AMD Computers
AMD has long been a powerhouse in the world of desktop computing, offering a wide range of high-performance processors and graphics cards that cater to the needs of various users, from casual home users to hardcore gamers and content creators. In the realm of small form factor (SFF) PCs, AMD’s processors and GPUs have proven to be an excellent choice, providing impressive performance while maintaining a compact and efficient footprint.
AMD Processors
The AMD Ryzen lineup has been a game-changer in the CPU market, delivering exceptional multi-core performance and energy efficiency. For our compact AMD gaming PC build, the latest Ryzen 7000 series processors, such as the Ryzen 7 7700X, are an excellent choice. These CPUs offer impressive clock speeds, robust core counts, and advanced features like PCIe 5.0 support, making them well-suited for both gaming and productivity tasks.
When it comes to small form factor systems, the thermal management and power efficiency of AMD’s Ryzen chips become even more crucial. The Ryzen 7 7700X, with its 65W TDP, is a great fit for the NZXT H1 v2 Mini-ITX chassis, as it can be effectively cooled by the compact liquid cooling solution included in the case.
AMD Graphics Cards
Complementing the powerful Ryzen processors, AMD’s Radeon RX graphics cards are a natural choice for our compact gaming PC build. The latest Radeon RX 6000 series, such as the Radeon RX 6800 XT or the Radeon RX 6900 XT, offer excellent performance-per-watt and are well-suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming in a small form factor system.
These AMD GPUs not only deliver impressive frame rates but also feature advanced technologies like ray tracing, variable rate shading, and AMD FidelityFX, which can enhance the visual fidelity and immersion of your gaming experience. The compact size and power-efficient nature of these Radeon cards make them an ideal pairing with the NZXT H1 v2 chassis.
PC Components
Motherboards
When building a mini-ITX PC, the choice of motherboard becomes crucial, as it needs to accommodate the compact form factor while still providing the necessary features and connectivity. For our AMD-based gaming PC, a high-quality B650 or X670 motherboard would be an excellent option.
The Gigabyte Z690I AORUS ULTRA LITE DDR4 motherboard, for example, is a well-regarded mini-ITX board that supports the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. It offers two M.2 SSD slots, high-speed USB ports, and robust power delivery, making it a great foundation for our compact build.
Power Supplies
Selecting the right power supply (PSU) is crucial in a small form factor PC, as space constraints and thermal considerations come into play. The NZXT H1 v2 chassis is designed to accommodate an SFX power supply, which is a compact form factor that fits seamlessly within the case.
For our AMD gaming PC, we’ll opt for a high-quality, fully modular SFX power supply, such as the Corsair SF750 Platinum. This 750-watt unit not only provides ample power for our AMD Ryzen CPU and Radeon GPU but also features 80 Plus Platinum certification, ensuring excellent efficiency and low noise levels.
PC Cases
The NZXT H1 v2 Mini-ITX chassis is an excellent choice for our compact AMD gaming PC build. This sleek and modern case boasts a 15.6-liter volume, allowing for a powerful system to be packed into a relatively small footprint. The H1 v2 comes with a pre-installed 140mm all-in-one liquid cooler, which is perfectly suited for cooling the Ryzen 7 7700X CPU.
One of the standout features of the NZXT H1 v2 is its comprehensive component support. It can accommodate the latest high-end GPUs, such as the Radeon RX 6800 XT, while also providing ample space for the SFX power supply and other necessary components. The case’s thoughtful design and included accessories, such as the PCIe 4.0 riser card, make the building process a breeze.
PC Building
Hardware Assembly
When assembling our compact AMD gaming PC in the NZXT H1 v2 chassis, the process is relatively straightforward, thanks to the case’s well-designed layout and included components.
CPU Installation: Begin by installing the Ryzen 7 7700X processor onto the motherboard’s LGA 1715 socket. Carefully align the CPU, ensuring the pins are properly seated, and secure it in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
GPU Installation: Next, install the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics card. The NZXT H1 v2 case provides ample space for even the largest high-end GPUs, and the included PCIe 4.0 riser card makes the installation a breeze.
Memory and Storage: Install the 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM into the motherboard’s DIMM slots, ensuring the modules are securely seated. For storage, you can utilize the two M.2 SSD slots on the motherboard, such as a high-speed PCIe 4.0 SSD for your operating system and primary applications, and a secondary M.2 drive for additional storage.
Power Supply and Cooling: The NZXT H1 v2 case comes with a pre-installed 750-watt SFX power supply, so you can simply connect the necessary power cables to the motherboard, CPU, and GPU. The included 140mm all-in-one liquid cooler is then mounted to the CPU, providing efficient and quiet cooling for the Ryzen 7 7700X.
Cooling Solutions
The thermal management in a small form factor PC is crucial, and the NZXT H1 v2 chassis is designed with this in mind. The pre-installed 140mm all-in-one liquid cooler is a significant advantage, as it provides excellent cooling performance for the Ryzen 7 7700X CPU without taking up much space.
The liquid cooler’s 28mm-thick radiator is optimized for the H1 v2’s compact dimensions, and the included Aer P140mm fans ensure efficient heat dissipation. This cooling solution is more than capable of handling the thermal load of the Ryzen 7 7700X, even under heavy gaming or productivity workloads.
For the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT GPU, the card’s own cooling solution should be sufficient, as these GPUs are known for their impressive power efficiency and thermal management. The NZXT H1 v2’s airflow design and generous GPU clearance ensure that the graphics card can operate at optimal temperatures without throttling.
PC Performance
Gaming Performance
The combination of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and the Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics card in our compact NZXT H1 v2 build delivers excellent gaming performance, even at higher resolutions.
At 1080p, the Radeon RX 6800 XT is capable of delivering well over 100 frames per second in most modern AAA titles, with some games even reaching the 144Hz refresh rate threshold for a buttery-smooth experience. When moving up to 1440p, the GPU still maintains impressive frame rates, typically in the 80-100 FPS range, providing a great balance of visual fidelity and performance.
The Ryzen 7 7700X’s high single-core performance and robust multi-core capabilities ensure that the CPU does not become a bottleneck, even in CPU-intensive games. This allows the Radeon RX 6800 XT to reach its full potential, delivering a thrilling and immersive gaming experience in a compact form factor.
Thermal Management
Thermal management is a critical consideration when building a small form factor PC, and the NZXT H1 v2 chassis excels in this area. The pre-installed 140mm all-in-one liquid cooler effectively dissipates the heat generated by the Ryzen 7 7700X, keeping the CPU temperatures well within the safe operating range, even under sustained load.
The case’s airflow design, combined with the Aer P140mm fans, ensures that the Radeon RX 6800 XT also operates at optimal temperatures. The generous GPU clearance and efficient cooling solution prevent the graphics card from thermal throttling, allowing it to maintain its peak performance.
During our extensive testing, the NZXT H1 v2 system remained remarkably quiet, with the liquid cooler and case fans producing minimal noise, even when the components were under heavy load. This makes the compact AMD gaming PC a great choice for users who value both performance and a peaceful computing environment.
Conclusion
By leveraging the power of AMD’s latest Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics cards, we’ve built a compact and capable gaming PC housed in the NZXT H1 v2 Mini-ITX chassis. This small form factor system delivers impressive performance, excellent thermal management, and a sleek, modern aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a high-performance gaming rig without sacrificing valuable desk space.
The NZXT H1 v2’s thoughtful design and included components, such as the pre-installed liquid cooler and SFX power supply, streamline the building process and ensure a seamless assembly experience. With the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU and Radeon RX 6800 XT GPU, this compact PC is more than capable of handling the latest games, content creation tasks, and everyday productivity workflows.
Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, a creative professional, or simply someone who values a space-efficient yet powerful computer, the AMD-powered NZXT H1 v2 Mini-ITX build is an excellent choice that delivers uncompromising performance in a compact and elegant package. Happy building, and may your gaming sessions be filled with smooth frame rates and stunning visuals!
