Mini-ITX Gaming PC

[akahoovy]

Hello to everyone at AnandTech, I'm looking for some advice on how to go about building a portable gaming PC. I'm just out of college and have landed a job, so I'm about to have income and would like to have my first new PC since around 2002. The caveat for this build is that I would like to use the smallest ITX case I can, and that looks like the SilverStone SG05BB (because of the PSU and ability to fit a good graphics card).

1. Use: Gaming on mid-high settings.

2. Budget: $1500-$1700, for core components. Accessories such as monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse, I am not factoring into this, but I would like suggestions.

3. Country purchasing parts: U.S.A.

4. Brand preference: Intel or AMD for CPU, Nvidia or ATI for GPU, price vs. speed performance and what will fit in the case.

5. Current parts to be reused: None, except possibly an 80gb HDD.

6. Similar threads: Attention system builders - Sample builds small form factor - sample gaming rig

7. Overclocking: If possible! Depends on what cooling I can fit and what acceptable temperatures I can expect. I'd like it to be safely stable.

8. Gaming resolution: 1920x1080 or 1920x1200, depending on monitor price and how I feel at the time I will start purchasing parts.

9. When? July/August. If something cool is coming along soon (say a processor that is worth waiting on before October) I'd like to hear my options.

Like I said, I want a mobile gaming PC, that's mostly quiet but powerful. I want the smallest ITX case I can utilize that will fit a decent GPU, and from what I understand it's likely the SilverStone SG05BB.

I'm aiming for 4gb RAM, a fast SSD, a sizable HDD, an awesome wireless keyboard and mouse, and probably will want to use a liquid coolant system like a Corsair H50 (whatever fits or works best).

I'd also like recommendations for two types of monitors: something to have at home that looks great like the HP ZR24w 24" (or something larger) and something that is portable, like I could slide into a backpack that has a built-in kick stand. The idea being that I could have a large gym bag or some sort of customizable case and slide all the necessary components in and go.

If I've left out any crucial information, I apologize and I will make an edit to add it in. This is also not a "dream build," and I apologize if my time frame is a bit far out but the information for this form factor is somewhat scant and I appreciate whatever you can tell me to point me in the right direction.

Andrew

 

[Athadeus]

You got the right case, but you won't be able to use any coolers besides the stock one or third party low profile without case modding. I don't think it requires significant modification, possibly just removing the HDD/Optical mounting brackets I think they come screwed in, but require removal during MB installation anyways. I guess the modding part would be figuring out how to secure the drives properly then.

I have been interested in a M-ITX build like this as well, but I have been trying not to get myself too hyped about it until a P67 M-ITX board comes out. At this point, I kind of doubt that will happen, but a Z68 M-ITX would seem to make good sense. Stock or OCed, you're going to want SB in that price range.

I always forget if the forum rules allow linking to other similar sites, but you can search for Max11L and check that out for lots of good information on the case thanks to Miahallen.

 

[Axon]

I have an SG05 LAN rig I put together that features an i3 540 and a 6850. Nice little PC.

These days, however, I think you should go Sandy Bridge. I know the 1155 chipset has or is going to have some nice mITX options. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

Right now all these boards feature the H67 chipset (no overclocking), but it may change when Z68 launches. Either way, that would be a powerful system core for gaming.

Case should be SG05 or SG06. I understand the SG06 has just a little bit more room for a GPU.

Cooling: You can get something like the Scythe Shuriken, the Prolimatech Samuel 17, or even the Corsair H50 (best option). If you get the H50, you can just slap ties on the fan to keep it installed. I'm going to be doing that myself. http://forum.corsair.com/upload/h50minipc.pdf I understand it blocks a 3.5" HDD, so be mindful, you'll probably need an SSD or some additional mods for that.

 

[Zap]

9. When? July/August.

I suggest you wait until around a week before you plan to order the system before trying to figure out what you want. The reason is that a LOT can change between now and then. Z68 chipset will surely be out. AMD Bulldozer may or may not be out. There will very likely be new graphics cards and new SSDs. Heck, there may even be better cases out by then. Lan Gear is working on bringing a small gamer oriented ITX box to market, but there is no ETA as of now. They have been working on it since late last year. Lian Li may come out with new stuff. Most of their ITX chassis came out over a year ago and some of them are already discontinued (like the PC-T7 series). Thus, any recommendations we give now may not be the best choice by the time you are ready to make your purchase.

 

[akahoovy]

Thank you for the input. I realize that a lot could change between now and then, new cases and a Z68 mobo would be fantastic. I was really curious to see what was available now because I've been having a hard time finding current information on such rigs.

 

[jchu14]

Here's a thread on SG05 builds on hardforum. Plenty of reading material

 

[mfenn]

I suggest you wait until around a week before you plan to order the system before trying to figure out what you want. The reason is that a LOT can change between now and then. Z68 chipset will surely be out. AMD Bulldozer may or may not be out. There will very likely be new graphics cards and new SSDs. Heck, there may even be better cases out by then. Lan Gear is working on bringing a small gamer oriented ITX box to market, but there is no ETA as of now. They have been working on it since late last year. Lian Li may come out with new stuff. Most of their ITX chassis came out over a year ago and some of them are already discontinued (like the PC-T7 series). Thus, any recommendations we give now may not be the best choice by the time you are ready to make your purchase.

:thumbsup: Just what I came in here to post.