Smallest PC with big CPU no GPU/ODD.

[EliteRetard]

Need no less than 4 real cores, prefer 4 core 8 thread (or 4 module AMD).
Good PSU / power brick that can handle heavy 24/7 use for years.
Price is a factor, no overclocking. 1x256GB SSD /maybe/ another 2.5" storage drive.

-----------\/ Less important information \/--------------------

My dad runs a business off his personal PC, an old C2D system. It runs 80-120 programs all day every day and it eventually exploded. He just wanted it repaired so I replaced the MOBO and CPU with a faster C2D. This one is constantly hitting 90+C and I know it will soon explode as well. On top of the fact that the machine is horrid slow because of the lack of CPU resources RAM and an ancient HDD. Hes always screaming at it and beating his keyboard/desk.

I insist he gets a new PC, and I know he will still run it as hard as his old one so I need lots of cores 8-16GB RAM and an SSD. It needs to be very small as well, so it can sit on his desk (preferably laying flat under his monitor). Right now he has a micro ATX case that's a massive pain in the ass, and most of the interior is empty.

-------------------/\ End details /\--------------------------

NUC would be awesome, but not enough CPU...and probably not heavy 24/7 worthy.

An AMD Vishera 83xx CPU, maybe even a PhenomII X6 would be nice for the cores and lower price, but I'm thinking the heat/power would make that impossible (maybe not?). Wonder if I can get a used 2500/2600 for under $200 that hasn't been abused. Is there anyway to get a 4c/8t Intel under 350$? A Xeon maybe? Again overclocking don't matter.

So what do you guys think are the options? He's used to getting dirt cheap PCs and keeping them for 5+ years. It'll be tough convincing him to spend 600$...going much over that might not be possible no matter what I say. Is that at all possible? I might have to give him a loan and have him pay me back.

 

[Eeqmcsq]

A case that sits on the desktop beneath the monitor? That doesn't sound like a very big case, which means you have airflow and heat limitations with your internal components, including the CPU. It's hard to find a powerhouse CPU while staying low on heat. Are there any other case alternatives your dad would accept? Why is the current microATX case a pain?

If your CPU is constantly hitting 90C, that might mean the heatsink is not properly installed on the CPU, or there's not enough airflow in the case. Have you looked into why the CPU is running so hot?

Have you considered building two PCs? Is it possible to separate the "always running" apps onto a 2nd PC? Then his 1st PC won't be bogged down by these running apps, and he won't be frustrated by the lack of responsiveness.

What's ODD?

 

[DaveSimmons]

ODD = Optical Disk Drive

If he has a 4GB C2D then an 8GB i5 real quad core should be fine, but you could look for a deal on a non-K i7. Just get a non-K model since it will run at stock speed. Micro-ATX may be bulky, but they are easier to keep cool than mini-ITX.

90 C does sound excessive. What is the room temp? Is the case clogged with dirt? Is the HSF attached properly with the pins all the way through the holes in the mobo? Are the fans spinning properly?

 

[Zap]

Do you already have a 64-bit operating system to use? If not, would your dad be okay with Win 8 or would Win 7 be better?

Fast CPU, lots of RAM, two 2.5" drives... you can build an Intel Core i7 mini ITX rig in an Antec ISK 110 which is tiny, uses a power brick, can mount to the back of the monitor (if monitor supports VESA mounts) and has a 3 year warranty on the PSU.

What's ODD?

Optical Disc Drive

 

[VirtualLarry]

My dad runs a business off his personal PC
So what do you guys think are the options? He's used to getting dirt cheap PCs and keeping them for 5+ years. It'll be tough convincing him to spend 600$...going much over that might not be possible no matter what I say. Is that at all possible? I might have to give him a loan and have him pay me back.

What kind of business cannot afford to support itself, with a new $600 PC every six years?

Edit: As far as builds go, check out my mini-ITX gaming rig build thread here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2320412

 

[T_Yamamoto]

I'd pick up these parts used:
i7 3770(k)
mITX mobo

and get a new SSD (Maybe a M4 or 840)
then get an Antec ISK case, its super tiny.
You may need to pick up an extra 80mm fan to keep it cool.

