Building in the Louqe Ghost S1: A Compact ITX Marvel

The Louqe Ghost S1 is a masterpiece of design for those seeking the smallest possible ITX build without compromising on airflow or temperatures. At Strange Labs, we’ve always had a soft spot for small PCs, and the ITX form factor holds a special place in our hearts. Our everyday PC resides in a Bitfenix Portal, one of the more intriguing cases out there. So when the opportunity arose to build a small form factor (SFF) gaming PC in the new Louqe Ghost S1, we couldn’t resist!

First Impressions

After months of anticipation, our early-order Ghost S1 finally arrived. The first surprise? Even the box is tiny - a testament to the case’s compact nature. Unboxing revealed a case with a premium finish, available in various colors (we chose black). The basic unit, free of extras, impressed us with its sturdy feel, leather accents, and Torx screws, all contributing to a high-end experience.

Preparing the Case

Building in this miniature powerhouse begins with removing the top, bottom, and side panels. The process is smooth, with no need to force anything - a hallmark of quality construction. The “core” that remains is where all components will be mounted, including a removable frame for the PSU.

Mounting Core Components

Installing the motherboard and GPU is straightforward. Louqe provides extra Torx screws, maintaining the uniform premium feel throughout. The GPU riser cable is robust and slots easily into the PCIe socket.

PSU and Storage Installation

The PSU mounts securely to its frame. We installed a 2.5" drive on the opposite side of the PSU, using the space behind it for cable management. Remember to tidy the power cable behind the PSU!

GPU Installation

Mounting the GPU was perhaps the trickiest part, requiring removal of retention plates and careful positioning. However, “tricky” here means we dropped one screw once - still relatively straightforward. The case accommodates full-length GPUs, though our smaller one left space for an additional 3.5" drive.

Cable Management

In such a compact case, cable management is crucial. Despite the tight space, we found enough room to route cables neatly. It takes some trial and error, but persistence pays off.

The 3.5" Drive Dilemma

We faced a challenge with a 3.5" drive, as the base Ghost model doesn’t officially support it. Thanks to our shorter GPU, we found a perfect gap above the 2.5" drive. We mounted it on a rubber block to protect the case, solving our storage needs creatively.

Final Thoughts

The Louqe Ghost S1 is an exceptional ITX case, boasting excellent build quality, thoughtful design, and surprising ease of use despite its compact size. It’s perfect for those seeking a powerful, small form factor PC capable of housing a full-sized gaming graphics card in the tightest possible space.

For those needing even more, Louqe offers case add-ons to extend capabilities, even allowing for radiator installation for custom water cooling loops - a testament to the case’s versatility.

If you’re intrigued by the Ghost S1, check out Louqe’s website for all available configurations and colors.

Note: This build was a case swap from a different ITX setup for a customer, with components predetermined for our use.