Corsair 2000D Gaming PC Build – Can Fit MASSIVE Coolers

The Corsair 2000D is an ITX case from Corsair with the interior space to fit full-sized 3-slot GPUs, up to 8 120mm fans, and ample room for a large 360mm radiator. Most builds of this type typically use AIOs, but it is possible to build something more aesthetically pleasing, as well as experiment with how large a cooler this case can fit.

Parts

CPU: 7800X3D

The 7800X3D as the CPU for this build has an exceptional performance in single-threaded applications like gaming, which is largely due to its cores being accelerated with 3D v-cache. Additionally, it is highly efficient and easier to cool, which is crucial in a smaller form factor. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock of up to 5GHz, the 7800X3D is considered one of the best gaming CPUs available on the market.

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

The 7800X3D CPU requires an AM5 motherboard. The motherboard for this build will be an ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I. It has ample room for USB ports, including type c ports- one of which has DisplayPort Alt mode as well as features like a bios flashback button. 

This includes WiFi 6E, a type-c header (which is a necessary feature for the Corsair 2000D case), 2 m.2 slots, and some rather large VRM heatsinks. 

Though there have been issues in the past when it came to the compatibility of ASUS motherboards and X3D chips, it seems as though ASUS has resolved those issues with their latest updates.

Storage: Samsung 980 Pro

This motherboard supports the newer PCIe 5.0 drives, although they are not commonly found. So, for this build, a Generation 4 Samsung 980 Pro drive with 2TB storage will suffice. Currently, there are no major advantages of using a Generation 5 drive over a Generation 4 drive for gaming. The second slot on the back of the motherboard, however is useful for future expansion of this computer.

RAM: DDR5-6000 Corsair Dominator Platinum RAM

This build requires DDR5 memory, making 32GB of DDR5-6000 Corsair Dominator Platinum RAM a great choice. These sticks are specifically designed for AMD builds with an EXPO memory overclocking profile and at the 6000Mhz speed, optimal for 7000 series CPUs. This simplifies the process of memory overclocking, allowing for higher memory frequencies and better overall performance by simply toggling the option in your bios.

Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black will be the CPU cooler for this build. This cooler has a matte black finish and will serve as the centerpiece for the entire build. Corsair’s website says that the 2000D can only fit a CPU cooler up to 90mm. However, it seems as though it could fit up to 165mm, because the cooler makes it with around 1-2mm of space between the top of the cooler and the side panel without touching.

Case: Corsair 2000D

This case comes in 2 versions, in both black and white, one of which includes 3 RGB fans with a fan controller and one without any fans. The RGB fans increase the price by only $50. This build will not be using the RGB fans. 

This is larger than some other popular vertical ITX cases like the Hyte revolt or NZXT H1, but it’s very roomy and can fit 3 slot GPUs, SFX-L power supplies, and has a bracket to install up to a 360mm AIO cooler.

The side panels have a durable mesh to increase and facilitate airflow. This Case can fit up to 8 fans depending on the configuration chosen.

Power Supply: Corsair SF750 80 Plus Platinum

In selecting the power supply for this build, the Corsair SF750 80 Plus Platinum stands out as the top choice. Renowned for its exceptional performance in ITX builds, this power supply combines silent operation, efficiency, and a sterling reputation for small form factor setups. Notably, it comes with high-quality braided cables that not only enhance ease of management in compact cases but also add a touch of aesthetic appeal. With a power output of 750 watts, it meets the requirements for systems incorporating advanced components like the 4080 graphics card. While custom cables from the Corsair Type-4 series, acquired during a previous build with the XTIA XPROTO-L, will be utilized due to their flexibility and ease of use, the included cables with the SF750 are equally capable for this purpose.

If you’re venturing into the realm of high-end PC setups, eyeing a potential NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics card, a strategic upgrade path could significantly elevate your system’s performance and aesthetics. Consider integrating the SF1000L power supply, renowned for its robust power delivery and reliability. Pairing this powerhouse PSU with premium braided cables from Corsair not only enhances cable management but also adds a touch of elegance to your build. 

As an enthusiast planning future builds, I’ve earmarked the SF1000L as a staple component, anticipating its seamless integration with custom cables for a clean and professional look. This combination not only ensures stable and efficient power delivery but also allows for flexibility and customization, catering to the diverse needs of high-performance computing setups.

When it comes to optimizing your PC’s cooling system, attention to detail can make a significant difference in performance. Let’s delve into some key considerations regarding the power supply bracket and case fans for a well-cooled and efficient setup.

Starting with the power supply bracket, while it may not be mandatory to remove it, doing so can offer clarity and ease of access during installation or maintenance. Removing the bracket typically involves loosening two top screws and two interior screws, allowing for straightforward access to components at the rear of the power supply. After completing the necessary tasks, securing the unit back onto the bracket with four screws ensures stability before reinstalling it into the case.

Now, onto the case fans—a critical component for maintaining optimal airflow within your system. Given the space constraints posed by a sizable CPU cooler, opting for slim fans becomes essential. In my setup, I’ve chosen Noctua 120×15 Chromax Black fans for their slim profile, supplemented by a 120×25 fan at the top due to availability considerations. Noctua’s reputation for producing top-tier fans guarantees efficient cooling performance while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation.

