Hardware Compatibility
Like any self-respecting SFF case, the Xikii FF10 imposes certain limitations when it comes to choosing components. But… not that many!
Xikii FF10: Hardware Support
Motherboard and CPU
Unsurprisingly, the only supported motherboard form factor is ITX. The motherboard will be oriented downward to allow the GPU riser cable to be connected at the top. This orientation also makes it easier to connect the external cooler, which we’ll discuss below.
The height of the CPU cooler is strictly limited to 67 mm. As a result, the ideal model is the IDCOOLING IS-67-XT. You may want to consider replacing its fan with a higher-performance model (such as the Noctua NF A12x15, to name just one). This low-profile cooler offers good performance in a compact design, but you’ll need to be cautious. The most power-hungry processors will push it to its limits. Here we see the FF10’s main limitation. Several testers have installed the famous Ryzen 7 9800X3D in the FF10 with the ID COOLING IS-67-XT : the setup works, and temperatures are satisfactory (for this type of chassis). A more power-hungry or overclocked CPU would push the cooler to its performance limits.
What if we absolutely need more CPU power ? We’ll have to think outside the box.
Water cooling?
For the more adventurous, Xikii offers an optional custom external water-cooling terminal with the FF10. We’ve obviously added it to our cart. Well-designed, it allows for the connection of inlet/outlet tubes while also providing a path for cables. Adding an external cooling system removes all constraints on the CPU side, while also introducing its own set of new challenges:
- Increased overall system footprint
- Power supply and cabling for the external unit
- Complete lack of forced airflow in the CPU chamber : what about the VRMs, RAM, and SSD?
In a promotional video, Xikii announced a water-cooling box that echoes the FF10’s design aesthetic. It is not yet available in the catalog. In the meantime, users can choose the option that best suits their setup, from the inimitable MO-RA to the most daring custom build.
Power Supply and Cables
The Xikii FF10 supports SFX and SFX-L power supplies. It’s relatively flexible when it comes to cable management, and it’s still possible to keep the power supply’s original cables. However, adding custom cables is a huge advantage, both for the build and for airflow (natural or forced). When you factor in the risks associated with the 12V-2X6 connector, we recommend investing in a suitable cable set.
Graphics Card : Plenty of Options
For once, the Xikii FF10 supports a very wide range of GPUs. Any GPU that meets the SFF-Ready standard’s specifications will install without difficulty. The icing on the cake is that the upper structure consists of a series of independent tiers. This means you can remove or add tiers to achieve perfect coverage of the graphics card.
The RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 FE models fit perfectly and are the top choices if you’re lucky enough to own one.
