Moving to Micro ATX

[wege12]

My main gaming rig (configuration in my signature) is currently hooked up to a ASUS X99-A/USB 3.1 ATX motherboard inside a Corsair Obsidian 750D case. This was my first PC build so at the time I wanted something easy to work with and had a good amount of airflow.

But as time has passed, I would like something much smaller and sleeker for easier transportation. My reason for this thread is to ask if there might be any performance decreases associated with downsizing motherboards and the case due to thermal throttling? As of right now, my 5820k and Fury X are water cooled, so I think I'd be okay but I want to confirm this with you guys.

Please let me know your thoughts and/or case and motherboard recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[exar333]

No, shouldn't see any performance decreases moving to mATX. Keep the cooling good, and you won't have any issues. Focus on high-efficiency fans as well to push plenty of air, and manage case pressure. I did a whole custom loop mATX build 1.5 years ago, and while space was limited, it was fantastic. I really think mATX is the 'standard' build size for me going forward. If you don't need optical drives, and utilize more network storage, you just don't need ATX size.

Even mITX is fine for keeping top-tier performance, although you give up on the option for SLI/CF.

Edit: Should this be in the cases and cooling subsection rather than VC&G?

 

[Genx87]

I moved to Micro ITX last year and love it. Small factor, no cooling problems, and fits in the TV stand nice and easy.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Most - but not all - mATX cases are smaller and have fewer cooling options.

There doesn't HAVE to be any compromises, but you have to be more careful with case selection.

 

[therealnickdanger]

but you have to be more careful with case selection.

Definitely.

My advice is to make sure that your mATX case has enough height (width?) to tolerate taller CPU heatsinks (like the 212) and GPU heatpipes that sometime stick out from the top of the GPU.

If you really want to downsize, go mITX. I've been using mATX for a lot of years and it's really not that much of a space saver over ATX. mITX has come such a long way that it's worth looking into. Also, it might seem dorky, but get one (mATX or mITX) with a carrying handle. It's so great, even for simply rotating the case on the desk.

 

[wege12]

Thanks for the advice guys. Looks like I'll be downsizing to mATX. I've found a potential motherboard/case combo:

Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-LGA-2011...1_1&refinements=p_85:2470955011&rps=1&sr=8-1=

Case: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carbi...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[choccy_bar]

pain in the arse working on matx.

I wouldn't do it. Only do it for a small htpc or similar.