[Build Log] Mini-ITX PC - Middle School

Page 15 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Interesting build log you have here. Will probably help my friend build a mITX gaming pc this summer after reading this. Has anyone gamed with their pc on a TV via HDMI cable? He has a 55" Sharp from a few years ago but can't remember the exact model.

I know there would be input lag compared to using a monitor, but keep in mind he's coming from a PS3/wii if that makes any difference.
 
Well I'm going to be running this thing on a Visio 26" HDTV, it has HDMI and 5ms response and I LOVE the 500nits. (I'm testing it on a laptop)

RazerZ as an 'outsider' who has not been along for the ride, is there anything you would have wanted to see or know?
 
Actually I have been tracking this thread from the start since I knew it would be interesting but I didn't comment until now 😉

Good to hear that it works well with a tv.

What are your thoughts on using a non modular PSU in a mITX case? Would it be manageable with a discrete graphics card? He has a limited budget to work with and I would try to squeeze out every ounce of performance before it comes to aesthetics. Function over form.
 


Due to sending them in late an/or not following directions. Seems like if you can't follow directions, you don;t deserve your rebate.

It stands that Antec is one of the best PSU companies on the market currently. Case companies too.
 


I'm not sure what you are asking. I am using a completely modular PSU in this build. I'm glad that I did, especially in a case this small. I found it very convenient being able to plug into the header/device and run the cable back to the power supply, routing and managing as I go. with one end permanently connected to the PSU, things would have been harder. OTOH, with the experience I have from this build, I might be able to do better OTOOH, I have left off one of the cables (floppy disc) that I am not using, so I saved space. Silverstone sells flat cable set for this PSU and I'd be interested in trying it some time. ($40 is more than I really want to spend, It ought to be an option with say a $10 premium over the standard cables. This build has the room and power 6+2 for the GTX970 that I am going to buy. It will fit and (famous last words) I don't think that it will be too hard to install.

If I misunderstood your question, let me know how to answer better.
 
Sorry my last question wasn't very specific. How do you think a non modular psu would fair with a case such as a CM Elite 130? Would I have at least semi decent cable management options? Or is it a must to have a modular psu for such builds?

In the end all I really need is for the case to close properly and for it to have sufficient airflow.
 
There are special considerations for the CM Elite 130 because of the PSU location at the top back which give you few locations into which spare cables can be stuffed. It also depends on the power supply, and the length of cables with which it comes. Using an SFX power supply with adapter plate would give you quite a bit more room. Finally, your experience with wire wrangling and cable planning/management counts.

Reviewers and many builders use non-modular systems and they work.

Personally, I have reached that point in my like where ease of use and time saving have value to me. If I were building in a cooler Master Elite 130 for the first time, I would look at a semi-modular or fully modular power supply or a non-modular SFX. If someone gave me a non-modular ATX supply, I would use it.

The second time, I would know the right answer. :)

BTW: The ML07 is a 14 liter case, the Cooler Master Elite 130 is an 18.5 liter case and my case has that riser inside, which limits space and cable management.

I'm sure a non-modular PSU would work fine, but I might choose to save aggro by using a semi-modular, modular, or SFX supply.
 
The dreams of young men!

Build TA01 His father will let him build it. !!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($566.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus RAMPAGE V EXTREME EATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($469.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($849.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($400.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($400.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($400.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($586.13 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($586.13 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case ($314.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair 1200W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($249.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($90.26 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus PB287Q 60Hz 28.0" Monitor ($579.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $5732.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-30 15:27 EDT-0400

There is also a bunch of parts for a fluid block CPU cooler and a brace of Noctua NF-F12 fans.

He does plan to overclock. Is there any sanity that can be brought to this build?

The SSDs are RAID 10.
 
Get a single 1tb SSD and then supplemental HDDs.

Get a 850w or 1000w PSU at most. Much cheaper and similar quality can be had form XFX.

Case is HUGE and ridiculous.

32gb RAM is pointless as is the CPU.

Honestly that looks like a build the trolls post up and ask if it will max minesweeper. If they are actually serious, the build needs to be trimmed alot. they are wasting over $1000 for no performance increase.
 
Nope. Semi-serious. I haven't seen the cheque yet and parent may be offering this or a 6 week summer tour round Europe or something as an alternative. My initial guess was 'over $5,000' and I though I was being conservative, not under shooting by so much.

I guessed that would be the reaction (didn't think of the troll bit).

CPU OTT, but ...
Motherboard OK?
RAM 16Gb, and slower?
1TbSSD + HDDs
XFX 850W
Case that does not require a building permit from the county. (Or glows in the dark.)

The monitor seems excessive, will those two cards actually drive it properly?

I think someone looked at this build.

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/PjkLrH
 


Thanks I'll try to stick with at least a semi modular psu then.
 


Get a normal i7 4790k and a z97 motherboard.
 


This is from the bit-tech review of the CM E 130

Installing a system into the case is actually relatively easy, thanks in part to the fact you can install the PSU last. This secures to the rear PSU mount that you detach from the case first and then slide the PSU into place, connecting cables as you go. You'd be well-advised to use a modular PSU to reduce the cables you use to an absolute minimum or even consider using an SFX instead of ATX model; there really isn't a lot of space to hide the cables without obstructing the vital 120mm fan at the front. Indeed there's an argument for saying Cooler Master should drop the idea of using an ATX PSU altogether, given an SFX model will provide plenty enough power for any system you could fit in here.
 
Interesting, I'll look into the review on it and other cases this weekend.

Does anyone have ideas for other mITX cases for $50 and below?

I would get into discussion of exact parts, but between now and December a lot could change. I'm thinking he could order the main parts around Christmas time and use it as a regular pc until Summer. The build would be based around an i3, or possibly a used i5.
 

Actually, the 4690K would marginally be better as some games like Thief don't like quad-cores w/ H-T. You also save 100$:)
 

If you're going Samsung and spending 1200$ on SSDs, why not the 850 Pro series?
 



There's the older Silverstone Sugo SG05BB with front USB-3, but needs an SFX power supply.

And something newer:

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/6635/thermaltake-core-v1-mini-itx-sff-chassis-review/index.html

I think this is what tiny voices is talking about. Looks interesting and they suggest good cable management options.
 


That thermaltake case looks really nice. Do you know of any other cases in that price range which can fit a 11.8" graphics card? I might sell my 7950 to him and upgrade to a 970 or its equivalent by then.
 
The EVGA Superclock is only 9.5 inches or so. Quite a few of the 970s are short.

The Sugo SG05 is good for 10.75" with a little modding at the front. My ML07 can go up to 13", but it's over budget.

That Thermaltake looks very good. I'll try and steer some of my kids that way if I can. I'm tempted to build my one in that case, rather than the ML07. (The machine in this build is for my wife) Unfortunately, my wife has the last say on case aesthetics and I know that she won't like that cube-style design.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom