]

The SF1000 paired with a 5090 and 9800x3d is going to be insane

[@Walhor]

I am wondering if 9900x3d or 9950x3d would give more performance in higher res

[@1336Studios]

Built a 9800X3D with the black M2, on your recommendation. Couldn't be happier with it, videos don't do the machining/finish justice, it's so nice

[@ExOhz]

Fr tho, i went with white m2, only cause the finger smugging on blacks so bad for some reason...literally my only complaint bout finish ect

[@FlopNonStop]

Love the longer content

[@Bogyeszka]

bros backround goes crazy with a dMcLaren and the one of the best simracing rig i have ever seen

[@MrRambee]

BEEN WAITING ON THIS

[@TDawgBR]

I still using an Ncase M1 v6.1 from my build way back in 2020 - this new one looks even easier to work with. While I can't say that I'm a fan of the "grater" aesthetic, I'm happy to see the continued innovation.

[@ancientspy2822]

Hey man , nice work , love your vids.

[@santiagoquiroga3190]

Man, I love your simple, no frills PC build videos!

[@uncommented0]

brother, nice PC but I would also be interested in knowing how in the hell you got so jacked?? The veins in your arms are almost popping. A Optimum lifestyle channel might be an idea

[@michalqwerty4590]

I like watching your videos because I’m learning English, and you have a good pronunciation that I can understand perfectly

[@justinjalenleetiller]

optimum keeping it tighttt 😛😛

[@supremacy98]

What a beautiful and clean case. No RGB, small compact form factor and overall fits a neat and tidy aesthetic

[@yohan1099]

I’ve been waiting for another video

[@lungdam-w4m]

always top notch content my king ! I'm waiting for more mouse and pad reviews.

[@Dylbog]

you’re the goat

[@user-xx3yp6vg8c]

beside the glaze for mclaren this is really unique and great quality content for itx cases

[@AlexCS2]

love the ambient music!

[@littlefox3252]

Just in time! I'm building my first PC in the Ncase M2 (non-grater) and this video comes just at the right moment!

[@nikolakostic5667]

Although you certainly built in more ITX cases than me, I've built in quite a few, and bar none, the best one was The Cooler Master nr200p (the original version). Yes it's slightly larger than some of these other ones but it a) fits a (dell) 4090 with slim fans below it for excellent cooling, b) a full size cooler so you're not worried about CPU compatibility, c) a total of 5 case fans and d) a tempered glass panel to show it all off. Aka the smallest possible case with truly 0 compromises. And the price was very reasonable on top of everything

[@hydroponicgard]

There's everything for everyone, one might say that NR200P isn't for them, but would like a NCASE M2, or some other case. But that's the beauty of PC building, it's up to the user to make their PC theirs! :)

[@nikolakostic5667]

@hydroponicgard yeah it's all subjective. I did find it interesting he said this case is "several tiers" above others (without the qualification that it's subjective) when I personally wouldn't even put my computer in it if I got it for free... For the reasons I outlined above

[@StriderRyu7]

Yeah….. Wifey wants a PC to practice with a small footprint.Looks sleek and modern,too. Will give this a try.Thank you!🔥

[@mavevibenbtw]

Just built in the m2 like a week ago same motherboard placement

[@tcghunter9196]

I've built a lot of PCs and the quality of those case parts look insane! And for that cheap of a price? I really think the only reason this isn't more main stream is you have to think differently about how you build your system and you don't need the biggest and baddest (but still can) to build something that looks and preforms insanely well!

[@julicnetworks]

Bro casually got a mclaren chilling in the background

[@yorifant]

always a good day when optimum uploads another minimalist tech video

[@Gabriel2.0]

mclaren chillin in the background

[@phuong.tography]

Congrat!!! new studio looks so amazing, you can park a car in it ^^ keep up the good work, Optimum Prime :))))

[@CDKing_]

Dude casually recording a PC build in the Batcave.

[@sitordan]

That's a beast of a system. Also, very well put together, as expected. Your friend will be happy.

[@koi9147]

1:21 is that a mclaren 720s?

[@Kabodanki]

he also got an RS3 I think.

