Mini ITX Build

[Bookcase14]

I realized I posted this question on the wrong board, so here it is on the right one.

I haven't built a computer in about 5 years; and that was a standard tower. So, I am not familiar with current components, and I'm even less familiar with the mini-ITX builds. Any help would be appreciated.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within a month

Budget Range: I would like to keep it $800 or less, but I am a bit flexible

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Music recording and editing, everyday computer use such as web surfing, MS office, video playback, etc. I also game every once in a while, but only games like Starcraft II and CS. No Crysis 3 or anything.

Are you buying a monitor: No



Parts to Upgrade: Everything.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes. Probably Windows 7...as I have no need for touch capabilities on my desktop, and I want everything (music software, etc.) to be compatible.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Depends..I'll defer to the experts on this whether I should/need to or not

SLI or Crossfire: Don't think it's necessary or possible in a mini

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I would really like the smallest form factor possible. Ideally, a Mac Mini might be a good option...but their options for GPUs are limited, and it doesn't help the fact that: I don't like Apple and they are somewhat overpriced, and I would like to use Windows. This case looks pretty good to me, but I don't know if it can fit/support all that I am looking for:
IN WIN BP655.300TB3L Black Steel / Plastic Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case
http://

I would like to have USB 3.0 ports, and a possible expansion slot for either a discrete graphics card, a firewire card, or a sound card.
I would also like 16GB of RAM, if I could, but 8GB should really be bare minimum.


And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Time for an upgrade from my old PC, and less clutter.

 

[sarinaide]

ITX Build: AMD APU ITX Small Form Factor

Richland based FM2 desktop parts are only expected to hit retail in June.

Motherboard: ASRock FM2A85X ITX - $99
CPU: A10 5800K - $130
RAM: G.Skill Snipers PC314900/1866 - $66
PSU: Corsair CX430M - $50
Chassis: Bitfenix Prodigy Black/mesh - $90 *comes in different colors so have a look.
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB - $100
Opticals: $20

Total: $555

Its just the barebones for a ITX form factor build, you may look at a SSD or if you want low cost graphics muscle you can get a HD6670 for $60 and run the iGPU in the 5800k with the 6670 in a crossfire mode for around 30-45% performance gains depending on title scalability.

Chassis + Power alternative:

Silverstone SG05BB $130

Its a ITX chassis which comes with a Silverstone SFX 450W Bronze rated PSU which is more than enough, the 450w gives you flexibility on a bigger GPU but if you consider running a 6670+5800k dual graphics setup then;

300w white option $115

or

300w Black $106

 

[Wolfshadw]

Really can't say I like your choice of a case or of going Mini-ITX for that matter. Power supply is too small for anything useful and the case limits you to one single width low-profile expansion card. Be that as it may, I suppose a good AMD APU build would be sufficient for your needs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($128.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($93.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case: IN WIN BP655.300TB3L ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75M-ITX R2.0 ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Other: BYTECC Bracket-35225 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD Mounting Kit ($5.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $710.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-27 09:41 EDT-0400)

-Wolf sends

 

[Bookcase14]

Really can't say I like your choice of a case or of going Mini-ITX for that matter. Power supply is too small for anything useful and the case limits you to one single width low-profile expansion card. Be that as it may, I suppose a good AMD APU build would be sufficient for your needs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($128.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($93.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case: IN WIN BP655.300TB3L ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75M-ITX R2.0 ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Other: BYTECC Bracket-35225 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD Mounting Kit ($5.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $710.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-27 09:41 EDT-0400)

-Wolf sends

Wolf..thanks so much for the response. Those parts seem to be exactly what I'm looking for. In regard to the case, I'm not too concerned that I will only have one expansion slot. Like I mentioned, I'm not overly into playing state of the art games on crazy graphical settings. I just need a solid, quick running system that will handle 64bit recording and music software. Something that will be able to handle the CPU and RAM intensive tasks of those programs. Also, that case takes a standard power supply...so I should be able to switch it out for a larger one...correct?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Sorry, but your case does not have a standard ATX power supply. You won't be able to swap that out for a better power supply.

-Wolf sends

 

[Bookcase14]

Sorry, but your case does not have a standard ATX power supply. You won't be able to swap that out for a better power supply.

-Wolf sends

Ahh..gotchya'. Thanks Wolf. So, bottom line: Would that 200w PSU be able to sufficiently supply power to the other components you listed? I only notice the CPU as listing it's wattage usage (65w I believe).

 

[sarinaide]

While it will for say run a Intel and AMD system it will be right on the limit and you will be relying on the iGPU peformance alone which as per personal message, this can have effects on choice. While Intel offers better x86 and efficiency, its iGPU is if polite just acceptable, if I am open its not a iGPU its more video output adaptor.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Yes, the 200 watt power supply should be sufficient for the complete build I offered.

