Gigabyte R9 Nano ITX Tiny Gaming PC
**Tiny ITX Build Guide: A High-Performance Gaming Machine in Miniature**
This article is based entirely on the provided transcription of a video about building a tiny ITX (Small Form Factor) gaming machine. The goal is to provide a detailed and engaging guide, using the full text without summarizing or condensing any information.
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### **Introduction: A Tiny but Mighty Gaming Rig**
The video begins with a humorous intro filled with short jokes about "tiny" components and high-performance machines. The host dismisses the pre-written introduction, stating that the build is an "ultra-tiny small form factor high performance gaming machine." The focus is on creating a compact yet powerful system that can deliver great gaming performance despite its size.
The host mentions that if you build it (the tiny rig), others might be inspired to do the same. The journey begins with showcasing the case and components used in this build.
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### **The Case: Silverstone SG13**
The heart of this build is the *Silverstone SG13*, one of the smallest cases available on the market that still supports high-end hardware. While other options like the Raven RVO or Cooler Master Elite 110 exist, they are much larger (14 and 15 liters respectively). The SG13, however, manages to pack everything into just **11.5 liters** of internal volume.
The host emphasizes that this case is ideal for high-end hardware despite its size, making it a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to save space without compromising performance.
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### **Hardware Choices: Maximizing Performance in Minimal Space**
For the graphics card, the team opted for a **Gigabyte R9 Nano**, a compact GPU that delivers impressive performance despite its size. At just 15 cm long, it’s a perfect fit for the tiny case. The host jokes about its "short stature" but assures viewers that it packs as much power as larger cards.
The system also includes:
- **Gigabyte Z170X Gaming G1 ITX motherboard**: A compact yet feature-rich board designed for small form factor builds.
- **Intel Core i7-6700K Skylake processor**: A high-performance CPU that holds up well in such a tight space.
- **16GB of Corsair DDR4 Vengeance memory**: Known for its aggressive design (featuring a pirate ship logo), the RAM is a reliable choice for gaming and multitasking.
- **Samsung 840 Pro SSD**: A fast and reliable storage solution for high-performance computing.
The build also features a **Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold SFX power supply**, chosen for its compact size and efficiency. While the case supports full-size ATX power supplies, the host opted for an SFX unit to save space and improve cable management.
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### **Cooling Solutions: Keeping Things Under Control**
The Silverstone SG13 is designed with cooling in mind, but there are limitations due to its small size. The team used a **Zigma Janice low-profile cooler** with six heat pipes, two slim fans, and a height of only 60 millimeters. This was a tight fit given the case’s 61mm clearance for CPU coolers, but the short power supply allowed for plenty of airflow.
The system uses a high-static pressure fan in the front to help manage temperatures. Despite the compact setup, the CPU and GPU remain stable under load:
- **Idle temperatures**: Just 4°C above ambient.
- **Load temperatures**: CPU at 79°C and GPU at 76°C (both within thermal limits).
While these temperatures are on the higher side, they’re still manageable without thermal throttling. Overclocking potential is limited, but the system delivers advertised speeds for gaming and general use.
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### **Design and airflow: Maximizing Space and Performance**
The Silverstone SG13 includes plenty of air vents, but no stock fan is included in the front. The host assumes this is intentional, as users are likely to pair the case with their CPU cooler’s fan. The custom fan chosen helps draw cold air through the front and side panels, forcing it onto the CPU and GPU before exhausting it via positive air pressure.
The setup isn’t visually appealing, but it works effectively for maintaining stable temperatures in such a confined space.
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### **Conclusion: Expectations vs. Reality**
The host wraps up by discussing the limitations of small form factor builds. While these systems are portable and convenient, they’re still limited by physics compared to larger gaming PCs. Treat them as **portable gaming or workstation machines** rather than replacements for full-size rigs, and you’ll be very happy with their performance.
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### **Closing Remarks: Join the Tiny Gaming Revolution**
The video ends with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts in the comments. The host humorously mentions that people often joke about whether they can "lift" such a small PC tower—but it’s not brute strength; it’s the lightness of the system.
Finally, the host encourages viewers to check out more videos or follow them on social media for updates. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed the build!
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This concludes the full transcription-based article about building a tiny ITX gaming machine. The video showcases how creativity and careful component selection can lead to a powerful yet compact system that defies expectations.