Video summary
This episode of Build Log continues to explore small form factor solutions for customers who need portable computing power without sacrificing performance. The featured build showcases the Fractal Design Terra in Jade, an ultra-compact chassis with only 10 liters of volume that is designed specifically for ease of transport. This particular case allows users to carry their machine easily, even fitting it inside a backpack when moving between locations via public transportation. Unlike standard desktop builds intended solely as stationary art pieces, this system prioritizes mobility while maintaining the raw performance and price-to-performance ratio that makes custom PCs superior to laptops in many scenarios.
The internal components are carefully selected to support high-end gaming at 1440p resolution without compromising on space or thermal efficiency. The build features an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor running at 5.4 GHz, cooled by the highly regarded Thermalright AXP90 X53 copper heatsink which is noted for its excellent performance in small form factor environments. Storage and memory are handled with a ZITAI TI Plus 2TB Gen 4 SSD to prevent stuttering during gameplay and a T-Force Vulcan 16GB kit, reflecting the current reality of expensive RAM prices where users often buy only what they need immediately. The graphics solution is an SFF-compatible Gigabyte RTX 570 WindForce OC, chosen because it fits within the strict height limitations of the Terra case while still delivering powerful rendering capabilities for modern titles.
Beyond simply listing parts, this build highlights a specific approach to creating custom machines that solve real-world problems rather than just assembling generic desktop towers. The narrator emphasizes that while laptops offer convenience, they cannot match the performance and value of a well-engineered portable PC like this one, especially when built by knowledgeable experts who understand nuances in component selection for compact builds. By utilizing an FSP Dagger Pro 850W power supply with PCIe 5 support, the system ensures stable operation even within such a small footprint. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how custom building can provide a perfect balance of portability and desktop-grade performance tailored to specific user needs like frequent travel and gaming requirements.
Read the full video transcript
The small form factor episodes continue
as this customer is so tired of
frequently moving his old bulky machine.
And you already know, if you're after
these tasteful compact personalized
machines, you have come to the right
place.
I have less than 30 seconds to tell you
about our sponsor,
I could say that they're super easy to
use.
Your Windows activation key is 15,000
pesos. [music]
Less than 2,000.
Use our discount code HS25. [music]
That's it.
That's the ad.
This is build log 11 featuring the ever
so classy Fractal Design Terra Jade.
Quick back story long for this order,
the customer is frequently moving places
due to his work for the past decade and
he's tired of carrying his old bulky
machine. He also doesn't drive, so he's
relying to public transportation. The
specific words that he used to describe
[music] this situation is
a nightmare. With these struggles, he
already decided that [music] the next
machine will be an SFF build. The system
will specifically be used for gaming, no
word files, no spreadsheets. Well,
>> [music]
>> means that I got to meet him then, but
majority will be gaming. The customer is
planning to get a 1440p monitor as well
for the setup. So, this build is almost
the same as what we [music] featured
from our last episode. The difference is
the customer already knows what he wants
for the case, the Fractal Design Terra
[music] in Jade colorway. This almost
furniture SFF chassis is only 10 L
small, something that you can just put
[music] inside a backpack if you need to
move it from places. And that wood piece
on the front panel,
muah. For the CPU, the AMD Ryzen 5
9600X,
latest gen chip. This six core is
running at 5.4 GHz is definitely more
than enough for the gaming requirements.
This will be cooled by the Thermalright
AXP90 [music]
X53 copper. If you haven't heard of this
model yet, this guy is making some good
noise, not inside the case, in the SFF
community as apparently this can be
paired with the 9800X3D.
Considering the CPU that we went with
this build, we should have enough
headroom for CPU [music] cooling. The
Gigabyte B650I AX for the motherboard
which has been featured as well from our
last video.
>> [music]
>> Great budget option if you want to get
into AM5 and small form factor platform.
For the RAM, T-Force Vulcan 16 gig kit
lang as this is sufficient for his use
cases. RAM, of course, is still very
expensive so it's a good idea to just
get what you need [music] now. Maybe
when the AI bubble pops, that's when you
get more if you still want or feel that
you need them. The storage, ZITAI TI
Plus 7100 2 TB, enough to cover a great
amount of games. Also running at gen 4
speed so almost secured now you will not
[music] experience stutters while
gaming. As we're expecting these games
to run at 1440p, our recommendation is
the RTX 570. [music]
It needs to be an SFF model as the case
can only fit 322 mil cards. With this,
we went with the Gigabyte RTX 570
WindForce OC SFF. Gigabyte has pretty
good selection for SFF cards and it has
become our go-to for small form factor
builds. [music] And to power everything
up, the FSP Dagger Pro 850 W PCIE5. This
build has a different approach in mind.
Most of the time cuz I said the SFF
builds that we provide are just your
usual desktop art piece that gets the
job done. This machine is still the same
case. I mean, look at that case design,
you know? But it also meets the
customer's request for the ease of
transport. Can easily be packed if
needed. And that's what we provide here
at Hardware Sugar. We build custom-made
machines that matches specifically what
you need. Why not just get a laptop? For
ease of use, laptop would be better, but
for price to performance and in the raw
performance in general, desktop still
gets the nod. That's why you also want
to go to a reputable and knowledgeable
PC shop so that we can advise on nuances
like that. In this case, we still got a
very compact portable machine with the
budget saving [music] and the power of a
desktop. What machine is best for your
use case? That's our [music] goal. You
want to request a quote, looking for
specific components?
Message us over on Facebook and we'll be
happy to assist you. Thanks for
watching. See you in the next build log,
which will either be a 200,000 peso
gaming monster or a budget gaming rig.
We haven't decided yet.