Wanting advice on Mini ITX based system

[DietDrThunder]

Here is what I'm seriously thinking about assembling:

ZOTAC GF9300-D-E LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI Wi-Fi Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
WD Caviar Green WD6400AACS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5
ASUS Black 6X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-Ray DVD Combo Drive
Rosewill RS-MI-01 BK Mini ITX Tower/ Desktop Computer Case with 250W 20+4Pin & 1SATA Connectors Power Supply - Open ot better suggestions
Windows 7 OS OEM

My mind isn't completely set for any of these components. I do like the idea of a Mini ITX based system. Would like your feedback and/or suggestions on what you would build or any compatibility issues you may see.

By the way, where are you guys/gals getting the pre-release Windows 7?

 

[piasabird]

look at www.newegg.com
www.directron.com

What I have seen is they sell you Vista with the option/coupon to get Win 7. There may be a way to skip the vista. I thought that window had already closed. I think the OEM prices may be lower.

I don't trust any motherboard that is Mini-ITX. This is only my opinion. True Mini-ITX does not allow for a video card and has some other problems.

 

[Zap]

Are you ever going to be adding discrete graphics?

Are you ever going to want better CPU cooling?

What are you using the system for?

That Rosewill case has the power supply right over the motherboard, meaning the stock Intel heatsink will fit, but nothing much taller than that. It also doesn't have much ventilation overall. I'm actually not too thrilled with the selection of mITX cases at this time, outside of the Antec (for a workstation) and Silverstone (for gaming).

If you won't be adding discrete graphics and are not using it for HTPC (audio through HDMI) then you may want to consider a lower end Zotac board because those are around half the price for nearly same performance (only dinged a bit for lack of dual channel RAM).

 

[DietDrThunder]

What am I going to use this for? Let me give you an idea of what I'm replacing and what I do with it.

Currently I have the following system that I purchased in May of 2001, don't laugh.
Motherboard - EPOX 8K7A
Memory - 512MB - (2 x 256MB, 184-pin DIMM)
AMD Thunderbird 1.2GHZ
IN-WIN:S508-IW,ATX MEDIUM TOWER with 300W power supply
1 WD Caviar 30 GB HD
HP CD-RW Burner
3DFX Voodoo 3 pci video card
Creative Labs Modem Blaster
Windows 97

Along the years I've upgraded the system, but the motherboard has remained the same.
Its current configuration is:

Motherboard - original EPOX 8K7A with updated bios - yes it is over 8 years old.
Memory - 2GB - (2 x 1GB PC2100, 184-pin DIMM)
AMD XP2400 2GHz - over clocked FSB for an actual 2.4GHz (at least the bios tells me this on bootup)
Same Case
2 WD 250GB HDs
Pioneer 8x DVD Burner
ATI All-in-Wonder Radeon 7500 agp video card
Linksys 10/100 card.
Windows XP Pro

Now, what I use it for:
Ripping my DVDs
Adobe Photoshop
Storing over 4,000 digital photos
Office 2007
Battlefield 1942 (yes there are still people that play, the servers are still active)
BZFlag (I spend too much time playing this)
surfing the net.

I think it is time for a system upgrade which will last me a while.

What additional things I want this system to be/do:
I want a substantially smaller desktop footprint
Stream Netflix video
Watch blue-ray DVDs
Play a few newer games.
Burn my DVD collection faster.

You are probably right about the case being too small. I'll keep looking for one that is better.
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[Zap]

Since you game, you will want a case that can take at least a somewhat decent graphics card. The best case for that is the Silverstone mini ITX cases. They are a bit bigger than the Rosewill by an inch or so in each dimension, but they're the best for gaming (so far).

Newegg lists 4 but this one might be the most popular. The PSU is also much better quality as well as higher wattage versus the Rosewill.

You can go up to a GTS 250.

 

[jjmIII]

Zap is right (as usual) .

The SILVERSTONE Sugo SG05 is a nice case. Be sure you buy a slot-load dvd-rom though. I had a tray-load, and it wouldn't eject the tray....it would stick on the case front panel. Easily fixed with this slot-load. Be aware this item needs a special cable.

That mobo you picked is worth the extra cash. It is the best itx mobo out IMO. I bought the cheaper 7050/630i version, but regret it. As long as you keep systems, you'll be glad you have pci-e.

Consider a Quad too. It does cost more, but again, you keep systems pretty damn long.

External Blu-ray?

 

[Kenmitch]

Did you take a look at this Lian Li Case

Lian Li Webpage Better Photos

My first choice if I ever go mini-itx

 

[jjmIII]

Originally posted by: Kenmitch
Did you take a look at this Lian Li Case
Lian Li Webpage Better Photos
My first choice if I ever go mini-itx

That's actually pretty sweet, and a better fit for the OP. It can fit his BD drive.
You just made me not like my SG05 so much. I love the full size PSU too!

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: jjmIII
The SILVERSTONE Sugo SG05 is a nice case. Be sure you buy a slot-load dvd-rom though.

Thanks for mentioning that. I was going to mention that it took a slim drive, but forgot.

Originally posted by: Kenmitch
Did you take a look at this Lian Li Case

It can only hold a single slot card, plus one that isn't longer than around 8". It also only has a single 3½" and single 2½" drive bays. So, while it can use a normal ATX PSU, it can't really hold enough stuff to take advantage of that.

 

[DietDrThunder]

Zap - I looked at the Silverstone and I think I like it. I may drill four holes in the top of the case and mount it under my 1000 lbs. roll top desk (harder to steel that way).

The specs on the case show 2 Standard-length expansion cards support (9 inches)
Graphic card length reference:
ATI Radeon HD 4850/4830 - 9"
NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT - 9"
NVIDIA GeForce 9600GT/GSO - 9"
NVIDIA GeForce 8800GS/GT/GTS - 9"
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 - 9"
So if I want to upgrade with a graphics card later on I can.

jjmIII - I think I will forgo the Blu-Ray player/burner and go with the Lite-on SATA Slim 8X DVD Burner that you suggest and wait for Blu-Ray prices to come down.

jjmIII - You are also right about the processor. For $52 more, I can have the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz and I still come out $50 ahead by not buying the Blu-Ray drive yet.

Total price so far $629.94. Not too bad. Now all I have to do is find a good 24" 1080p monitor to buy for this system.

 

[Kenmitch]

I guess if you need more space for drives and longer video card Lian Li also makes another Mini-ITX case that may work better for you. Seems like it has more expansion options and will hold up to 11" video cards. Of course it is also larger than most Mini-ITX cases tho as it looks like it's set up for m-atx also....Hmm may defeat the purpose of a mini-itx system tho

See it here I was just looking around Newegg but they don't carry it I guess.

It is avaiable at Mwave.com not sure about the blue led fans tho....But easy to replace.

Good luck on your build

 

[jjmIII]

Get a 640gb Black while the gettin-is-good .