mini-ITX work and buildlog $1,300 budget

[czglory]

I have spent a couple hundred hours researching and I am making less progress than I would like, so I am going to make a log out of it and hopefully can get some opinions along the way. I much appreciate what I have received in terms of feedback so far, it is making my life way easier!

#Here is what I have so far:

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CCr67P) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CCr67P/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80662i76700k) | $370.80
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhu14s) | $78.00
**Motherboard** | [Asus Z170I PRO GAMING Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z170iprogaming) | $196.00
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmk16gx4m2a2400c14r) | $103.00
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e500bam) | Purchased For $0.00
**Storage** | [Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/toshiba-internal-hard-drive-dt01aca300) | $100.00
**Case** | [Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcanode304bl) | $92.26
**Power Supply** | [Cooler Master 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-power-supply-rs650afbag1us) | $129.82 @ Amazon
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| **Total** | **$1069.88**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2016-02-27 05:52 EST-0500 |


Goals:

1. Small form factor that is portable (will be travelling with the case internationally), can fit in carry on luggage ideally, with minimal disassembly.

2. High performance parts protected and cooled sufficiently, a concern with I7 6700k+GPU in mini-ITX form.

3. Stay under $1,300

4. Perform adequately with cpu-intensive tasks, multi-task heavily without any slowdowns, and accept a proper GPU

5. Ideally fit > 100 GB m.2 SSD in, a PSQL read/write database is nearly always being used and this would be a proper upgrade I believe.

 

[czglory]

In reaction to comments and research:
-I will likely have to remove HDD, GPU, cpu cooler if I pack the desktop in checked baggage.

CASES:

-I am still not 100% decided on the case. This is the hardest part for me by far, and I am quite lost in this regard. So far, I have chosen the Fractal Design node 304 as my frontrunner.
I also like the Silverstone Ml08H, Silverstone Sugo SG13, and the Thermaltake Core V1 cases. Fractal Design node 304 seems to offer little in the way of compromises, but it is heavy (6 KG) which rules out carry on for the most part. However, it is very durable and sturdy, so it is safer than most other cases in checked luggage. Its supposed to be of excellent build quality, and fits a 3.5'' drive, most GPUs, has okay temperatures. Some smaller modular PSus can fit, and it has space for a reasonable CPU cooler.

Thermaltake Core V1 seems to be easiest, but the hardest to pack. No chance to carry this on, its fairly heavy and bulky. Otherwise, its a breeze to work in, I can put in an excellent cheaper power supply, the cpu coolers a non issue, and the temperatures seem good. Standard GPUs will work mostly, and there is room for a 3.5'' HD.

silverstone Ml08H is a nice option, it has a handle, its fairly light at 3.2 KG, but it is made of plastic and I am not sure how durable it is. It is fairly large to pack, it may not fit in check in luggage; it is very close! It has very limited CPU cooler compatibility; 58 MM max, leaving out most options here (very limited availability) besides for the Argon Ar06; which is not ideal for my I7 6700k in a small box. I likely would go I7 6700 locked processor with this case, due to lack of cooling options. It does not support a 3.5'' HD + GPU, and requires a special PSU which is more expensive and harder to replace (Silverstone SFX-L 500w at $100, gold rated)

Last, we have the Silverstone Sugo SG13, mesh version. It is the smallest, easily fits in a backpack, but the same issues as the last case remain. ~61 mm cpu cooler clearance, leaves the Argon AR06 as the most likely cooler. It is possible some AIO coolers may fit, but I am uncertain if this is wise to try on a desktop that will be transported. This case is light as well, so it could realistically be carried on, if AIO do not cause issues here, and I have no idea if it would or not. I7 6700k may be an option if AIO do not present any issues. Research shows I should install a 140MM noctua industrial fan in this to get maximum cooling.

Processor:

-I have decided thanks to the help of the forums that although a 5820k would be the best processor for my goals, it is out of the budget and the availability here for the motherboards excludes it from my options. This leaves the I7 6700k or I7 6700 as the only real options here I believe. Which one I get largely depends to me on the case, if I can get a good overclock going with decent temperatures, I would prefer to go unlocked. If the case I choose limits this, I would save the money, power, heat, and go for I7 6700 and forego any cpu cooler.

Motherboard-
Internet reliability and backup(wifi) is critical to me, a single disconnect with a backup unavailable could potentially cause a financial loss equal to the entire motherboard itself, so those are to be prevented whenever possible. Asus seems to make the best motherboards in this category, but MSI version is available for $10 off this price. If I do get a locked processor (I7 6700), I am likely to still go with this motherboard, even though I am trying to save cash. I want the m.2 connection, and I have decided to go without a GPU in the near future, so I will rely on the display port connection this board offers for very low gpu requirement games for now.

