Fractal Node 605 HTPC

Fractal Node 605 HTPC Build

 

I transplanted my old full size ATX components from a large tower into this Fractal Node 605 HTPC case. I did need to buy a low profile cooler (went with the Noctua NH-C12P SE14). I also chose to upgrade my old PSU to a modular one. This made cable routing in the smaller case a piece of cake. There was lots of space allowing for an easy build. It took some playing around with the fan configuration to get temps under control. I ended up removing the filters on the 120mm fans by the CPU cooler and setting them to exhaust. The rear 80mm fans intake air and helps a surprising amount by blowing cool air in that the CPU cooler fan can grab. The 120mm fan by the PSU is an intake. This fan setup dropped my temperatures (system and CPU) significantly compared to the stock configuration. The supplied Fractal R2 fans are quite good and stand up well next to the Noctua's I installed (NF-S12B and NF-R8's).

 

Components

OS: Windows 8

CPU: Old AMD Phenom X2 555 (completely stable OC to 3.8ghz at stock voltage)

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C12P SE14

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H

Memory: G.Skill DDR3 1600

Graphics Card: Gigabyte GTX 660 OC

SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 60GB (boot drive)

HDD: Seagate Green 2TB

PSU: Corsair AX760

 

Notes:

After figuring out a configuration that allows the system to stay cool on the medium fan setting (side switch on the case is very convenient) I'm quite pleased with the build. There are not a lot of HTPC cases that offer the versatility of this one within the same dimensions. There is very little space between the top 140mm CPU cooler fan and the top panel. I believe venting in the panel above the CPU would allow top down coolers to perform better. I think having the R8's blow cool air over the 140mm fan really helped get the cooler the air it needs. The side 120mm vent the warm air as the 140mm blows it down through the heat sink. At least this is my theory to back the temperature drops I experienced. After looking at the design I think you might be able to put a single slot 120mm AIO liquid cooler where the drive cages are and mount the drives in some PCI slot SSD mounts or somewhere against the back of the front panel. The case is audible but only when nothing else is on. It doesn't interfere with audio or video at all. I flip the side fan switch to high if I'm going to do some extended 1080p gaming. My goal is to pick up a DAC like the Maverick Tubemagic D1 and some Audioengine A5+'s to complete the HTPC setup.

 

I think this case is a top pick for anyone wanting to move existing full size ATX components into a reasonably sized HTPC case. This unit takes care of all my media needs and allows me to do some gaming. All this in a package small enough to fit many entertainment centers! Good times :)

 

 

 

Done