DAN Cases A4-SFX V4.1 Mini-ITX case - black [A4SFXV4-B]

The hype surrounding the unique aluminum case is also easy to explain, after all it is nothing less than the smallest gaming case in the world. With the A4-SFX V4.1 the fourth edition has now been published.

The DAN Cases A4-SFX V4.1 mini case at a glance
- Extremely compact dimensions with a volume of only 7.25 l
- High-quality aluminum with a brushed surface
- Excellent workmanship thanks to production by Lian Li
- Space for two 92mm fans and a 120mm AiO
- Supports full-fledged gaming graphics cards
- 3M riser module with full PCI Express 4.0 speed
- Accepts Mini-ITX format motherboards (all AMD and Intel sockets)
- Space for powerful SFX or SFX-L power supplies and two to three 2.5-inch data drives
- The new features of version 4 (4.1) briefly summarized:
- New Type-C front USB slot (5Gbps max)
- 3M riser cable certified for PCIe 4.0 (version 4.1)
- New slot for 92 mm fans under the motherboard
- The bracket for a 120mm AiO is optional

Excellent use of space and consistently well thought-out concept
With extremely compact dimensions of just 115 x 200 x 317 mm (W x H x D) of the chassis, the housing has a volume of just 7.25 l - which is roughly the size of a shoebox or toaster. The fact that a complete gaming PC can be installed in it despite this size format is achieved through a well thought-out concept and a trick: the graphics card is housed in a separate chamber behind the Mini-ITX mainboard.
br> Overall, almost every square centimeter inside the DAN Case A4-SFX V4.1 is used sensibly, whereas in normal tower cases there is usually an unnecessarily large amount of free space. A gaming PC couldn't be built to save more space!
High-quality aluminum housing from Lian Li production
Externally, the innovative tiny model impresses with its ascetic design combined with the flawless workmanship of the brushed aluminum. The 1.5 mm thick metal is produced in cooperation with housing specialist Lian Li and, with its chic hairline finish, contributes significantly to the unmistakable look.

Accordingly, on the puristic front of the A4-SFX V4.1, in addition to the revised power button, there is only an unaccompanied USB 3.1 port (10 Gbit/s) with an internal mainboard connection. The interior itself is also conveniently limited to the space required for essential hardware. Due to the well thought-out dimensions of the housing, the maximum permissible dimensions of all components must be observed precisely.

A detailed operating manual in German and English clearly illustrates the order and procedure for assembly. The mini gaming system is powered by a power supply in the compact SFX or slightly longer SFX-L standard, which sucks in cold air from the right side and directs waste heat upwards.

A 9 mm high 2.5-inch drive can be accommodated behind the front, while one (with PSU in SFX-L format) to two (with PSU in SFX format) additional 2.5-inch drives can be accommodated under the power supply. SSDs/HDDs can be mounted decoupled in a drive frame. Motherboards with M.2 slots expand the drive capacities accordingly.

Extended by two radiator spaces
The clever cooling concept is similarly spartan, as it does not require a case fan and makes use of the integrated cooling of the built-in hardware, which also saves valuable space here. So that the waste heat from all components can be easily removed, the two side panels and the top of the A4-SFX V4.1 are provided with large round air holes. Elongated holes on the floor also ensure an excellent supply of fresh air.

Since V2 there are holes for a 92 mm fan on the bottom, which can be installed instead of one of the three SSDs. In the new version V4.1 there is an additional slot for a 92 mm fan that can be placed under the mainboard - without sacrificing a drive. The V3 additionally integrated holder for a 120 mm radiator, which is attached vertically either on the left, i.e. on the side of the graphics card, or opposite on the mainboard tray side, is available as an option.

The latter option requires the fanless power supply 400W Hi-Fi DC ATX from HDPLEX, which is attached to the GPU side. Then the AiO including the fan can be up to 52 mm deep, which is possible with slimline variants (15 mm) of fans, such as those available from Akasa or Scythe. The graphics card may be a maximum of 273 mm long.

In the alternative setup, the AiO is placed on the GPU side next to the SFX power supply. Then the maximum installable length of the graphics card is reduced to 173 mm and the height of the AiO including fan to 42 mm. If you can do without two SSDs, there is space for 92 mm AiOs on the floor, such as the 545LC from Asetek. To effectively protect all ventilation openings from dust, DEMCiflex provides optional DAN Cases A4-SFX Dust Filters DAN Cases A4-SFX dust filters.

Supports full-fledged high-end graphics cards thanks to the riser module from 3M
Inside, a motherboard in Mini-ITX format can be accommodated on the right side, on which a CPU can be cooled with a maximum 48 mm high processor cooler. Flat top blower coolers are sufficient for cooling due to the ever decreasing TDP of the processors. Using a riser adapter, the mainboard's PCI Express x16 slot is redirected to the left side of the case, where pixel accelerators up to 295 mm long can be installed. The riser adapter comes from 3M.

As big as a games console, but massively more powerful
PCI Express lanes are sensitive to the signal loss associated with extension, but the 3M riser card supports higher data rates than those provided for by the PCI Express 4.0 standard and therefore there is no fear of a reduction in speed here. Since the graphics card and Mini-ITX mainboard are installed back to back and could possibly come into contact, there is an insulating plastic film between both components and effectively protects them from short circuits. Installing the hardware is surprisingly easy, unlike many other mini cases, as long as the right components are chosen.

Technical details:
- Dimensions: 115 x 205 x 327 mm (W x H x D - with feet and overhang)
- Dimensions: 112 x 200 x 317 mm (W x H x D - chassis only)
- Material: aluminum (anodized, brushed)
- Material thickness: 1.5mm
- Weight: 1.25kg
- Volume: 7.25 l
- Color: Black
- Form factor: Mini-ITX
- Total fans possible:
- 1x 92mm fan
- 1x 92 mm fan instead of a drive
- Radiators possible:
- 1x 92 mm (bottom) 1x 120 mm (side vertically behind the power supply)
- Drive bays:
- 2x 2.5 inches (drive frame, max. 15 mm height, only possible 1x with SFX-L power supply)
- 1x 2.5 inches (behind the front, max. 9 mm height)
- Power supply: SFX or SFX-L (optional)
- Expansion slots: 2 (dual slot)
- I/O panel:
- 1x USB 3.1 Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen2, max. 10 GBit/s) (internal connection)
- Special feature: 3M 8KC3-0726-0300 PCIe 4.0 riser module for GPU mounting (180 mm)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 48 mm
- Maximum graphics card length (without/incl. slot bezel): 295 / 306 mm
- Maximum graphics card height (from bottom of PCIe slot): 144mm
- Maximum graphics card width (without/incl. backplate): 40 / 45 mm
- Maximum memory module height: 52 mm
- Maximum power supply length: 130 mm

Note:Any PCIe power connections on the back or top of the graphics card must also be taken into account!