mini itx z97 options ?

you2

Diamond Member
Apr 2, 2002
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917
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I'm currently considering the asrock mini-itx z97e as it has most of the features I'm interested in:

1150 alc audio
wifi (optional; not hard requirement)
decent user reviews
display port (most mini-itx z97 have display port)
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The negative seems to be that it only has 1 case fan header. Are there any other boards i should consider (the asus has 2 fan header but uses a not so nice audio chip) ?
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The overall build will be elite 130 case; i7-K (haswell refresh); r290 or gtx 980; 650 or 750 psu and 8GB ram.
 

krose

Senior member
Aug 1, 2004
513
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That's the problem with mini-itx, finding a balance of features you can live with. I would rather have better audio than an extra fan header. To get both you're looking at spending more $$. I have the Asrock and I'm happy with it. However I am using the Swiftech H220-X which comes with a PWM splitter that you can plug 8 fans into. It's powered by an SATA power connector, and has a 4 pin PWM plug that connects to the CPU fan header. It can be obtained from Swiftech for 10 bucks. http://www.swiftech.com/8-WayPWMsplitter-sata.aspx
 

greybaby

Member
Sep 17, 2012
39
1
0
I'd recommend just getting a splitter and having them run at the same speed, much better than getting a different board for a header.
 

you2

Diamond Member
Apr 2, 2002
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917
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Thanks for the suggestion for the splitter that's probably the solution given the case (elite 130) though perhaps just plugging the larger (slower) fan directly into the psu would work.
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The evga board looks interesting I guess but one thing i forgot to mention is the board has to be sold at micro center so i can get the cpu/mb bundle.
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I guess from what folks have said the asrock is really the only decent option in the mini-itx form.