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1st Mini-ITX Gaming Rig - Thoughts?

R

radiohead14

Junior Member
Hi all, newbie here. I've done a bit of research, since I've never built my own computer before, but I would love to hear your thoughts/opinions/advices to make sure I'm making the right choices here.

I basically started with a $1,000 budget, but I was wondering if I could get it down to about $800. My motivation for doing this is so that I could play Skyrim and Mass Effect 3 on Ultra settings smoothly.

I live in a small apartment in NYC, so that's why I'm going with the Mini-ITX build here, since space is very limited. I'm hoping that the combination of components I picked are optimal as far as performance, a bit of future-proofing, and low heat/noise.

Here are the parts:

MoBo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157268
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233141
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500231
Storage: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
Disc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151222
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341047
Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015&Tpk=H60
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112265

Total: $1175

I would greatly appreciate any input. Thank you! 🙂
 
you don't really have to go with mITX for a small case

the lian li case you picked out says dimension (W) 227mm x (H) 272mm x (D) 345mm.. prolly b/c it fits 6 3.5" drives

My Silverstone SG02 mATX says dimension 270 mm (W) x 212 mm (H) x 393 mm (D)... like 5 cm more for around each dimension
 
Skip mini-ITX and go for micro-ATX if gaming is your concern and you have limited space. This mATX Silverstone case is highly rated and roughly 1-inch deeper than the mITX Lian-Li case you chose:

http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-Micro-ATX-Mini-DTX-Mini-ITX-Computer/dp/B005DDCDH2

Anandtech reviewed the Silverstone case, and I suggest you read it; it does an excellent job of cooling your components.

The rest of your components:

cart6.jpg


Total: $1104
 
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Thanks! Why is the Micro-ATX better for gaming? I picked the Lian Li, because the reviews I've read were good and that it's one of the bigger M-ITX cases. This will be going on top of a desk where there's a shelf-like part above that's pretty much limiting the size options I have, so the smaller the better. I think if I go bigger than that, the vents won't have much space to blow the air out. Do you forsee any heat problems with the Lian Li?

Also, what is the minimum PSU wattage I would need? is 500W optimal? I tried reading some of the GTX 560 ti 448's benches, but not sure how to read the power consumption yet. From what I gather.. under heavy use.. avg. consumption is around 350W? How much would the other components use up also?
 
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radiohead14 said:
Thanks! Why is the Micro-ATX better for gaming? I picked the Lian Li, because the reviews I've read were good and that it's one of the bigger M-ITX cases. This will be going on top of a desk where there's a shelf-like part above that's pretty much limiting the size options I have, so the smaller the better. I think if I go bigger than that, the vents won't have much space to blow the air out. Do you forsee any heat problems with the Lian Li?

Also, what is the minimum PSU wattage I would need? is 500W optimal? I tried reading some of the GTX 560 ti 448's benches, but not sure how to read the power consumption yet. From what I gather.. under heavy use.. avg. consumption is around 350W? How much would the other components use up also?
Click to expand...


There's nothing wrong with the Lian-Li, other than it's over-priced and over-sized for a mini-ITX case. That Silverstone Temjin, on the other hand, is an absolute steal for $100: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4533/silverstone-temjin-tj08-fat-case-in-a-little-coat

Dimensions, for easy comparison:

(1) Lian-Li: 13.58" x 8.94" x 10.71"

(2) Temjin: 15.16" x 8.27" x 14.72"

Yes, the Temjin is bigger, but it will be much easier to use standard components in it, including dual graphics cards, if you want, and the cooling will be vastly superior.

You'll save money on the motherboard too, since you can use micro ATX versions, which carry less of a premium.

To answer your question on power supplies, any high quality 500w model would work with your graphics card of choice. You'll essentially need to go modular, however, to fit any PSUs in either of those cases. Actually, if you want to be really crafty, use this stellar 460w fanless unit from Seasonic, on sale right now for $83: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151099&Tpk=seasonic 460

It's vastly underrated at 460w. It'll out-power just about anything under 600w.

The 560Ti-448 is a pretty hot card, by the way. I honestly wouldn't want to put that in the Lian-Li.

You have a water-cooler on your list - probably wouldn't fit in the Lian-li either, but pretty unnecessary too. The 2500k runs cool, and you're not going to be doing uber-overclocking anyway. Save your money and use the stock cooler.

