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
Noise and Thermal Testing, Dedicated GPU
I wish we'd had a GeForce GTX 670 or 680 on hand to really give the SilverStone FT03 Mini a proper thrashing, especially since they advertise the case running those cards on their site. As it stands, the Zotac GeForce GTS 450 Eco isn't going to light the world (or the case) on fire but should at least give us a clear idea of how it holds up under an increased thermal load.
The FT03 Mini continues to put in a strong performance, providing thermal performance that actually meets and sometimes exceeds that of a much larger case. SilverStone's 140mm Air Penetrator fan in the bottom of the case is working its magic; these really are excellent case fans provided they're used in the right places.
Fan speeds are mostly comparable, with the CPU fan speed ever so slightly in favor of the FT03 Mini. Either way, there's thermal headroom to spare, but keep in mind the FT03 Mini is achieving with one 140mm intake fan what the GD07 needs three 120mm fans to achieve.
The two are basically indistinguishable in terms of raw noise levels, and both are very well suited to their intended tasks. The FT03 Mini isn't just cool; it's quiet, too.
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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.