When the Xikii FF04 SFF case disappeared from shelves, Redditor u/AudiblyTacit designed and 3D printed their own modified version, creating the FF04MOD Block I that houses an RTX 5070 Ti and Ryzen 7 9800X3D while maintaining excellent thermals in just 11.9 liters.
When the Xikii FF04, a beloved sub-10-liter SFF case, vanished from store shelves, one maker refused to let the dream die. Redditor u/AudiblyTacit took matters into their own hands, designing and 3D printing a custom case that not only recreates the original's compact form factor but improves upon it for modern hardware.
From Discontinued Dream to 3D-Printed Reality
The FF04MOD Block I represents more than just a replacement case—it's a testament to the maker community's ingenuity. Starting with a 3D-printed model from another user, AudiblyTacit heavily modified the design to accommodate their updated hardware configuration while adding personal touches that make this build truly unique.
The original Xikii FF04 measured 8.75 x 5.75 x 14.5 inches with a volume of 9.8 liters, but the FF04MOD Block I needed to grow slightly to house the chunkier RTX 5070 Ti. The final dimensions remain nearly identical at 8.75 x 5.75 x 14.5 inches, but the width increased by about an inch and a half, bringing the total volume to 11.9 liters.
Design Evolution Through Iteration
What makes this build particularly impressive is the visible evolution shown in the project documentation. AudiblyTacit revealed that it took approximately five external case iterations plus numerous 3D-printed parts to reach the final design. Each iteration refined the airflow, structural integrity, and aesthetic elements.
The case features several thoughtful modifications:
- A vented lid with magnetic mesh screen for improved airflow
- Alternating red-and-white diagonal stripes replacing the typical monochrome finish
- A custom GPU power adapter with a flammable warning design, referencing recent melting adapter issues with high-powered GPUs
- A small external monitor for system monitoring
The builder chose Polymaker HT PLA GF for the 3D printing material, prioritizing better strength and print quality over standard PLA.
Performance That Defies Its Size
Despite its compact dimensions, the FF04MOD Block I delivers exceptional performance. The system maintains impressive thermal control:
- GPU temperatures: 69-70°C at 98% utilization
- CPU temperatures: Around 60°C
- No throttling or stability issues observed
Benchmark results showcase the build's capabilities:
- Speed Way: 7,717 points at approximately 77 FPS
- Port Royal: 14,344 points at approximately 66 FPS
- Steel Nomad: 6,811 points at approximately 68 FPS
These scores demonstrate that SFF doesn't mean sacrificing performance, especially when the case is designed specifically for the hardware it contains.
Complete Build Breakdown
The total investment for this custom SFF masterpiece came to $2,396.31, with the following component breakdown:
| Component | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | $449.99 |
| GPU | Asus RTX 5070 Ti Prime OC | $809.00 |
| Motherboard | MSI B650I Edge WiFi | $209.00 |
| Memory | KLEVV Bolt V 32GB (2x16GB) DDR-6000 CL30 | $345.00 |
| Storage | Crucial P510 2TB | $209.00 |
| PSU | Corsair SF850 Platinum | $178.99 |
| CPU Cooler | Thermalright AXP120 | $29.90 |
| AM5 Frame | Thermalright CPU Frame | $9.99 |
| Thermal Pad | Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet | $24.99 |
| PCIe Riser | Linkup PCIe 5.0 x16 | $90.00 |
| GPU Power Adapter | 12VHPWR angled adapter | $19.99 |
| WiFi Antennas | FlyFishRC Stubby RP-SMA antennas | $19.47 |
The Future of Custom SFF Design
What's particularly exciting about this project is that AudiblyTacit plans to share the 3D files with the community once they've been cleaned up. This open-source approach could help other makers create their own FF04MOD Block I cases or inspire modifications for different hardware configurations.
The builder is also seeking advice on AM5 BIOS tuning, X3D optimization, memory tuning, PBO, and undervolting to potentially squeeze even more performance from the system. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the SFF PC community's willingness to share knowledge and push the boundaries of what's possible in compact computing.
For those who don't have the patience or resources to 3D print their own case, AudiblyTacit's build serves as inspiration and proof that with enough determination, you can create exactly what you need when commercial options fall short. The FF04MOD Block I isn't just a replacement for a discontinued case—it's a new standard for what custom SFF builds can achieve.
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