The Lazer3D HT5, with a volume of just 5.3 liters, stands out as one of the smallest 4060 builds in its class. Despite its compact size, it cleverly integrates an internal power supply unit, offering convenience without compromising on space. With ample room for a quality low-profile CPU cooler, this diminutive powerhouse weighs just over 7 pounds, making it incredibly portable. Remarkably, it can handle a wide range of games from your Steam library, delivering smooth gameplay at 1080p high settings and tackling most titles at 1440p with ease.

Parts

Ryzen 5 7600

The AMD 7000 series Ryzen 5 7600 CPU serves as a great entry point into high-performance computing. Particularly affordable, this CPU excels in gaming applications. While it can handle tasks like video rendering, users with frequent heavy rendering needs may find the AMD 7700 series more suitable. Alternatively, for those preferring Intel, the 13400 is a viable option. With a 65W TDP, it pairs well with low-profile coolers. 

However, note that an AM5 motherboard is required, and while ITX options are available, they can be pricey. Nonetheless, opting for the new platform offers advantages. Priced at $230, the 7000 series CPUs deliver comparable gaming performance to the 7600X, which retails for $70 more but often sees price reductions, narrowing the gap to around $30.

Asus B650E-I

This Asus B650E-I motherboard has been utilized in several builds and is regarded as a favorite AM5 ITX board at the moment. Its sleek all-black design offers an understated yet elegant look, complemented by large and quiet VRM heatsinks. Featuring 2 M.2 slots, including a front one supporting PCIe 5.0, this motherboard provides ample storage options. It boasts a great selection of USB ports, including 2 USB-C ports, along with built-in WiFi 6E and a convenient BIOS flashback button. The motherboard strikes the right balance in terms of features and functionality, making it a top choice for compact builds.

Samsung 970 Evo

Keeping storage simple, a single 1TB stick from Samsung’s 970 Evo series is recommended. However, if you plan to utilize the second slot on the back of the motherboard, it’s advisable to install it during this stage of the build. Once the motherboard is installed in the case, accessing this slot becomes more challenging.

Corsair Vengeance ddr5-6000 Expo

The Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 Expo RAM is a top choice for users seeking a balance of cost, performance, and stability on AMD 7000 series CPUs. Its DDR5-6000 speed offers excellent performance, while its low clearance design ensures compatibility with compact CPU coolers. Specifically optimized for AMD systems, this RAM module is expected to perform well in terms of timings and stability. Moreover, it features an EXPO memory profile for those interested in overclocking, providing additional flexibility and performance tuning options.

Noctua NH-L12S

The low-profile 120mm CPU cooler is designed to be super compact, making it an ideal choice for small cases. With a clearance of 70mm, it fits perfectly into the case being used today, which has a clearance of 72mm. To maintain an all-black aesthetic, the default brown fan will be replaced with a slim Chromax 120mm fan, enhancing the overall look of the system.

Laxer 3D HT5 Case

The Lazer 3D HT5 case, provided by Lazer3D, exemplifies thoughtful design in custom small form factor cases, offering a plethora of customization options. Specifically designed with low-profile GPUs in mind, it perfectly accommodates the exact power supply unit used in this build. Although it requires assembly, the process is remarkably straightforward thanks to the neatly organized parts. The Gigabyte low-profile 4060 GPU, generously provided by Gigabyte, showcases the efficiency gains of this generation of GPUs, delivering a significant leap in gaming performance compared to previous models like the A2000. Despite its small size, the triple-fan design of the 4060 promises efficient cooling, crucial for powerful small-scale PCs. With an 8-pin power connector and a 115W power requirement, this GPU is the most powerful low-profile consumer option, offering 8GB of VRAM suitable for 1080p gaming. Notable gaming performance includes titles like The Last of Us, Starfield, Cyberpunk, Apex Legends, and Ratchet and Clank. However, due to the case’s design predating the release of the low-profile 4060, the power button’s position doesn’t accommodate the GPU’s length, necessitating a smaller power button and adapter pieces for a perfect fit.

