[Build Log] Mini-ITX PC - Middle School

[DonkeyOatie]

My middle school students will be putting together a mini-ITX PC for my wife ($700 of MY money). This thread will document our progress.

The build from pcpartpicker

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone ML07B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $693.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 09:43 EDT-0400

EDIT: I have moved all the photos from various places to this first post, along with the captions, so you can get the whole picture quickly, without wading through all the pages and side discussion (which was very interesting, but not necessarily mini-ITX relevant)

The parts arrived very promptly and in excellent condition.

Hope this works.

I was sure to uncheck the questions. Why is this not a discussion?
Could a Mod/Admin please fix or tell me how to.
Changed it for you

EDIT: Photos copied here so visitors don't have to wade through the whole swamp.

Open case with riser on right.

Motherboard

I/O shield in place.

You can see how crowded it is and with the cables in the way at the back of the PSU cage.

There are two mounting points at the back, just like those two at the front, only a LOT harder to get to.

HDD, PSU, and one case fan.

HDD, PSU, and SSD on riser

Here's the latest from Friday, the ASRock H97 mini-ITX motherboard with wireless.

Latest work. Both case fans in, but only one header and CPU and fan in place.

Preliminary cabling. When we know where everything goes, we will unplug stuff and use cable ties to organize things, although there's not much we can to with the main power cable.

There's a twist in most of the long cables so that they will loop neatly.

The latest work is on cable management.

You can see that there are a lot of cables to go in a small space.

In particular there are the light colored two wire cables from the front panel; power, reset, and the two LEDs. I decided that they needed to be routed around behind the PSU cage. However the small space, plugs on the end, and the ventilation holes make this a dodgy proposition. So I made a precision, high-tech cable guide (available on-line for only 9.95 plus S+H)

It worked so well with one cable that I bundled them with zip ties and:

That's much neater, and we were able to route the four pin power cable around the motherboard.

That was all. Some of the students had never even used a cable/zip tie before. !

Latest and final pictures of build (until I get my GPU)

Overall build

Motherboard detail.

Here's a couple of pictures to show how big/small the case is.

BTW, the hair is the remains of my Halloween costume as Dilbert's pointy-haired boss.

In use on December 9, 2014 during our school's participation in the Hour of Coding by one of the students that helped build it. Sweet!!

Here's the final configuration of the system, as will be delivered to my wife.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.58 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML07B HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($90.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($104.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $933.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 20:09 EST-0500

I get about this much to spend for my build, and so, since I don't need that case and PSU, I can hope to squeeze a GTX970 in.


Something like this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.94 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.15 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX Power Supply ($48.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($104.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1004.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 20:19 EST-0500

 

[ImDaBaron]

Your class sounds awesome. Cant wait to see the progress.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

It's actually an after-school activity. I have a group of about 12 students who are interested. Four of the eighth grades have a $600 to $800 budget which I cleared with their parents and, after this build, they will start on their own. I'll post their questions on this board so they can get experience using such a thing, and they have already spent time on pcpartpicker.

I also got them to do an inventory of 'bits' that they could use at home in old or dead computers.

This will take some weeks and the photos need to be vetted by the school so there will be a delay with them.

We are interested in hearing suggestions or warnings if you know anything about the specific stuff we are using.

Mod/admin. Thanks. What did I do wrong?

EDIT: If anyone wants me to take photos of specific parts or features please let me know here and I'll post them. (Maybe you always wondered about the Silverstone ML07 case )

 

[tsuneo6]

aaaah this brings me back to my schooldays when our class had to assemble 23 PC's for the school! 😉

nice project!

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Glad to see you here. I just about had to use tear gas to get the students out of my lab at the end of the day. Talk about engaged!!!!

 

[tsuneo6]

Glad to see you here. I just about had to use tear gas to get the students out of my lab at the end of the day. Talk about engaged!!!!

they must have a great teacher then!

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I think it was the Xmas Day effect. ALL THOSE PRESENTS!

 

[tsuneo6]

all them shinies! SHINIES!!!!

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Here is the first build from one of my students. I could make suggestions, but I want them to get experience here.

BUILD TM01

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($95.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 610 1GB Video Card ($42.54 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($78.79 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: Acer G206HQLbd 60Hz 19.5" Monitor ($95.07 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: i-rocks RF-6577L-BK Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($38.24 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2002 6W 2ch Speakers ($9.88 @ Amazon)
Total: $431.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 07:11 EDT-0400

 

[Novuake]

This is pretty awesome.

