SilverStone FT03 Mini Review: We'll Make You Fun Size
by Dustin Sklavos on May 22, 2012 1:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- Mini ITX
- SilverStone
Testing Methodology
For testing Mini-ITX cases, we use the following standardized testbed in stock and overclocked configurations to get a feel for how well the case handles heat and noise. Again, note that while the GD07 can technically fit a full-size ATX motherboard, it's not tall enough to allow for our testbed's tower cooler. Because of the discrepancies that would make for in testing, plus the fact that media center cases are often mini-ITX designs, we have chosen to use our mini-ITX testbed rather than going with a specialized (e.g. not something you can compare directly to our other cases) ATX build.
| Mini-ITX Test Configuration | |
| CPU |
Intel Core i3-2120 (65W TDP) |
| Motherboard | Zotac Z68ITX-A-E |
| Graphics Card |
Intel HD 2000 IGP Zotac GeForce GTS 450 Eco (dedicated) |
| Memory | 2x2GB Crucial Ballistix Smart Tracer DDR3-1600 |
| Drives |
Kingston SSDNow V+ 100 64GB SSD Samsung 5.25" BD-ROM/DVDRW Drive |
| Accessories | Corsair Link |
| CPU Cooler | SilverStone NT07-1156 with Cooler Master ThermalFusion 400 |
| Power Supply | SilverStone SFX ST45F 450W |
Each case is tested with just the Core i3's integrated graphics as well as with a discrete graphics card. The system is powered on and left idle for fifteen minutes, the thermal and acoustic results recorded, and then stressed by running four threads in Prime95 (in-place large FFTs) on the CPU, and OC Scanner (maximum load) is run when the dedicated GPU is installed. At the end of fiteen minutes, thermal and acoustic results are recorded. If the enclosure has a fan controller, these tests are repeated for each setting. Ambient temperature is also measured after the fifteen idle minutes but before the stress test and used to calculate the final reported results.
We try to maintain an ambient testing temperature of between 22C and 24C. Non-thermal test results aren't going to be directly comparable to the finest decimal point, but should be roughly comparable and give a broader idea of how the enclosure performs.
Thank You!
Before moving on, we'd like to thank the following vendors for providing us with the hardware used in our testbed.
- Thank you to Puget Systems for providing us with the Intel Core i3-2120.
- Thank you to Zotac for providing us with the Z68ITX-A-E motherboard and GeForce GTS 450 Eco.
- Thank you to Crucial for providing us with the Ballistix Smart Tracer memory.
- Thank you to Corsair for providing us with the Corsair Link kit.
- Thank you to Kingston for providing us with the SSDNow V+ 100 SSD.
- Thank you to CyberPower for providing us with the Samsung BD-ROM/DVD+/-RW drive.
- And thank you to SilverStone for providing us with the power supply and NT07-1156 heatsink/fan combo.
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ikjadoon - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - link
http://www.maingear.com/custom/desktops/potenza/ga...This might help...but it's just one shot. :(
terragb - Thursday, May 24, 2012 - link
They are using a CPU water cooler in that shot which makes it look like there is much more space than there is with an air cooler.terragb - Thursday, May 24, 2012 - link
Hey friends,So I know I'm a bit late to the party but I'm actually using the FT03-Mini right now with an i7-3770 and a GTX 680.
For the record, assembly with a 680 becomes a completely different situation. Yes, there is physically enough room inside the case for the 680 but actually getting it in place is very difficult. I had to follow a completely different assembly order than recommended and actually had to unscrew the front grill/port cover/mounting bracket from the GPU to squeeze it in and then screw the front grill back in place with it lodged inside the case.
I have pictures of the build that I need to find time to upload but I'll try and answer questions if anyone has any.
mcbowler - Friday, May 25, 2012 - link
So how do you like the set up? This seams ideal to me.terragb - Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - link
I'm really happy with it. I really like the unique vertical orientation of the case. I'm still seeing how hot the video card runs since its definitely a little airflow starved given the GPU intake fan is only a few millimeters from the side panel of the case.ggathagan - Saturday, May 26, 2012 - link
That's odd.Is the 680 a reference-based design or does it have a custom cooler like the MSI Twin Frozr?
I used an EVGA GTX670, which is the same size as their 680 as both are reference design. I didn't have to do anything to the GPU.
Yes, it's tight, but you can get the GPU in after everything else is installed and running.
I did some testing with the built-in graphics before installing the 670.
When I installed the card, I didn't have to do any more than take off the panel with the optical drive slot.
And it didn't take any kind of forcing.
That GPU size struck me as almost being made for the case.
terragb - Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - link
Its an allegedly reference Galaxy GTX 680. Honestly if it were only a few millimeters shorter it would have fit in without all the effort.Salem - Friday, June 15, 2012 - link
I'm about to order everything, but when it comes to CPU cooler, I just realized there doesn't appear to be any room for the radiator from the Corsair H60 on the bottom while having a 10" video card like the GTX680 or 670. Does this sound right to you? How are you cooling your CPU?I have a spare Noctua C14, but there's no way that'll work in this thing.
methudman6 - Friday, May 25, 2012 - link
Where the heck can I buy this in the US? I can find only one Canadian retailer online called Sundial Micro.ggathagan - Saturday, May 26, 2012 - link
Sundial is where my friend bought his.They're in California, not Canada.
CA as domain name is Canada. As an address, it's California
Got it quick, and the whole process was trouble-free.