One last thing...unless you're committed to nVidia, this HD6970 is a much better deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161382

Here are a few benches to prove that it's definitely worth $10 more: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5153/nvidias-geforce-gtx-560-ti-w448-cores-gtx570-on-a-budget/3
 
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Some smaller cases tend to have less airflow. Also there may be nowhere for the heat to go. Then also with less space components are cramped together and keep each other hot by being next to each other. There also may not be enough space for video card or an extra fan. Often there is no place to put the hard drives and DVD drives but at the top of the case, where all the heat is.

There are probably some cases that do pretty well anyway. One other think I have noticed is smaller is sometimes more expensive. Try pricing one of those DVD players that are thin like they put in a laptop. Smaller is just more expensive.

This case looks nice, but there is not much room for a long video card. Looks like it might make a nice file server. If you can find a shorter video card it might work. It looks like it would work better for a HTPC/video server.
 
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radiohead14 said:
Thanks! Why is the Micro-ATX better for gaming? I picked the Lian Li, because the reviews I've read were good and that it's one of the bigger M-ITX cases. This will be going on top of a desk where there's a shelf-like part above that's pretty much limiting the size options I have, so the smaller the better. I think if I go bigger than that, the vents won't have much space to blow the air out. Do you forsee any heat problems with the Lian Li?
Click to expand...

A mini-ITX case that can handle a big and hot GPU is going to be nearly the size of a micro-ATX case anyway. So you might as well do micro-ATX and save a bunch of money on the case and mobo.

radiohead14 said:
Also, what is the minimum PSU wattage I would need? is 500W optimal? I tried reading some of the GTX 560 ti 448's benches, but not sure how to read the power consumption yet. From what I gather.. under heavy use.. avg. consumption is around 350W? How much would the other components use up also?
Click to expand...

Yes, a good 500W PSU is plenty. As for your pricing question, you'll be doing good just getting everything that you have listed (bluray, quad core, good GPU, SSD) down to $1000. $800 is not doable without cutting a few features. Jpeyton has done a pretty good build for you.
 
I just want to clear up a misconception that the OP may have due to the advice given.

Generally speaking, a smaller case does not necessarily mean hotter temps, just as a larger case does not necessarily mean cooler temps.

One thing you have to consider is not how big or small a case is, but how it cools your computer hardware. If we're talking about air cooling, then fan size, placement, and number is going to be a very big factor in cooling.

Don't get the misconception that smaller means hotter. It's just that the manufacturers of smaller cases typically place less and littler fans on these SFF or HTPC cases, to cut their costs, under the assumption that the majority of the consumers are going to use low-energy components, and thus not need the additional cooling.

If you had the time and expertise, you could fabricate a custom case that would fit your motherboard like a glove, and also keep it quite cool. It's just that 95% of people want their hardware out of a box, hence it's less expensive to go mATX rather than mITX for your setup.
 
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janas19 said:
I just want to clear up a misconception that the OP may have due to the advice given.

Generally speaking, a smaller case does not necessarily mean hotter temps, just as a larger case does not necessarily mean cooler temps.

One thing you have to consider is not how big or small a case is, but how it cools your computer hardware. If we're talking about air cooling, then fan size, placement, and number is going to be a very big factor in cooling.

Don't get the misconception that smaller means hotter. It's just that the manufacturers of smaller cases typically place less and littler fans on these SFF or HTPC cases, to cut their costs, under the assumption that the majority of the consumers are going to use low-energy components, and thus not need the additional cooling.

If you had the time and expertise, you could fabricate a custom case that would fit your motherboard like a glove, and also keep it quite cool. It's just that 95% of people want their hardware out of a box, hence it's less expensive to go mATX rather than mITX for your setup.
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+1

That sums it pretty well. If you have the interest, do some research and you can get exactly what you want. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either, just what you would normally spend on a build.
 
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Looks good. Just a few nits:

(1) Don't think you need the water cooling, but that's up to you. A decent air cooler will outperform that H60, but honestly, you don't need anything serious for the 2500k anyway.

(2) The ram you chose is old stock. Here's the new version for the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

(3) I'd still consider the fanless Seasonic 460w Gold for just $12 more than the M12: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151099. This is an absolutely killer deal.

(4) You can save $10 on the 560Ti-448 by choosing the MSI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127615
 
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How much is Newegg charging to ship the case?

Amazon ships it for free.
 
Termie said:
Looks good. Just a few nits:

(1) Don't think you need the water cooling, but that's up to you. A decent air cooler will outperform that H60, but honestly, you don't need anything serious for the 2500k anyway.

(2) The ram you chose is old stock. Here's the new version for the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

(3) I'd still consider the fanless Seasonic 460w Gold for just $12 more than the M12: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151099. This is an absolutely killer deal.

