New Computer, please help fill holes.

[aceO07]

I'm going to build my first SFF computer. It's due to moving and having interest in SFF from a while ago. My last computer was custom built lian-li case, asus mb, p4 1.6ghz oc to 2.4ghz etc etc.

Now I'm looking to do a much smaller setup. I will not be overclocking this time or not much. Speeds are fast enough for me and I don't really game or do any intensive 'work' at home. Email, web, movies, open office, linux/windows. Maybe a bit of counterstrike, original version.

Here is I think I'd like:
Case: Microfly case w/ 400W psu $55.00
Mobo: Asus p5k-vm $115.75
Video card: MSI RX2600XT $134.99

CPU: Intel Q6600 G0 $272.00
Memory: mushkin 2gb $59.99
Harddrive: Seagate?
DVDRW drive: Samsung


I won't need video card yet since I won't make much use of it or sound card. I will be putting in my HDTV tuner from my old build. I will be using my old dell 20" lcd until the 24" drops more. My budget range is $900 or so. The shuttle/cpu and ram are almost eating most of the budget.

To answer the other questions:
3. I am in the USA.
4. I prefer intel and seagate.
6. SFF build threads are rare.
7. stock or no overclocking.

 

[PurdueRy]

Seems like an expensive case/mobo...

I would go with the samsung SH-183L for the DVD-RW drive

 

[aceO07]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Seems like an expensive case/mobo...

I would go with the samsung SH-183L for the DVD-RW drive

If I did it separately for a bigger case, it'd probably run $100 for case, $100+ for mobo, $50-$70 for psu. So considering that all the parts are already included, it's not too bad.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: aceO07

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Seems like an expensive case/mobo...

I would go with the samsung SH-183L for the DVD-RW drive

If I did it separately for a bigger case, it'd probably run $100 for case, $100+ for mobo, $50-$70 for psu. So considering that all the parts are already included, it's not too bad.

SFF boards are usually cheaper, often around or under $100. The type of PSU that comes in that case will be a fairly cheap model. So trumping it wouldn't cost more than $50. Add in $100 for a case and you have $250...and probably with better components. I just think its something to look into.

 

[aceO07]

I've been out custom building for a long time. What SFF cases are out there that look decent? I've seen some nice cases, but they're in the $300 range just for the case...

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: aceO07
I'm going to build my first SFF computer. It's due to moving and having interest in SFF from a while ago. My last computer was custom built lian-li case, asus mb, p4 1.6ghz oc to 2.4ghz etc etc.

Now I'm looking to do a much smaller setup. I will not be overclocking this time or not much. Speeds are fast enough for me and I don't really game or do any intensive 'work' at home. Email, web, movies, open office, linux/windows. Maybe a bit of counterstrike, original version.

Here is I think I'd like:
Case/Mobo: SHUTTLE SG33G5B INTEL G33 CHIPSET $295.00

I don't know, man. That seems pretty expensive for a barebone kit. I'd go for the lower-end model SD30G2B, instead.

Actually, though, if you don't mind going a *little* larger, have you considered the Ultra Microfly? It's a little pricey at ~$106 shipped from Fry's, but it often goes on sale. If you can wait a few weeks before you buy, you could probably nab it for $60 or less.

The Microfly accommodates a full-size ATX power supply (not that you'll need one, since it comes with an Ultra V-Series 400W PSU) and a standard mATX motherboard. These standard form factors will be important if you ever need to replace either board or PSU. Pair it with a Gigabyte GA-945GCM-S2 (~$61 at Newegg) and you'll have a sweet custom barebone for ~$167 or less.

1. The Shuttle is 300x200x185 mm whereas the Ultra/Gigabyte is 281x286x229.
2. The Shuttle has firewire, whereas the Ultra/Gigabyte does not.
3. The Shuttle has one PCIe x1 expansion slot whereas the Ultra/Gigabyte does not.
4. The Ultra/Gigabyte combo has three PCI expansion slots whereas the Shuttle has none.
5. The Ultra/Gigabyte can accommodate a standard ATX PSU whereas the Shuttle cannot.
6. The Ultra/Gigabyte can accommodate a standard mATX motherboard whereas the Shuttle cannot.
7. The Ultra/Gigabyte's PSU has overvoltage protection whereas the Shuttle's may not.
8. The Ultra/Gigabyte is cheaper than the Shuttle.

 

[aceO07]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look into it.

hmm.. I found the microfly cheaper at zzf. $55 after rebate.

If I went for a m-atx case, I'd probably be interested in the Asus P5k-VM mobo. I had asus in my last build too.

