In today’s fast-paced world, where desk space is often limited, a compact yet powerful PC build is a game-changer. My first Micro-ATX build was driven by the need for a high-performance system that fits neatly into a small space.
The Deepcool CH260 case, with its sleek design and excellent airflow, became the cornerstone of this build, perfectly suited for those with limited desk space or a preference for minimalist setups. Below, I detail the components, their performance, and why this build is ideal for small spaces.
Why Choose a Compact Micro-ATX Build?
Micro-ATX builds offer several advantages over traditional full ATX systems, especially for users with space constraints:
- Smaller Footprint: Measuring just 225 x 438 x 312.5 mm, the Deepcool CH260 is significantly smaller than full ATX cases, making it ideal for small desks or apartments.
- Improved Cable Management: Smaller cases often force tidier cable routing, especially when paired with components like the MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO motherboard, which has rear connectors.
- Efficient Airflow: Compact cases with mesh panels, like the CH260, can provide excellent airflow when configured correctly, ensuring components stay cool.
- Energy Efficiency: Smaller builds often use less power-hungry components, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact.
This build is tailored for gamers, professionals, or anyone needing a powerful PC in a compact form factor, offering a balance of performance and space efficiency.
Component Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at each component, why it was chosen, and how it contributes to the compact, high-performance build.
Case: Deepcool CH260
The Deepcool CH260 is a Micro-ATX case designed for high airflow and compactness. Its full steel mesh panels on the front and top ensure excellent ventilation, crucial for keeping components cool in a small space. The tempered glass side panel adds a modern aesthetic, showcasing the build’s internals. Key features include:
- Dimensions: 225 x 438 x 312.5 mm, weighing only 3.5 kg, making it highly portable and desk-friendly.
- Compatibility: Supports Micro-ATX motherboards and full-size GPUs up to 388 mm (413 mm without front fans), accommodating high-end components.
- Cooling Support: Can house up to six 120 mm fans or a 360 mm radiator, ensuring robust cooling options.
- Rear Connector Support: Designed for motherboards with back connectors, simplifying cable management.
The CH260’s compact size and airflow-focused design make it an excellent choice for small spaces, as noted in reviews from Deepcool’s official site and Overclocking.com.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a base clock of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock up to 5.3 GHz. Built on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, it offers excellent gaming performance and efficiency. Key points include:
- Performance: Reviews from TechPowerUp and Digital Citizen highlight its strong gaming performance, often matching higher-end CPUs in gaming scenarios.
- Compact Build Suitability: Its 105W TDP is manageable in a small case, requiring less aggressive cooling than higher-end CPUs.
- Value: Priced at $170.49, it’s a cost-effective choice for a mid-range gaming build.
This CPU is ideal for a compact build, providing robust performance without excessive heat output, making it easier to cool in a small case.
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Aqua Elite V3
The Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 is a 66.17 CFM liquid CPU cooler, chosen for its space efficiency and cooling performance. Liquid coolers are often preferred in compact builds due to their smaller footprint compared to large Ascent towers. Key features include:
- Compact Design: The radiator and pump are smaller than large air coolers, fitting well in the CH260 case.
- Cooling Efficiency: Provides sufficient cooling for the Ryzen 5 7600X, keeping temperatures low in a confined space.
- Price: At $54.59, it’s a budget-friendly option for high-performance cooling.
The liquid cooler’s compact design and effective cooling make it a perfect match for this build, ensuring the CPU remains cool without taking up excessive space.
Motherboard: MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO
The MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. Its standout feature is the back-connector design, which moves all power and data connectors to the rear, simplifying cable management. Key features include:
- Back-Connector Design: Reduces visible cable clutter, as noted in reviews from Club386 and CGMagazine.
- Future-Proofing: Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, ensuring compatibility with next-gen components.
- VRM Design: A 10+2+1 phase design with an 80A rating can handle high-end CPUs, providing stability for the Ryzen 5 7600X.
Priced at $229.99, this motherboard is a premium choice that enhances the build’s aesthetics and functionality, making it ideal for a compact, clean setup.
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36
The Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL36 memory kit offers high-speed performance and aesthetic appeal. Key features include:
- Performance: Speeds up to 6000 MT/s with CL36 timings, as praised in reviews from TechRadar and Digital Citizen, ensure smooth gaming and multitasking.
- Compatibility: Supports both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO, making it versatile for the Ryzen 5 7600X.
- Aesthetics: RGB lighting enhances the visual appeal through the CH260’s tempered glass panel.
At $139.56, this RAM provides excellent performance and style, fitting well in a compact build due to its low-profile design.
Storage: Kingston Fury Renegade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
The Kingston Fury Renegade 1 TB NVME SSD delivers top-tier performance in a small form factor. Key features include:
- Speed: Up to 7300 MB/s read and 7000 MB/s write, as noted in reviews from PCWorld and Tom’s Hardware.
