Fractal Design Core 500; PSU and DVD compatibility help
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 6:18 pm
I'm thinking about downsizing to an ITX build as my one and only machine.
I've spent a couple of days on research and reviews and need confirmation on a couple of key points.
I will NOT be using a video card--strictly integrated graphics.
I will NOT be using water cooling.
I will be using a traditional DVD burner in the only 5.25 inch bay.
Questions:
1: I know my Noctua U12S cooler is within the cooler height limitation, but I'm not sure if there might be clearance issues with certain DVD burners, depending on the latter's length. Can I be assured that any standard DVD burner will fit when the U12S fan is mounted in the standard "push" mode?
2: Will I be able to use a full width (25 mm) exhaust fan in the top panel if I use the U12S cooler and a "full length" DVD burner? I kinda think such a fan would NOT fit, but I also doubt I'd need a fan in that spot anyway.
3: I have access to 2 different full size ATX PSUs: Seasonic KM 560 Gold, fully modular, 160 mm length, and Rosewill Silent Night fanless 500 semi-modular, length 170 mm. Fractal specs say modular PSUs are limited to 160 mm and non-modular limited to 170 mm. So, in theory, it should be a very tight fit, possibly a show-stopper.
But build logs and reviews I've seen strongly imply that the 160 mm and 170 mm limitations do NOT apply if a video card is not used and/or if one is willing to mount the PSU inverted--which I'm willing to do. This will be a low power build (6600K, SSD, 2 HDDs, perhaps 150 watts maximum), so I don't expect PSU venting to be an issue regardless.
Any insight appreciated.
I've spent a couple of days on research and reviews and need confirmation on a couple of key points.
I will NOT be using a video card--strictly integrated graphics.
I will NOT be using water cooling.
I will be using a traditional DVD burner in the only 5.25 inch bay.
Questions:
1: I know my Noctua U12S cooler is within the cooler height limitation, but I'm not sure if there might be clearance issues with certain DVD burners, depending on the latter's length. Can I be assured that any standard DVD burner will fit when the U12S fan is mounted in the standard "push" mode?
2: Will I be able to use a full width (25 mm) exhaust fan in the top panel if I use the U12S cooler and a "full length" DVD burner? I kinda think such a fan would NOT fit, but I also doubt I'd need a fan in that spot anyway.
3: I have access to 2 different full size ATX PSUs: Seasonic KM 560 Gold, fully modular, 160 mm length, and Rosewill Silent Night fanless 500 semi-modular, length 170 mm. Fractal specs say modular PSUs are limited to 160 mm and non-modular limited to 170 mm. So, in theory, it should be a very tight fit, possibly a show-stopper.
But build logs and reviews I've seen strongly imply that the 160 mm and 170 mm limitations do NOT apply if a video card is not used and/or if one is willing to mount the PSU inverted--which I'm willing to do. This will be a low power build (6600K, SSD, 2 HDDs, perhaps 150 watts maximum), so I don't expect PSU venting to be an issue regardless.
Any insight appreciated.