Mini ITX build questions

[cyberjar09]

Hi, im a first time PC builder who wants to get his hands dirty.

I was inspired by the Mac Mini and am looking to build a Mini ITX system but I have some questions.

1. I noticed that the Mac Mini has the power source externally. Is this possible in a custom build so as to keep the size of the case to around that of the Mac Mini?

2. I would like to run a silent rig so Im not looking for fans/optical drives/hard disk drives. I intend on booting off a USB stick and running Ubuntu. I know the booting from USB is possible, but im worried about the heat dissipation

3. I will need the motherboard to have Wifi, Ethernet, USB (3.0 optionally) and support at least 2 gig RAM. I am stating all this clearly since Im a PC building n00b and don't know if all this comes standard.

I am looking to use it primarily for browsing and streaming video.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Vette73]

1: With money come possibilities. Now the question is will it be worth it once you get to a set size or smaller.

2: Large heatsink with good ventilation will work on some cpus. BUT you will be limited to certain CPUs and Video. So Performance vs Silent.

3: Wifi is not standard on most. You can use USB Wifi and that will open more options.


How much performance do you need? The AMD E-350 is a little faster than a atom CPU but has much better video for watching videos.

This offers what you want, including Wifi.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131698

Add a single 4gb slab of Ram and you get quiet and ability for video. There are more E-350 based systems that are cheaper but give up built in Wifi.



If you need more performance then get a Mini-ITX board and add a low wattage CPU.

AMD Board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500063

Intel Board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500069

Will cost more than the first option and will need a aftermarket CPU Heatsink to keep it quiet but will offer more performance.

 

[nomadicdude]

Sorry but a different question: which case are you planning to use? I am trying to do the same thing and could only find Hd-plex H3 to be the closest in terms of size. Amazingly, it is also one of the few sub $300 cases with slot load (wow... one would think there would many mac-mini knock off's by now).

 

[Zap]

Habey ITX cases are small and aluminum. They're also cheap. You can opt for one with slot load optical drive bay, or a smaller one with no optical drive bay (a la latest Mac Mini).

 

[Gigantopithecus]

1. I noticed that the Mac Mini has the power source externally. Is this possible in a custom build so as to keep the size of the case to around that of the Mac Mini?

The Habey cases have external solid-state power bricks. So do a number of Antec and Lian-Li cases - poke around on Newegg.

2. I would like to run a silent rig so Im not looking for fans/optical drives/hard disk drives. I intend on booting off a USB stick and running Ubuntu. I know the booting from USB is possible, but im worried about the heat dissipation.

Even the Mac Mini has a fan, and under load, the Mac Mini is far from silent. Completely silent (i.e. zero fans) is not easy to accomplish. Using even one low rpm (quiet) fan opens up a lot of possibilities.

I am looking to use it primarily for browsing and streaming video.

HD or SD streaming?

Regardless, you should read my Nettop and SFF guides; I think you'll find the information useful.

 

[dma0991]

1. The Mac Mini has an internal PSU and does not rely on an external laptop power brick. If you want to keep it small in a DIY mITX case then get a picoPSU which should be sufficient to power all the hardware you could throw into the case.

2. Though I have run Ubuntu off a thumbdrive in the past, I find it impractical for constant daily use and a small and cheap 30-40GB SSD will be a much better option.

3. Any AMD E-350 board will be a good choice here. I suggest either one of these boards as they come with wifi built in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131698
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813500068