I edited my first message.

 

[gorobei]

Unless you really like the shuttles, I think the microfly/x-qpack/thermatake cubes are probably the better way to go. You get you pick the MB, PSU, and I/O ports.(more options for later on, if you decide to upgrade or migrate parts to another PC)

the Q6600 may be a little much for stock cooling in a SFF and if you aren't going to do anything processor intensive.(don't know if audio mixing/editing programs are optimized for multi-thread. I believe quads run hotter at idle than duals.) You can knock the price down $100 by going with a dual core 6750.

stick with the g33 chipset, the asus p5k-vm should be fine since you're not looking for significant overclocking.

the nec/sony dvdrw is a safe bet. get the sata version to simplify your cables.

for videocard either a gf7900gs/x1950 for performance, or gf8600gt which should run cooler.

 

[aceO07]

I want something that will be more futureproof since I rarely upgrade. The quadcore should eventually be more utilized as time progresses. I think I'll head towards a case instead of a shuttle. While I do like the size, you guys do have a good point. I do like to be able to customize my parts more.

For a graphic card, it needs to support DVI and directx9 and HDCP would be nice.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: gorobei
the Q6600 may be a little much for stock cooling in a SFF and if you aren't going to do anything processor intensive.

I don't know that a Q6600 would be dramatically hotter than the Prescott I used to have in my SFF. That blasted thing idled at 50C+...

 

[aceO07]

I will most likely try to overclock more if I get a case instead of the shuttle.

 

[aceO07]

Are there any scheduled price drops for intel chips in the next month? I wonder if I should wait a bit.

 

[Skott]

Gigabyte has a new G31 matx mobo out. I havent seen any test results yet but I know pvhk over at HF and XS has one and he usually gives a good thorough testing. Might want to look at it. I didnt read the sites yesterday (going there next) so maybe he has some results posted already.

If you dont like Shuttle cases then I'd suggest something like the Qpack or Microfly too. There's also the Tt Lanbox, SG01, and a bunch of others simlar in size but of different quality and features. There's also the SG03 that works well with the Q6600. IMO Shuttle is too proprietary but thats just me. I like being able to pick and choose my individual components based on my needs/wants.

Edit: There was rumors of a Intel price drop for September but last I heard it was for the laptop version chips. Hard to say what Intel will do with Barcelona launching now.

 

[aceO07]

Yea, I'm think I'm starting to lean towards the microfly. It's cheaper and I can add in a decent video card for the same price.

 

[aceO07]

Skott, how do you like the p5k-vm board? That's what I'm probably going to get.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Skott
Gigabyte has a new G31 matx mobo out. I havent seen any test results yet but I know pvhk over at HF and XS has one and he usually gives a good thorough testing. Might want to look at it. I didnt read the sites yesterday (going there next) so maybe he has some results posted already.

Results are posted. His maxed out around 350MHz, but he pointed out someone else who got 400MHz. The better G33 chipset boards are hitting what, 460-500MHz?

 

[Skott]

Yeah, he's got some numbers up now.
http://www.hardforum.com/showt...d.php?t=900405&page=48

If I understand the chipset numbering correctly the G33 is a medium quality/featured P35 matx mobo and the G31 is the low end P35 matx mobo. Basically the low end budget matx mobo. From looking at Pvhk's numbers it'd be fine for those just wanting a decent low cost stock matx mobo that might want to do some mild OCing or non at all. Not everyone that has a matx wants to OC so if it has the features you need then its probably fine for that.

I love my P5K-VM mobo. Not a single problem with it so far. I havent OCed anything yet though. Been having too much fun playing games on it. :laugh: I'm sure it'll perform nicely though when I finally get around to OCing. I'd reccomend it to anyone. If you want top end fsb numbers though the DS2R edges it out a little bit supposedly. The DS2R has RAID whereas the P5K-VM doesnt. I dont need RAID so I went with the P5K-VM. I'm very happy with it.

Here's my baby :heart:

http://i190.photobucket.com/al...5/Skott62/IMG_1777.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/al...5/Skott62/IMG_1776.jpg

Inside look prior to wire management
http://i190.photobucket.com/al...5/Skott62/IMG_1759.jpg

 

[aceO07]

Bought the Q6600 G0 and 2gb mushkin ram.

 

[aceO07]

Bought asus p5k-vm, microfly. Need to find a good harddrive now.

 

[Skott]

Well, if you dont want to splurge on a Raptor then I'd suggest either a Seagate 7200.10 or the Samsung T166 model. Whatever you get get a 16Mb cache type.