When it comes to building a powerful and compact gaming PC, the Fractal Design Ridge SFF (Small Form Factor) case is an excellent choice. Its sleek design and compact size make it perfect for those who want a high-performance system without sacrificing style. In this article, we'll explore seven ways to build with the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case, highlighting its features and benefits.
Understanding the Fractal Design Ridge SFF Case
Before we dive into the build guides, let's take a closer look at the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case. This case is designed to be compact and sleek, measuring just 315 x 169 x 424 mm (12.4 x 6.7 x 16.7 in). Despite its small size, it can accommodate a wide range of components, including full-size GPUs, ATX power supplies, and 280 mm radiators.
**Building for Gaming Performance**
When it comes to building a gaming PC, performance is key. Here are a few ways to build with the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case for optimal gaming performance:
Build 1: Compact Gaming Powerhouse
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2x16 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: ASRock X570M Steel Legend Micro ATX
- Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD + Western Digital Black SN750 1TB NVMe SSD
- Power Supply: EVGA 650 GS, 80+ Gold 650W
This build packs a punch, with the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 providing exceptional performance for 1440p and 4K gaming.
Build 2: Budget-Friendly Gaming Rig
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: MSI B450M MORTAR Micro ATX
- Storage: Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe SSD + Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" HDD
- Power Supply: Corsair CX550M, 80+ Bronze 550W
This build offers a more affordable option for those who want to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super provide smooth performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
**Building for Content Creation**
The Fractal Design Ridge SFF case is not just limited to gaming builds. Here are a few ways to build with this case for content creation:
Build 3: Video Editing Workstation
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 64 GB (4x16 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: ASRock X599M Steel Legend Micro ATX
- Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD + Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC620 4TB 3.5" HDD
- Power Supply: EVGA 850 GA, 80+ Gold 850W
This build is designed for video editors and content creators who need a powerful system for 4K video editing and color grading.
Build 4: Photography Workstation
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2x16 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: ASRock X570M Steel Legend Micro ATX
- Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD + Western Digital Black SN750 1TB NVMe SSD
- Power Supply: EVGA 650 GS, 80+ Gold 650W
This build is designed for photographers who need a powerful system for photo editing and processing.
**Building for Home Servers**
The Fractal Design Ridge SFF case can also be used for home servers. Here are a few ways to build with this case for home servers:
Build 5: Home Server Build
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: MSI B450M MORTAR Micro ATX
- Storage: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC620 4TB 3.5" HDD + Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" HDD
- Power Supply: Corsair CX550M, 80+ Bronze 550W
This build is designed for those who want to create a home server for file sharing, media streaming, and backup purposes.
Build 6: NAS Build
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8 GB (2x4 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: ASRock B450M Steel Legend Micro ATX
- Storage: Western Digital Red 4TB 3.5" HDD + Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" HDD
- Power Supply: Corsair CX350M, 80+ Bronze 350W
This build is designed for those who want to create a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device for file sharing and backup purposes.
**Building for Home Theaters**
The Fractal Design Ridge SFF case can also be used for home theaters. Here are a few ways to build with this case for home theaters:
Build 7: Home Theater PC Build
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz
- Motherboard: MSI B450M MORTAR Micro ATX
- Storage: Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe SSD + Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" HDD
- Power Supply: Corsair CX550M, 80+ Bronze 550W
This build is designed for those who want to create a home theater PC for media streaming and playback.
As you can see, the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case offers a wide range of build possibilities, from gaming and content creation to home servers and home theaters. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or home server enthusiast, this case has got you covered.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case is an excellent choice for those who want a compact and powerful system. With its sleek design and wide range of build possibilities, it's perfect for anyone who wants to create a custom PC that meets their specific needs. Whether you're building for gaming, content creation, home servers, or home theaters, this case has got you covered.
We hope this article has inspired you to create your own custom PC build with the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case. Share your own build experiences and tips in the comments below!
What is the maximum GPU size supported by the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case?
+The Fractal Design Ridge SFF case supports GPUs up to 315 mm in length.
Can I install a 280 mm radiator in the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case?
+Yes, the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case supports 280 mm radiators.
What is the maximum power supply size supported by the Fractal Design Ridge SFF case?
+The Fractal Design Ridge SFF case supports power supplies up to 160 mm in length.