[@Zeo99]

Looks like a 570s

[@reighnaut]

Not a 720s I think. Rather a 540 or 570

[@luisnussbaum5892]

it is a 570s, beautiful car

[@qorcttvtbtb-29935]

570s my friend

[@AlcyoneHere]

My friend you are very good at making videos. Music, lighting, and shot composition all wicked. The pc is cool too 😆

[@devilproductions-official]

Got to appreciate the banana for reference at the end.😂

[@mitchellwalsh]

Thank you. I needed this, I needed you

[@kips7839]

The main critique with this video is that generally you don't want a negative air pressure environment within your PC, this is because, negative pressure allows for the hot air that left your system to be recycled thereby making your system hotter. If you had a slightly positve or neutral air pressure environment there would at the very least there will always be fresh air in the PC this is beceause more air leaves it then gets pulled in. I also think the fan above the CPU cooler should be an intake that way the system can have neutral air pressure.

[@iduumb3062]

Also extra dust. Negative pressure gets much more dusty in my testing. I prefer positive pressure for less cleaning maintenance.

[@Anhar101]

what would your ideal air flow config be with that fan set up?

[@Airconaaron]

Do you have an opinion on instead using the two fans as extra in takes for the GPU? I have a similar GPU and was planning on adding thin 120mms as intakes to it

[@kips7839]

@@Anhar101 I stated that the fan above the CPU cooler (15:52 )should be an intake but tbh in a mITX case other than that due to the size constraints there is honestly not much else you can do

[@kips7839]

@@Airconaaron the fans on the GPU provide more than enough air to the processor what it's important is that you don't have hot air recycling back in the case due to the negative air pressure so if you have a normal tower case just focus on making sure the you have neutral to slightly positive air pressure. There are plenty of guides for air pressure online I recommend Jayztwocents for a good channel to watch regarding gaming pc maintenance

[@paulmichaelsabapathy9672]

Either way,he works very hard. I rmember the earlier days with is n case m1.been watching since then and glad for him. Keepit up mate!

[@XeVierTech]

Holy peak, these videos are like an addiction

[@RedworxAU]

this is your brain on consumerism

[@R3bornTech]

Really nice build! Love this Channel! Keep up the great, clean och optimized work!

[@ariannasser2385]

is it me or is that gpu sagging a bit 12:52

[@Plainetalk]

My M2 build in the Black Grater is literally exactly the same in terms of PSU layout and placement of things. Minor differences in models of the items but 9800x3d + 80Super card. The build quality in on another level

[@unwater77]

Hi Optimum !

[@MavericksLab]

Optimum is lowkey the sleekest youtuber out there. He deserves more subs.

[@SketchStormm]

bro added a mclaren for aesthetics

[@vailpcs4040]

The ability to move the entire core assembly vertically, while still assembled, is absolutely amazing.

[@Frogger1400]

Another cheese grater build!

[@crazycoconut80]

Building a 4080 super build right now in an m2. Thank you for the tips I’m definitely going to copy your fan layout, those thermals are perfect for me

[@Natsuzet]

Hey Optimum I am really amazed by your home or garage. I am a university student majoring in Architecture and my dream house is exactly like your house minimalist and stylish. Is it possible for you to share me some of your house's architectural design? So I can use or take some ideas to building my dream house. Thank you very much Sorry for my poor english.

[@velocity6509]

😂

[@lachyjp]

It’s a warehouse bro

[@ExOhz]

​@@lachyjp can confirm lachy is a expert at this, lachy gets kidnapped by people in warehouses often

[@thegforce522]

interesting tip regarding your windows installation; you can create what is called an "unattend" or "autounattend" file that you can just drag and drop into your windows installation usb. in these unattend files you can have windows automatically set up with certain settings like bypassing the tpm requirement, the online account requirement, and also straight up not install some standard windows bloat like whatever ai gunk they are shovelling. this seems especially useful for someone like you that will install windows multiple times a year, that way you dont have to manually fiddle with the settings on every single fresh boot, it will have the right settings apply right as you load into windows for the first time, and you dont have to be there for the installation manually answering all the questions it asks you, or manually entering commands into the cmd console.

[@dimeohs]

0:22 you know what else is massive?

[@ExOhz]

Deez pc preformance 🥵

[@justeddm]

Ncase M2 168 , can't wait. Compatibility sff king

[@Alexdamoose]

optimum might be him

[@feelgoodmusic8722]

Happy that I've discovered your account. Amazing what you're doing.

[@SnowboredK]

hey it's me your friend

[@planet_b1ue]

These videos are just way too clean

[@theronhatfield8854]

My motherboard for my M2 build will be here Monday, so this is very timely for me. Thanks!

[@andrewozzy]

I want the M2 but standing. Great video but holy hell I couldnt stop looking around the background at the studio. What a space!