-Wolf sends

 

[Aaron Simmons]

I'm going to leave my current build here for you:

CPU: AMD A10-5800k
MOBO: ASRock FM2A75M-ITX (Latest BIOS Revision as of today)
RAM: 8 GB G-Skill DDR3 2133MHz underclocked to 1866 MHz 11-11-11-27 1T
GPU: AMD Radeon 7660D (1 GB) + Sapphire AMD Radeon 7750 (1 GB) Low-Profile (100357LP) Catalyst Control Center Driver revision 13.4
PSU: SeaSonic SS-350TGM 350W TFX12V 80 PLUS GOLD
Case: IN WIN BP655.300TB3L
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120 GB
Optical Drive: LG Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29
OS: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64-Bit + Ubuntu 12.04.2 LTS

This is a crossfire build, and requires and aftermarket PSU. Total cost was $640 without the OS. This can be toned down to fit your needs by dropping the 7750, using a hdd instead of an ssd, and swapping the Blu-ray for a DVD drive.

I question Wolfshadw's assessment on the ability of the 200w psu to support the build. This isn't because I disagree with the numbers, but rather because the PSU packaged with that case just isn't very good. You'll probably end up swapping it out later. You can look at my build for a replacement PSU. You can find more on newegg by looking for TFX12V supplies.

Hope this helps.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
I should probably qualify this my assessment on the PSU. I went into my build expecting to replace the PSU when I got the 7750. But the stock PSU gave out within a month of purchase even with my 5800k undervolted to match the 5700. It's just not something you'd want to rely on.

 

[Aaron Simmons]

Sorry, but your case does not have a standard ATX power supply. You won't be able to swap that out for a better power supply.

-Wolf sends

The PSU he has lined up is a TFX12V PSU. While options are limited, he can swap it out later for one with a larger capacity. That's what I had to do on this case. Newegg TFX12V Supplies:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%20600014004&IsNodeId=1&name=TFX12V

 

[Transmaniacon]

Are you against mATX? ITX is more expensive and you have less options. You could build a nice mATX system, have a good selection of parts, keep the small profile you want, and have some options for expansions/upgrades.

This is an example:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($78.18 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($126.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($106.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $772.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-03 12:02 EDT-0400)

You have the 16GB of RAM you would like, and enough PSU to add whatever expansion cards you want. You drop the RAM to 8GB and add an SSD for your OS and programs (something I would definitely consider).

 

[Bookcase14]

Aaron--Thanks for your input. Your build seems similar to what I'm looking for, but I will probably go with an Intel CPU, no crossfire, and 16gb of RAM (which is incredibly helpful for multiple tracks while recording music).

Trans...I'm not averse to micro ATX...but while it is a small form factor, it is really not as small of a profile as an mini ITX

 

[Transmaniacon]

Very true, just thought I would throw that out there so you have some more options.

 

[Aaron Simmons]

Aaron--Thanks for your input. Your build seems similar to what I'm looking for, but I will probably go with an Intel CPU, no crossfire, and 16gb of RAM (which is incredibly helpful for multiple tracks while recording music).

Trans...I'm not averse to micro ATX...but while it is a small form factor, it is really not as small of a profile as an mini ITX

Ok, now I understand better what you're trying to accomplish with the build. If you aren't going to be doing any real gaming, then I would most definitely go Intel. Then when you've got a little more money set aside, you can pick up a dedicated sound card to help clean up your recordings.

 

[JOB Tech]

I like the way u think...
I am now trying the same thing, but to do so much more. This is the essentials less the "toppings" (Dual Monitors - 3D & touch screen, keyboard & mouse, USB TV tuner, Headsets, Web cam, 2nd Hybrid HDD: adds up to about $702.00)

I think this would have suite your Fancy:-

1 x IN WIN IW-BP655.300TBL Black Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case 300W Power Supply: $54.99
1 x GIGABYTE GA-F2A85XN-WIFI FM2 AMD A85X (Hudson D4) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Mini ITX AMD Motherboard: $104.99
1 x Nippon Labs HDB-252A Screw Less Dual 2.5" HDD/SS Plastic Bracket Black Color: $4.99
1 x StarTech SLIMCDFDCAGE Slim Optical & 3.5in Hard Drive Mounting Bracket for 5.25in Front Bay: $35.99
1 x nMEDIAPC ZE-C268 Black Panel 3.5" All-in-one USB Card Reader with USB 3.0 Port: $16.99
1 x Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound AS5-3.5G - OEM: $8.99
1 x G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-16GXM: $144.99
1 x AMD A10-6700 Richland 3.7GHz Socket FM2 65W Quad-Core Desktop Processor AMD Radeon HD AD6700OKHLBOX: $148.99
1 x Seagate Solid State Hybrid ST1000LM014 1TB 64MB Cache 2.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Laptop Hard Drive -Bare Drive: $119.99
1 x APEVIA CF8SL-B4C 80mm Multi-Color LED Case Fan w/Grill: $5.99
1 x GELID Solutions Slim 12 UV BLUE 120mm Case Fan: $12.99
1 x LG Internal Blu-ray Reader/DVD-Writer - OEM Pack: $74.99
1 x Silverstone Model CPF01 3.94" PWM Fan Splitter Cable: $3.99
1 x ASUS HD6570-2GD3-L Radeon HD 6570 2GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card: $66.99

Subtotal: $805.86

These items are all from Newegg. Here is a list to the Full wish list:-
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=23245525

JOB Tech