[SOLVED] If I already have a mini-itx case is it worth buying a mini-itx mobo or just get different case, go with larger mobo?

[alphacoyle]

Space isn't an issue; I have a spare Mini-itx case from a htpc build still new in box; is good case, can support large GPU, lots of cooling etc. I know prices are higher for the mini-itx. Would it be worth it to go with a mini-itx mobo or better to just get larger case and get micro or larger board (figuring $75 for case) Won't need extra slots, is going to child's new gaming pc, so just the GPU Slot.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Would it be worth it to go with a mini-itx mobo or better to just get larger case and get micro or larger board (figuring $75 for case)

Depends on intended components inside the pc (amount of power consumption/heat dissipation necessary).
Unless you absolutely require ultra compact size, i'd choose a larger case instead.

Larger board will have more space for M.2 drives, more ram slots, more usb, sata ports.
Larger case will be easier to set up, maintain, clean, keep it cool.

 

[geofelt]

Love those ITX builds, and that case is one of the best.
I would keep it.
What parts are you planning on?

 

[logainofhades]

Depends on what series of board you are looking to get.

 

[alphacoyle]

Love those ITX builds, and that case is one of the best.
I would keep it.
What parts are you planning on?

Just basic setup, thinking i5-10400 (or equivalent.) 16 or 32 gb ram, already have a new 1050ti 4gb. Some sort of ssd, nvme maybe. Also already have new Corsair CX650 as well.

 

[geofelt]

You can buy a lga1200 ITX motherboard for $130:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144400?quicklink=true
A i3-10100 is about $ 100 and is a decent gamer.
Here is a review:
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i3-10100/15.html
Of course, you could go higher, but the graphics component will usually be the most critical and expensive part.

 

[logainofhades]

I would go with an 11400, and H510/B560, so you can run 3200mhz ram. An i3 10100 requires Z490 to run past 2666. While an i3, and slower ram may work, for now, with advancements in core count, I don't expect it to hold up very long, to newer titles.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-11400 2.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($204.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H510I PRO WIFI Mini ITX LGA1200 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $334.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2021-11-29 13:49 EST-0500

 

[geofelt]

Just basic setup, thinking i5-10400 (or equivalent.) 16 or 32 gb ram, already have a new 1050ti 4gb. Some sort of ssd, nvme maybe. Also already have new Corsair CX650 as well.

Very reasonable. For just gaming, 2 x 8gb should be ok for gaming. More does not hurt, but there is little value unless you are also multitasking.

On ram speed, it does make a difference, but mostly for integrated graphics.
The motherboard will be the main determinant.
I find that "future proofing" is not very effective.
Most upgrades for gamers will be for graphics cards, and the 650w psu will be the limiter for that.
Here is a handy chart for gpu upgrades:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
It is multiplayer games with many participants where many threads help.
For single player, it is hard to (effectively) use more than about 6 threads.
Games such as sims, mmo and strategy games are the ones that depend most on a fast single master thread.
You can see the performance characteristics of processors by looking at the passmark performance numbers.
For example, the i5-10400 has 12 threads and a passmark rating of 12357. That is when all 12 threads are fully busy. The single thread rating is 2593.
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-10400+@+2.90GHz&id=3737

The 11th gen processors have some 19% improved performance per clock compared to 10th gen.
The i5-11400 mentioned above is excellent, with 12 threads and a rating of 17319/3051.

 

[alphacoyle]

I would go with an 11400, and H510/B560, so you can run 3200mhz ram. An i3 10100 requires Z490 to run past 2666. While an i3, and slower ram may work, for now, with advancements in core count, I don't expect it to hold up very long, to newer titles.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-11400 2.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($204.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H510I PRO WIFI Mini ITX LGA1200 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $334.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2021-11-29 13:49 EST-0500

Ok, that seems like a good way to go; would this work: https://www.newegg.com/corsair-16gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820236417?Item=9SIB61HGMK4545
maybe paired with this: https://www.newegg.com/western-digital-blue-sn550-nvme-1tb/p/N82E16820250135?Item=N82E16820250135
I'm new to these drives, can this be primary, or is it good idea to still have a sata for general storage, I put a Seagate Barracuda 2tb in my build last year.

 

[logainofhades]

Those would work great. That WD blue I would use as your primary, and your 2tb Seagate for storage.

 

[Karadjgne]

1. I'm biased, stick with the mITX case. It has advantages a larger motherboard doesn't have. With mITX, you can always move Up, and there's no place to go but Up. With mATX or ATX, you are stuck, you can't go back down in size especially when not everyone likes a giant pc full of unicorn rainbow puke rgb. Which is most of atx choices nowadays.

2. MITX has a much smaller footprint and is generally far easier to fit in any decor or desk space. This can be an issue with Mom at times when dealing with ATX towers.

3. Portability. Even with 2x rads and full custom loop, picking up an mITX mini/mid tower is Far easier to manage than any Full or ATX tower.

I've done every flavor of case, from htpc to the old AT full towers, and mITX is by far my favorite.