mini ITX... how do you like it?

[BonzaiDuck]

my own rules of thumb at this time:

ATX for SLI/Crossfire
mATX for single GPU
mITX for APU

Although the bitfenix prodigy case made me want to build an mitx gaming rig in the worst way.

The rules make sense.

I don't like full-tower cases anymore.

In the "old" days, I even cringed at using onboard features, somehow preferring expansion cards. But when was the last time you had any failures with onboard sound or NIC?

As for SLI, I did it once. But if your gaming obsession isn't an obsession, the latest gen cards ought to do fine as singles.

I might spring for an mATX, but hadn't thought about mITX before. Something to consider. Meanwhile, I should have custom-made cushions to put on my computer cases so people can sit on them.

 

[PliotronX]

my own rules of thumb at this time:

ATX for SLI/Crossfire
mATX for single GPU
mITX for APU

Although the bitfenix prodigy case made me want to build an mitx gaming rig in the worst way.

Now that I think about it that is how I generally decide on parts when I build a system. I select the case around the mobo, not the other way around Good job keeping it simple.

 

[nitromullet]

This jonsbo W1 mini ITX case is pretty sweet.

http://www.jonsbo.com/en/products_23_1.html

Looks great and will hold four 3.5 HDs, two 2.5 HD/SSDs, full size PSU, full size GPU, large air coolers (up to 215mm tall), 240mm AIO water cooler, and a slot loading optical drive (except with an AIO).

They are a tab pricey to get to the US because they aren't sold here, so the shipping sort of kills it. The case itself sells for ~$120, but with shipping they generally come out to closer to $175.

I know that Newegg (Rosewill) and DIYPC have re-branded and sold some jonsbo cases in the US, so here's hoping they decide to do the same with the W1.

 

[Aikouka]

I still have a preference toward larger cases, but I think a lot of that has to do with one aspect of computers: cables. Honestly, for as much as we've worked to build small machines, cabling is still flippin' awful. Every time I see a Mini-ITX case that's all nice and tight inside, I dread the thought of weaving the 24-pin ATX power connector through all those tiny little holes.

There are also just a ton of cables that we have to deal with. We already have to plug power to the motherboard and all I/O devices to the motherboard, so why in the world don't we just build power delivery into our I/O ports? One of the biggest problems that I have with drives is usually the spacing of the drives compared to the spacing of the SATA power connectors on the power supply's cable. I usually end up buying extensions with modular SATA ends that I can move around to create a custom cable that's at the exact right spot.

 

[QueBert]

I <3 my EVGA Hadron, my only beef with it is the non existent cable management.

 

[PliotronX]

At least you don't need a 36" cable to reach the top drivebay

 

[aigomorla]

my own rules of thumb at this time:

ATX for SLI/Crossfire
mATX for single GPU
mITX for APU

Although the bitfenix prodigy case made me want to build an mitx gaming rig in the worst way.

im sorry to tell you that this is a failed rule of logic...

mATX is about as tiny as u can go and still have SLI.

ATX boards should always be primary if you have a very limited budget as they are more forgiving on parts, and heat. Not to mention a TON lot easier to work with if your new to PC building as u have the room to fit your hands in places and not get cut up by the case.

mITX can get expensive for systems like NAS because of the lack of SATA ports you can have available unless again, you decide to go with a expensive ITX board like the ASUS.

A better rule of logic you should follow is..

Budget = ATX
Tiny but gaming SLI/Xfire = mATX
Ultra Tiny, but wont require extensive SATA ports = ITX.

 

[Tweakin]

CaseLabs Mercury S3...sweet!

 

[Brainonska511]

I've toyed with the idea of one day building a mini-ITX system, but there are just too many compromises over mATX. The cases that have features I want tend to only be slightly smaller than mATX cases, negating the benefit of a smaller system. And the smaller cases compromise on power supplies, drive space, or graphics card height.

The next time I do a full upgrade, I'm going to stick with mATX and get something that can hold a few hard drives more than my current case (the CM Centurion 541 was a poor choice in hindsight - in terms of total hard drive space (2 internal 3.5" + 2 external slots, the latter not always fitting a drive properly with the face plate on), cable management capabilities, and just the internal layout).

 

[_Rick_]

For me it's all about the use case, and existing hardware, as I rarely get to do truly clean sweep builds.

My father wanted a machine, where he can reach the power button easily - mITX cube on the desk is a brilliant solution, and fits the GPU he needs for gaming.

I need a GPU, want to keep open the option of installing a proper NIC, and need a dedicated soundcard for dts/dolby encoding because the mainboard doesn't support it, and I like using all optical outputs - micro ATX.

My server runs 12 HDDs - well, even a normal compact ATX case won't fit, so big tower + ATX mainboard is the solution - and with moar NICs and HBAs and TV cards and soundcards eventually required, I see that thing remaining ATX for the next rebuild as well.
Should I ever build an HTPC, I would either use mITX with a badass soundcard, or micro ATX with soundcard, a GPU and maybe a tuner, if I also want to game on the big screen.

Why do I want to go as small as possible? For the same money, I get better looking hardware, and the smaller mainboards are also at times cheaper, than similarly equipped ATX boards. True budget micro ATX boards are hard to find, but I don't do true budget builds...

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I have the full gamut at the moment. I have a Caselabs M8, Corsair 750D, Bitfenix Prodigy, and a IN WIN true mitx case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108417)

I truly love the potential of a proper mitx case like the IN WIN. It is a really solid "bedroom" computer, for streaming and web surfing.

My big cases (750D and M8) are water cooled monstrosities and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Going forward, water cooled rigs will continue to be full towers and stuff like the Caselabs M8. But all "basic" use PCs are going to be mitx or smaller. I have almost pulled the trigger on a Kaveri rig so my "bedroom" computer would have a little gaming potential.

 

[jmor]

I've been toying with the idea of going mITX recently. I can't find a good looking case that fits a long graphics card, yet is still small in size. I like the EVGA Hadron Air, but I don't like that it comes with it's own power supply. I was hoping of going the fanless PSU route.

 

[bleucharm28]

i have both.

Well...I had a Silverstone TJ07. It so big and heavy i decided to switch to a Dimastech Test Bench.

I love my case lab S3