HDPlex 250w power supply

The HDPlex 250W power supply, generously provided by HDPlex for this build, is a remarkable piece of technology. This incredibly compact gallium nitrate power supply boasts a slim design and a fully passive operation, thanks to its full aluminum body that efficiently dissipates heat without generating any noise. It’s a testament to modern engineering that such a small unit can deliver 250W of power silently. What’s even more impressive is the option to sync two of these units together, providing a total of 500W if needed. Additionally, HDPlex offers a 500W variant that maintains a similar compact design. The package includes a C14 power connector that can be securely fastened to the rear panel with two bolts and plugged directly into the power supply, ensuring a hassle-free installation process.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

1. Gently lower the CPU down into the motherboard socket, aligning the arrow on the CPU with the one on the socket. Give it a light shake to make sure the CPU is completely seated, then lower the latch of the motherboard.

2. Insert the SSD in the corresponding slot beside the CPU. 

If you wish to install a second SSD, use the second slot on the back during this time, Once the other components of the case are installed, you will not have access to this slot.

3. Align the notches of the RAM with those on the motherboard, and apply slight pressure until it clicks into place.

4. This step is optional. For a sleek black look, replace the default brown fan and replace it with a slim Chromax 120mm fan. 

5. Remove the default retention brackets from the motherboard. Place the plastic spacers over the screw threads, and install the 2 mounting bars.

6. Apply a small amount of thermal paste and lower the cooler, aligning it with the threads on the mounting bars.

7. Fasten the heatsink, switching off every 2-3 rotations until fully tightened so that there is an even pressure across the CPU.

8. Grab the rear panel that includes the cutouts for the dual slot GPU and attach the 4 rectangle corners along the edge. Attach the rear panel to this larger base panel.

9. Align the motherboard to the 4 standoffs of the panel, then secure it to the base panel.

10. Secure the front panel to the base panel with 2 screws. 

11. Slide the GPU into the motherboard.

12. Begin attaching the cables, The motherboard cable is at the bottom, the CPU is at the top right, and the 8-pin PCIe cable to the GPU. 

13. Attach the side panel. The panel on the GPU side will have a cutout for the power button.

14. Use double-sided tape to tape over the existing power button cutout, and install a smaller button in its place using the provided adapter pieces. The button will be slightly recessed, but will not inhibit access.

15. Attach the power supply unit to the remaining side panel. 

16. Plug in the 3 power supply cables, and install the panel with the power supply attached.

17. Included in the HDPlex box is a C14 power connector. Fasten the connector to the rear panel with 2 bolts and plugged right into the power supply. 

18. Attach the top panel, fastening the screws securely.

The build is now complete!

The build experience was highly satisfying, albeit with some challenges in finding a case that perfectly accommodates the dimensions of the 4060 GPU. Many cases designed for low-profile GPUs tend to target shorter cards like the A2000, whereas the new 4060 at 182mm in length posed a unique fit requirement. Conversely, standard small form factor cases often do not necessitate low-profile GPUs, as they are designed for standard-sized cards. The Lazer3D case emerged as the ideal solution, fitting the 4060 GPU, the desired HDPlex power supply, and leaving ample room for a decent CPU cooler.

Initially met with lukewarm reception, the 4060 GPU demonstrates significant performance gains thanks to the efficiency improvements in this generation of GPUs. Its gaming performance surpasses that of the popular low-profile A2000, a more expensive professional card. While newer professional cards like the RTX 4000 exist, they come at a much higher cost of $1500, making the 4060’s $320 price tag quite appealing.

Due to its compact size, the setup is easily portable, fitting into a backpack with ease. Pairing it with the Genki Shadowcast 2 allows for using an iPad as a display, albeit with minimal latency suitable for story-based games but not ideal for competitive esports titles. Nonetheless, this setup proves convenient for on-the-go gaming without the need for an additional portable monitor.

Gigabyte’s initiative in developing this low-profile card is commendable, and it’s hoped that more small case manufacturers will follow suit with revised or new cases specifically designed for this card. Such innovations in hardware pave the way for case makers to invest in creating products that fully leverage these advancements, ultimately benefiting enthusiasts looking for compact yet powerful PC builds.