Redditor Creates Their Own Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Mini ITX FE
If you’re a fan of the GeForce RTX 3060 but wish there was a Mini ITX version, your wish has been granted. Well, sort of. Nvidia never released a pint-sized variant of its 3060, but that didn’t stop one enterprising Redditor from bringing their dream card to life by creating their own Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Mini ITX Founders Edition.
Opening this article with the disclaimer that this custom GeForce RTX 3060 isn’t functional, the image uploader and ‘Clashmains_2-account’ (presumably a Clash Royale account) explains that they took it upon themselves to bring their dream card to life.
“Since Nvidia never did a Mini ITX version of the RTX 3060, I took it upon myself to build one,” they write. “I used a compact RTX 3060, and a 3D printer to make my vision a reality.”
The main component used in the homemade GeForce RTX 3060 FE was a Gainward GeForce RTX 3060 Pegasus, which served as a great starting point for the ITX design. Clashmains_2-account says they copied the physical dimensions of the Pegasus PCB and heatsink, before designing a custom card around those specifications.
The creator admits that one notable change was swapping out the Gainward fan for a more compact model that aligned with the clean design of the Founders Edition. They opted for a 92mm Noctua fan, known for its quiet operation and high performance, but notes that the use of PLA plastic – a common print filament material – has limited resilience to high temperatures, becoming malleable around 60 – 80 degrees Celsius.
Despite some imperfections in the 3D printer output, the homemade GeForce RTX 3060 FE looks impressive, and it’s easy to understand why someone would put in the effort to create their own version. After all, it’s not just about getting a GPU that conforms to a specific size specification. It’s about bringing your own vision to life.
Of course, not every Reddit commenter is happy with the use of a printed plastic fan, with one pointing out “it’s not even functional!” The creator replies “it’s just a test piece,” but they do mention that future builds will be printed using more temperature-resistant materials like ABS or PETG.
It might not be a particularly compelling reason to buy a GeForce RTX 3060 today, but this project might inspire other PC DIYers to design their own Mini ITX FE versions of newer graphics cards, like the GeForce RTX 4060. And for those interested in 3D printing projects, we’d recommend revisiting our recently updated Best 3D printers 2023 feature, which offers options across different price points.
Staying informed about the latest developments in the ever-changing tech landscape is important, but it’s also easy to be disappointed when a company doesn’t create a product that aligns with your wishes. So, kudos to Clashmains_2-account for taking matters into their own hands, and hopefully, other enthusiasts will follow in their footsteps and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
