World's Smallest 3D Printed Gaming PC

InfoThis is a summary of the following YouTube video:

Making the World's Tiniest Gaming PC

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Feb 10, 2024

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Science & Technology

Building the smallest gaming PC

  1. The video introduces a super tiny RTX 4060 from Gigabyte, which, despite its poor price-to-performance ratio, is an interesting product capable of running games at 240Hz, supporting DLSS, and light ray tracing.
  2. The challenge is finding a suitable PC case for the RTX 4060, as existing options like the Laser 3D HT5 and Velka 3 are either too large or leave unused space.
  3. The goal is to create a more space-efficient and smaller hardware layout for the RTX 4060.
  4. The largest component in the build is the ITX motherboard, which is standard in size but features low-profile heat sinks suitable for running an Intel i5-13400F under gaming loads.
  5. For CPU cooling, the 47mm tall Alpenföhn Black Ridge is chosen due to its compact size and impressive performance, despite the lack of space for liquid cooling.
  6. The power supply is a critical component, with the typical SFX unit being too large for the build. Alternatives like the Flex ATX unit and a new, smaller model from HDPlex are considered to save space.

World's smallest gaming PC build

  1. The text discusses the creation of the world's smallest all-in-one ATX power supply for a gaming PC, which does not require an external power brick and is passively cooled without an internal fan.
  2. The power supply is rated for 250 Watts, which is considered low for a gaming PC in 2024, but it is sufficient for the components used in this build, including an RTX 4060 graphics card and an Intel i5-14400F CPU.
  3. An alternative 500 Watt unit is mentioned as a backup option, which is slightly larger but still compact.
  4. The highlight of the build is the low-profile RTX 4060 graphics card, which is surprisingly heavy and dense, indicating a high-quality cooling solution despite its small size.
  5. The 8-pin power connector on the graphics card is conveniently located, eliminating the need for low-profile adapters.
  6. Before building the case, rough 3D models of the components are created to ensure accurate dimensions and efficient layout.
  7. The initial layout of the components is described, with the GPU plugged into the board and the power supply on the right, resulting in a compact 3.7-liter case.
  8. Further adjustments are made by moving the power supply above the motherboard, reducing the case size to 3.5 liters.
  9. The text concludes with the realization that the GPU is the tallest component, influencing the final design of the case.

Building a compact 3D-printed gaming PC

  1. The author aimed to create an extremely small gaming PC by using a riser cable and swapping the cooler to reduce the size to 2.7 liters.
  2. The build started with designing the motherboard tray, I/O shield, power supply mounting, and GPU mounting, opting to attach the GPU directly to the case with screws.
  3. Due to the size constraints of the 3D printer, the frame was printed in two pieces and assembled with screws and support posts.
  4. Initial 3D modeling attempts had errors, requiring several revisions to correct measurements and tolerances before the motherboard could be installed.
  5. The final compact frame included a fitting I/O shield, a power supply socket, front panel rails, and a clamp for the RTX 4060 GPU to ensure stability.
  6. A custom power switch was made from a mechanical key switch, adding a retro feel to the build.
  7. The side panels were designed to pay tribute to the Skyreach 4 Mini, a renowned ultra-compact case.

3D printed PC case melted due to PLA

  1. The design of the PC case incorporates aesthetic panel cutouts inspired by the Skyreach 4 Mini and a split faceplate design from the T1, resulting in an appealing DIY box.
  2. The assembly process involves joining two frames at the center and near the I/O, with self-tapping screw points that work effectively.
  3. The motherboard installation is similar to any other PC case, and the I/O shield positioning was successfully adjusted.
  4. A tiny power supply was used, requiring shortening and resoldering of three cables to fit the small gap, with plans to create perfect length cables in the future.
  5. The RTX 4060 graphics card installation involved securing it with screws and carefully folding the riser cable to fit properly.
  6. Custom power switch and side panels were added at the end, completing the 3.6L Mini PC case with an RTX 4060.
  7. The PC was able to run Overwatch 2 at 1440p 240Hz comfortably, demonstrating good performance initially.
  8. However, the case started to melt due to the use of PLA for 3D printing, which has a low glass transition point of 60°C, causing the top panel to cave in and the front panel to deform.
  9. The project failed as the PLA material could not withstand the heat, but using ABS with a higher glass transition point of 100°C could prevent such issues in the future.

3D-printed gaming PC with ventilation improvements

  1. The creator initially faced issues with the plastic panels melting due to insufficient heat resistance and lack of ventilation.
  2. To address this, the creator plans to use more heat-resistant plastics like polycarbonate and add ventilation at the top of the case.
  3. The initial assumption was that the RTX 4060's 100W TDP wouldn't require additional ventilation, but this proved incorrect.
  4. After adding top ventilation, the case remained cool, and the panels did not deform, even under full load.
  5. Both the RTX 4060 and Intel i5 CPU maintained temperatures around the mid-70s Celsius, which is acceptable for gaming.
  6. The 250W power supply handled the load well, and the overall build functioned perfectly.
  7. The creator acknowledges that the panel fitment needs improvement, as the current design lacks sufficient support and joinery for plastic materials.
  8. Future revisions will focus on adding more connecting parts and support to enhance the solidity of the build.
  9. The 3D files for the current version are available for download, but the creator advises waiting for further improvements to avoid existing issues.
  10. The project's vision is to create a compact, cool, and user-printable gaming PC that can be improved over time.