Tiny Pc showdown: Falcon Northwest Tiki vs. VFAB's custom made-crafted Computer system

The veterans of VFAB know a thing or two about building PCs. So do the boutique technique designers at Falcon Northwest. What happens when you pit them versus just about every other to make the most impressive modest type aspect gaming Computer possible? You get the most current must-see video clip above on the VFAB YouTube channel, of class!

Falcon Northwest sent us the hottest variation of its very long-functioning Tiki “mini-tower” structure, rocking the most up-to-date Core i9-12900 processor and RTX 3080 Ti GPU. We’re pitting this all-air-cooled design, developed by pros with decades of experience in very small Pc building, towards Adam Patrick Murray’s individual hand-designed SFF device. Adam’s Computer system uses off-the-shelf pieces, but has an advantage with a bigger, much more capacious Lian Li situation and NZXT liquid cooling on the Ryzen 5 5600X. Adam’s equipment operates the exact GPU, an RTX 3080 Ti.

Mainly because of the difference in CPUs, we’re not heading to examine the Tiki and Adam’s SFF in a immediate horsepower match. We’re comparing the programs for taking care of heat less than load, likely the most difficult aspect of SFF style. The comparison of the two methods is definitely about the distinctions in style philosophy among the extremely restricted, all-air-cooled Tiki and the a lot more versatile but a lot less rigidly chambered Lian Li situation with liquid cooling.

The results had been incredibly close. Throughout a sequence of benchmarks and worry assessments, Adam’s custom made-tuned machine ran just a couple degrees hotter on the CPU aspect, with less variation many thanks to the secure warmth dissipation of the drinking water cooling process. He also pointed out that the one-chamber style and design of the Lian Li Q58 case usually means the proximity of the GPU can truly lead to CPU temps.

The graphics card, on the other hand, is functioning a number of levels cooler on Adam’s SFF. Which is partly many thanks to a lot less restricted airflow, partly thanks to a personalized undervolt. For an exhaustive breakdown of the comparison (and a fast historical past lesson on mini-tower structure), check out out the full video—both the Falcon Northwest Tiki and Adam’s homebrew rig wind up doing (and wanting) breathtaking, a testament to the Tiki’s craftmanship. For more nerdy comparisons, be certain to subscribe to the VFAB YouTube channel.