 

[EliteRetard]

Yeah I was just down there a few days ago to clean up his PC, 90c is as good as it gets right now. Using a beefier Intel cooler, but it cant keep up. Surprisingly it isn't throttling to hard (a few dips to low speed but mostly keeps going at 3+Ghz).

I'm thinking the new system will include some kind of lowpro after market cooler...

I see the ISK mentioned twice, looks fairly small/low profile...but USB2 only huh? 150w would mean Intel only (no 125w+ CPUs for me!). Images don't show any power brick, but I don't clearly see a PSU either. I see a standard power cord though.

To bad its still got ODD clutter, anybody actually work with one of these? How much can be taken out, and how much room is there to work with? Really I just need a box like 7"x7" to fit an ITX and just tall enough to fit the CPU cooler and PSU over the PCI slot. Stick an MSATA or whatever under the MOBO. Maybe 1x2.5" HDD on it's side up front. Vents left and right for exhaust.

I didn't specify sound as an issue, because its pretty much secondary to everything...but quieter 120mm fans would be nice. If I could get a big fat CPU cooler pressed right up to an opening in the side to suck in fresh air that would be good. If I could even go 140mm+ that would be great. One big arse fan that just covers the whole MOBO and pushes air out side vents. Somehow get a quick swap mesh filter on the outside for easy cleaning.

They can pretty much do everything I want in a laptop, even at the 600$ point, but I want to trade the screen battery and keyboard for higher quality parts and much better cooling. I'm willing to go bigger thicker heavier too...

300$ CPU 100$ Case/PSU 100$ MOBO 100$ Win7. Not much room for SSD/RAM. Hence why I wish there was a 150$ CPU option.

 

[EliteRetard]

I'm curious too, he has an ATI 3850, you think an HD3/4000 comes close? I know he wouldn't want any "downgrades".

 

[nsafreak]

I doubt it, the 3850 isn't a terribly powerful GPU and it doesn't sound like he's doing 3D graphics or anything else that would be taxing it. If he is doing heavy 3D work then he's going to be eternally frustrated going the small desktop route since he'll never have room for a beefy GPU that would help with his 3D workload. The Antec ISK is about the smallest you're going to get when it comes to decent ITX cases short of going with an all in one solution (ala iMac) where you wouldn't have the option of building it yourself.

 

[Zap]

I'm thinking the new system will include some kind of lowpro after market cooler...

No need. Just use the stock cooler and enable a fan profile in BIOS. As long as you don't botch the install and dust it on occasion, should work fine for years.

I see the ISK mentioned twice, looks fairly small/low profile...but USB2 only huh? 150w would mean Intel only (no 125w+ CPUs for me!). Images don't show any power brick, but I don't clearly see a PSU either. I see a standard power cord though.

You are talking about the ISK 300-150 or 310-150 since you mentioned 150W. Don't know about the 310, but the 300-150 was updated to have USB 3.0 ports in front. Also, it has a flip up door that covers the face, so you don't see the ODD bay from the front at all.

And yes, the 150W versions use a normal power cord. The 65W versions (ISK 300-65, discontinued?) and the other ISK cases (ISK 100, ISK 110) use external power bricks.

To bad its still got ODD clutter, anybody actually work with one of these? How much can be taken out, and how much room is there to work with? Really I just need a box like 7"x7" to fit an ITX and just tall enough to fit the CPU cooler and PSU over the PCI slot. Stick an MSATA or whatever under the MOBO. Maybe 1x2.5" HDD on it's side up front. Vents left and right for exhaust.

I mentioned the ISK 110 case. It is what you describe as wanting, except no USB 3.0 front ports and uses an external power brick.

If you want the normal power cord, better ventilation and front USB 3.0 ports, then the ISK 300-150 would be a decent choice.

 

[Kallogan]

The akasa cypher itx case comes with 120W external power brick. You can put any intel quad in it. It's small and sober, no front ports, or dvd drive. If you want usb 3.0 then buy the right motherboard but ports will be at the back unless you use a usb extender or hub.

 

[holden j caufield]

can't your just run a laptop. Mine is an i7 quad, 32gb ram, runs really cool and quiet. Can fit two 2.5 drivers and an msata plus however many usb, esata drives you can attach. Runs 8+ virtual machines (more if you count the nested vm). And if it's going to fit on a desk it had better be quiet, which it is.