When it comes to mini PCs vs ITX, I definitely choose the ITX powerhouse.
Why not buy a mini PC? It has the identity of a desktop but only offers the performance of a laptop; while it does have some expandability, it’s nearly nonexistent; the CPU and graphics card are significantly behind those of comparable desktops. If you still spend three to four thousand on a high-end setup, you are definitely paying an IQ tax. If you’re worried about space on a small desk, it’s better to consider an ITX case! It can be compact yet powerful, and it allows for future upgrades, making it a much better option than a one-time purchase mini PC.
Recently, I tested the KVM functionality of a new monitor, and in the photos, two desktops were visible, leading a keen-eyed netizen to message me (see the bottom left of the image) asking about the configuration of that nice-looking black ITX case. So I wrote this long article hoping to help those in need.
Actually, this ITX case was built using the AMD Ryzen 2700X and XFX RX590 8GB graphics card that I retired from my main desktop, along with an X570I motherboard, SFX power supply, and other hardware. Its configuration is not that aggressive, but it performs well enough, mainly excelling in being compact and easy to move, and it allows for easy future upgrades.
People who like this kind of small case generally fall into two categories: one like me, who loves this “concentrated beauty”; the other are those who have to, such as students or renters—those with limited indoor/desktop space find the ITX powerhouse more useful and less restrictive. A compact ITX can easily be assembled with custom small-size components (ITX motherboard, SFX power supply, slim coolers, and case fans) to create a high-performance PC that balances productivity and mobility, and can even create an esports aesthetic. Its cost-performance ratio is far superior to the mini PCs that have been crazily marketed in recent years.
Below is the complete configuration I used for the ITX case, where the motherboard, CPU, SSD, and memory were taken from the old case, while the graphics card has accompanied me for four years, and the SFX power supply has been in service for over a year, with the case being the new addition—coming from Shining’s S400 ITX case.
Considering the old components were primarily black, I opted for the black version of the Shining S400C instead of the white S400W. The ‘C’ suffix means it has an additional Type-C port (similarly, the white version is available as S400W and S400CW). The hardware configuration is shown in the image below.
The Shining S400 case originally came with two Shining slim fans, but I bought three additional Jonsbo ARGB slim fans for more lighting effects (paired with the Jonsbo HX6200D ARGB CPU cooler), including two HF1215 and one SL925, perfectly filling the three fan slots in the S400C.
Family photo of the case accessories: aside from basic screws, zip ties, two Shining fans, and a 4Pin dual power cable, the Shining S400 also includes a high-quality PCIe4.0 graphics card extension cable.
The black case is relatively understated, with dimensions of 340x220x140mm, condensed to a volume of 10.8 liters, and side view is the size of an A4 paper. It weighs 2.4 kilograms, with solid material and a nice feeling leather handle, importantly balancing sturdiness and aesthetics, making it easy to carry.
Apart from the difference in the ‘C’ port, the appearance of the S400 series is identical, with straightforward lines and almost no embellishments. However, even in its minimalist design, some thoughtful details were included, such as the sun pattern and ring light design on the power button, as well as the Shining logo plate on the back. The four feet at the bottom are anti-slip and elevate the cooling space, and a full magnetic dust filter is included under the bottom plate.
For an ITX case, excellent cooling is essential, and thus the Shining S400 has made both side panels MESH to achieve ventilation on five sides for optimal cooling. Both side panels are tool-free designs, allowing for easy disassembly; while the internal layout is quite compact, it can still accommodate graphics cards with a width of 154mm, height of 65mm, and length of 335mm, supporting three slots.
The Shining S400 can accommodate a down-pressure air cooler with a maximum height of 65mm, such as the Jonsbo HX6200D ARGB white version that I use, with a cooler height of 63mm, a 6-heat pipe copper base, and TDP200W cooling. The compatibility with the motherboard is excellent.
