For an average user, would you consider a mini-ITX setup?

[mikeymikec]

After contributing to a recent thread, it got me thinking as to why I haven't considered mini-ITX sooner. From what I've seen, an equivalent board to what I'd usually pick (Micro-ATX) costs about £20-£30 UKP more but since Intel stock HSFs are very short these days, a mini-ITX case with a standard size PSU is actually possible now (I looked at the Coolermaster Elite 130). SSDs make things a bit easier with storage and that case has room for more than one type of fixed storage.

The downsides that I could see were lack of expandability (one PCIE 16x slot, only 2 RAM slots) and maintenance (I think that working in a Mini ITX rig like with that case would be a tight squeeze if one has to do hardware troubleshooting, partly wrt component dimensions as well as cabling).

Any thoughts on this topic?

 

[lehtv]

For an average user, no. If there's a requirement for small size or onboard wifi, then yes. Otherwise, it is simply cheaper and easier to build and maintain a microATX or ATX PC.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

For an average user, no. If there's a requirement for small size or onboard wifi, then yes. Otherwise, it is simply cheaper and easier to build and maintain a microATX or ATX PC.

The smaller and more integrated it gets, the more expensive it gets too. Unfortunately. Usually ITX is not good for performance-per-buck-spent.

Of course if space is at a premium, ITX is worth a look. Again, just expect to pay more for the same features.

 

[Termie]

All the comments above are correct.

But they focus mostly on bang-for-buck and ease-of-use, and this isn't why you buy a specialty version of anything. If the OP has other considerations in mind, either saving space, getting unique styling, or just trying something different for the challenge of it, then there's a lot of merit to a mini-ITX system, and it's worth paying for.

But no, for the "average user," mini-ITX isn't the right solution.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you're poor, go with ATX...

 

[sao123]

don't ITX require a special power supply?
Unless you are building an ultra silent low power device for a HTC, id stick to uATX

 

[lehtv]

don't ITX require a special power supply?
Unless you are building an ultra silent low power device for a HTC, id stick to uATX

No, ITX motherboards use the same power supplies any other motherboards do (with very few exceptions). Many ITX cases restrict the power supply's form factor to SFX instead of ATX, but the form factor itself, along with the restrictions it imposes on maximum power, is the only real difference between SFX and ATX units. Many ITX cases for custom builders allow ATX PSUs.

 

[biostud]

I would ask the person if they were interested in getting a smaller computer for a few extra bucks, if they were I would show them ITX enclosures. Otherwise no.

 

[Meghan54]

I would ask the person if they were interested in getting a smaller computer for a few extra bucks, if they were I would show them ITX enclosures. Otherwise no.

Exactly this. If the money isn't tight and want/need for a very small footprint is paramount, ITX is the way to go. If a smaller size would be nice but money's sort of tight, mATX is the solution.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

By "average user" are we talking about "no gaming" or "single slot GPU" and "no overclocking?"

Because $55 for a case/PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154091

and $60 for a motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157451

Seems right in line with pricing on non-enthusiast mATX or ATX hardware. Everything else. (CPU w/ Intel HSF, RAM, SSD, HDD, Optical drives, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) would be bone-standard "ATX" stuff. I think the price argument against ITX is either bad information, or based on the prices of enthusiast/overclocking gear (which is usually more expensive.)

But this is all academic. For an "average user" I'd usually recommend a laptop, and a docking station / external monitor/keyboard/mouse if they're the super-ergonomic data entry sort with a history of wrist/back problems. (Or a trackball.)

I guess if they really wanted a desktop I'd suggest a SFF cube from HP or something. (Their model numbers change all the time. Looks like the Pro 6305 is current this week.)

 

[ShintaiDK]

I would always recommend MiniITX. Unless you fit into the groups that need extreme sized cooler, multiple graphic cards or more than 2 DIMMs.

 

[DaveSimmons]

For the average user, I'd suggest buying a prebuilt with warranty, cheap Windows license and support that isn't me

Acer makes (or made, haven't looked recently) some nice mini-ITX systems at pretty good prices. My i3-2100 music jukebox is one and it is small, quiet and has been problem-free.

Someone wanting a custom build should have reasons for it, and those reasons would determine whether mini-ITX, NUC, mATX or full ATX makes sense.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would always recommend MiniITX. Unless you fit into the groups that need extreme sized cooler, multiple graphic cards or more than 2 DIMMs.

I generally recommend micro-ATX, precisely because of four DIMM slots. They can be useful in extending the life of the PC.

Edit: And if you don't need a PCI-E GPU, and plan on using an SSD, and the budget's not too tight, I recommend a NUC or Brix. Most people don't need anything more.

 

[UConnHusky1]

Meh, I would buy an ITX case. I would go with Micro ATX or ATX itself.

 

[MasterChuck]

If your average user doesn't game/need lots of GPU power I would recommend a prebuilt computer or a mid-range laptop. Mini-ITX is just a little to ristrictive for my tastes it also comes at a premium.