Building my second PC was an exciting journey, inspired by Mr. Matt Lee’s YouTube video showcasing a stunning micro ATX build. I decided to take on the challenge of constructing a compact yet powerful gaming PC, focusing on high-end components and a sleek black-and-white aesthetic with LCD display accents.
The micro ATX form factor presented some challenges, particularly with cable management, but the result is a visually striking and high-performing system that I’m thrilled to share. This blog post details the components, build process, and my experience, offering insights for anyone considering a similar build.
Component List
Below is a comprehensive list of the components used in this build, along with their specifications and why I chose them:
Component | Model | Price | Key Specifications | Reason for Choice |
---|---|---|---|---|
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D | $340.05 | 8 cores, 16 threads, 4.2 GHz base, 5.0 GHz boost, 96 MB L3 cache | Exceptional gaming performance due to 3D V-Cache technology, cost-effective compared to higher-end Ryzen models. |
CPU Cooler | NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB (2024) | $199.99 | 240mm radiator, 2x F120P fans, 2.72″ IPS LCD (640×640) | High cooling performance with customizable LCD display for aesthetics and system monitoring. |
Motherboard | Gigabyte B850M AORUS ELITE WIFI6E ICE | $199.99 | AM5 socket, DDR5 up to 8200 MHz, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN | Supports latest AMD processors, offers high-speed connectivity, and matches the white aesthetic. |
Memory | G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 | $119.99 | 32 GB, DDR5-6000 MHz, CL30-38-38-96, AMD EXPO | High-speed memory optimized for Ryzen, with RGB lighting for visual appeal. |
Storage | Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD | $154.54 | 2 TB, 7,300 MB/s read, 6,600 MB/s write | Fast load times and ample storage for games and applications. |
Video Card | Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB | $729.99 | 16 GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 2970 MHz boost, PCIe 5.0 | High-end gaming performance at 4K with future-proof features. |
Case | Jonsbo Jonsplus Z20 MicroATX Desktop | $99.00 | Micro ATX/Mini-ITX, 20L volume, 240mm AIO support, detachable handle | Compact, portable, and supports high-performance components with good airflow. |
Power Supply | Asus ROG LOKI 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX | $189.99 | 750 W, 80+ Platinum, SFX-L, fully modular | Reliable power delivery in a compact form factor, ideal for micro ATX builds. |
Case Fans | Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD Wireless 54.3 CFM 120 mm (3-Pack) | $149.99 | 54.3 CFM, 1.6″ LCD (400×400), wireless control | Unique LCD displays for customization, good airflow, and easy cable management. |
Case Fans | Lian Li UNI FAN TL Wireless 83.4 CFM 120 mm (3-Pack) | $101.99 | 83.4 CFM, wireless RGB control, daisy-chain design | High airflow with minimal noise, simplifies cable management. |
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Why I chose it: The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is widely regarded as one of the best gaming CPUs due to its 3D V-Cache technology, which stacks additional cache to boost gaming performance. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads, making it versatile for gaming and multitasking, and its price point is more accessible than the Ryzen 9 series.
- Performance: With a base clock of 4.2 GHz and a boost up to 5.0 GHz, it delivers exceptional frame rates in CPU-intensive games. Its 96 MB L3 cache significantly reduces latency, making it ideal for titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
2. CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB (2024)
- Why I chose it: This AIO cooler provides robust cooling for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D while adding a stunning 2.72-inch IPS LCD display for system monitoring or custom visuals. Its 2024 model offers a 10% improvement in cooling performance over its predecessor.
- Performance: The 240mm radiator and two F120P fans ensure low CPU temperatures, even during intense gaming sessions. The customizable LCD display, controlled via NZXT CAM software, adds a unique aesthetic touch NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB.
3. Motherboard: Gigabyte B850M AORUS ELITE WIFI6E ICE
- Why I chose it: This micro ATX motherboard supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors and offers advanced features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory up to 8200 MHz. Its white color scheme aligns with the build’s aesthetic, and Wi-Fi 6E ensures fast connectivity.
- Performance: The motherboard’s robust VRM design and support for high-speed components make it a future-proof choice for gaming and content creation Gigabyte B850M AORUS ELITE WIFI6E ICE.
4. Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
- Why I chose it: Optimized for AMD Ryzen with EXPO support, this memory kit offers high speed and low latency, ideal for gaming and multitasking. The RGB lighting enhances the build’s visual appeal.
- Performance: Running at 6000 MHz with CL30 timings, it provides excellent bandwidth and stability, ensuring smooth performance in demanding applications G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB.
5. Storage: Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
- Why I chose it: This SSD is one of the fastest available, with read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,600 MB/s. Its 2 TB capacity is perfect for storing large game libraries and applications.
- Performance: The SN850X reduces game load times and improves system responsiveness, with features like Game Mode 2.0 optimizing performance for gaming Western Digital WD_Black SN850X.
6. Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB
- Why I chose it: The Radeon RX 9070 XT, based on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture, offers 16 GB of GDDR6 memory and supports PCIe 5.0, making it ideal for 4K gaming and future-proofing.
- Performance: With a boost clock of 2970 MHz and features like AMD HYPR-RX and Smart Access Memory, it delivers high frame rates and stunning visuals in modern games Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT GAMING OC.
