Advice: Gaming and HTPC Build under 2K.

[yellier355]

Hello all,

I tried to include everything from the sticky and hopefully this will give you a clear indication of what I am looking for. I am in the market for a new mini-itx build so that I can place it near my receiver and off the floor and such. I am having trouble deciding on what graphics card, SSD and case to get. I did put some in the pcpartick list for a general idea.

Ram Speed: Is 1600 really better to get than the faster ram?
Graphix: I am up for Nvidia or Amd but prefer one that has better driver support. Most likely, I will not be doing SLI.
SSD: So who is the winner for this? I only need one as I have spare 2tb drives laying around.
Cases: I was looking at the prodigy, COOLER MASTER Elite 120 and few other small ones. Which is best to work with and actually fit a high end card in.


1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Gaming and watching blue ray movies via HDMI from my Pioneer VSX-1120-K reciever with Panasonic viera tc-p50g20 tv and Full 5.1 paradigm speaker set. Generally, what I am doing now is using my main pc from my study which is too big and I would like to place the computer in my entertainment center and return my main PC back to my study!! The clearance is about 10"H and 15"W. Length will not be a concern and I can add to the width by moving things around.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
1500-2000USD

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X40 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 680 4GB Video Card ($609.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone SST-SG08B Mini ITX Desktop Case w/600W Power Supply ($218.47 @ Newegg)
Total: $1600.41 - 15 for cpu coupon

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

I mainly buy intel and Nvidia.However, I have been considering going amd for the graphics card which is why I am writing this post. I am not sure who has the best performace INLClUDING driver support and updates.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
New Mini-Itx Build and spare 2Tb drives/

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Over Clocking.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
1920X1080p

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Thinking about this month or I could wait.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
NO

 

[mfenn]

I think you missed a few questions on the sticky (7-10). Anyway, what you have listed is probably overkill, (the GTX 680 4GB in particular is a waste of money at $600). What sorts of games do you play?

Also, I'm not sure that the Kraken X40 will fit in the SG08B. Looking at the pictures, there is only one fan mounting position on the SG08B, and it is meant for the 180mm AP fan. I don't see any provision for mounting a smaller diameter fan. A big radiator is probably pointless anyway if you're not overclocking. Are you?

 

[yellier355]

I just put that in for reference really. But I play or will be playing Far Cry 3, Crysis 3, skyrim(plus texture mods), hitman, metro 2033 and etc.. I tried to list the high demand ones. . Im shooting for max settings if possible.

I plan to overclock but not right away, doesn't have to be that particular case though. Ill have to find some other ones I have been looking at. I do dig the bitfenix prodigy though.

other cases:
Fractal Design Node 304
COOLER MASTER RC-120A-KKN1
more to come.

 

[biostud]

Since you probably would like silent I would go for a Asus GTX 670 DC-II 2Gb. And it definitely doesn't look like that case will take a 140mm radiator.

 

[mfenn]

I don't think that the Prodigy will fit into your space unless you lay it on its side. It's about 15" tall. The games you listed aren't that demanding for 1080p, so you don't need to go all the way to GTX 680, and certainly not the 4GB version.

Here's what I would do:

i5 3570K $215 AP
GA-Z77N-WIFI $110
G.Skill DDR3 1600 8GB $45
MSI GTX 670 $390
Samsung 840 250GB $180
Reuse HDD $0
Slim Blu-Ray $65
Silverstone NT06-PRO $53 AR
SG08B w/ PSU $200 - not a bad price when you figure that it comes with a Silverstone PSU
Total: $1258 AR AP

This is really all you need for 1080p gaming. I'm actually surprised that the mini-ITX premium is only about $200 (not counting the Blu-Ray) over the full ATX version of the same thing.

 

[yellier355]

Thanks for the replies so far!!
So why the ga-z77N board over the asus?
For the MSI with only 2 gigs, will this be fine with games like skyrim/crysis and texture Mods?
I thought about the bluray drive and really dont need it as I can stream from a server. But this price range is really darn good. What about the case and airflow, do you know if that card blows air out or in the case and also hows the case compared to others?

Thanks again
Yes, I am surprised the mini-itx form factor is so close in price now. Wahoo!! lol

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for the replies so far!!
So why the ga-z77N board over the asus?
For the MSI with only 2 gigs, will this be fine with games like skyrim/crysis and texture Mods?
I thought about the bluray drive and really dont need it as I can stream from a server. But this price range is really darn good. What about the case and airflow, do you know if that card blows air out or in the case and also hows the case compared to others?

