IQUNIX ZV-1 – All White Minimalist Style ITX Gaming PC Build

The ZX-1 is an ITX case from IQUNIX, a company renowned for crafting custom keyboards. Despite being on the market for some time, I was intrigued by its compact size of about 10.6 liters, which is remarkable considering its accommodation for dual-slot GPUs and 240mm liquid coolers. Beyond its functionality, the ZX-1 boasts a visually appealing design that seamlessly blends into various living room setups or adds an aesthetic charm to any desk. Its minimalist aesthetic, characterized by rounded edges, exudes elegance. In particular, the white version of the case, accentuated by a coral top grill, offers a unique visual appeal, setting it apart from the typical ITX cases. This article delves into the IQUNIX ZV-1, highlighting its all-white minimalist style and suitability for ITX gaming PC builds.

Parts

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7600

The processor comes with a stock cooler, although we won’t utilize it in this setup. It’s a budget-friendly CPU with excellent value, especially suitable for gaming purposes. However, if your tasks involve advanced rendering such as video rendering, you might find a more powerful CPU like the 7700 or i5-13600 from Intel beneficial. Nonetheless, the 7600 remains a reliable choice for gaming. Operating on the new AM5 platform, this CPU offers future upgrade possibilities, adding to its appeal.

Motherboard: MSI B650I Edge

This motherboard complements our color scheme seamlessly. It falls under the B series category, offering a midrange solution that covers all necessary features at a considerable $200 savings compared to the pricier x670 ITX boards. Despite its affordability, it boasts built-in Wi-Fi 6E, a BIOS flashback function, and a clear CMOS button, ensuring comprehensive functionality. The primary M.2 slot includes active cooling, along with a secondary slot on the back. However, note that the fan on the secondary slot can be loud at times, but this can be adjusted using software controls.

SSD: Samsung 990 Pro

The chosen SSD for this build is a bit excessive. A more budget-friendly alternative, such as a 970 EVO, would suffice. I managed to snag a deal on this particular model during Amazon Prime Day, which influenced my decision to use it. Given the current market, storage options from Samsung and Crucial offer competitive prices, making it worthwhile to explore other choices to find the best deal.

RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000

Opting for white RAM aligns with the overall aesthetic of the build. DDR5-6000 is regarded as the optimal choice for 7000 series CPUs, striking a balance between cost, stability, performance, availability, and ease of use. While these CPUs support speeds up to 5200 natively, overclocking can push them to 6400 Mega bits per second. For those considering overclocking, acquiring RAM with an EXPO profile is advisable for optimal performance. However, it’s crucial to note that excessively tall RAM modules may not fit well within the build’s constraints.

PCIe 4 Riser cable

Regrettably, the case utilized in this setup includes a PCIe 3.0 riser cable, which may limit the full potential speeds of the latest GPUs. To achieve optimal performance, acquiring a separate PCIe 4.0 cable is necessary. Fortunately, I have access to a slightly longer cable than the XXmm one provided, allowing us to utilize PCIe 4.0 capabilities in this build.

PSU ROG Loki 850w platinum white edition

The power supply in question boasts a stunning white and silver finish that complements the overall aesthetics of the system flawlessly. With an impressive 850W capacity, it provides ample power for the current setup and allows room for future upgrades. Additionally, it comes with white braided power cables, an RGB fan for added flair, and holds an 80 Plus Platinum rating, signifying exceptional efficiency. Notably, its flexible 12-volt high-power connector is ideal for accommodating the latest 4000 series GPUs, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance.

GPU: Gigabyte 4070 and 7800 XT

The completion of this build involves the installation of the GPU, specifically the RTX 4070 Aero edition from Gigabyte, which seamlessly integrates with the white-themed aesthetics and fits flawlessly within the case. Notably, there are two variants of this case, designed for either water or air cooling. The water-cooled version accommodates larger GPUs, a factor to consider when selecting components. Initial reception of the 4070 was lukewarm due to its price-performance ratio, yet it introduces power efficiencies from Nvidia’s latest GPU generation, alongside advancements in technologies like DLSS and frame generation, which are beneficial in most gaming scenarios. AMD’s 7800 XT offers comparable performance at a lower cost and more VRAM, making it a compelling alternative.

