Purchased in 2020 during the scarcity of 30 series GPUs, this prebuilt Corsair PC featuring an RTX 3080 serves its purpose well, albeit with a glaring drawback—it’s excessively large for the intended living room setup. Seeking a solution, an ITX case with surprising compatibility for full-sized ATX motherboards and components is turned to, aiming to downsize without starting from scratch.
The initial dismantling involves removing the RTX 3080, an Intel i9-10850K on an MSI ATX motherboard, and a 240mm AIO-cooled system with 4 additional case fans. While the fans can’t be accommodated in the new ITX case, the meticulous cable management and solid build of the Corsair prebuilt are evident as it’s disassembled, albeit with a tinge of reluctance. The only piece of this PC that is non-transferable is the Corsair RM750 power supply.
The Sunny Side Up Meshroom S case emerged as the key to this conversion, with extensive compatibility that defied expectations. However, meticulous handling was required due to its tight push-pin side panels, prone to bending if mishandled.
Preparatory steps include removing the front panel, slot cover, side fan bracket, and PCIe riser cable, all to pave the way for a seamless installation process. Adding a PCIe card bracket and adjusting the GPU stand are essential prelude actions.
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nstalling the PCIe riser cable, securing the motherboard with standoffs, and positioning the radiator at the back are intricate yet achievable tasks. Accommodating the RTX 3080 and ensuring access to the HDMI port are crucial details to note. Unfortunately, this is not the optimal configuration for the PCIe cable—ideally, the cable should be going straight out toward the back of the case, rather than the front. This would make it possible to bend the cable 90 degrees and it could go through the pass and back to the express slot. For this rebuild, it will wrap around the right side. It is not as aesthetic, but still functions properly.
An additional standoff must be added to the bottom left of the case to support the motherboard. Slide the motherboard into the case and secure it with the 5 standoffs.
The tubes and water are fed through the top of the case, and the radiator is secured to the right side bracket. The RTX 3080 is re-installed. If using the 90-degree HDMI cable with the card, it should be plugged in at this stage before securing it down to prevent the HDMI port from being blocked by a bracket.
The card slides into the previously installed riser cable and is secured into the bracket with 2 screws.
The AIO installation proceeded similarly. It involved reinstalling the 4 standoffs, applying thermal paste to the AIO, and pressing it onto the CPU.
When installing a water block, it is recommended to tighten the screws in an alternating x pattern to ensure that there is even pressure distributed across the CPU.
One fan bracket was installed on the right side of the radiator to secure it, and the USB for the AIO was plugged in.
An inevitable purchase was an SFX power supply, considering the constraints of the ITX case. The Corsair SF750, renowned for its braided cables and ample power output, facilitated the cable management process significantly.
Routing cables, plugging in power connectors, and finalizing connections mark the concluding steps. The power supply was lowered to the bottom of the case and secured with the 4 corresponding screws.
The 24-pin motherboard connector was plugged in and allowed to hang across the front of the computer. Additionally, the CPU power cables were connected, and the 3080 was plugged in with 2 8-pin connectors.
Reattaching the front panel and ensuring proper cable routing concluded this downsizing endeavor.
In a surprising turn of events, the downsized system showcased negligible temperature differences and slightly increased noise levels, validating the success of the conversion. However, compromises were evident, particularly regarding ATX motherboard features and lower PCIe port accessibility.
Overall, the downsizing process was a testament to the flexibility and potential of modern ITX cases. While compromises exist, especially for existing systems with specific hardware configurations, the ability to breathe new life into a bulky setup while maintaining performance is a compelling proposition.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide:
- Remove the RTX 3080, CPU, and AIO from the prebuilt system.
- Acquire an ITX case with extensive compatibility, like the Sunny Side Up Meshroom Disassemble the ITX case for installation readiness.
- Prepare the motherboard, PCIe riser cable, and radiator for installation.
- Secure the motherboard and install the PCIe riser cable.
- Position and secure the radiator and AIO.
- Install the GPU and connect power cables.
- Acquire an SFX power supply for space optimization.
- Route and connect cables, ensuring proper cable management.
- Reattach the front panel and side panels, completing the downsizing process.