An Incredibly Small 4060 Gaming PC – Gemcase C9

This build is an incredibly compact gaming PC using the low-profile RTX 4060 GPU. The build measures just 4.4 liters in external volume, weighs a little over 8 pounds, and is easily portable, fitting into a backpack and taking minimal space on your desk or under a TV as a media PC. Despite its size, it can handle 1080p gaming and most 1440p titles at high settings. There’s no need for an external power brick or any special modding, making it a straightforward and efficient build.

Parts

GPU: Low-Profile RTX 4060

The RTX 4060, despite mixed reviews this generation, shines in compact builds. Its efficiency gains enable the creation of extremely small cards, like the low-profile versions from Gigabyte and Zotac. Compared to the last popular low-profile card, the A2000, the 4060 offers significant gaming performance improvements at a more affordable price ($320 vs. the $1500 RTX 4000 professional card).

Paired with the 7600 at stock, using a standard fan profile, the CPU temps were in the mid-60s to low-70s, and GPU temps under or at 70°C after about an hour of gameplay.

With the 13400, however, it was not running as cool, which was around the low 60s in a similar situation. However, faster gaming performance is given with this processor.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7600

For the CPU, we’ve selected the AMD Ryzen 7600, a cost-effective option that pairs well with the RTX 4060 for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The Ryzen 7600 features 6 cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz with a 65W TDP, making it manageable for cooling in a compact build. 

If you prefer Intel, the i5-13400 or 14400 are great alternatives. They also have a 65W TDP and run cooler than the 7600 when using the same Noctua cooler, though the 7600 offers slightly better gaming performance.

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I motherboard is ideal for ITX AM5 builds, featuring an all-black design, ample USB ports (including 2 Type-C), built-in Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.

We’ll use Corsair’s low-profile DDR5-6000 RAM and a Samsung 970 EVO SSD for this build.

Case: Gemcase C9

The Gemcase C9 has designed an elegantly sleek front panel for the C9, crafted from real wood. The front-facing I/O includes a power button and a USB-C port, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Multiple finishes are available; the dark brown variant in particular stands out with its unique and sophisticated appearance, setting it apart from other cases in the same size category.

The remainder of the case is constructed from powder-coated steel, providing a robust and durable structure. The panels are highly resistant to bending under normal handling conditions, reflecting a build quality of the Velka series.

However, the screws securing the panels are exceptionally small and delicate. There appears to be no practical reason for such diminutive screws, as there is ample space for larger ones. For comparison, here are the screws used in the Velka 5, another compact case, and the ones used in the Gemcase. Due to their tiny size, extra caution is required to avoid losing them during assembly or disassembly, as they are harder to replace.

Despite the similarities in build quality to the Velka series, the assembly process for the Gemcase C9 is significantly more straightforward. Unlike the Velka, which requires complete disassembly and reassembly of the motherboard and GPU outside the main shell, the Gemcase C9 simplifies this process considerably.

For the CPU cooler, we will be using the Noctua NH-L9a AM5. For the power supply, we will be using the Velcase 600w flex ATX supply. 

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

  1. Remove the top and side panels of the case. Drop in the motherboard and secure it.
  1. Connect the USB-C and power button cables.
  1. Due to the positioning, install the GPU and power supply simultaneously. Connect the power supply to the GPU before placing both in their final positions.
  1. Place the GPU and the power supply at an angle, then slide the GPU bracket fingers behind the piece on the back and gently slide both pieces down to their final positions.
  1. Be sure to connect the power supply to the GPU before sliding these in, because once they are in position, it will be difficult to reach the plug.
  1. Plug in the PCIe riser cable, and secure the power supply to the motherboard and CPU power connectors. 
  1. Secure one side of each fan to the front and rear of the case. Use the provided pieces to connect the fans in the middle, forming a bridge.
  1. Plug in the case fans, reattach the side and top panels, and test the build.

Performance Review

Running Cyberpunk 2077 at the ultra preset without upscaling or frame generation, the system’s temperatures remain within acceptable ranges. The CPU operates between the mid-70s, peaking briefly at 77°C before stabilizing back in the mid-70s. This is satisfactory, considering the 7600’s tendency to run hotter, especially compared to the mid-range Intel 13400. In more CPU-intensive games, temperatures might rise into the mid-80s, but this would still be far from thermal throttling. Undervolting is an option if further cooling is needed.

The GPU consistently draws its full 115W, maintaining a temperature at or below 70°C. 

In The Finals, a more CPU-intensive game, temperatures stabilize between 78-80°C for the majority of gameplay.

Noise levels are reasonable, with the standard fan profile in Armory Crate producing around 43-44 dB. Under full load, the noise increases to 48 dB. 

Given the small size of the fans and the need to dissipate significant heat, some noise is inevitable. For those prioritizing quieter operation over maximum gaming performance, the Intel 13400 in the Velka 3 build offers a cooler and quieter experience. Unfortunately, the current setup does not support the only LGA 1700 ITX board I possess, the B760, which is incompatible with this case.

This build is impressive not only for its aesthetics, highlighted by the wood accent on the front, but also for its compact size. It is significantly smaller than a console, making it an excellent option for a living room gaming PC that looks more appealing than a standard black box. Additionally, it includes two sets of feet for vertical or horizontal placement, enhancing its versatility in an entertainment center.

The portability of this build is a significant advantage. It’s easy to transport, making it ideal for taking to a friend’s house. Paired with a portable monitor or an iPad using the Genki Shadowcast 2, it creates an excellent portable gaming rig.