To streamline fan management, connecting them to a fan hub powered by SATA and featuring a magnetic design for easy attachment adds a layer of convenience and functionality. Configuring the fans for intake ensures a steady flow of cool air into the system, a crucial aspect of effective cooling. Identifying airflow direction on case fans is simplified by looking for arrows indicating airflow direction, typically pointing towards the direction of intake. Additionally, observing the curvature of fan blades—convex for intake and concave for exhaust—or identifying which side has the bracket (exhaust side) aids in determining the optimal airflow orientation for maintaining cool temperatures and system longevity.

GPU: 7900 XTX Founders Edition 4080

The 4080 is a highly impressive GPU that is comparable to the 7900 XTX in terms of performance. While it is quite expensive, it is a good match for the 7800X3D. The 4090 is the only GPU that outperforms the 4080 in most games.

Cooler: Noctua NH-D15

In crafting a high-performance PC build, the choice of CPU cooler plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal temperatures and system stability. For this build, the Noctua NH-D15 takes center stage as the chosen CPU cooler, renowned for its exceptional cooling prowess and whisper-quiet operation. While the case does support a 360mm AIO cooler such as the Corsair H150i for liquid cooling enthusiasts, a deliberate departure from the commonplace AIO setups prevalent in the Corsair 2000D case was made.

The decision to opt for air cooling with the Noctua NH-D15 stemmed from a desire to delve into the case’s versatility and explore alternative cooling options. Despite the allure of liquid cooling solutions, the NH-D15’s reputation for delivering excellent thermal performance and reliability made it a compelling choice for this build. This deliberate choice not only showcases the case’s compatibility with diverse cooling configurations but also highlights the potential for exceptional air cooling setups in high-performance systems.

Step-By-Step Assembly Guide

  1. Lower the CPU into the socket of the motherboard, letting it fall into place. When it is fully seated, lower the latch.
  1. Install the SSD, and screw it in with the provided screw.
  1. Align the notches of the RAM with that of the motherboard and push until it clicks into place.
  1. Install Mounting Hardware

Included in the box of the case is mounting hardware for the CPU cooler. Another option is a set of offset mounting bars for AM5 CPUs from Noctua. Remove the pre-installed mounts from the motherboard by unscrewing the 4 provided screws. Place the plastic spacers over the 4 holes and screw the mounting brackets into place. There are arrows on the mounting bars pointing toward the CPU that guide directional configuration 

  1. Lower the motherboard into the case, align it with the 4 standoffes, and secure with the 4 provided screws. The motherboard is complete. 
  1. Prepare Case

Remove the side panels. Screw the fans into place using 4 screws for each fan, then hook each of them into the fan hub. Lower the motherboard into the case, align it with the 4 standoffs, and secure.

  1. Connect Cables

Connect the case fan cable as well as the case cables. For this build, SATA is needed for the fan hub, the 24pin motherboard connector, 8-pin CPU, and 12-volt high power cable for the GPU.

  1. Install GPU

Remove the 3 thumbnuts and lower the GPU into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Once the PCIe riser cable locks, fasten the GPU to the case with the 3 thumbnuts and connect the 12-volt high power cable. Pull the cables tight as not to touch the fan on the GPU.

  1. Cable Management 

The back area of the case has available space to tie the cables, as well as other convenient tie-off points within the build. Detach the fan to installl. Pull upward on the clip and then outward. This will release the clip.

  1. Install CPU cooler

Apply thermal paste to the center of the CPU. Use an amount about 1-2mm in diameter, or about the size of a pea. If using an AM4 processor, it is advisable to add 4 additional dots in the corners for full coverage. 

Plug the fan into the CPU fan header, then lower the cooler. Align the 2 screws with the mounting bracket standoffs. Tighten the screws, switching off in periodic rotations until completely tightened.

  1. Lower the fan into the center of the cooler and clip the left side of the fan by placing a finger through the front case fan. On the other side, a tool will likely be necessary. Attach the power cable and feed it across the top of the case and down the back. 
  1. Reattach the panels.

The build is complete!

Delving into gaming performance, Spiderman’s native 4K visuals without upscaling or dynamic resolution are stunning, maintaining a consistent 120-150fps with the very high preset. Activating Ray Tracing to high and leveraging DLSS Frame Generation boosts frame rates to over 150fps. The drop to 1440p maintains impressive performance at over 170fps, further enhanced with DLSS and Ray Tracing to reach 170-220fps.

Moving to Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings without ray tracing or DLSS, 60fps is achievable, while enabling Ray Tracing ultra and DLSS 3 frame generation yields over 100fps. At 1440p, frame rates soar beyond 150fps, making a high refresh rate 1440p monitor advantageous.

In Apex Legends, maxed-out settings at 4K deliver 180fps, while 1440p elevates performance to over 260fps, occasionally reaching 300fps for an exceptionally smooth experience.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla demonstrates strong performance at 4K Ultra High preset, hovering at 90-100fps and leaping to 150fps in 1440p.

Guardians at 4K exceeds 120fps with ultra-high settings, stabilizing at the 144fps cap in 1440p.

Returnal’s demanding graphics push the system to maintain over 80fps at epic settings, reaching 120fps in 1440p with DLSS and Ray Tracing active.

Lastly, The Last of Us Part 1 delivers around 60fps in 4K and surpasses 80fps with DLSS, ideal for 1440p gaming at 120-130fps.

Temperature management impresses, with the CPU and GPU maintaining cool levels in the mid-50s to lower 60s under load. The Noctua D15 cooler proves effective in this regard.

Despite minor design suggestions like improved top ventilation and internal power supply cable routing, this build is a favorite due to its aesthetics, cooling efficiency, and solid performance.