RAM: Here are my options, I have determined 16 GB is needed over 8.

g.skill 3200 MHz TridentZ CL16 ($193)

g.skill 3000 MHz TridentZ CL15 ($151.34)

G.Skill 3000 MHz Ripjaw V CL15 ($138.73)

Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200Mhz CL16 ($136)

Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000MHz CL15 ($125.83)

Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400 MHz CL 14 ($102.3)

Corsair Vengeance LPX 2133 MHz CL 13 ($97.76)

My second choice is this one:

G.Skill 3000 MHz Ripjaw V CL15 ($138.73) as it is 1.2 V over 1.35v of my default pick, but I am not sure if the price increase is worth it. There are no really good options for ram here as far as I can see, tossup. Perhaps the expensive motherboard offers performance enhancing options for the lower RAM.

PSU:

Depends on the case, but my options are among these:
Silverstone SFX-L 500w gold, SFF, short flat cables, modular ($100)
listed CM V650w 80+ gold ($129) - 500 w version not available, modular
Superflower FX Green Silver rated 500w ($58) - solid company
Super Flower Leadex Gold 650W Power Supply 80 PLUS Gold : fully modular, one of the best PSUs on the market, $100. It is a tad long however,
Dimension 200mm(L) x 150mm(W) x 86mm(H), making it an issue in most of these cases.

SSDs:
I have a Samsung Evo 500 GB 850 version already. I will keep this, and I would ideally like to have a m.2 SSD covering my PSQL database, which is 100+ gigabytes and growing. This does not fit in the current budget, though, these SSDs are outrageously priced here. I will be trying to fit it in somehow.

Additional Cooling: I hear a $30 130MM Noctua industrial 3000 RPM fan is a must in the Sugo SG13 case, so I will use that. The ambient temperatures here are quite high, it is in Thailand!

Still lots of work to be done, I appreciate the help I got from yuriman so much, he has helped narrow me down to these options.

 

[czglory]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/z3ntcf this is what I would ultimately like to get to,
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($380.00)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.00)
Motherboard: Asus Z170I PRO GAMING Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($196.00)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($125.86)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($297.49 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 390 8GB SOC Video Card ($380.00)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($103.00)
Total: $1611.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-27 13:14 EST-0500

$1611
but well over the budget.

 

[sam_816]

If I can make a suggestion, go for gigabyte z170n gaming 5 its $150-170 & get avexir ram for Xtra bling..

 

[Yuriman]

A low profile or horizontal CPU cooler would remove the need to unmount it when traveling. Removal of that particular cooler doesn't require removing the motherboard (probably just video card and maybe moving some wires), so it's not too bad.

 

[czglory]

If I can make a suggestion, go for gigabyte z170n gaming 5 its $150-170 & get avexir ram for Xtra bling..

The gigabyte z170n is only $5.5 cheaper here, at $190.50. Avexir ram I am not too familiar with, but they have worse timings and are comparably priced to g.skill and corsair ram.

A low profile or horizontal CPU cooler would remove the need to unmount it when traveling. Removal of that particular cooler doesn't require removing the motherboard (probably just video card and maybe moving some wires), so it's not too bad.

I have heard about the lower profile CPU cooler perhaps not needing to be removed, that was why I went for the NH-U12s over the nh-u14s, but if it is too large, yet easily removable, I wouldn't consider that a hassle. I have looked into all in one coolers as an alternative as well, but I could not find good information about whether they would remain stable with altitude changes on a plane or be safe for air travel.

The lower profile options here are the Argon Ar06, and from Noctua: NH-U9s, NH-U12s, NH-L12, NH-D9L. I did not notice the NH-D9L before and I have heard good things about that, perhaps I will change to this one. Considering that; I like the reviews of the NH-L12 and it is lower profile. I will try this out.


I am again tempted again by the SG13 case, it is smaller and lighter, I am concerned the fractal design node 304 case at its 6 KG weight would make it not a realistic carry on option (8KG max I believe, including bag weight etc). Its close. SG13 is ~2.5 kg / 5.5 lb. How big of an issue this is I have no idea, I find it quite likely that I will end up checking in any case that I buy regardless, for one reason or another, even though that is riskier. Similarly tempted by the Raven RVz02/ml08h cases, I had heard they will not fit in carry on bags, but there are some which they will fit in.

I keep debating whether to do the video card now, m.2 now, or hold off. I cannot fit both into my budget without a lot of sacrifices. The m.2 drive I would like is the 950 pro 512 GB M.2 2280 at $388; I will eventually use this space for certain, and it is tested faster on the benchmarks against the 256 GB version for some reason, and it offers double the storage at 1.7x the price, but that goes over the budget.

