Need help choosing a SFF mITX case for my build!

[czglory]

Looking for a mini ITX build that I will be transporting internationally. I will be using an Intel I7 6700K processor, and eventually a GPU like R9 380 probably when prices drop after pascal. Durability , size, and weight are large abnormal considerations that I need to consider, temperatures, features, compatibility also important. Pricing is a tie-breaker more than anything.


I'm Still deciding parts, because I am not positive about the case. Thinking out loud. The case will help put that to a rest!


1. Leaning towards the Thermaltake Core V1 or Thermaltake Surpressor F1 ($48.96) in the pcpartpicker list. Fairly large, can't put in a backpack, but seems great otherwise, durable.


2. Silverstone ML08B-H (Raven RVZ02 w/handle), console size ($83.38), lighter, small issue with not having a 3.5'' hd space, durability is questionable


3. Silverstone Sugo SG13B-Q ($41.41) -


4. Fractal Design node 304 ($92.05) - seems to have heating issues, durability?


5. CM Elite 130 mini-itx ($40.57) - no dust filtering, otherwise seems good





Here is the build:

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k6pXTW) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k6pXTW/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-U9S 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhu9s) | $63.00
**Motherboard** | [Asus Z170I PRO GAMING Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z170iprogaming) | $159.99 @ SuperBiiz
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmk16gx4m2a2400c14r) | $109.00
**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 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/toshiba-internal-hard-drive-ph3400u1i72) | $108.00
**Video Card** | [Sapphire Radeon R9 380 4GB NITRO Dual-X OC Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100384nt4goc2l) | $188.98 @ Newegg
**Case** | [Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/thermaltake-case-ca1b800s1wn00) | $50.07
**Power Supply** | [Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone-power-supply-sstsx500lg) | $94.99 @ B&H
| **Total** | **$1144.83**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2016-02-22 05:45 EST-0500 |

//notes on part choices and compatibility

**cpu cooler**
Argon AR06 if the Noctua does not fit.

**motherboard**
Asus or MSI z170i pro gaming ($196 / $187) can't decide, MSI is more durable perhaps?

**PSU**

preferrably would fit this PSU in, shown as a "evga supernova g2" on pcpartpicker becuase they do not have super flower, which supplies their better psus
Super flower green FX 500w silver ($59)

** Still deciding parts, because I am not positive about the case. Thinking out loud. The case will help put that to a rest!

1. Leaning towards the Thermaltake Core V1 or Thermaltake Surpressor F1 ($48.96) in the pcpartpicker list. Fairly large, can't put in a backpack, but seems great otherwise, durable.

2. Silverstone ML08B-H (Raven RVZ02 w/handle), console size ($83.38), lighter, small issue with not having a 3.5'' hd space, durability is questionable

3. Silverstone Sugo SG13B-Q ($41.41) -

4. Fractal Design node 304 ($92.05) - seems to have heating issues, durability?

5. CM Elite 130 mini-itx ($40.57) - no dust filtering, otherwise seems good

 

[Yuriman]

Looking at your options,

The Core V1 and Suppressor have friendly layouts for working inside the case, but I agree that they're not super compact. They have plenty of room for cable management, but on the flip side, have quite a bit of "unutilized" internal volume. Useful if you're planning to do a liquid loop or something of the sort.

I'm a fan of the Milo/Raven, if you can get away with not having 3.5" drives. I doubt durability will be an issue. You'd need a lower profile CPU cooler, but there are plenty of good options.

Silverstone Sugo is more compact than the Thermaltake options, but places the power supply over the motherboard, leaving room for an optional radiator but making access to the motherboard difficult.

I like the Fractal Node's relocation of the power supply from where the Sugo places it. The only "deadspace" in this case is above the board, where you might place a tower cooler.

I've used the Elite 130, and found the 5.25" bay wasn't useful. It also suffers from an arguably poor power supply placement.

So, for me personally, I'd rule out the Elite and Sugo.

 

[XavierMace]

I'm a fan of the Milo/Raven, if you can get away with not having 3.5" drives. I doubt durability will be an issue. You'd need a lower profile CPU cooler, but there are plenty of good options.

Eh, not as many as you might think. Most of them aren't rated for the TDP of the 6700K. My brother has been working on a similar build.

 

[czglory]

I am mostly seeing just he Argon ar06 coolers here, they do have scythe big shuriken (?) and a cryorig c1/c6 (?) I think they are called, but not available here.

 

[Yuriman]

Noctua's L9i will technically work, if without much headroom:

http://noctua.at/en/nh_l9i_tdp_guidelines

You'll not be overclocking much, if at all, with that cooler, but it's a significant step up over the stock cooler Intel was including with the 4790K.

The Scythe Kozuti and Big Shuriken should work too, if you can find them.

 

[Stuka87]

Probably bigger than what you want (external size), but I really like my Corsair 380T. Only downside is it wont take a full 12" long GPU, max length is like 11.2". But otherwise I am very happy with its looks and performance.

 

[hotdun]

I really like both Thermaltake options but take a look at:

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv
Ncase M1
Lian Li PC-Q10
Lian Li PC-Q17

 

[czglory]

thanks for pointing those out, the only one available here is the PC-Q10 which looks interesting. Ncase is beautiful, and I would love to get my hands on one...