mITX SSF build, is a K-unlocked i5 worth it?

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Brendan Goodbody

Honorable
Jun 10, 2013
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I am looking to build an Ivybridge core i5 mITX gaming PC, preferably for the Coolmaster 120 case (I love the small form factor) with rear exhausted Nvidia 660 GPU. Looking at the reviews it seems that there is not much point getting an i5 K-unlocked processor due to thermal issues with this case. How much difference in reality (frame rates etc) is it worth getting an unlocked over a stock speed processor?
Although price is at a premium (£600-700), if I got the prodigy case, the k-unlocked core i5, a z77 mtherboard and a decent cooler it will cost me ~£100-120 more. What sort of performace boost would I see for this investment and will it in your opinion be worth it?

Other things I need in this build:
2TB HDD
120 GB SSD
8GB DDR3 RAM
DVD Writer/ Blueray reader
(From Above)
Ivybridge i5 CPU
H77/B75/Z77 mITX motherboard
CPU cooler (optional)
Case (Coolmaster 120 or Prodigy)
 
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Madn3ss795

Madn3ss795

Dignified
Mar 19, 2013
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If the case is CM Elite 120 then you should stick to the non-k i5. k/unlocked version doesn't come worthy unless you overclock it to at least 4.2ghz, which will need a decent cooler. And the CM Elite 120 rejects almost any decent cooler. Plus more heat to be put into your PSU if you do so. Therefor, if Elite 120 is your choice, stick with a non-k i5 and a B75/H77 ITX board.

Now, we head to the famous Bitfenix Prodigy. Being awarded as best ITX enclosure due to many reasons, one of them is the ability to host even 240mm AIO water coolers like the Corsair H100. But since your rig will include a 5.25" bay also, H90 is seemingly the best cooler to be put into this case ( unless you're familiar with modding cases ). But then it's a fact £100-120 for 20% higher CPU performance is not much( 4.5ghz is the universal stable OC clock for almost any 3570k with decent cooler + motherboard, and 4.5/3.8 ~ 1.18 ).

If you're on a budget then you should still get at least the Prodigy over the CM Elite 120 due to many more features.

 
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