Power supply, also keeps changing. I am hearing time and time again I need a modular PSU, I would like to fit a superflower fx green 500w silver rated 140mm psu in, as it is a bargain at $58 from a top tier brand, and the next best options are $100 (CM v650 gold modular, and Silverstone SFX-L 500w gold modular slim). However, the silverstone SX-L 500w gold seems to be good besides for many complains about a very loud fan. This would drive me nuts, but it has small, flat cables, fully modular, gold rated, and its about the same price as a slightly-better performing V650 cooler master psu, but since this is my first build a fully modular, smaller PSU with flat cables may be a godsend.


HDD/SSD: Put in a 256 GB SSD, it is something I want a lot, this seems to be a good compromise, and it is work-related so I can fool myself into thinking it is worth the extra cash. I am not particularly happy with having three HDS, and I may end up having to ghetto rig one in place, but the other option appears to be an external HD.

I think I will go without the GPU, plan on getting one as soon as I can afford it or wait for Pascal if it is close to release at that time.


TLDR: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vsxgRB

CPU cooler, if it has to be removed, might as well get the best I can fit, NH-D15

Considering switching to SG13, ML08H cases again since they are more 'checkonable'

probably holding off on GPU for pascal

Still can't figure out which ram I want. Best options available seem to be:
Corsair LPX 2400 MHz CL-14 $103
Corsair LPX 3000 Mhz CL-15 $125.54
G.Skill (lower voltages at 1.2v it appears) 3000 MHz CL-15 at $138.40
G.skill Trident-Z 3000 MHz at CL-15 $151.84

updated build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($370.80)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($73.00)
Motherboard: Asus Z170I PRO GAMING Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($196.00)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($103.00)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($223.00)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.00)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($92.26)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($103.00)
Total: $1218.06 / 43,562 THB of 46000 strict budget. Lacking a GPU!
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-28 04:04 EST-0500

 

[czglory]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8RyWVn with a 390 GPU, one I am trying to fit in, the budget gets to $1,600 usd or 57,150 precisely in the shopping cart, of a 46,000 budget. The same build with an MSI R9 380 4GB card instead is $1,485 (-$115). Still at 53,140 THB build cost over 46,000 budget. Switching to a non-K I7 6700 saves me 1,200 on the processor ($33.52) and 2,600 on the cooler ($72.60), so I am still over budget with this sacrifice that I am hesitant to make (49,340 / 46,000)
build here:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/TNTMqs

and finally, if I drop to a sugo SG 13 case, locked processor, gigabyte R9 380 card, I do come close to budget with all parts:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/82fd3C
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z170I PRO GAMING Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($196.00)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($103.00)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($223.00)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 380 4GB SOC Video Card ($198.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($42.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($103.00)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 industrialPPC-3000 PWM 158.5 CFM 140mm Fan ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1280.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-28 04:26 EST-0500

Ruled out the SG13 as an option, I feel the RVZ02 family dominates it as a choice. While both the ML08H and SG13 both suffer from limited cpu cooler choices, Argon AR06 being the only one available here AFAIK, this is not an issue if I opt for the non-K i7 6700. Not my first choice but a reasonable option.

This leaves my down to ... three cases still. Deciding if the Thermaltake Suppressor F1 (Thermaltake Core V1 remake with dust filters, more silent) is a viable option. I can fit any PSU in there, coolers not an issue, and it does not seem to be much larger (if any larger) than the Node 304. Its taller, but more short.

1. Fractal Design node 304
2. Milo ML08
3. Thermaltake Core V1 / Suppressor

looking to eliminate the suppressor as an option, if it is easily carried on it will likely be my first choice as I can build without compromise for the components and get adequate cooling, something I am slightly worried about if I get the I7 6700k in the node 304.

Eliminated suppressor / V1, too large for carry on. The rest are a close fit anyways.

Down to two.
1. Fractal Design node 304
2. Milo ML08 / RVZ02

locked in the ram at 2400 MHz. Going with this PSU seems like a good choice with either case, so I will just stick with that unless the CM V650 or superflower comes out as a clear winner somehow in the meantime. Asus board locked in for m.2 support (MSI dropped the ball on that..) and I will go with the NH-U12s cooler and just remove it when travelling, its rated properly for overclocking the 6700k and overclocking. If I go the ML08 route, I am uncertain which cooler to take.

 

[czglory]

Close to a final build, $1,200 without GPU, featuring the node 304:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sW6BNG

alternatively, semi-final build with the ml08:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xVR4K8
definitely over budget, compromises on the CPU, cooler, but fits in a gpu.

 

[czglory]

discovering the PC-Q10 case by lian-li (similar to an N-case M1 ) is throwing a wrench in my plans! Looks like I am going to build some styrofoam models to get an idea of the scale