[SOLVED] ITX suggestions and Advice

[whereisbenli]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build an ITX system to replace my mid-tower. Trying to make a basic computer that would basically revolve around something like an Core i5, 16G of ram, NVMe's and just built-in display. Never built an ITX before so not sure what kind of cooling options are available for this basic setup. Can it use an external PSU? Looking to optimize size and low-noise. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Why_Me]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build an ITX system to replace my mid-tower. Trying to make a basic computer that would basically revolve around something like an Core i5, 16G of ram, NVMe's and just built-in display. Never built an ITX before so not sure what kind of cooling options are available for this basic setup. Can it use an external PSU? Looking to optimize size and low-noise. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

What country are you located and what is your budget?

 

[whereisbenli]

What country are you located and what is your budget?

I'm out in Hong Kong but can get parts from anywhere. Haven't really thought about a budget and not restricted by it. Been just starting to look at the some thin mini itx setups but it's all new to me. Don't need it for gaming, don't need any RGB. Just a good ol workstation. Thanks for replying!

 

[Why_Me]

I'm out in Hong Kong but can get parts from anywhere. Haven't really thought about a budget and not restricted by it. Been just starting to look at the some thin mini itx setups but it's all new to me. Don't need it for gaming, don't need any RGB. Just a good ol workstation. Thanks for replying!

This cpu has integrated graphics. Your choice of case will determine what aftermarket cpu cooler you can fit inside it.

https://www.newegg.com/seasonic-core-series-core-gx-550-550w/p/N82E16817151246
Seasonic CORE GX-550, 550W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $99.99
Max PSU Length: 140mm
Dimensions: 3.39" x 5.91" x 5.41"

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144400
MSI H510I PRO WIFI $129.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/H510I-PRO-WIFI

https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i5-11400-core-i5-11th-gen/p/N82E16819118241
Intel Core i5-11400 $182.17

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...11400-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://www.newegg.com/corsair-16gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820233859
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 16GB (2x8GB) CL16 $62.99

https://www.newegg.com/samsung-1tb-980/p/N82E16820147804
SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB PCI-Express 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 V-NAND Internal SSD $109.99

 

[whereisbenli]

This cpu has integrated graphics. Your choice of case will determine what aftermarket cpu cooler you can fit inside it. This gives you an idea of what you are looking for.

https://www.newegg.com/seasonic-core-series-core-gx-550-550w/p/N82E16817151246
Seasonic CORE GX-550, 550W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $99.99
Max PSU Length: 140mm
Dimensions: 3.39" x 5.91" x 5.41"

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144400
MSI H510I PRO WIFI $129.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/H510I-PRO-WIFI

https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i5-11400-core-i5-11th-gen/p/N82E16819118241
Intel Core i5-11400 $182.17

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...11400-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://www.newegg.com/corsair-16gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820233859
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 16GB (2x8GB) CL16 $62.99

https://www.newegg.com/samsung-1tb-980/p/N82E16820147804
SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB PCI-Express 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 V-NAND Internal SSD $109.99

I'll definitely go check this stuff out. What an amazing reply! Thanks so much for the help!

 

[geofelt]

Love those ITX builds, I have done several.
Can you list the make/model of the parts you already have?
Perhaps some can be reused.


Your first consideration is the case.
My favorite is the Lian Li PC-02 which is not made any more.
You might find one on ebay.
It is 5.87" x 9.06" x 7.87"
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811112370

Lian Li also has a slightly larger PC-07:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811112227
8.19" x 7.60" x 11.02"
I used these because at the time, I wanted a dvd drive.
The Q02 included a sfx psu, and the Q07 can handle a standard ATX psu.

Neither of these cases have any kind of fan.
Natural convection is sufficient when using a intel processor with stock cooling.
The Q02 build above, for example uses a $100 I5-10100.
It is a 65w processor, and it is quick.
If budget is not an issue, I might look for the 12th gen version which would be the $200 I5-12400 also a 65w processor.

Modern cases will not include a dvd drive space.

You could try an Antec ISK 310-150 case:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811129081
8.19" x 7.60" x 11.02"
It includes a psu.
About the only included power supplies that I would trust are from Antec.


If you want even smaller, there are Intel NUC kits.

If you need wifi, buy a motherboard with included wifi. There is only one expansion slot on a ITX motherboard.

For any case you are considering, find build reviews so you can see what issues there are.
Most such issues will come from those with discrete graphics cards.

Use a single sufficiently large m.2 ssd, mainly for the ease of installation and space savings.
Do not be impressed with vendor sequential speed claims; you will not notice any difference.
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