After more than a decade of incremental upgrades, one PC enthusiast decided it was time for a radical change. Instead of chasing raw speed, they embraced the challenge of building maximum power into a minimum footprint. This shift wasn't just about saving desk space—it was a response to the growing maturity of PC hardware, where smaller builds offer exciting possibilities without sacrificing performance. In this Q&A, we explore the motivations, case choices, and component decisions behind a modern compact PC build, from the ultra-compact Dan A4 SFX to the more spacious Streacom DA2.

# Why did the author decide to downsize their PC after so many years?

For many PC enthusiasts, the urge to upgrade had waned over the years. The author's last serious upgrade was in 2015, and their case was from 2011—a sign that traditional PC building had become predictable. However, the future of PCs isn't just about more speed; it's about shrinking systems while retaining high performance. The author saw downsizing as a fresh challenge: to pack flagship components into a fraction of the volume. This new direction reignited their passion for building, as it required careful planning and creative solutions. The result is a system that offers twice the cores, memory, and storage bandwidth of their 2015 build, all in a case that's smaller than a console. For them, downsizing wasn't a compromise but an evolution.

# What are the key attractions of small form factor cases like the Dan A4 SFX and Streacom DA2?

The main appeal is achieving the highest possible performance in the smallest possible volume. The Dan A4 SFX, for example, measures just 7.3 liters—slightly larger than a PlayStation 4 Pro (5.3 liters) but offering more than double the compute power. Both cases are designed to fit standard mini-ITX motherboards, SFX power supplies, and full-sized GPUs, with room for reasonable CPU coolers. The Streacom DA2 is larger at 17.5 liters, providing extra space for better cooling and fan options. Compared to traditional mid-tower cases, these small form factor builds are incredibly space-efficient, making them ideal for minimalist setups or LAN parties. The trade-off is a tighter build process, but the result is a powerful PC that occupies less than half the volume of a standard tower.

# Which components did the author choose for their compact build?

The author specifically selected high-end parts to maximize performance in the Streacom DA2 case: an Intel i9-9900KS processor (8 cores, 16 threads, 5.0 GHz), 64GB of DDR4-3000 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GPU. For storage, they used a Samsung 970 PRO 1TB, a Samsung 970 EVO 2TB, and a Samsung 860 QVO 4TB SATA drive. The CPU cooler is a Cryorig H7, which fits with precise clearance. This configuration represents a substantial leap over their previous system—a slightly overclocked i7-7700k—with double the cores (and faster per-core performance), twice the memory capacity, and two M.2 slots instead of one. The build delivers workstation-level power in a package that's less than 18 liters, proving that downsizing doesn't mean downgrading.

# How does the Streacom DA2 compare to the Dan A4 SFX in size and cooling?

The Dan A4 SFX is the more extreme compact case at 7.3 liters, while the Streacom DA2 is substantially larger at 17.5 liters—more than double the volume. The Dan A4 SFX is nearly the smallest standard mini-ITX build possible without custom parts, but it offers limited room for cooling and airflow. The Streacom DA2, by contrast, provides more internal space for larger CPU coolers, additional fans, and better thermal management. The author chose the DA2 because they wanted to use a powerful i9-9900KS and RTX 2080 Ti, which generate significant heat. The extra volume allowed for a Cryorig H7 cooler and improved ventilation. While the Dan A4 SFX is ideal for lower-power builds, the DA2 strikes a balance between compactness and the ability to handle high-end components.

# What modifications improved temperatures in the Streacom DA2?

Initially, the Streacom DA2's design includes acrylic top and bottom panels with integrated mesh dust filters. The author discovered that removing these acrylic pieces dramatically improved thermal performance. The manual suggests that the mesh can be popped out, and doing so allows for much better airflow through the case. After removing the acrylic, temperatures dropped significantly, making the system quieter and more efficient. This modification is simple and reversible, but it exposes the dust filters directly. The case also features a versatile bracket system that allows for various component placements, which can further optimize airflow. For anyone building in the DA2, this change is highly recommended to fully unlock the cooling potential.

# What is special about the bracket system inside the Streacom DA2?

The Streacom DA2's interior uses a clever hybrid open-air design combined with a highly adjustable bracket system. The case includes multiple horizontal and vertical brackets that can be repositioned using captured nuts and bolts—no loose hardware to lose. This flexibility allows builders to mount components like SSDs, fans, or radiators in various configurations to suit their specific needs. For example, you can move the power supply or storage drives to make room for a larger CPU cooler or GPU. The bracket system is easy to manipulate and makes the most of the available space. According to the manual, you can create custom layouts that improve airflow or cable management. This adaptability is a key reason the author chose the DA2 over more rigid small form factor cases.

# How does the new compact build compare to the old 2015–2017 system?

The author's previous build was based on a slightly overclocked i7-7700k, with 32GB of RAM and a single M.2 slot. The new compact system features an i9-9900KS, which doubles both the number of cores (from 4 to 8) and the threads (8 to 16), plus faster clock speeds and improved IPC. Memory doubled from 32GB to 64GB, and the motherboard offers two M.2 slots instead of one, allowing for more flexible SSD storage. Storage capacity also increased, with a combination of NVMe and SATA SSDs totaling over 7TB. While the new build is physically smaller, it delivers roughly double the multi-threaded performance and significantly better gaming and content creation capabilities. The trade-off in cooling and noise is manageable, thanks to the Streacom DA2's improved ventilation after modification. Overall, the downsized build is a massive upgrade in every metric except physical footprint.