Custom build mini desktop for recording YouTube Gaming content

nathanhorn

Reputable
Feb 26, 2014
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4,510
Hi guys!

I've been making YouTube video's for over a year now, and the laptop i've been using just doesn't cut it anymore. It did a great job but I need something new. You are probably wondering why I used a laptop rather than a desktop...

_________________________Short story__________________________
My laptop fried, I don't have time, wanted to buy Alienware X51 because it's easy and there's a good quality attached to it (even though it's more expensive), wanted the 1309 euro version because i need good specs, figured out that my credit card only goes up to 1250, chose to ask you guys cause you're pro's and save money, budget: 1250, need mini desktop for gaming and video rendering. (I travel a lot), came from MSI GE70 Laptop

_________________________Long story__________________________
During my studies, I had to move a lot from home to campus. If that wasn't enough, I am in my last year of international business and I have to do 2 semesters abroad. The first semester was in China, so i hauled with me 2x21" screens, my laptop, green screen, mic, ... good thing you're allowed to bring along 2x23kg luggage! Then after 4 months of China, I moved back to my place on campus in Belgium whereafter I moved to Spain for another semester of internship in a company... This time I drove to Spain, hauling again... all my screens, laptop, ...
So I noticed I actually never use the laptop screen and using a laptop just limits your specs and ups the budget to get a good gaming pc...
Therefore I'd like to buy a new mini desktop, and because i'm so busy I just thought of buying the Alienware X51 and get done with it! But... since i'm in Spain and can only use visa, buying the 1309 euro one didn't go since my credit card limit is 1250... So! Instead of looking up all the parts and which ones would work good together and which ones are the best for recording, video rendering and gaming, I'm better of asking people who are passionated about it and know about this stuf 10 times more than me! It'd save me time and money, 2 things i'm kind of lacking! And i'm lacking a laptop/pc because the reason i'm buying something new is also because my laptop short circuited and is fried...
Hope you can help!

__________________________Where I am________________________
Spain - Marbella
I'm currently till may 29 in Spain doing my internship

___________________________What I need______________________
A mini desktop (I travel a lot)
Good specs for max 1250 Euro
Used for gaming and video editing/rendering
Came from a MSI GE70 Gaming laptop

___________________________Extra____________________________
If I need to assemble it myself, no problem! I'll make an assembly video for my YouTube channel and If you want I'll give a shout out to the person who helped me!
If I don't need to assemble it, I'll do a reviews about what's in it and what parts have been used, and, again, do a shout out if wanted! I'd even go as far as having a skype call with the person who helped me and then he could explain why while i'm showcasing the parts 'n stuff!
My YouTube channel is called: nextgentutorials, where i'd be doing the showcasing and the other one is called: hashtaggaming, where I upload gaming video content!

_________________________Thanks for helping me!________________
I really appreciate anyone who could take the time for me to find out what parts would fit my budget best and give me bang for my money, or however that saying goes! Thanks!

 
Here`s a starter for you:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (€337.81 @ Amazon Espana)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (€104.95 @ Amazon Espana)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (€69.95 @ Amazon Espana)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (€94.95 @ Amazon Espana)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB AMP! Extreme Core Edition Video Card (€457.55 @ Amazon Espana)
Case: Silverstone SG09B (Black) MicroATX Mini Tower Case (€107.50 @ Amazon Espana)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€120.60 @ Amazon Espana)
Total: €1293.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-31 11:01 CEST+0200

You didn`t mention an OS, so I didn`t add one.
Also, there`s a big shortage on the GTX 970s, so you might be able to find a cheaper/better version in local shops, or we can go with an R9 280x and lower the price in the 1250 euro budget.

I recommend the case because I have the same one (the SG10 looks better, but it`s not available). It`s a very small but still bery spacious case (I have a GTX 970 G1 Gaming in it - 31 cm long).

From what I see, there is a shortage of parts in PartPicker Spain, so try and look these parts in local shops, or you can look for similar ones which might be cheaper.

If you will choose to build in this case, we can even talk on Skype and I can give you hints on how to build in it.

Sorry about any grammar mistake, I`m in a hurry...
 
I didn't expect an answer that fast! I'm at my internship at the moment and will get back to you with more once i'm home (abt 8pm) So expect an answer at 8:30pm! I'm a bit sceptical about the 970 http:// <--- Because of this... what about the :Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II


 
Well, I have a GTX 970 (upgraded from an R9 280x Matrix), and I`m verry happy with it.

However, the R9 290 is still a good card, should be cheaper, but will consume more power and create more heat.
Anyway, you have a very good cooling potential with the Silverstone SG09, so a few extra fans will take care of that extra heat.
 
nathanhorn the 970 3.5 gb vram (scandal) doesnt inpact performance as long as you do not need more vram than that 3.5 gb and believe me you do not need that and there is 4gb vram but the most games can only use 3.5 cause it are 2 storages one of 3.5 and one of 0.5 and the most games can not run both so it isnt anything to special if you have any more questions just ask it