If you are switching from a traditional mid-tower case to the Shining S400, aside from needing an ITX motherboard and a down-pressure CPU cooler that fits the height, you will also need to switch to an SFX or SFX-L power supply with specifications in the 100-125mm range, preferably a fully modular one—after all, it’s an ITX small space, and every cable saved is a win; if the motherboard interfaces are stingy, you will also need multi-purpose extension cables; a fully modular power supply can reduce cable management pressure.
The motherboard is a Gigabyte X570I, with two Adata XPG D60G DDR4-3200 16GBx2 memory sticks. The CPU cooler for the 2700X is the Jonsbo HX6200D ARGB white version; the SSD is a 1TB Adata AN3.0 PCIe4.0x4, installed in the main M.2 SSD slot under the cooler, with an SSD-specific heat dissipation module above it; this motherboard also has another M.2 SSD slot on the back, allowing for expansion without removing the cooler.
Speaking of cooling, this ITX case can install three fans, with two 12cm slim fans on top and one 9cm slim fan below. As shown in the image, the left one is the Shining F12015, while the right one is the Jonsbo HF1215 ARGB that I plan to install; I chose the illuminated fans, which means I’ll have to connect a few more cables.
The PCIe4.0 graphics card extension cable provided by Shining S400 is highly compatible with the S400’s height, making it suitable for graphics card installations. It is vacuum-sealed and made with solid materials to ensure that the graphics card’s performance is not affected.
This is my second time building an ITX case; aside from needing to consider the wiring for the three fans, everything else is quite familiar. The top two fans should be installed onto the frame first before the frame is put back into the case; the PCIe cables should be organized before passing through the mid-plate to avoid conflicts during motherboard installation.
The SFX power supply comes from Cooler Master, specifically the V750 Gold fully modular one, providing 750W of power, which is more than enough for the 2700X and XFX RX590 8GB old graphics card. I will be able to handle a 40 series graphics card and a higher power CPU when I find one at a bargain price.
Wiring at the front took some time, as I had to deal with the six cables from the three fans and one three-in-one power cable; once that was done, I switched to the other side to install the graphics card, removing two of the back panel covers, connecting the power cable to the RX590, and then installing it; the whole process was quite smooth.
The 10.8-liter small case is fully loaded, yet it still maintains a relatively clean internal layout, ensuring smooth airflow, showcasing the excellent space design of the Shining S400.
After putting the cover back on, it looks deep and understated, with the “waist circle” power button in the lower right corner adding a nice touch. What do you think of its aesthetics?
It powered on successfully on the first try, and the lighting effects look even better.
With dual fans on top and one at the bottom, the cooling capability is enhanced, and the noise is minimal.
If you are considering using an integrated graphics card, you can also switch to a 120mm all-in-one CPU cooler; if you’re using a short mini graphics card, the space left can either accommodate a 120mm cooler or an additional 3.5-inch hard drive.
My old graphics card doesn’t have lighting, so the lighting effects on this side of the graphics card are somewhat lacking; I plan to replace it with a used illuminated card later.
Next, I will conduct some routine tests, letting the screenshots speak for themselves.
AIDA64 stability + stress test for half an hour shows temperatures of no more than 66℃ for the CPU, and the RX590 graphics card, which generates a significant amount of heat, does not exceed 72℃, all within ideal ranges.
PCMark10 scored 6075 points, indicating that daily office work, study, and entertainment are basically effortless.
Fire Strike and Sky Driver stress test results.
Though the RX590 is old, it still performs well in gaming, achieving over a hundred frames per second in PUBG with high settings at 2K resolution.
This ITX setup is not positioned for hardcore 3A gaming, but rather serves as a companion and backup due to its older configuration. The desktop behind it is the real powerhouse, allowing for efficient output in multimedia gaming and productivity.
If I can wait for the price drop of the 40 series graphics cards, getting a cheap 4070 to replace this small case can easily keep it relevant for many years to come.
That concludes the sharing of my ITX case build; I hope my experience can provide some inspiration and reference for everyone. I am Pen Point Cool Play, and I will see you next time.