Compact Gaming & Emulation PC Build Guide

Compact Gaming & Emulation PC Build Guide

Table of Contents

1. 🛠️ Introduction
2. 🖥️ Choosing the Components
   • 🧩 The Case: A09 by Goody
   • ⚙️ Power Supply Considerations
   • 🔄 Motherboard Selection: ASRock B550 Mini ITX AC
   • 💾 Storage Options
   • 🧊 Cooling Solutions: Thermalright Copper Low Profile Cooler
3. 🛠️ Assembly Process
   • 🔌 Power Supply Installation
   • 🛠️ Motherboard and CPU Installation
   • 🎮 Installing the GPU: Radeon RX 6400
4. 🎮 Performance testing
   • 🎮 Gaming Benchmarks
   • 🕹️ Emulation Performance
5. 💡 Conclusion
6. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Hey everyone, it's eta prime back again! Today, we're diving into the world of small form factor gaming and emulation PCs. Join me as we assemble a compact powerhouse using some of my favorite components.

Choosing the Components

The Case: A09 by Goody

First up, let's talk about the heart of our build - the A09 case from Goody. This sleek case caught my eye with its compact design, perfect for our small form factor build.

Power Supply Considerations

Normally, I opt for a Pico power supply in my builds, but with the A09, we have the option to go with a flex power supply, providing a bit more flexibility without the need for a bulky power brick.

Motherboard Selection: ASRock B550 Mini ITX AC

For the motherboard, we're going with the ASRock B550 Mini ITX AC. It's a cost-effective choice with all the essentials, including an M.2 slot for our storage needs.

Storage Options

Speaking of storage, we're going big with a 2TB Fury M.2 NVMe SSD. With plenty of storage space, we're ready to load up on games and emulators.

Cooling Solutions: Thermalright Copper Low Profile Cooler

To keep our Ryzen 5 5600X cool, we're opting for the Thermalright Copper Low Profile Cooler. Its compact size and efficient cooling make it a perfect fit for our build.

Assembly Process

Power Supply Installation

With the power supply in place, it's time to tackle cable management. While it's a tight fit, we manage to wrangle all those cables into place, ensuring everything is connected securely.

Motherboard and CPU Installation

Next, we install the motherboard and CPU, taking care to ensure everything fits snugly in the case. With the Ryzen 5 5600X in place, we're ready to move on to the GPU.

Installing the GPU: Radeon RX 6400

Now comes the exciting part - installing the GPU. We've chosen the Radeon RX 6400 for its compact size and impressive performance. With a bit of maneuvering, we get it securely mounted in the case, ready to power our gaming and emulation adventures.

Performance Testing

Gaming Benchmarks

We put our new rig to the test with a variety of games, from Forza Horizon 5 to Cyberpunk 2077. Despite its compact size, the RX 6400 delivers impressive performance, handling even demanding titles with ease.

Emulation Performance

But our build isn't just for gaming - it's also a powerhouse for emulation. From PS2 to Wii U, our setup handles it all, offering smooth performance and stunning visuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our small form factor gaming and emulation PC is a triumph. With its compact size and impressive performance, it's perfect for gamers and emulation enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to build your own or simply admire the possibilities, the RX 6400 proves that big things can indeed come in small packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this PC handle modern games?

A: Absolutely! While it may not be the most powerful rig on the market, the RX 6400 paired with the Ryzen 5 5600X offers solid performance in modern titles.

Q: How about emulation performance?

A: Emulation is where this setup truly shines. From PS2 to Wii U, our build handles emulation with ease, offering smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.

Q: Is this build difficult to assemble?

A: Not at all! With a bit of patience and careful planning, assembling this small form factor PC is a rewarding experience for any enthusiast.

Q: Can I customize this build with different components?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match components to suit your needs and budget. Just be sure to double-check compatibility before making any changes.

Q: Where can I find the components used in this build?

A: You can find links to all the components used in this build in the description below. Happy building!