Nvidia introduces new SFF standards to simplify compact custom PC builds

[Daniel Sims]

Why it matters: Those planning to build small-form-factor PCs should start re-checking chassis and graphics card vendors' websites. Many have recently agreed to mark their products with a new verification badge from Nvidia to identify them as compatible with compact builds. The new verification system should begin appearing on part-maker websites soon.

Small-form-factor (SFF) PCs look attractive with their minimalist design and fit in more places than conventional builds. However, they also introduce challenges for builders. Nvidia wants to minimize the added complexity with a new standard for high-end graphics cards and compatible cases.

The company introduced a new "SFF-Ready" specification to define which GPUs can fit in a compact chassis. Nvidia hopes that builders will no longer need to spend extra time researching the dimensions of each card and chassis or guess whether they have enough clearance for power and data cables.

Numerous board partners and case manufacturers have already agreed to identify which products meet the new standard. Compatible GPUs will soon carry "SFF-Ready" stickers, and vendors will describe cases as "Compatible with SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce Cards."

Any GeForce RTX 4070 or higher with 2.5 slots or less and maximum dimensions of 151 x 304 x 50mm meets the criteria. Meanwhile, a fitting chassis must have at least 154.4 x 312 x 50mm of clearance to leave room for the motherboard, PCB riser, and cabling.

Nearly two dozen SFF-Ready cases are listed, coming from Asus, Cooler Master, Corsair, Fractal Design, InWin, Kolink, Lian Li, MSI, Ncase, NZXT, Phanteks, SilverStone, Sliger, and Thermaltake. Nvidia claims it has 36 compatible GPUs, including those from partners like Asus, Galax, Gigabyte, MSI, Zotac, PNY, and Inno3D.

All SFF-certified cards are members of the RTX 4070 and 4080 families. The specification doesn't extend to earlier GPU generations, and there is no indication of whether partners might include AMD cards. The flagship RTX 4090 won't get the sticker because it's a three-slot card, but recent reports suggest that its successor – the upcoming RTX 5090 – might fit the standard.

Mainstream GPUs like the RTX 4060 aren't mentioned because all of them will likely fit SFF builds. While Nvidia's new initiative isn't aimed at Mini-ITX systems, other vendors like Galax, with its single-slot 4060 Ti from last year, have that niche covered.

Other Nvidia announcements from this year's Computex include an AI assistant that helps users play and optimize specific games and updates to the company's desktop app for AV1 video encoding and quick hardware tuning.

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Nvidia introduces new SFF standards to simplify compact custom PC builds

 

[NumberNine]

I have a Lian-Li A4H2O and discovered that the issue with orienting the card sideways in a small box is that most modern cards dump most of their hot air out of the sides which pumps hot air into the bottom of the case and creates a pocket which must then be pulled upward over the GPU again to be exhausted.

In cube-style SFF cases it is critical to have fans in the bottom because side intakes will not vent the air beneath the card efficiently enough. Adding dust filters further restricts the airflow inside the chassis so most SFF rigs will also require routine, timely, partially disassembled cleanings.

There is also a huge difference between thermal viability and acceptable noise levels.

 

[CrisisDog]

304mm length is hardly small form factor. I’ve got minitower cases that can’t even fit a 280mm card…

 

[godrilla]

While I don't have a small form factor pc is still an itx build with H210 case. It fits a Noctua d15 air cooler and a 4090 suprim liquid. I must emphasize that the 7800X3D is a must for small form factor builds for enthusiasts level gaming without throttling.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Nah. The 4060 low profile is SFF. The ITX GPUS that are 7.67 inches long and dual slots are SFF. This new standard is just plain dumb. If it doesn't fit in a desk meet from ASRock, it's not SFF

 

[takaozo]

SFF is not a standard like full tower and tower, etc. It's about anything that's not a desktop or tower format.

Who is old enough remembers the full-lenght format, now with PCIe slot.

With this logic in mind, yeah anything smaller than this is SFF

 

[dangh]

304mm length is hardly small form factor. I’ve got minitower cases that can’t even fit a 280mm card…

It is small. I have Meshlicious case and there is no issue with putting such cards, and that is only 14 liters case. Some midi towers are simply badly designed.

 

[MakeMSGreatAgain]

There really does need to be a standard... this would have been nice 20 years ago when I built my first SFF. I didn't build anymore after because of the hassles involved. Though I sure miss my toaster sized LAN box. I'm also probably one of the very few who STILL host and go to LAN parties today. My friends and I average two a year and it is still just as much fun as it was 20 years ago. Only negative is not very many games have LAN anymore, though we have a few hacked games that were never intended to have LAN, that now have it. Anyway off topic, I would love to build a SFF for my next gaming system. Hopefully they can establish a standard case size that is still considered small by everyone.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Hopefully they can establish a standard case size that is still considered small by everyone.

Literally impossible. My idea of small is a sub 10l case. For many, it's 5l or below. For others, its 15. Some want expansion slots, some want full height expansion slots, some want no slots at all.

It is small. I have Meshlicious case and there is no issue with putting such cards, and that is only 14 liters case. Some midi towers are simply badly designed.

"it is small".

LMFAO. And I guess that 3 big mac meals would be a "small lunch" too? WTF is your definition of "small"? For reference: 304mm is the length of the geforce 690, a DUAL GPU CARD from 2012. And 2.5 slots thick, which is BIGGER then said 690. THIS is what you consider small? It fits in your case because your case is nearly as tall as an ATX tower. Try fitting that GPU into a desktop workstation, or a asrock deskmeet.

No. Absolutely not. A "small" GPU is the low profile 4060, which is half height and only 182mm long. Or the single slot rx 6400 low profile that is 170mm long.THAT is small. Or the ITX cards of yesteryear that were single fan, dual slot, 7.67" long, fit the same footprint as a mITX motherboard.

Much like how people think being 200 lbs is "small", people have had their view distorted by years of ginormous GPUs.

 

[dangh]

Literally impossible. My idea of small is a sub 10l case. For many, it's 5l or below. For others, its 15. Some want expansion slots, some want full height expansion slots, some want no slots at all.

"it is small".

LMFAO. And I guess that 3 big mac meals would be a "small lunch" too? WTF is your definition of "small"? For reference: 304mm is the length of the geforce 690, a DUAL GPU CARD from 2012. And 2.5 slots thick, which is BIGGER then said 690. THIS is what you consider small? It fits in your case because your case is nearly as tall as an ATX tower. Try fitting that GPU into a desktop workstation, or a asrock deskmeet.

No. Absolutely not. A "small" GPU is the low profile 4060, which is half height and only 182mm long. Or the single slot rx 6400 low profile that is 170mm long.THAT is small. Or the ITX cards of yesteryear that were single fan, dual slot, 7.67" long, fit the same footprint as a mITX motherboard.

Much like how people think being 200 lbs is "small", people have had their view distorted by years of ginormous GPUs.

So. How many liters for sffpc is small for you? sub 10l? No issues, those cases will fit 300mm gpu as well.