- Endurance: Rated for 1000 TBW, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Compactness: The M.2 form factor takes up minimal space, ideal for small cases.
Priced at $117.85, this SSD ensures fast load times and ample storage, making it a perfect fit for a gaming-focused compact build.
Video Card: Gigabyte EAGLE OC ICE GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12 GB
The Gigabyte EAGLE OC ICE RTX 4070 SUPER is a high-performance GPU suitable for 1440p and 4K gaming. Key features include:
- Performance: 12 GB GDDR6X memory and a 2535 MHz boost clock, as highlighted in reviews from TechPowerUp and Best Buy customer reviews.
- Cooling: Triple-fan design keeps temperatures low, around 60°C under load.
- Size: Manageable for a Micro-ATX case, allowing extra fan installation.
This GPU’s performance and size make it an excellent choice for a compact build, ensuring high frame rates without overwhelming the case’s space constraints.
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 is an 850 W power supply designed for modern components. Key features include:
- Power Delivery: ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compliant, with a 16-pin PCIe connector for up to 600W, as noted in reviews from TweakTown and Hardware Busters.
- Modularity: Fully modular design simplifies cable management in a compact case.
- Efficiency: 80+ Gold certification ensures low energy consumption.
Priced at $132.99, this PSU provides ample power and flexibility, crucial for a tidy and efficient compact build.
Case Fans: Antec P12R 61.46 CFM 120 mm
The Antec P12R 120 mm fans provide efficient cooling with a reverse blade design. Key features include:
- Airflow: Up to 61.46 CFM, as noted in specifications from Antec.
- Noise Levels: PWM control ensures quiet operation between 600-1500 RPM.
- Configuration: Multiple fans, including bottom intake, maintain positive pressure and low temperatures.
These fans, installed in multiple positions, ensure the CH260’s airflow remains robust, addressing thermal challenges in a compact setup.
Cable Management
Cable management in a compact case can be challenging, but the MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO’s back-connector design and the fully modular MSI MAG A850GL PSU made it manageable. Flipping the power supply and using the space next to the AIO cooler allowed for a tidy interior. The Lian Li Strimer Plus RGB 12VHPWR cable, priced at $69.00 AUD, added a stylish touch while keeping cables organized.
Build Cost and Value
Component | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | $170.49 |
CPU Cooler | Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 | $54.59 |
Motherboard | MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO | $229.99 |
Memory | Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32 GB | $139.56 |
Storage | Kingston Fury Renegade 1 TB | $117.85 |
Video Card | Gigabyte EAGLE OC ICE RTX 4070 SUPER | Not listed |
Case | Deepcool CH260 | Not listed |
Power Supply | MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 | $132.99 |
Case Fans | Antec P12R (x6) | Not listed |
Custom Cable | Lian Li Strimer Plus RGB | $69.00 AUD |
Total | $845.40 (partial) |
The total cost of listed components is $845.40, with some prices missing. This build offers excellent value for a high-performance, compact system.
Performance and Suitability for Small Spaces
This build excels in small spaces due to its compact size and efficient design. The Ryzen 5 7600X and RTX 4070 SUPER deliver top-tier gaming performance, capable of handling 1440p and 4K gaming with DLSS 3. The 32 GB DDR5-6000 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the Kingston Fury Renegade SSD provides fast load times.
The CH260’s airflow, enhanced by multiple Antec P12R fans, keeps temperatures low, addressing thermal concerns in compact builds. The back-connector motherboard and modular PSU simplify cable management, resulting in a clean, professional-looking interior.
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Conclusion
Building this Micro-ATX PC was a rewarding experience, blending high performance with a compact form factor. The Deepcool CH260 case, paired with carefully selected components, delivers a powerful system that fits perfectly on a small desk. For gamers, professionals, or anyone needing a high-performance PC in a limited space, this build offers an ideal solution. Its combination of performance, aesthetics, and space efficiency makes it a standout choice for compact PC enthusiasts.
Note: Component information was gathered from online reviews and specifications to ensure accuracy. For more details, refer to sources like Deepcool, TechPowerUp, and PCWorld.

Hi, I’m Nghia Vo: a computer hardware graduate, passionate PC hardware blogger, and entrepreneur with extensive hands-on experience building and upgrading computers for gaming, productivity, and business operations.
As the founder of Vonebuy.com, a verified ecommerce store under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, I combine my technical knowledge with real-world business applications to help users make confident decisions.
I specialize in no-nonsense guides on RAM overclocking, motherboard compatibility, SSD upgrades, and honest product reviews sharing everything I’ve tested and implemented for my customers and readers.