Scan 3XS Z77 FT03 Nanu review

We're all for innovation when it comes to desktop PCs, so we're pleased that Scan has stepped outside of the box with its 3XS Z77 FT03 Nanu. The key component of this machine is SilverStone's FT03-Mini - a mini-ITX chassis that's strong, stylish and looks good.

It's a miniature version of the FT03, which we've seen a few times before and, while its dimensions have shrunk, there's still plenty to like. It's clad entirely in tactile, brushed-metal panels, with a small logo and ports beneath a plastic lattice at the top, and the build quality is admirable. The panels snap off with an easy tug but the entire case feels durable.

Crucially, this small-form-factor system is also much more compact than its nearest rival. Both the Overclockers Titan Prodigy Arctic and the Scan system are around 400mm tall, but the Scan is 189mm wide and 235mm deep - much smaller than the 250mm wide, 340mm deep Overclockers PC.

That doesn't leave much room inside, but the combination of SilverStone's intelligent design and Scan's fastidious build quality pays off handsomely. The motherboard is attached to a side panel - the only panel that can't be removed - and components are expertly slotted around the Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe motherboard. The graphics card occupies one side, and the slot-loading Blu-ray reader, hard disk and SSD are arranged vertically at the front of the case.

A small SilverStone power supply is screwed into the top of the case, with cables running through the middle of the machine. Cooling comes from a Corsair H60 water-cooling unit, which Scan has squeezed into the bottom of the chassis. Underneath this unit is the only fan in the whole enclosure - a 140mm unit that clips out of the enclosure for easy cleaning.

It's a remarkable amount of hardware to cram into such a small space, but it has a caveat. Upgrade room is practically non-existent, with only one 2.5in drive bay vacant, and the motherboard's single PCI Express x16 slot and two memory sockets are both occupied.