The Velkase Velka 3 is an incredibly small gaming PC. At 3.9 liters and weighing just over 8 pounds, it can easily fit into a standard-size backpack and takes up very little desk space. Compared to a standard mid-tower 50-liter case, this PC is tiny but can still play any game at 1080p and most at 1440p high settings. There is no external power brick; it can fit a fully powered dual-slot 4060 GPU and provides just enough room to cool a mid-range CPU.
Parts
CPU: Intel i5-13400
The Intel i5-13400 is a 10-core CPU with 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, ideal for gaming. It is a good pairing for the 4060. It has a 65-watt TDP, allowing easy cooling in this ultra-low profile cooler.
Mid-range has been a strength with Intel in the 13th generation, and the 13400 is a great option for it’s price point.
Another option is the AMD 7600 [see 5l 4060 Build].
You can also use a 12th-generation motherboard and DDR4 memory which comes at a lower price point. However, for this build, we will be using a DDR5 system.
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B760-I
This is a mini ITX board with built-in WiFi 6E, 6 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C ports, and 2 M.2 slots, one of which is on the back. This board has everything you need for a small gaming build such as this one.
This motherboard is DDR5 compatible and has an understated design with a web pattern across the heat sinks.
Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 SSD
The 1TB M.2 SSD from Samsung is a fast and compact storage solution for games and applications. However, there will not be any room for additional data drives due to the size of this compact case.
Consider the amount of storage required for your intended usage. Installing additional storage in the second slot at the back is advisable during this phase of the build, as access to it will be restricted once the assembly is complete.
RAM: Corsairs Vengeance DDR5-5600 32GB
The Corsairs Vengeance DDR5-5600, with its 32 GB high speed memory, (compatible with Intel’s 13th gen CPUs), is the official supported stable speed for this build. However, faster sticks could be used with an XMP profile if using an Intel chip, or one with EXPO if running AMD. The overclocking profiles will insure that the memory of the computer will be running at the advertised speeds, and run with proper timing.
To ensure proper fitment within the compact case, it’s essential to opt for low-profile RAM sticks. These sticks offer clearance of up to 42mm, ensuring that they do not protrude and hinder the closing of the side panel. Therefore, selecting RAM modules that meet or are below this height requirement is crucial for seamless assembly.
Cooler: Noctua L9a-17xx
The Noctua L9a-17xx is an ultra-low-profile cooler suitable for small form factor cases like Velka 3. The cooler has a maximum height of 37mm, ensuring it fits perfectly within the compact case. Opting for the chromax black version adds to the sleek, all-black aesthetic of the case.
It’s crucial to select the correct version of this cooler based on your CPU socket, as they are not universal. For Intel’s 7000 series CPUs, the L9a-17xx version is suitable, while AMD users should opt for the AM5 version.
Checking Noctua’s website for CPU compatibility is recommended to ensure optimal cooling performance. While unconventional choices like using this tiny cooler on a 7950X3D are possible, sticking to Noctua’s recommendations generally yields impressive cooling results. In testing with the Intel i5-13400, temperatures remained in the mid-60s even after 2 hours of intensive gaming, showcasing the cooler’s effectiveness.
Case: Velkase Velka 3
The Velka 3 from Velcase is the latest 3.0 revision, recently unveiled just a few months ago. This new iteration brings several enhancements over its predecessors, including a larger power button, a durable powder-coated steel build, and refinements to the assembly process.
Measuring at a compact 3.99 liters, this case offers an intriguing build experience. However, it’s important to note that a PCIe riser cable is required for installation, as the case does not come with one included. Fortunately, you can acquire a 290mm PCIe 4 riser cable from Velcase, similar to the one used in this build, to facilitate your assembly process.
GPU: Zotac 4060
The Zotac 4060 is a dual-slot single fan GPU that packs a punch without compromising on performance. Unlike some variants, this model maintains the full 115W requirement and boasts a boost clock of 2460 MHz.
Despite its power, it’s impressively compact, measuring just 163mm in length, making it a perfect fit for the Velka 3 case, which accommodates GPUs up to 175mm. With a single 90mm fan setup, it offers efficient cooling, although slightly noisier compared to some low-profile alternatives. However, this noise level is still notably quieter than many gaming laptops under full load. Temperature management is excellent, with the single fan maintaining temperatures around 65 degrees Celsius even during intensive gaming sessions at 1080p resolution.
Gaming performance is commendable, delivering over 200fps in titles like Apex Legends at high settings and comfortably handling Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty in ultra settings at 1080p with no upscaling or ray tracing, achieving over 60fps and even higher with DLSS and Frame Generation enabled. The Zotac 4060 is currently on sale for $280 on Amazon. Click here for more details.
Power Supply: Velkase 600W Flex ATX Power Supply
For this build, I’ve opted for a 600-watt Flex ATX power supply, available from Velkase. This choice provides ample power for our system and includes all the necessary connectors, such as those for the motherboard, CPU, PCIe devices, and SATA drives. Its compact form factor makes it an ideal fit for small form factor builds like this one, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery without compromising performance.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
- Prepare the Case
Remove the front panel by unscrewing the 4 screws on the top and bottom. Remove all side panel screws to access the internal components.
- Remove Back Panel Brackets
Remove the 5 screws holding the panel together. Then remove the remaining 3 screws that hold the center motherboard tray in place.
- Prepare the Motherboard
Insert the Intel Chip into the motherboard. Align the motherboard to the 4 standoffs in the case and secure it.
- Install Storage and Memory
Install the Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD into the front M.2 slot on the motherboard. Install the Corsairs Vengeance DDR5-5600 RAM modules, ensuring they are low profile.
- Install the PCIe riser cable to connect the GPU.
Slide it into the PCIe slot, flip over the motherboard, feed the riser cable up, and bend it at the top to secure it to the 2 standoffs.
- Install the CPU and Cooler
Apply thermal paste on the CPU and install the Noctua L9a-17xx cooler. Flip the motherboard over, secure the cooler with the 4 provided screws, and connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header.
- Install the GPU
Place the Zotac 4060 GPU into the PCIe slot and secure it.
- Install the Power Supply
Slide the Velkase 600W Flex ATX Power Supply into the bottom of the case and secure it with the 2 provided screws.
- Install the motherboard
Slide the motherboard and GPU into the case just above the power supply. Be gentle and ensure the riser cable does not catch on the top of the case. Resecure the centerpiece to the case.
- Connect Cables
Connect the 8-pin PCI Express power connector on one side, and the CPU and motherboard connector on the other side. Plug in the front panel power switch to the motherboard.
- Finalize Assembly
Reattach the side panels and secure them with screws. Slide the front panel back on and secure it with screws.
Building this 3.9L 4060 gaming PC is a rewarding project that showcases the capabilities of compact hardware. With careful assembly and attention to detail, you can create a powerful gaming rig that fits into a standard backpack. Enjoy high-performance gaming in a minimalistic form factor with this impressive build.