Thanks again
Yes, I am surprised the mini-itx form factor is so close in price now. Wahoo!! lol

I put a Blu-Ray drive in because you mentioned Blu-Rays and I assumed you meant physical disks. By all means, take it out if you don't need it.

The Gigabyte board was chosen because it does what you need and costs, less. There is no reason to overspend on a motherboard, simple as that really.

2GB is generally fine at 1080p. Even if it wasn't, I wouldn't get the 4GB GTX 670 because it is slower than the normal one (which is already slower than AMD) and costs too much. The 4GB GTX 680 is just a ridiculously bad value. Really, the only reason I put in the GTX 670 is because you say you like Nvidia, the 7970 3GB is all around a better choice.

 

[yellier355]

Ah, No biggie at all really. I might put a blu ray in if need be later.

Make sense to me and I usually see asrock as an alt. I mainly go with asus but Ill give this board a go this time around. Price is def. good.

Are amd drivers just as good as nvidia? I wouldn't mind trying out amd this time around either. What is the best 7970 card? I do, dig the twin frozer though.

 

[mfenn]

AMD drivers are fine IMHO, I have run AMD for the last generation and never run into a driver bug. IMHO, this Sapphire 7970 is the best combination of performance and value.

 

[yellier355]

Thanks!! Buddy at work swear by sapphire so I could give that a go as well. Do you think the case I chose is good price/performance?

Wierd, I think you linked to a 7950 instead?

 

[piasabird]

So you have a slim optical drive you plan on using? Never mind.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Thanks!! Buddy at work swear by sapphire so I could give that a go as well. Do you think the case I chose is good price/performance?

Wierd, I think you linked to a 7950 instead?

Here's the 7970 in question ($393 AR w/shipping). The Prodigy is a good case because, to be honest, it's huge for mITX, and it might not fit in the space you want. Other cases are smaller but basically as good (look around under mITX cases or HTPC cases at Anandtech for some reviews).

 

[yellier355]

Here's the 7970 in question ($393 AR w/shipping). The Prodigy is a good case because, to be honest, it's huge for mITX, and it might not fit in the space you want. Other cases are smaller but basically as good (look around under mITX cases or HTPC cases at Anandtech for some reviews).

Is the joke there is no good 7970 (HaHa!!) Can you re-link. Thanks!! Yeah, the case is quite big and I could just put it behind my tv if thats what i get. I have been checking out other cases. I think, I need to youtube to get a better idea instead of pictures. Thanks for the info though!!

Question: Above someone linked to value ram for a gamming rig? Does it matter at all these days?

 

[mfenn]

Thanks!! Buddy at work swear by sapphire so I could give that a go as well. Do you think the case I chose is good price/performance?

Wierd, I think you linked to a 7950 instead?

Sorry, I was considering both and copied the wrong link. I edited my post to include the correct one.

 

[mfenn]

Question: Above someone linked to value ram for a gamming rig? Does it matter at all these days?

Once you are at DDR3 1600 and 1.5V it honestly doesn't matter for Sandy/Ivy Bridge. All RAM with the same specs is identical, no matter if it is marketed as "value" or "l33t gam4r".

 

[yellier355]

Awesome thanks!! Okay, I am going to go with the bitfenix prodginy. What modular power supply should I get for that sapphire card(out of stock at newegg darn) and also should I still stick with the cpu cooler linked or do the self-sustained water cooling (Kraken or corsair ones)?

 

[Sleepingforest]

You won't need water cooling. As for the power supply, I recommend the Silverstone Strider series because the Prodigy has a really cramped space for the PSU and cables. The Strider is short and built for SFF.

Also, the Sapphire 7970 seems to have sold out. Try this Gigabyte 7970 for $380 (hopefully, I link it this time. Sorry about that!)

 

[yellier355]

I am in luck saphire is back in stock. I think, I got everything here. I am not sure how to link this neatly. The Powersupply is not modular, is there one that is better and is and maybe has shorter cables?700watt or 600w? Looking at latest newegg sales....might change up lol

Also, the cpu cooler, is that the best one as I am reading the fan is loud.

I will be overclocking both cpu and gpu so just want to make sure I have a great build for gaming and blu ray watching. thanks again everyone.

SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD256BW 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820147193
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$249.99
$229.99


Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1

BitFenix Prodigy BFC-PRO-300-OOXKO-RP Atomic Orange Steel / Plastic Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811345021
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$89.99

SAPPHIRE 100351SR Radeon HD 7970 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card OC with Boost
Item #: N82E16814202008
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card


$419.99
$409.99
1

AMD Gift coupon: Crysis 3 + Bioshock Inf.
Item #: N82E16800995145
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$169.99 Saving


$169.99
$0.00
1

SILVERSTONE Strider Essential series ST70F-ES 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC ...
Item #: N82E16817256072
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate


$95.99
$85.99
1

G.SKILL Value 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C11D-8GNT
Item #: N82E16820231635
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy


$44.99
1

GIGABYTE GA-Z77N-WIFI LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128568
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$129.99
1

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
Item #: N82E16819116504
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy


$229.99
1

SILVERSTONE NT06-PRO Low Profile CPU Cooler with Thin 120mm fan
Item #: N82E16835220058
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$1.99 Instant
$5.00 Mail-in Rebate


$59.99
$58.00
Grand Total: $1,291.73

 

[Sleepingforest]

Wait! You only need a 500W PSU--save $20-30 while you still can by going with a lower capacity Strider! The SSD is also pretty overpriced--you don't use a PSU heavily enough merely gaming to merit the Pro. This $180 Samsung 840 is a better fit.

 

[yellier355]

No worries, I was waiting for ya to reply. .. Do you think, this ram is better? I linked to 3. I was just curious about the timings. the one in the middle is the value ram. Just double checking, are you sure 500 watts will be enough with over clocking and such? I guess with a great psu this is good and thats why?

G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
Item #: N82E16820231546
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$52.99


G.SKILL Value 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C11D-8GNT
Item #: N82E16820231635
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$44.99


CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
Item #: N82E16820233196
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$52.99

The strider series, so which one is better. Seems some are modular and others not. Also, sell shorter cables.

(45)
Compare
SILVERSTONE Strider Essential series ST60F-ES 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Fans: 1 x 120mm Fan
Main Connector: 24Pin
+12V Rails: Single
PCI-Express Connector: 3 x 6-Pin, 1 x 6+2-Pin
Model #: ST60F-ES
Item #: N82E16817256071
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$74.99
$64.99
Save: 13%
$54.99 after $10.00 rebate
$9.65 Shipping



(39)
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SILVERSTONE Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W ATX 12V v2.3 & EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Fans: 1 x 120mm Silent fan
Main Connector: 20+4Pin
+12V Rails: Single
PCI-Express Connector: 1 x 6-Pin, 1 x 6+2-Pin
Model #: ST50F-P
Item #: N82E16817256065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$79.99
$4.99 Shipping

from newegg on the psu...thats kinda why i upped it.
Our recommended PSU Wattage: 594 W
Please click “Find PSUs” button to find out the best results.

Ill take a look at the ssd as well. Thanks for the catch..

 

[mfenn]

No worries, I was waiting for ya to reply. .. Do you think, this ram is better? I linked to 3. I was just curious about the timings. the one in the middle is the value ram.

The Value RAM is the best because it costs the least. The timings do not matter unless you run memory benchmarks for run.

Just double checking, are you sure 500 watts will be enough with over clocking and such?

from newegg on the psu...thats kinda why i upped it.
Our recommended PSU Wattage: 594 W
Please click “Find PSUs” button to find out the best results.

Power supply calculators are designed to get you to buy a bigger power supply. The actual power draw of an i5 with a 7970 is something like 380W.

 

[yellier355]

ah, good point!! Thanks!!
What about below, psu? do you think those shortened cable package is worth it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256085
Compact 140mm Depth Design for Easy Intergration
SILVERSTONE ST55F-G 550W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply

 

[mfenn]

No, I don't think it is really worth double the money.

 

[yellier355]

Ha, I am so hesitant about 500 watts. lol

 

[Sleepingforest]

Do not feel hesitant about 500W. My PC, with overclocked i5 and a 670 (as seen in the signature) doesn't even pull 200W from the wall while gaming and pulls only around 350W when pushed to the absolute brink using synthetic benchmarks. Get this one for $50 AR (that's an alright deal for any kind of PSU, let alone a smaller form factor one).

Also, modularity doesn't really help, since you won't have much excess if you buy a PSU with the appropriate amount of power. I just helped my friend out with an i5/7850 build today; after an HDD, SSD, graphics card, and the motherboard, he had one leftover connector, which was easily hidden.