MicroATX gaming rigs 2.0

[JusticeToad]

Hey community, thank you for your input on the last set of tiny computers. I took your advice and have modified the three builds. Please take a look and let me know what you think!


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($112.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($105.59 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($98.01 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: OCZ ZT 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($80.77 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1042.77


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Zalman Ultimate Liquid Liquid CPU Cooler ($82.74 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($112.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($112.28 @ CompUSA)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($198.00 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($422.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Thermaltake Armor A30 ATX Mini Tower Case ($98.44 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: OCZ ZT 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($80.77 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1514.66


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Zalman Ultimate Liquid Liquid CPU Cooler ($82.74 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-M PRO Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($224.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme 480GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($344.72 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($479.23 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($479.23 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Lian-Li PC-V354B MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($98.39 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2386.24

 

[Computered]

For the budget build did you look at the Fractal Arc Mini? Would give better cooling than the Define. Also on the mid level build I would reconsider the A30. I love Thermaltake cases but the case has issues in the design. For example the 230mm fan at the top is blocked, almost 50% so by the PSU meaning it cannot get it's proper draw. Also there is no mounting location for the 120mm cooler you have with the Zalman. The front intake is 90mm. You might be able to rig a mount on a side panel but the case is really not conducive to the build you seem to be listing.