Case: IQUNIX ZX-1

The IQUNIX ZX-1 has a sturdy, thick unibody aluminum construction with an impressive premium feel and finish. Its white and coral color scheme adds to its aesthetic appeal, offering a smooth and minimalist look that blends seamlessly into various setups. The magnetic side panels, coupled with minimal panel gaps, create a nearly seamless appearance. The attention to detail extends to the included organized plastic case for hardware storage, enhancing the overall build experience. Additionally, the case comes with a metal screwdriver featuring the necessary bits for assembly conveniently stored in the handle. IQUNIX, known for its quality custom keyboards and DIY kits like the ZX75 keyboard, maintains a high standard of craftsmanship evident in this case. While the finish resists scratches well, caution is advised to avoid metal-on-metal contact. Though lacking a PCIe 4.0 riser cable inclusion, the case’s ease of disassembly and impressive build quality leave a positive impression overall. Note that this review is unsponsored, and the case was provided by IQUNIX for evaluation without editorial influence or financial transactions.

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i Elite 240

It’s crucial to ensure that the CPU block height does not exceed 55mm when selecting a cooler for this build. Notably, certain options like the Corsair iCUE Link H100i RGB and the NZXT Kraken Elite 240 are incompatible due to size constraints. This limitation extends beyond the need for a screen, as evidenced by these examples. After careful consideration, the Corsair H100i RGB Elite liquid cooler was chosen as a suitable and compatible solution.

Step-By-Step Assembly

  1. Gently lower the CPU into the socket of the motherboard, matching the arrow on the top right with the arrow on the board. Lower the lever.
  1. Insert the SSD and screw it in until secure.
  1. Insert the RAM by lining up the pins with those on the motherboard.
  1. Once the motherboard is prepared, remove the panels, which are secured by magnets.
  1. Remove the radiator bracket which is supported by 6 screws, and the power supply bracket which is supported by 4 screws. Gently lower the motherboard into the case and align it with the 4 standoffs.
  1. Install the PCIe 4 riser cable PSU Installation by slotting into the motherboard and securing the other side with 2 screws.
  1. Install the PCU 

To install the power supply unit (PSU), start by securing the power supply bracket to the unit using four screws. Once attached, lower the PSU into the case with the bracket still affixed and position it in the top mounting location. If needed, remove the bottom panel of the case to easily plug the power cables into the PSU. This method ensures a secure and efficient installation of the power supply in your build.

  1. Install Case Cables

After arranging the power cables, proceed to connect the case cables, including USB 3.0, HD audio, and SATA power. Route these cables around the power supply unit and direct them upward to the top front of the case for easier access during the later stages of assembly. Run the power extension through the bottom on the GPU side of the case, and up to the power supply unit.

  1. AIO Installation

Ensure the CPU block height is under 55mm, as certain AIO coolers like the Corsair iCUE Link H100i RGB and NZXT Kraken Elite 240 won’t fit due to their dimensions. For this build, I opted for the Corsair H100i RGB Elite liquid cooler. Installing it is straightforward: align the holes on the two fans with those on the radiator. Next, take the AIO bracket removed earlier and pass the waterblock through the passthrough on the bracket, aligning it with the fan holes, and secure everything with the included long screws. 

  1. Lower the assembly into the top of the case and secure the bracket with four screws.

Replace the default Intel retention bracket on the waterblock by sliding off the two pieces and replacing them with the one that fits your socket. Wiring the AIO is simple as well, with a single breakout cable for the CPU fan header, the two radiator fans, and USB. Route the cables through a passthrough on the top left of the case, keeping everything organized on the GPU side.

  1. GPU installation

Lower the GPU into the case, aligning it with the PCIe port and slotting it in. Depending on your card’s height, you may need to detach the radiator bracket to access the power connector. Despite appearances, the flexible cables provide enough room between the cable and AIO bracket. 

  1. Reattach the side panels, and the build is complete.

The build is now complete!

The overall look of this build is exceptionally clean and aesthetically pleasing. The white color scheme turned out even better than expected, with unintentional yet delightful color matching between the coral accents on the motherboard and case, creating a cohesive and visually appealing setup. One challenge encountered was finding a white AIO with a pump block under 55mm in height, as this specification is often not readily available from AIO manufacturers. Additionally, using an SFX-L power supply resulted in a snug fit with the radiator tubes, prompting a recommendation for a standard SFX size and the lower bracket position, such as the Corsair SF750 or FSP 850. Interestingly, the piece meant to secure the GPU at the back didn’t align perfectly with the GPU’s holes, although the GPU remained secure without it, proving to be a minor issue. Regarding fan noise, during gaming sessions, the noise level hovers around 42 dB, which is reasonably quiet. Customizing fan curves could further fine-tune this experience, but overall, the out-of-the-box performance is satisfactory.