Where you guys from anyway?

So this student of yours that you are posting the second build for(maybe start naming the builds) to make this simpler.

Ask him what he want to play/do on the machine?
And what his budget is?

 

[SyncViews]

Pairing an AMD Sempron 3850 APU (not A8, which looks to be multiple times faster) with a GT 610 seems odd. Assuming I got this right (http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp[]=33&cmp[]=2914 ) the 610 is actually slower than whats in that APU. Seems to me if possible it would be better to just pick a faster APU and drop the discrete graphics.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

This is pretty awesome.

Where you guys from anyway?

So this student of yours that you are posting the second build for(maybe start naming the builds) to make this simpler.

Ask him what he want to play/do on the machine?
And what his budget is?

Central Florida

Good idea to name builds. Lets call this TM01. Yes this is the first build for the first student.

$600-ish. Assume that for all of these. Assume they have a keyboard and monitor, but no OS.

mostly Minecraft at the moment, but the future awaits! So as good as possible.

 

[ImDaBaron]

I think running an APU on most of their builds would be smart...or maybe a G3258 with a 750ti

 

[Novuake]

Awesome, let me bookmark this for later. Unfortunately the world is calling...

 

[ImDaBaron]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($55.18 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $378.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:14 EDT-0400

I dont think that's too bad

 

[tsuneo6]

I saw someone make this build earlier
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($98.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-03 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $595.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:38 EDT-0400

it's without OS though. but dont you think you can buy a key that'll work on multiple PC's? you're from a school, so I assume schools can buy that... may save you some money
oh, and that hyper 212 evo, it' snearly identical to my zalman cnps10x optima and the zalman is about 8 dollar cheaper.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

That looks like a great low-cost AMD build Baron.

What GPU does the APU approximate to?

I know of several more kids who could spring for $400.

It would be a waste of the APU, but I assume that a dedicated GPU could be added later or would it be better to hand-me-down, and start again?

I think I have access to a Windows 7 license set, for educational purposes.

I'm supplying my own Windows 7 license from a dead net-book for MY machine.
Did some work today prepping the case. Am I going to need/want case fans. I have a place to mount up to three 120mm fans.

The PSU has one and I have the stock cooler too, and the GPU will have it's fans.

If I need more, which would you recommend?

 

[ImDaBaron]

I believe it's equivalent to a R7 250 and you could add a R7 250 in crossfire if you wanted. It's a nice cheap build for playing minecraft...should have no issues there.

I recommend atleast 2 fans for the system your building.

 

[tsuneo6]

That looks like a great low-cost AMD build Baron.

What GPU does the APU approximate to?

I know of several more kids who could spring for $400.

It would be a waste of the APU, but I assume that a dedicated GPU could be added later or would it be better to hand-me-down, and start again?

I think I have access to a Windows 7 license set, for educational purposes.

I'm supplying my own Windows 7 license from a dead net-book for MY machine.
Did some work today prepping the case. Am I going to need/want case fans. I have a place to mount up to three 120mm fans.

The PSU has one and I have the stock cooler too, and the GPU will have it's fans.

If I need more, which would you recommend?

I have a windows vista...yea vista... license laying around, if you're interested (from a dead laptop, not planning on ever using vista again sooo.... it is 32 bit though)

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I have a Vista license too, but ONLY for emergencies.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I believe it's equivalent to a R7 250 and you could add a R7 250 in crossfire if you wanted. It's a nice cheap build for playing minecraft...should have no issues there.

I recommend at least 2 fans for the system your building.

Any particular sort of fans or are all 120mms about the same? (I doubt it, like everything there are good, bad, cheap, and value)?

 

[tsuneo6]

I personally like these fans
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/aerocool-case-fan-shark120mmblackedition

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Here's the latest stuff.

Open case with riser on right.

Motherboard

I/O shield in place.

EDIT: There's a TigerDirect up the road; I'll pick up a pair.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Tiger Direct had only cheap or expensive. I bought a pair of cheap Corsair SP120 Quiets. Hope they're good enough.

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would suggest the Pentium G3258 for future builds as it's stronger than AMD CPUs in its range and has the awesome upgrade path to the 4690K and Broadwell CPUs.