Micro ATX build, need comments

[sgaliger]

I'm looking to build a desktop that is relatively easy to transport from work to home. Usage at work is handling/creating large PDF files, general web/e-mail, typical work tasks (WP, light excel etc.). At home, want to do the same tasks, but also some light gaming (and maybe some light gaming at work as well when I'm bored).

Parts I've already got:

Intel Core I-5 750
Intel X25M 160 SSD
Old IDE DVD RW burner
Monitor, keyboard mouse etc.

Parts I plan to buy:

APEVIA X-QPACK-BL/420 Black/Blue Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 420W Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144110


GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128405

SAPPHIRE 100253HDMI Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102829

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231180

My main concern is whether the power supply of 420 watts is adequate (I assume it is, but have been wrong about quite a few things lately) and will everything fit. For the videocard, I just wanted something cheap and capable of low res gaming that will also fit. Whaddya think?

 

[Auric]

If the power supply is rated accurately it is overkill. However, it is generally better to get a bare case and choose a quality (reliable and efficient) unit seperately.

Thumbs up on the mainboard.

I would prefer a fanless GPU. The entry-level 5000 models will be available shortly. However, as the i5-750 seems a bit overkill another option would be to go with an integrated GPU model instead.

That SDRAM requires 1.65V and while it would work is not ideal as the platform calls for 1.5V and can use even lower. This otherwise equivalent 1.35V kit is the same cost:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231317

 

[sgaliger]

Thanks for the advice, esp on the memory. Actually, I'm now thinking of this case: Thermaltake VF1000BWS Lan Box w/ Window & Handle (Black) Retail which looks pretty nifty for $99.00. Guess I'll need a power supply now.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=371367

 

[hondaf17]

I second the thought of buying the case and power supply separately. I'd recommend the below case, it's MicroATX, cheap, very durable, and has a handle on it for your transport between home and work (you'll realize how nice this is once you have it). I've done 2 builds with this case, one of them 2 nights ago, and it works very well. Get a 400 watt Corsair power supply and you're set.

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154094

 

[alyarb]

thank god. i hate those Q-PACK cases. had a bad experience, and the location of the handle is clumsy and not necessarily great for transport. there are smaller cases with handles. bad airflow to. That TTake will have you covered, though. but the above apex is also better than the QPACK.

You should also consider a coolermaster TX3. only $15 at newegg right now, just so you can always have your fan on low speed and still get decent temps.

 

[Zap]

My main concern is whether the power supply of 420 watts is adequate (I assume it is, but have been wrong about quite a few things lately) and will everything fit. For the videocard, I just wanted something cheap and capable of low res gaming that will also fit.

The X-Qpack can make for a nice portable rig because of the small size and light weight. Just understand that it is really short front-rear so that you have to take special care when choosing an aftermarket power supply for it because anything longer than the shortest 5.5" units will likely not fit due to butting against the rear of the optical drive. The more expensive X-Qpack2 is about an inch deeper so it fits a wider variety of PSUs.

Speaking of power supplies, the included unit is pretty crappy so don't use it.

There's a place that sells a case similar to the X-Qpack2 in size, but with a different face for $60 with free shipping. Can't think of the place, but I've got a link to it saved at home that I'll try to find.

For the RAM, I'm with Auric. Go for something 1.5v or below. No need to go with over-volted RAM unless you are doing some crazy overclocking and the RAM is rated for over 1600MHz.

For the graphics card I would find something else. I will actually have to disagree with Auric on the graphics card being passively cooled. Not in a micro ATX cube case, buddy! BTW you don't need a low profile card for these cases.

If you want the graphics card to be really cheap, then look for a Radeon 4670 with GDDR3/DDR3. You can get them starting at $10 more than your choosen card. Do NOT get one with DDR2 as the performance is really crippled. If you can afford more, look for the Radeon 5670 or GeForce 9800 GT "low power/green" for around $100 as those will still use very little power but give more performance. Above that, the Radeon 5750 or GeForce GTX 250 would be a decent choice in the $130-150 range.

You may not need a $150 graphics card, but please at least spend $10 more for one that doesn't use DDR2.

 

[M0RPH]

You really should just get a laptop with some decent graphics, like this for example:

Dell Studio XPS 16 Intel Core i5-430M Dual-Core 15.6in 1920x1080 Laptop (4GB/500GB/Radeon HD4670) $999

Yes it's more money but will save you from looking like a goofball lugging that cube PC (and LCD screen?) back and forth.

 

[ekoostik]

I'm running the same board (GA-P55M-UD2) with a 4670 GPU and an i7 860. The thing idles around 70 (measured with kill a watt) and at max CPU load I don't think I've been over 190. I picked up the
Corsair CMPSU-450VX after reading this review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/540

A couple good sites for researching PSUs are http://www.jonnyguru.com and http://www.hardwaresecrets.com