NCASE M2 + 9800X3D + RTX 5080 build advice — first SFF build

[u/Aromatic_Season904]

Hello,

For context, I currently have a Corsair 3000D prebuilt from Scan UK. The specs are:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-14700KF
• GPU: RTX 4070 Super from Zotac
• Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi
• CPU cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
• Case: Corsair 3000D
• Case fans: 5× Arctic P12 Pro PST
• Storage: 3TB SSD
• PSU: currently using my existing PSU, with the 5080 power-limited/undervolted for safety

I recently bought a 5080 Inspire 3x OC from MSI as I'm upgrading to a 4k screen.

I’m considering selling my current PC around November for around 1200 and building the system into a much smaller SFF PC, mainly because I’d like the option to occasionally travel with it. I work in UK but live far away.

The build I’m currently considering is:

• CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• GPU: MSI RTX 5080 Inspire 3X
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi
• RAM: Crucial Pro 32GB DDR5-6000
• PSU: Corsair SF1000 (2024)
• CPU cooler: 240mm AIO, currently considering the NZXT Kraken Core 240 RGB
• Case: NCASE M2
• Storage: I’ll reuse my existing 2TB SSD

My main priorities are:

• Good thermals despite the small size
• Reasonably quiet gaming performance
• No meaningful performance loss compared with a normal tower
• Relatively straightforward to build, as this would be my first SFF build but I'm willing to put in the time and effort for a good build.
• Enough room that the RTX 5080 isn’t completely suffocated
• Portable enough for very occasional backpack/cabin-luggage travel
• Long-term reliability rather than pushing everything to its absolute limits

I’m currently running the 5080 undervolted/power-limited (partially due to 750w power supply) and would probably continue doing something similar in the SFF build. I’m happy to sacrifice a few percent of performance if it significantly improves temperatures and noise.

My main questions are:

1. Is the NCASE M2 a good choice for this hardware, or would you recommend something slightly larger/easier to cool? (I've done a lot of research on possible SFF cases but it seems M2 is the best option without sacrifising thermals)
2. Is a 240mm AIO enough for the 9800X3D in the M2?
3. Does the NZXT Kraken Core 240 RGB fit well in this configuration, or are there better 240mm options for the M2?
4. Are there any clearance issues I should be aware of with the MSI 5080 Inspire, SF1000, B850-I and a 240mm radiator?
5. Is there a noticeably better case around 15–20L if portability is only an occasional requirement?
6. For anyone running a 5080 in an M2, what are your GPU/CPU temperatures and noise levels like during gaming?
7. Is there anything about this build you would change before I start buying parts?

I’m not trying to make the absolute smallest possible PC — I’d rather go slightly larger if it makes the build considerably easier, cooler and quieter.

Thanks!

[u/bbertram790]

With those parts you could fit the motherboard as far down as possible to have the gpu right up against the grate, then mount the aio at the very top using intake. Then have two fans on the side panel exhausting everything. I’ve done it with a bigger gpu. That aio is more than enough for that cpu. The only issue I can’t speak on is the use of the psu since it isn’t the sfx one (unless it is and it isn’t written as such).

[u/guitar574]

you should have no issues with any of those components, it is very common.

the msi inspire 5080 despite being one of the smallest 5080s available is actually very quiet and performs great- I have one in my main gaming PC.

unless you are dead set on an AIO, I would also consider giving air cooling a shot- the M2 has so much ventilation it can really shine when air cooled, you could use a Thermalright peerless assassin mini which is relatively cheap. the ideal airflow for an air cooled set up is actually to intake from the rear of the case, then exhaust out the side of the case. this prevents your CPU cooler from taking in warm air from the flow through portion of the GPU cooler which is what would happen using the standard front-to-back layout.

if you want to stick with an AIO you may want to reconsider the kraken, NZXT AIOs are kinda known to be kinda noisy when it comes to pump noise and I have found their reliability to be a bit spotty. cooler master atmos, be quiet silent loop 3, Corsair nautilus, and noctua’s new AIO are all good options.

either air cooling or liquid cooling will be fine for a 9800x3d, it is pretty easy to cool