The most powerful configurations for our desktops must dissipate a lot of heat and need fairly robust cooling… but component efficiency has improved in recent years, allowing ultra-compact systems without sacrificing performance. That brings us to the channel of Optimum (previously Optimum Tech), who decided to assemble a gaming PC with a volume under four liters, using standard parts like a low-profile graphics card and an ITX motherboard.
I must admit that I have lost my taste for "large" ATX cases. My latest systems have all been micro ATX, and if the premium for ITX components weren't so high, I would have made the jump already. Needless to say, assembling an ultra-compact computer brings other challenges and other needs. ITX fans prepare custom cables, modify PCI Express risers, and invest a lot of time in practices like undervolting to further optimize power consumption and cooling.
Add to that the creation of cases with 3D printers. Optimum, also known as Optimum Tech, is undoubtedly an enthusiast of compact computers, and his results have always been fabulous. This time, he decided to build a gaming PC and design a case around it, seeking a volume lower than that offered by many commercial solutions.
A Gaming PC in Under 4 Liters
It all started with the "discovery" of the low-profile edition of the GeForce RTX 4060 sold by Gigabyte. Optimum clarifies from the start that he does not recommend the 4060 for its too poor price/performance ratio, but its "low-profile factor" opens a wide range of possibilities. When exploring cases, the Lazer3D HT5 has a volume exceeding five liters, and the Velka 3 is at the gates of four liters… but Optimum believes he can make something even smaller.
Besides the graphics card, Optimum selected an AsRock Z690M-ITX/ax motherboard (although any other ITX model should work), an Intel Core i5-13400F processor (65W base), an ultra-low-profile Alpenföhn Black Ridge cooler, and most interestingly, a passive HD Plex power supply of 250 watts. The power supply doesn't need any external help, and a 500W edition also exists.
As expected, the case demanded a couple of prototypes, but Optimum achieved a final volume of 3.59 liters. However, his biggest mistake was using PLA. Why? Because the transition point of that plastic is only 60 degrees, and the combination of processor plus graphics card began to melt the case. In less than twenty minutes, his design was all deformed, but a new print in ABS fixed that problem. What remains is to optimize the panel fits, and maybe eliminate the "white halo" that characterizes ABS, but with a couple of additional revisions, it will look great.
