Embarking on the assembly of an ITX 4060 Gaming PC today, our focus is on simplicity and affordability, with a target price of around $1000. A notable addition to our build is the RTX 4060 Gaming OC card from Gigabyte, generously provided for testing purposes. Following completion, comprehensive performance evaluations and thermal testing will be conducted, aligning with the customary approach of our video content. Let’s commence this build journey and unveil the capabilities of this compact gaming setup!

Parts

CPU: Intel i5-13400

Utilizing the Intel i5-13400 for this build is a cost-effective choice, with the i5-13400f as a money-saving alternative due to its lack of onboard graphics, a feature deemed unnecessary when paired with a dedicated GPU. Featuring 10 cores, including 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, this CPU is tailored to handle heavy single-threaded applications such as gaming, while efficiently managing background tasks. Its gaming performance, combined with its affordability at $200 on Amazon, makes it a suitable match for the RTX 4060 in this setup.

The Intel i5-13400 offers excellent gaming performance, making it a suitable companion for the RTX 4060. It was acquired for $200 on Amazon. Opting for the i5-13400 allows compatibility with a 12th gen motherboard and DDR4 memory, offering potential cost savings. However, a BIOS update may be required for compatibility, making a motherboard with a BIOS flashback button advisable for a smoother setup process.

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B760-I

In this build, we will be using the ASUS ROG Strix B760-I motherboard, featuring the latest chipset and DDR5 memory. This motherboard, priced at $220 on Amazon, has been positively reviewed from past experiences, offering essential features for gaming setups like ample USB and USB-C ports, built-in WiFi, and dual M.2 slots (front and back). Its design is also noted for its aesthetics and functionality, making it a solid choice for this build.

Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus m.2 Drive

A single M.2 drive will be installed for this setup, opting for the Samsung 970 EVO Plus model. While preferring Samsung or Crucial SSDs, any trusted brand within budget is recommended. A 1TB capacity suffices, with the option to add more storage in the spare slot if needed later on. This specific drive was acquired on sale from Best Buy for $55.

Ensure to connect the pump from the AIO cooler, as recommended by my motherboard’s AIO pump header.

RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600

32GB of Corsair’s Vengeance DDR5-5600 memory will be installed. These modules are well-suited for this build as they come with an XMP profile that can be leveraged and feature a lower profile. This lower profile is crucial, especially for this case, as selecting memory modules that are too tall could result in clearance issues with the case closing properly.

GPU: RTX 4060

The chosen GPU for this build is the RTX 4060, graciously provided by Gigabyte. This model succeeds the widely acclaimed 3060, promising around a 20% performance boost at 1080p. It introduces advancements from Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture, including DLSS 3 frame generation for significant framerate enhancements in compatible games, AV1 encoding, and improved power efficiency. However, its VRAM is reduced to 8GB from the 3060’s 12GB, which may pose concerns for some newer titles demanding higher VRAM capacities.

The Gigabyte RTX 4060 Gaming OC card featured in this build comes with factory overclocking and includes a dual BIOS with a quiet mode, offering a convenient feature set for compact builds that often sit near the user on their desk.

This case can officially support a GPU up to 324mm in length and 58mm thick. The Gigabyte 4060 Gaming OC has a slim two-slot design at 281mm x 53mm, so it fits in here no problem.

Gaming Performance

The completed build showcases a compact and straightforward machine, highlighting its ease of assembly and compact form factor. With the components in place, including the new graphics card, the final steps involve sliding the cover back on, re-installing the side panels, and considering the build complete.

The performance evaluation of the ITX 4060 Gaming PC reveals its capabilities across various games and settings. In Cyberpunk at 1080p with rasterization only, it maintains an average of over 80 frames per second, which significantly improves with DLSS and frame generation, nearly doubling the frame rates in some games. Guardians performs admirably, hitting the 144 fps cap with rasterization at the highest preset. Spiderman Remastered showcases great performance, easily exceeding 135 frames per second on ultra settings with DLSS 3 Frame Generation supporting ray tracing for a smooth experience. Similarly, Apex Legends and Overwatch 2 run flawlessly at over 195 fps and 250 fps respectively in 1080p ultra settings, making them ideal for competitive gaming with high refresh rate monitors.

Regarding temperature and noise levels, the CPU remains in the low 40s or below during gaming, while the GPU stays below 64 degrees most of the time, with a noise level of 33dB at full gaming load, indicating efficient cooling and quiet operation. The energy-efficient design of the RTX 4060, consuming around 130w during gaming compared to the 3060’s 180w, makes it suitable for small form factor PCs. Frame generation proves impressive in supported single-player games, enhancing performance without noticeable latency.

Despite its reduced VRAM of 8GB, sufficient for current 1080p gaming, future upgrades to higher resolutions like 1440p may pose challenges due to increased VRAM demands. However, the RTX 4060 offers a solid performance boost over its predecessor, the 3060, particularly in rasterization performance and energy efficiency. Whether it’s for energy efficiency, CUDA cores utilization, or preference for frame generation, the RTX 4060 caters to diverse needs, making it a compelling choice in its price segment.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide:

Lower the CPU into the socket, ensuring the arrow on the top right aligns with the socket arrow. Once it’s in place, lower the latch to secure it.

Install the M.2 drive.

Grab the LGA-1700 backplate, remove its protective stickers, and align it through the four holes on the back of the motherboard. Tighten the four standoffs on the other side.

Prepare the case by removing the black side panels and sliding off the white cover.

Slide the motherboard through the side of the case, aligning the IO plate and standoffs, then secure it in place with screws.

Connect the case cables, starting with the front IO, USB-C front panel connector, USB 3.2 gen 1 header, HD audio connector, USB, motherboard connector, and CPU power cable.