AMD Processors and Motherboard Chipsets
When it comes to building a powerful yet compact gaming PC, AMD processors are an excellent choice. The Ryzen lineup offers impressive performance, efficient power consumption, and a range of options to suit various budgets and needs. For our compact build, we’ll be focusing on the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, which deliver outstanding single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.
The Ryzen 5 5600X, for instance, is a fantastic mid-range processor that can handle even the most demanding games and creative workloads with ease. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide ample processing power, and the Precision Boost 2 technology ensures the CPU can dynamically adjust its clock speeds to deliver maximum performance when needed.
When it comes to the motherboard, we’ll be pairing our Ryzen 5 5600X with an AMD B550 chipset-based board. The B550 chipset offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it an ideal choice for our compact gaming build. These boards provide support for the latest PCIe 4.0 standard, allowing for lightning-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to utilize high-end SSDs and graphics cards.
Graphics and Power: Striking a Balance
While the AMD Ryzen processor will be the heart of our compact gaming PC, the graphics card is the key component that will determine its gaming performance. In the current GPU market, finding the right balance between price, power, and form factor is crucial.
For our build, we’ll be opting for an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card. This GPU offers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance, rivaling the capabilities of NVIDIA’s RTX 3070 in many scenarios. The Radeon RX 6700 XT features 12GB of GDDR6 video memory, which provides ample resources for today’s demanding games and future-proofing your system.
To power this compact gaming rig, we’ll be using a high-quality SFX power supply from Corsair. The Corsair SF600 is a compact, 600-watt unit that packs a punch while maintaining a small form factor. This power supply is fully modular, allowing for clean and efficient cable management, which is crucial in a compact case like the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB.
Cooling and Airflow: Keeping Things Chill
Maintaining proper cooling and airflow is essential in a compact PC build, as the limited space can pose challenges for heat dissipation. For our AMD-based gaming system, we’ll be utilizing a Corsair liquid CPU cooler, the Corsair H100i RGB PLATINUM SE.
This all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler features a 240mm radiator, providing ample cooling capacity for our Ryzen 5 5600X processor. The included Corsair SP120 RGB PRO fans ensure efficient heat transfer, while the customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of style to our build.
In addition to the CPU cooler, the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case comes equipped with three pre-installed Corsair SP120 RGB PRO fans. These high-performance fans are strategically placed to optimize airflow, with two in the front for intake and one in the rear for exhaust. The front panel’s steel mesh design further enhances the case’s airflow capabilities, ensuring our components stay cool under load.
Compact PC Build: Embracing the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB
The Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Airflow is the perfect chassis for our compact AMD gaming PC. This mid-tower case boasts a sleek and modern design, while its smaller footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into any desktop setup.
One of the standout features of the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB is its impressive cooling capabilities. With support for up to six 120mm fans or four 140mm fans, as well as the ability to accommodate a 360mm radiator in the front, this case ensures your components stay cool even under intense workloads.
The included Corsair SP120 RGB PRO fans not only provide excellent airflow but also add a touch of customizable RGB lighting to your build. The Corsair iCUE software allows you to synchronize the lighting effects across your entire system, creating a visually stunning and cohesive setup.
Despite its compact size, the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB offers ample storage options. It features two 2.5-inch drive bays and two additional 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drive trays, providing plenty of space for your primary SSD and secondary storage needs.
Building the Compact AMD Gaming PC
Now that we’ve covered the key components and the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case, let’s dive into the process of building our compact AMD gaming PC.
Assembling the CPU and Cooler
Start by installing the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor into the motherboard’s socket. Carefully align the CPU and gently lower it into place, ensuring it sits flush. Next, attach the Corsair H100i RGB PLATINUM SE liquid cooler to the CPU. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and secure the pump/block to the motherboard.
Installing the RAM and Storage
With the CPU and cooler in place, it’s time to install the memory modules. For our build, we’ll be using a 16GB (2x8GB) kit of high-speed DDR4 RAM. Insert the RAM sticks into the appropriate slots on the motherboard, ensuring they click into place securely.
Now, let’s add the storage drives. Install the M.2 SSD into the designated slot on the motherboard, ensuring it’s firmly in place. If you’re using a 2.5-inch SATA SSD or HDD, secure it in the drive trays provided in the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case.
Preparing the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Case
Before we can install the motherboard, it’s time to prepare the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case. Begin by removing the front panel to access the three pre-installed Corsair SP120 RGB PRO fans. These fans will serve as the primary intake for our system.
Next, remove the top and bottom dust filters to ensure unrestricted airflow. If you plan to install a 240mm radiator in the front, you’ll need to remove the hard drive cage to accommodate the larger cooler.
Installing the Motherboard and Components
With the case prepared, it’s time to install the motherboard. Carefully lower the board into the case, aligning the I/O shield and standoffs. Secure the motherboard in place using the provided screws.
Now, it’s time to connect the power supply. Attach the 24-pin motherboard power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connector, ensuring they are firmly in place. If you’re using a modular power supply like the Corsair SF600, route the cables neatly to maintain a clean and organized build.
Next, install the Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card. Align the PCIe slot on the motherboard and gently press the card into place until it clicks. Secure the card using the provided bracket.
Finishing Touches and Cable Management
With the core components installed, it’s time to focus on cable management. Utilize the cable routing channels and velcro ties provided in the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case to neatly organize the cables. This not only improves airflow but also gives your build a clean, professional appearance.
Finally, connect the Corsair H100i RGB PLATINUM SE liquid cooler to the CPU fan header on the motherboard, and plug in the RGB cables to the included iCUE Lighting Node CORE. This will allow you to control the RGB lighting effects through the Corsair iCUE software.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Compact AMD Gaming Rig
By leveraging the latest AMD Ryzen processors, high-performance Radeon graphics, and the compact yet feature-rich Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case, we’ve built a compact AMD gaming PC that delivers impressive performance in a space-efficient package.
The Ryzen 5 5600X’s powerful 6-core, 12-thread configuration, coupled with the Radeon RX 6700 XT’s excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming capabilities, ensures that this compact rig can handle the most demanding games and creative workloads with ease.
The Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case’s advanced cooling solutions, including the Corsair H100i RGB PLATINUM SE liquid cooler and the pre-installed SP120 RGB PRO fans, keep the system running cool and quiet, even under heavy loads.
Overall, this compact AMD gaming PC is a testament to the power and versatility of modern PC components. By carefully selecting the right parts and utilizing a compact case, you can build a powerful and visually stunning system that fits seamlessly into any desktop setup.
If you’re looking to build a compact yet capable gaming rig, this AMD-based build in the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB chassis is an excellent choice. Happy building!