7. Case: Jonsbo Jonsplus Z20 MicroATX Desktop
- Why I chose it: This compact case (20L volume) supports micro ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, with a detachable handle for portability and good airflow for high-performance components.
Rear side of the Jonsbo Jonsplus Z20 MicroATX case - Performance: It accommodates a 240mm AIO cooler and GPUs up to 363mm, with magnetic dust filters ensuring clean airflow. Cable management requires careful planning due to the compact size Jonsbo Jonsplus Z20.
8. Power Supply: Asus ROG LOKI 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX
- Why I chose it: This SFX-L PSU delivers 750W of power with 80+ Platinum efficiency, making it ideal for a compact build. Its fully modular design simplifies cable management.
- Performance: With ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 support, it provides stable power for high-end components, and its quiet operation (Lambda A+ certified) enhances the build’s acoustics Asus ROG LOKI 750W.
9. Case Fans
Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD Wireless 54.3 CFM 120 mm (3-Pack)
- Why I chose it: These fans feature 1.6″ LCD displays for displaying system metrics or custom visuals, adding a unique aesthetic. Their wireless control simplifies setup.
- Performance: With 54.3 CFM airflow and 31 dB noise, they balance cooling and quiet operation. The daisy-chain design reduces cable clutter Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD.
Lian Li UNI FAN TL Wireless 83.4 CFM 120 mm (3-Pack)
- Why I chose it: These fans offer higher airflow (83.4 CFM) for enhanced cooling, with wireless RGB control for easy customization.
- Performance: They provide excellent airflow with a maximum noise level of 34 dB, and the daisy-chain design ensures clean cable management Lian Li UNI FAN TL.
Build Process
Building in the Jonsbo Z20 micro ATX case required meticulous planning due to its compact 20L volume. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Motherboard Installation: I began by installing the Gigabyte B850M AORUS ELITE WIFI6E ICE motherboard, ensuring all standoffs were correctly placed to avoid short circuits.
- CPU and Cooler Installation: The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D was carefully seated in the AM5 socket, followed by the NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB cooler. The AIO’s mounting instructions were straightforward, and the radiator was mounted at the top of the case.
- Memory and Storage: The G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB RAM was installed in the dual-channel slots, and the WD_Black SN850X SSD was secured in the M.2 slot, taking advantage of the motherboard’s PCIe 4.0 support.
- GPU Installation: The Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT was a tight fit due to its 288mm length, but the Jonsbo Z20’s 363mm GPU clearance accommodated it well.
- PSU and Cable Management: The Asus ROG LOKI 750W PSU was installed last. Its fully modular cables were a lifesaver, but routing them through the case’s tight spaces required patience. I used the case’s cable channels and zip ties to keep things tidy.
- Case Fans: The Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD and TL Wireless fans were installed at the top and bottom of the case. Their daisy-chain design and wireless control minimized cable clutter, and the LCD displays were configured via L-Connect 3 to show CPU and GPU temperatures.
Challenges: Cable management was the biggest hurdle due to the compact case. The PSU cables and fan wiring needed careful routing to avoid obstructing airflow. The detachable handle on the Jonsbo Z20 was a nice touch for portability but didn’t aid in cable management. Using the Lian Li fans’ daisy-chain system and the modular PSU cables helped mitigate this issue.
👉 Check out this Mini ITX Gaming PC Build for 2026: Mini ITX Gaming PC Build 2026 – discover how to create a compact, powerful setup with the latest components for future-proof gaming.
Performance and Aesthetics
This build delivers outstanding gaming performance, with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Radeon RX 9070 XT handling 4K gaming with high frame rates in titles like God of War: Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. The NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB keeps CPU temperatures below 70°C under load, and the Lian Li fans ensure excellent case airflow. The black-and-white aesthetic, accentuated by the white motherboard and LCD displays on the cooler and fans, creates a visually stunning setup. The RGB lighting, controlled via NZXT CAM and L-Connect 3, adds a vibrant touch.
Conclusion
This micro ATX gaming PC build is a testament to the power and versatility of compact systems in 2025. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT provide top-tier gaming performance, while the NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB and Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD fans add both cooling efficiency and a unique aesthetic. The Jonsbo Z20 case, though challenging for cable management, offers a portable and stylish chassis. For anyone looking to build a high-performance gaming PC in a smaller form factor, this setup is a fantastic choice. I’m thrilled with the results and hope this guide inspires your next build.
Note: All specifications and features are based on the latest available information as of July 2025. Always check the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date details.
FAQ
u003cstrongu003eIs the Ryzen 7 7800X3D good for gaming in 2026?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains one of the top-performing CPUs for gaming thanks to its 3D V-Cache technology, offering excellent FPS in both 1080p and 1440p titles.
u003cstrongu003eHow powerful is the RX 9070 XT compared to previous generations?u003c/strongu003e
The RX 9070 XT delivers significant performance gains over the RX 7900 XT, offering higher ray tracing efficiency and better power consumption.
Will this Micro ATX build fit inside all Micro ATX cases?
No, always check GPU length and CPU cooler height compatibility for your specific Micro ATX case before purchasing.
u003cstrongu003eIs a 750W PSU enough for this build?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, a high-quality 750W PSU is sufficient for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RX 9070 XT combo, with some headroom for overclocking.u003cbru003e
Is this build suitable for 4K gaming?
Yes, the RX 9070 XT paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D can handle most modern games at 4K with high to ultra settings smoothly.
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.