(4) You can save $10 on the 560Ti-448 by choosing the MSI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127615
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Thanks for the heads up on the RAM! The Zotac looks like it's still cheaper tho at $269 vs $279 with the MSI. Also, I chose the Zotac for the full HDMI vs mini-HDMI and the free Batman game. So 460W is perfectly adequate for all the components, and will the fanless be ok as far as keeping heat at minimum? You mentioned it was on sale for $83, but couldn't find the option for it.

jpeyton said:
How much is Newegg charging to ship the case?

Amazon ships it for free.
Click to expand...

Good call. I forgot about shipping. Newegg ships for $18. I'll go with Amazon then
 
radiohead14 said:
Thanks for the heads up on the RAM! The Zotac looks like it's still cheaper tho at $269 vs $279 with the MSI. Also, I chose the Zotac for the full HDMI vs mini-HDMI and the free Batman game. So 460W is perfectly adequate for all the components, and will the fanless be ok as far as keeping heat at minimum? You mentioned it was on sale for $83, but couldn't find the option for it.
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There's a code on the MSI 560Ti page for $20 off: HARDOCPX2X1D

But if you want Batman or the full HDMI, it's a mute point.

Also, the Seasonic 460w is thought to actually be a 850w unit on the inside. It's plenty to power the 560Ti-448. The PSU is $95AR, but has the same discount code available on the M12: SEASONIC15.

See review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3962/seasonic-x460fl-460w-fanless/1

"The 460FL is based on the same design as their new 850W model, but they've changed some components and put in some additional heatsinks. The topology remains the same, with the major difference being the removal of the Sanyo Denki fan and the fan control. You also get fewer connectivity options, though there are still two PEG connectors for graphics cards which is pretty good for a passively cooled PSU. Pricing on the other hand is quite steep: $160 online, which is in the same ballpark as high-end 800W and larger models! Then again, if you're looking to build a silent midrange PC, you wouldn't want to start with an 800W PSU that only gets 75% efficiency on an 80W idle PC load."

Of course, today it is half the price as when it arrived on the market. If you're looking for silence, this is the PSU for you. It will work great in the Temjin, as it will vent directly out of the case.
 
Unless you are going to continually bug them about it, don't bank on the rebate from Zotac. They do fulfill them you just have to stay on top of them.
 
SithSolo1 said:
Unless you are going to continually bug them about it, don't bank on the rebate from Zotac. They do fulfill them you just have to stay on top of them.
Click to expand...

Good point.

BTW, OP - another reason to go with a compact micro versus a mini is the power supplies. I've recommended that Seasonic fanless, which is far better quality than what you'd be able to use in a mini-ITX, and obviously silent. Mini-ITX PSUs usually have fans, very buzzy ones at that.
 
Please tell me that you already have a spare hard drive that you're planning on putting in this thing... because 128 GB of SSD storage isn't going to last long if you're a gamer!
 
ultimatebob said:
Please tell me that you already have a spare hard drive that you're planning on putting in this thing... because 128 GB of SSD storage isn't going to last long if you're a gamer!
Click to expand...

Depends. Being a "gamer" doesn't mean having 300GB of games installed. Indeed some gamers play only one or a handful of games near exclusively. For instance lately MW3 and LoL has taken up probably 95% of my gaming time. There was a time (a loooong time) when WoW took up 100% of my wife's gaming time.
 
I keep a secondary mechanical HDD for music, movies and files; my 120GB SSD does fine with Windows, apps, and several games (Skyrim, MW3, BF3, Crysis 2)
 
ultimatebob said:
Please tell me that you already have a spare hard drive that you're planning on putting in this thing... because 128 GB of SSD storage isn't going to last long if you're a gamer!
Click to expand...

Well, Windows takes up about 30 gig? Plus 10 gigs of apps? So that leaves room for a 4-5 games at a time. Movies and large media files can be stored on an external drive.
 
Zap said:
Depends. Being a "gamer" doesn't mean having 300GB of games installed. Indeed some gamers play only one or a handful of games near exclusively. For instance lately MW3 and LoL has taken up probably 95% of my gaming time. There was a time (a loooong time) when WoW took up 100% of my wife's gaming time.
Click to expand...

yea, i plan on just having Skyrim and Mass Effect 3 in there for a looong while, so I'm not too concerned about space right now. i do plan on getting a HDD later on tho. i have an external for all my music and videos also

thanks everyone for all the help! this board has some awesome members!
 
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