Recommendations on a Mini-ITX motherboard with DC power for slim chassis

[Kremlar]

Hi -

I wasn't sure whether this should go in the motherboard forum or SFF, so apologize in advance if I mis-categorized.

Currently looking for a Mini-ITX motherboard to fit some slim Mini-ITX chassis that I have. The chassis have no room for an internal power supply, so I'm debating on choosing a board that has a DC power input on the backplate, or going with a PicoPSU and drilling a hole in the chassis for the DC power input.

I've never used a PicoPSU, so looking for advice on that. I see a couple that look interesting here:

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Box-pic...e=UTF8&qid=1479311741&sr=8-3&keywords=picopsu

https://www.amazon.com/picoPSU-160-...e=UTF8&qid=1479311741&sr=8-1&keywords=picopsu


If I go with a board that has a built-in DC input I'm currently considering this ASUS:
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H110T-CSM/overview/

And perhaps this i3-6100T which comes with a slim heatsink/fan that I'm hoping will fit:
http://ark.intel.com/products/90734/Intel-Core-i3-6100T-Processor-3M-Cache-3_20-GHz

I'm looking for best bang for the buck in overall performance, including perhaps some light gaming. I do want to make sure I go with something reliable and low power/heat - I prefer clean, simple and reliable.

I tend to prefer Intel over AMD but if an AMD option will give me more performance for similar money and reliability then I would consider that.

Any tips, comments and advice greatly appreciated!

 

[Valantar]

Just to clear things up: are you looking for a Mini-ITX board or a Thin Mini-ITX board? Thin Mini-ITX is an extended/modified spec, where the IO plate is lower and power input is generally handled through onboard DC jacks. This is a separate standard (although with the same XY measurements and mounting points). You can stick a thin mini-itx board in a mini-itx case (although your IO plate wouldn't fit), but an ITX board would be too tall for a thin mini-itx case.

 

[Kremlar]

Hi -

Thanks for the reply! I NEED a Mini-ITX board. My understanding was as you said - the "Thin" spec has the same XY dimensions and mounting points, and the ASUS board I am looking at supposedly includes both a thin and normal IO plate - at least according to the Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/H110T-CSM-LG...qid=1479312452&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+h110t/csm

I guess I assumed most Thin boards would also include both plates, so figured a Thin board would be fine for me as well.

 

[Valantar]

Hi -

Thanks for the reply! I NEED a Mini-ITX board. My understanding was as you said - the "Thin" spec has the same XY dimensions and mounting points, and the ASUS board I am looking at supposedly includes both a thin and normal IO plate - at least according to the Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/H110T-CSM-LGA1151-Mini-ITX-Motherboard/dp/B01EZGYSGG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479312452&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+h110t/csm

I guess I assumed most Thin boards would also include both plates, so figured a Thin board would be fine for me as well.

They might include both plates, but it's not required. As long as your case is regular ITX, you can pick and choose as you want, just check that the IO plate is included (if that matters to you). Still, for a board with an integrated DC input, thin mini-itx is most likely the way to go (it's required for the thin standard, whereas on regular ITX it's entirely optional. Also, regular ITX requires standard ATX power inputs, which both takes up board space and lowers the probability of manufacturers including a direct DC input.

 

[Kremlar]

Gotcha, thanks. I didn't realize a DC input was required for a Thin Mini-ITX or that ATX was required on regular Mini-ITX.

Any suggestions on particular boards, Intel vs. AMD, going with a built-in DC input vs. PicoPSU?

Thanks!

 

[Kremlar]

Anyone know how to determine the tip size needed for a power supply on one of these ASUS Mini ITX boards?? The manual says it'll work with a 19V or 12V power supply. The manual also indicates that for a 35W CPU a 90W power supply should be sufficient, but I'm probably going to go with a 120W power supply just in case. However, I see nothing about the tip size needed in the PDF manual or web site specs.

Any suggestions?

 

[cbn]

Just out of curiousity, what case are you using? Mini Box M350?

 

[Kremlar]

Hi -

It's a small run custom Mini-ITX chassis, nothing from any major manufacturer.