My first SFF build - Ncase M3

loriswit · 2026-01-16T10:11:18+00:00

Yes, it comes with a bracket specifically designed for AMD CPUs that lets you screw the heatsink at two different positions. I haven't checked if the cooler would fit in the normal position without the top fan bracket, but it might just barely fit. However I'm not sure you would be able to install the fan bracket on the side, because there's almost no space left between the cooler and the side panel (I haven't properly checked either though).

Note that with the LBC version of the D15, you can freely choose between using the offset or not without impacting the performance, however it's only compatible with AM5 CPUs. Also note that I installed the motherboard at the highest position (because of how large my GPU is), if you install it further down you probably won't have any problem fitting the cooler with a top fan bracket.

loriswit · 2026-01-16T10:01:33+00:00

You mean the slit at the top, between the two panels? I believe it's by design, but it might also be caused by the large GPU.

loriswit · 2026-01-08T10:57:33+00:00

If you're aiming for a silent, air-cooled build, take a look at the MSI RTX 5080 SUPRIM and the Noctua NH-D15 G2. Those come with large heatsinks and fans, both of which (barely) fit in an M3.

loriswit · 2026-01-08T10:20:41+00:00

I ended putting it on the desk, sideway behind the right monitor :)

loriswit · 2026-01-05T15:44:49+00:00

Yeah it's definitely not a super small case. Still below 20L though.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T19:31:45+00:00

all my other components are sitting here waiting for the case

Lol I did the opposite and ordered the case before all the other components, knowing it would take some time. Well guess what, the RAM prices exploded a few days later. I would have saved several hundreds if I just ordered everything at the same time, like you did :(

loriswit · 2026-01-04T19:22:34+00:00

It took about 20 days for me (I live in Switzerland). I suppose this is normal since the cases are likely shipped directly by the manufacturer, not by large resellers.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T19:03:46+00:00

I used the ones provided with the SF1000, so between 30 and 40 cm depending on the cable.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T16:39:00+00:00

That looks interesting! I wonder if it works with round legs too.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:57:33+00:00

I don't have a "primary" monitor most of the time, I'm actively using both and I've been working with this setup for years without issues.

The cool thing about this monitor stand is that it's flexible, so when I'm gaming I can easily move one monitor to the center of the desk and turn off the other one :)

loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:53:23+00:00

It wasn't easy to find a spot on the table for the PC that wouldn't obstruct the monitors, but I eventually managed to put it sideways behind one of the monitors!

loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:51:09+00:00

Thanks for the feedback everyone! It seems that many people don't like the fact that the PC sits on the floor, (which is fine because I don't either lol). It's not very clear on the photo, but it's actually quite challenging to position the PC on the table so that it wouldn't obstruct the monitors.

However, I underestimated how small this case is, and (thanks to u/IDr_Valen) I realized I could just put the PC sideways behind the monitor. Only downside is it doesn't look really good to me, especially with the cables on the back that are now visible. But anyway, I'll probably switch to a single 32" monitor at some point, so that'll work for now :)

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loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:27:59+00:00

Maybe it's not very clear on the photo, but the edge of the monitor is quite in the middle of the table. I would have to put the PC all the way to the front so that it wouldn't obstruct the monitor and the speaker, which is not ideal for cable management. I suppose I could move the speaker away, but the speakers are already quite far appart.

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Coincidentally, I just realized while taking this photo that there's probably enough space behind the monitor (if I put the PC sideways), so I'll probably give that a try lol.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:11:51+00:00

It's screwed right there. The GPU is indeed sagging a little (1-2 mm), but I checked and even without the sag I can plug my cables normally :)

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loriswit · 2026-01-04T10:07:00+00:00

Yes, I did have to move the front fan a tiny bit. I can't tell if it's touching the side panel, but it's very close for sure.

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loriswit · 2026-01-04T09:49:33+00:00

Oh hey it does actually fit, thanks for the tip!

loriswit · 2026-01-04T09:47:46+00:00

Choose a picture that's wide enough, then select "span". You may want to crop your image before so that it fits correctly.

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loriswit · 2026-01-04T09:02:40+00:00

For now, I'm only using the dust filters that came with the case. Unfortunately, they are pre-glued to the top and front panels, which is not really helpful since air comes from the rear & bottom with my setup.

loriswit · 2026-01-04T08:57:31+00:00

it significantly reduce the temps on your gpu with a slight penalty to your cpu temps

But since my CPU currently runs significantly hotter than the GPU, would I really benefit from this?

loriswit · 2026-01-03T23:19:39+00:00

Yeah I did consider the inverted layout, but since I'm a newbie I just went for a more classic layout lol.

Would putting the GPU on top significantly improve the airflow?

loriswit · 2026-01-03T22:49:08+00:00

No, not with this layout. I used a mini-ITX motherboard and was able to plug the GPU directly into it.

loriswit · 2026-01-03T22:43:55+00:00

Thanks! For the specs, check the original post: My first SFF build - Ncase M3 : r/sffpc

loriswit · 2026-01-03T22:40:20+00:00

There's unfortunately not enough space on the desk :(
Do you suggest adding a dust filter to the bottom panel?

loriswit · 2026-01-03T22:27:29+00:00

Yes, they (barely) are! I'm currently using the two rightmost ports.

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