Micro-ATX i7 build

ZanatosFox

Member
Jul 2, 2004
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So I've been kicking around these upgrade ideas for awhile now. I was originally going to just upgrade my current system's RAM and video card, but now after getting some suggestions and looking at all the newer stuff out there I can't shake the itch to build new. After all, it's been 5+ years with 0 upgrades, I don't think an upgrade is unreasonable at this point. ;)

I've basically decided on building my system around an i7 920 CPU, and I was going to go with the ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 mobo. Then I saw this new MSI X58M Micro-ATX board. That got me thinking, maybe I could do this i7 system in Micro-ATX... hmmm... The board is very reasonably priced, has a nice feature set, and it got some decent reviews. I thought I might use an Antec Mini P180 for the case. Would this give me sufficient airflow, or does anyone have any other Micro-ATX case suggestions?

I guess my question is this: If I do go this route, does anyone see any major issues assuming I get a decent case with good airflow and a good cooler that will fit the case? I'd guess it may limit my OC'ing options somewhat since it will be more difficult to keep cool, but that's OK. Bottom line, will I be "Selling myself short" so to speak by going with Micro-ATX on a higher end system like the i7?

Oh, and the build will be used for: Gaming (WoW, Fallout 3, Oblivion and eventually SC2 and D3), Video Editing / Encoding (Reason I'm going w/ i7 over an AMD), HTPC, E-Mail/Web, etc on a 1920 x 1080 HDTV.
 

firewolfsm

Golden Member
Oct 16, 2005
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That case is actually fairly large, a lot of mid-tower specified cases are around that size so you'll get excellent airflow. Just decide if the little space saved is worth it.

That motherboard will not overclock as far as a full sized one from Asus or Gigabyte, but you may hit your temperature wall before the motherboard.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
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Originally posted by: ZanatosFox
Bottom line, will I be "Selling myself short" so to speak by going with Micro-ATX on a higher end system like the i7?

If you play to load up on cards such as having SLI/Crossfire, TV tuners, not using onboard sound, etc., then you may run out of room. Otherwise, enjoy having a smaller system. :thumbsup:

Regarding overclocking, there are micro ATX Core i7 boards that are pretty much as good for overclocking as most of the ATX boards. However, based on their other X58 boards, the MSI board may not be one of them. Very overclockable micro ATX alternatives are the DFI "JR" and the Asus "Gene" boards.

The Antec Mini P180 is probably the largest micro ATX case ever made, and is basically the size of a normal mid-tower. If you really want to save space you'll want something smaller, such as the Cooler Master 541 (or whatever that "upside down" micro ATX case is called).
 

ZanatosFox

Member
Jul 2, 2004
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Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: ZanatosFox
Bottom line, will I be "Selling myself short" so to speak by going with Micro-ATX on a higher end system like the i7?

If you play to load up on cards such as having SLI/Crossfire, TV tuners, not using onboard sound, etc., then you may run out of room. Otherwise, enjoy having a smaller system. :thumbsup:

Regarding overclocking, there are micro ATX Core i7 boards that are pretty much as good for overclocking as most of the ATX boards. However, based on their other X58 boards, the MSI board may not be one of them. Very overclockable micro ATX alternatives are the DFI "JR" and the Asus "Gene" boards.

The Antec Mini P180 is probably the largest micro ATX case ever made, and is basically the size of a normal mid-tower. If you really want to save space you'll want something smaller, such as the Cooler Master 541 (or whatever that "upside down" micro ATX case is called).

Haha, thanks!! I'm sure I will enjoy having a smaller system, my previous ones have all been honkin' huge things. It will be a nice change! :beer: (as long as I don't have to give up too much performance)

My plan was to use a single card solution, was leaning towards the Sapphire Vapor-X 4890 to help keep the temps down, and also it has an HDMI connection making it convenient to hook up to my TV. So no plans to do SLI, but the case would have to fit a newer card like the above.

That CM case seems decent. I don't particularly like the look of it, but I could live w/ it if it was the best option. Does anyone have any other suggestions on a Micro-ATX case that might be suitable? I'm quite the noob at this SFF stuff.

About the mobos, I was initially looking at the Asus GENE board, but it seems that it's fairly common for the 1st DIMM slot to be blocked by the CPU cooler. Also, Anand gave the MSI X58M a pretty decent review, and it seems from the article that it OC's pretty well also. But then I don't have any experience w/ any of these boards, so if anyone does, feel free to comment. :)

 

deputc26

Senior member
Nov 7, 2008
548
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Wow, Anand hit 4.62Ghz with an i7 on this board. That is monstrous! It sounds like you've got a good handle on things, I believed you've picked the right case as we all know how i7s can crank out the heat. I just built a uATX system for a friend and really all you're sacrificing (by going uATX) is SLI/xfire and a little overclocking headroom (due to heat though it depends on your setup). Yes you can't put huge RAID arrays in them but not many would anyway. Also good call with the vapor-x, the superior cooling will be friendly to your system.
 

Denithor

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: ZanatosFox
That CM case seems decent. I don't particularly like the look of it, but I could live w/ it if it was the best option. Does anyone have any other suggestions on a Micro-ATX case that might be suitable? I'm quite the noob at this SFF stuff.

Apevia X-Qpack
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
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I was thinking of doing the same thing, building a Micro-ATX rig based on the MSI X58M mobo. My thread is here
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
Originally posted by: ZanatosFox
That CM case seems decent. I don't particularly like the look of it, but I could live w/ it if it was the best option. Does anyone have any other suggestions on a Micro-ATX case that might be suitable?

Apevia/Aspire makes a case called something like the X-Qboii. It is the same chassis as the Cooler Master, but with a side window and different face.

The Silverstone TJ08 is nice (chassis made by YCC, same as Athenatech A301).

Antec NSK3480 can hold big cards, but unfortunately can't hold big PSUs.