Looking for a good cpu and mobo for gaming itx build

[coolcarcar99]

I am planning out a build now. I need a good cpu and a reliable itx size motherboard to fit into a node 202 case from fractal design. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I plan on doing heavy gaming and no tasks like photo or video editing. It will be paired with a rx 580 8gb. Also, i would prefer that the price of the cpu stays under $300 and the mobo maybe $150-$200. Thanks!

 

[volkgren]

Not sure what type of cooling solution you were going with. I say 8600K because you can still cool it with a liquid AiO. But an i5-8400 would also be a pretty good choice if you thought heat would be an issue. I personally don't think it would be.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($250.81 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - Fatal1ty Z370 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $415.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-31 17:38 EDT-0400

 

[Barty1884]

For a strictly gaming system, in a case that isn't really going to allow you to overclock... I'd be inclined to look to an i7-8700 + B360 ITX board.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($309.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B360I GAMING PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Total: $407.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-31 17:39 EDT-0400

CPU is a little over budget, but collectively, they're under the $450-$500 goal.

 

[coolcarcar99]

Not sure what type of cooling solution you were going with. I say 8600K because you can still cool it with a liquid AiO. But an i5-8400 would also be a pretty good choice if you thought heat would be an issue. I personally don't think it would be.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($250.81 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - Fatal1ty Z370 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $415.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-31 17:38 EDT-0400

Im not sure that i need a unlocked processor. I dont think that ill be able to overclock it anyways because of the case and cooler.

 

[Barty1884]

You can squeeze in an AIO in a Node202 (with modding), but you'd be limited to a 120mm at best. IIRC it was BitWit Kyle who did so in a YT video.
Not really recommended though, and you'd potentially have a problem with VRM cooling etc, given the limited/no airflow in the case.

If it were me, I'd opt for a locked SKU. Given your budget, the i7-8700 is a great option. It'll also give you an extremely solid foundation for future GPU upgrades*.

*That's not to say a 6core i5 wouldn't be viable also.... All depends how long you want this system to last/how many GPU upgrades you anticipate.