Mini Lunchbox PC - Futureproof Wrecking Machine

Overview

The video walks through designing and building a compact, value-oriented “lunchbox” gaming PC centered on the new Deepcool CH160 Plus case. The goal: a small, affordable, future‑proof mini gaming rig that stays cool and quiet while offering upgrade paths.

Build highlights (components and why they were chosen)

• Case: Deepcool CH160 Plus

  • 17 L-ish chassis (1 L over strict 20 L SFF limit) that allows mATX motherboards, normal-size PSUs, larger coolers and GPUs — avoids ITX tax while still being very compact.
  • Strong build quality: powder-coated steel, tempered glass side panel, fine mesh for airflow, solid panel fit, and a built-in handle for portability (true “lunchbox”).
  • Very inexpensive: ~89 AUD.

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

  • Chosen for strong single-thread performance, excellent efficiency and low power draw (65 W), making it ideal for micro/mATX small-form-factor builds where thermal headroom is limited.
  • More attractive after firmware updates and price narrowing vs 7000-series equivalents.

• Motherboard: B650M Aorus Elite (mATX)

  • mATX size allowed by the CH160 Plus; gives richer features than ITX boards (heatsink, USB, two M.2 slots, Wi‑Fi 6) at better value.

• PSU: Deepcool 850 W modular

  • Modular cabling for cleaner builds and plenty of headroom for upgrades.

• Cooler: Deepcool LM240 AIO with central LCD

  • A 240 mm liquid cooler fits the case and improves thermal and noise performance compared to many air solutions in micro builds.

• GPU: XFX RX 7600 XT 16 GB

  • Best-value pick in the budget/mainstream space: good 1080p and 1440p performance, 16 GB VRAM for future-proofing, compact dual-slot cooler.
  • RDNA 4 improvements narrow the gap on ray tracing/AI features versus Nvidia, and the extra VRAM reduces the need for aggressive setting tuning.

Performance, thermals and benchmarks

• Gaming (max/epic presets)

  • 1080p: ~140 FPS average.
  • 1440p: ~90 FPS average.

• Temperatures and power

  • CPU (Ryzen 5 9600X): mid‑50s °C (~55°C) in typical gaming loads at room temp 23°C.
  • GPU: ~55°C in gaming; under FurMark the GPU drew ~182 W and stayed just under 60°C.
  • The low CPU power draw helps keep the system cool and quiet in the small enclosure.

Build strategies and key tips from the video

• Prioritize efficient CPUs (lower power draw) for micro/mini builds to keep temps and noise manageable.
• If case size allows, choose an mATX board over ITX to save money and gain features — avoid the “ITX tax.”
• Use a modular PSU for cable management and future upgrades; pick sufficient wattage headroom.
• If a 240 mm AIO fits, it can significantly improve thermals and noise versus large air coolers in tight spaces.
• Prefer cases with good mesh airflow and sturdy construction (not all micro cases feel solid).
• Picking a GPU with more VRAM (e.g., 16 GB) helps future‑proof settings and reduces the need for aggressive compromises as games require more VRAM.
• Small aesthetics tips: compatibility with brand accessories (e.g., Deepcool Pixel) for a unique finish; a good handle makes transport practical.

Verdict / takeaway

A compelling, future‑proof small-form-factor gaming PC that balances price, performance, thermals and upgradeability — largely thanks to the CH160 Plus allowing mATX components and the combination of an efficient Ryzen 5 9600X and an RX 7600 XT 16 GB.

Sources / components featured

• Deepcool (CH160 Plus case, 850 W modular PSU, LM240 AIO, Pixel accessories)
• AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
• B650M Aorus Elite (Gigabyte Aorus)
• XFX RX 7600 XT 16 GB (RDNA 4)
• FurMark (benchmark/stress test tool)