Got parts, need case, cpu fan, maybe new psu to finish micro atx build

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Nvidiaguy07

Nvidiaguy07

Platinum Member
Feb 22, 2008
2,846
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Accumulated parts over the past year or so. All Ive got left to buy is a micro atx case to finish build (maybe some others that will fit build)

What Ive got: (BOLD parts might need to be replaced)

CPU: intel 3770
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P31/W8 LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX
CPU fan: Cooler Master Hyper TX3
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB
Graphics: EVGA GeForce GTX 950 2GB FTW Gaming (10.10" long)
SSD : 850 EVO 250GB
Case:
Power Supply: EVGA 80 PLUS 600W ATX 12VEPS 12V
Optical Drive: Not gonna install
OS: linux
Peripherals: got all that stuff

Never built a tiny system before, not sure how to check compatibility without seeing whats gonna fit and what doesnt in person.

I could just build a normal mid-tower for cheap, but this might end up going in a living room, and I would like to make this as small as possible. I was originally thinking something that would fit under a TV in a media shelf, but thats probably overkill, and requires smaller, and more expensive parts.

Im sure all the parts I currently have are fine, but now it comes down to selecting a Case, cpu fan, and power supply that will fit.

The case has to be able to fit a 10.10" video card.

I also already have a PSU (full size i think), but I can buy a new one if the one I have is too big. I dont care about how nice it looks inside, so non-modular is fine, and im not overclocking.

I also need a cpu cooler that will fit. Not too fond of water cooling, so air is a must.

Pretty much comes down to those three things. My budget I guess is probably under $80-100 for the case, $20-30 for a CPU cooler, and under $50 for a PSU.

I also purchased the GPU less than 30 days ago, so if I NEED a smaller GPU I can return that too I guess, but I got a decent deal on it, so I was expecting to use it.

Any suggestions please lmk.

Im in the USA btw. Use will be for light 1080p gaming, no brand preference, but maybe nvidia since it works better with linux. Not overclocking.
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
The N200 stock fans are pretty high RPM which makes them difficult to quiet down properly.

Core 1300 is cheap but does the job, and quality is good. $45. Includes 2 fans.

Define Mini at $70 is excellent quality, silent, very well designed. Would not look at any more expensive cases... although I did spot this one: Antec P50 Window Illusion $80 ($50 AR), I don't know how good it is but maybe you'll find a review if you're interested in a cube case like this.

The rest looks fine, don't see a reason to replace anything. Well, if you want to 'optimize' then the B600 is technically a couple hundred watts too big and a little lacking in quality - but it should work just fine.
 
Charlie98

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,298
64
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lehtv said:
Define Mini at $70 is excellent quality, silent, very well designed. Would not look at any more expensive cases....
Click to expand...

I know I sound like a broken record recommending that case... but it really works well in a lot of applications. If the OP is going to have it in the living room, it's a very quiet case (I built my HTPC in one.) It will fit a 10" GPU (I actually have the very same GTX950 FTW on the way for the HTPC, I picked it over the shorty version because of the dual fans vs one on the shorty.) It takes a full-sized air cooler (I have a 212 EVO in my desktop's Mini.)

I did do a build in a Core1000, decent budget case but is missing all the goodies of the Define series. It is narrower than the Define Mini, and I had a size requirement on that particular build.

Because you are not installing an optical drive, and it looks like you are only going with a single SSD, you can go smaller... the GPU would be the deciding factor once you get away from a traditional PC case.
 
Nvidiaguy07

Nvidiaguy07

Platinum Member
Feb 22, 2008
2,846
4
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Looking at these three:

Comparing the Define mini vs just a standard ATX mid tower - its actually bigger.

Dimensions (H x W x D)
Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-01: 16.85" x 7.87" x 17.60"
Antec P50 WINDOW ILLUSION: 12.30" x 10.20" x 13.00"
Fractal Design Define Silent PC: 19.29" x 8.27" x 15.55"

The corsair is 2 inches longer, but 2.5 inches shorter, and also thinner.

So comparing those two, i think Id rather get the corsair over the fractal, as theyre both just smaller mid-towers.

The antec is more what im looking for as it is basically a 1x1x1 cube, and would look OK in a media cabinet.

Anyone know what kind of PSU and cpu cooler I'd need for that though?

EDIT: heres the product comparison of those three:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-139-041^11-139-041&percm=11-139-041:$$$$9$$$
 
Charlie98

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,298
64
91
No, the Mini isn't really a mini, compared to other mATX cases, there are smaller cases to be had, for sure.

If you are going to park it in a media cabinet, maybe consider an HTPC case (a horizontal case.)

That P50 isn't a bad looking case, I've not really been keeping up with the newer hardware, like cases; I've not seen that one before. Doesn't say what size PSU it takes, but the footprint looks like a standard ATX, or check Antec's website, and it looks like it can handle your GPU. I'm going to guess and say it won't take a standard 120mm CPU cooler, though.
 
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