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Need to replace current PC. Thinking MiniITX

DonnyP

Junior Member
I posted a thread awhile back about my computer situation. I took the advice of others and just upgraded my computer to be a bit quicker. Well it's now to the point where its having quite a few problems and needs to be replaced.

Here is a link to my previous thread,

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2318214

Their was a couple of times when using it, that it just crashes and the screen starts showing a bunch of colored lines and flashes. It makes a weird sound through the speakers as well, only way to fix it, is to reboot computer.

Also the fans on my computer are starting to go out and the bearings are loud. I'm not sure if its due to ground noise, feedback, etc. Speakers also crack and make strange noises from time to time just sitting there. Computer is going on about 6 years old, so I think an upgrade is in order.

I was going to purchase today, but thought building would be cheaper and more entertaining.

I don't see much use in me having a huge tower sitting on my desk anymore, that's why I was learning towards a Mini ITX build or all in one computer.

I'm open to any and all suggestions though on your thoughts about size, etc.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. I mainly use my computer to surf the web, email, listen to music, download items, etc. I don't do any gaming, video editing, or extensive photo editing. Only a little here and there. It's also used as a mediaPC in the bedroom until I get around to building a standalone system

2. What YOUR budget is. Around ~$500, possibly more if really needed to get a better part

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. United States

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, Nope

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. Brand Preference isn't really a huge thing to me. I prefer reliability. However I can get the most bang for my buck.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. I would be using my Intel SSD.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Don't plan to overclock it at all, never got into it

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using? 1920x1080

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
As soon as the tech gurus at Anandtech tell me its good to go :biggrin:

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software? No Software needs to be purchased.

I think I covered everything. Thanks again for the help.
 
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I was going to purchase today, but thought building would be cheaper and more entertaining.

I don't see much use in me having a huge tower sitting on my desk anymore, that's why I was learning towards a Mini ITX build or all in one computer.

I'm open to any and all suggestions though on your thoughts about size, etc.

I mainly use my computer to surf the web, email, listen to music, download items, etc. I don't do any gaming, video editing, or extensive photo editing. Only a little here and there.
Around ~$500, possibly more if really needed to get a better part
most bang for my buck.
I would be using my Intel SSD.
Don't plan to overclock it at all, never got into it

TBH, if that's all that you plan on doing with this PC, and that's how small your budget is, then it really makes more sense to get a pre-built, complete with OS.

If you want something small, then look at the Asus VivoPC. I considered getting a pair of those myself.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-628-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-123-_-Product

If you do want to build, then I suggest a G3258 Haswell Pentium CPU, and a non-Z overclocking motherboard. Well, ok, you said you weren't going to overclock. In that case, get a Haswell Celeron G1820 or G1840.
 
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I also forgot the mention. This PC will also be used as a mediaPC, to playback movie files, in the bedroom. It will be used that way until I'm able to build a stand alone system for in there.
 
CPU: AMD A10-6800K 4.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.66 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+ Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($95.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (White) Mini ITX Tower Case ($68.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $431.90

How would this setup work together? Still leaning on a different case though.

If I need to spend a little more, to get something custom, that will be fast, I will look into it, depending on the price difference.
 
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CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($64.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (White) Mini ITX Tower Case ($68.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Sony 5280S-CB-PLUS DVD/CD Writer ($31.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $355.90

Per virtual larrys recommendations.
 
The smaller prebuilts (that would match an mITX build) are pretty featureless. I would definitely build my own... adding an SSD as well. DonnyP's build above is pretty good, adding your current SSD would make it really good.

Aside from it's OC'ing potential, the G3258 chip is a pretty good chip by itself; I wish I would have waited the 2 months and gotten it instead of the G3220 I have in my latest build. Not that the G3220 isn't a bad chip, but I would like to have the OC-ability.
 
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