The RTX 4090 has finally met its match
Which components were selected for the build, and what were the specific reasons for choosing them?
The components selected for the build were:
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4090 Founder's Edition
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- CPU cooler: ID-Cooling IS-55
- CPU bracket: Thermalright ASF-Black
- RAM: 32GB PNY XLR-8 DDR5-6200
- Motherboard: Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra
- Power supply: Cooler Master V850
- Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1TB, Crucial MX500 2TB
- Case: Fractal Terra (Jade)
The specific reasons for choosing these components were:
- GPU: The RTX 4090 was chosen for its high-end performance and power.
- CPU: The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D was chosen as it is a powerful CPU that can handle demanding tasks.
- CPU cooler: The ID-Cooling IS-55 was chosen as it is a tiny CPU cooler that can handle the heat produced by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
- CPU bracket: The Thermalright ASF-Black bracket was chosen to reduce temperatures by a few degrees.
- RAM: The 32GB PNY XLR-8 DDR5-6200 was chosen as it is low-profile memory that could fit in the small form factor build.
- Motherboard: The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra was chosen for its compatibility with the other components.
- Power supply: The Cooler Master V850 was chosen as it is a powerful and efficient power supply.
- Storage: The Samsung 980 Pro 1TB and Crucial MX500 2TB were chosen for their fast read and write speeds and large storage capacity.
- Case: The Fractal Terra (Jade) was chosen as it is a small form factor case that could fit all the high-end components.
What specific challenges were encountered when fitting the RTX 4090 and the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D into the Fractal Terra case?
Fitting the RTX 4090 and the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D into the Fractal Terra case presented several challenges. The primary issue was the limited space within the case, which required careful planning and component selection to ensure everything fit properly. The RTX 4090, in particular, posed a challenge due to its triple-slot size and thick power cable that could deliver up to 600 watts. The adjustable spine in the Fractal Terra case allowed for maximum GPU clearance, but it still required contorting the case to properly close the side panel.
Additionally, the CPU cooler had to be carefully chosen to handle the Ryzen 7 7800X3D while fitting within the limited space. The ID-Cooling IS-55 was selected for this purpose, providing just enough clearance for the Founder's Edition RTX 4090. The motherboard also played a significant role in the build, with the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra causing some clearance issues with the cooler.
Overall, the challenges encountered in this build included limited space, GPU clearance, CPU cooler compatibility, and motherboard clearance issues. Through careful planning, component selection, and optimization, these challenges were overcome to create a high-performance gaming PC in a small form factor case.
How does the internal design of the Fractal Terra case facilitate the fitting of large components like the RTX 4090?
The internal design of the Fractal Terra case facilitates the fitting of large components like the RTX 4090 through its unique "sandwich" layout and adjustable spine. The case is divided into two compartments, with one side dedicated to the GPU and the other side for the motherboard and other components. The adjustable spine allows users to allocate more space for the GPU by shifting it towards the side panel, providing extra clearance for larger graphics cards.
In the case of fitting an RTX 4090, the spine can be maxed out for GPU clearance, allowing the card to fit within the limited space. The design of the Terra case also includes an inverted motherboard orientation, which helps accommodate large GPUs by providing additional space.
Furthermore, the Terra case offers support for SFX and SFX-L power supplies, which can be adjusted according to the user's needs. This flexibility in adjusting the internal layout and components allows builders to fit high-end hardware, such as the RTX 4090, into a compact form factor.