Building a mini-ITX computer. Wanted some input and opinions

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H90 94.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($123.57 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($239.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($282.55 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($99.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1119.05 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 14:37 EDT-0400)

This is what I'm thinking of right now. I'm still unsure on the PSU not for any particular reason other than I picked something random. I'd like to cut down costs a little bit more but I don't see where I can. Actually looking at the list, I forgot that I changed the SSD to 128 and added a 1tb hdd. That cut down a bit but not a lot.

Also unsure if this will all fit inside the case.

Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

Honorable
May 24, 2013
1,599
0
12,160
The PSU is not very good. Get an XFX Pro Core 550W PSU for $30 more or so. Also, get the Bitfenix Prodigy case. One of the coolest cases on the planet, IMO. Also, don't get the 660Ti; either get the 760, or wait for the 760Ti to be released. If you're not getting a dual-rad water cooler, then the H90 is not worth it. Just get an air cooler, like the Hyoer 212.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

Au_equus

Distinguished
Mar 31, 2011
812
0
19,060
IMO, this build is not only cheaper, but also better. You can swap out for a liquid cooler. The gtx 760 is cheaper, faster and smaller than the 660ti included in your build. The asrock board has an msata slot on the back of the board (to attach the included msata ssd) and will cut out some of the wire clutter, which is important in an mITX build. The FD Node 304 is one of my choices for an mITX build with the SS Sugo SG09 being the other. IMO, the BF Prodigy is a good case, but looks tacky.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Plextor M5M 128GB mSATA Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($99.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1053.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 15:56 EDT-0400)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
g-unit1111

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Jul 27, 2011
42,545
821
104,940
That is a decent start, I'd go with Haswell and a modular power supply if you're going to be using a Node 304. The thing you have to be aware with mITX is heat issues will crop up.

I would do something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X40 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.62 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($85.53 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1163.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 16:39 EDT-0400)

- NZXT X40 is better than Corsair H90
- Better SSD
- Better GPU
- Better PSU that is full modular
- Included mass storage drive
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530
Cool. I'm at work so I can't really go over the part list you two posted but what's the main difference other than branding?

Also I'm trying I avoid liquid coolers because as cool as they are I'm planning on taking this thing on an airplane with me and I think that would set off some alarms. I'm aware I can ship it but I feel safer with me actually holding it. That's why I went with this buil because I think I can easily fit it in a carryon.

Also I'm not exactly on a clock but I'd like to have a decision finalized and purchased by Thursday night. Gonna return my new air to fund this project.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
128,614
1,778
159,590
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1026.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 20:22 EDT-0400)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

Honorable
May 24, 2013
1,599
0
12,160


The 840 Series SSD is not very good. Either go for the 840 Pro Series, or the OCZ Vector.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
128,614
1,778
159,590
Go 4th gen. Haswell:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1061.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 20:27 EDT-0400)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

Honorable
May 24, 2013
1,599
0
12,160


Hey, look at that! An 840 Pro Series! :D
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530
I was wondering if the Bitfenix case is that much larger than the Fractal? Like I said, the main thing is that I wanna throw it into a carryon bag and bring it on a plane with me.

I could just buy the parts and not build it until I arrive in Japan but that seems silly because I won't be able to easily return things if it doesn't fit.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Munchbot

Munchbot

Honorable
May 24, 2013
299
1
10,960


Yep! The 840 is great alright! /sarcasm
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

Honorable
May 24, 2013
1,599
0
12,160


Fractal: 14.7 x 9.8 x 8.3
Bitfenix: 9.8" x 15.9" x 13.7"
It's larger, yes.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530


Maybe I ought to bring some baggage to the Microcenter and see if the Bitfenix fits inside.

Also I probably was going to go with the 840 pro.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

Honorable
May 24, 2013
1,599
0
12,160


Good choice :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530
Is there really a big difference between the RAM suggested?

Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

And the HDDs? Western Digital vs Seagate?

I'm also going with MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card as opposed to the EVGA.

Is it all just brand loyalty or is there a real hard difference between all the things? I've never heard of Mushkin and mainly for Kingston and OCZ for RAM. I originally got Western Digital but have moved to Seagate because I found them quieter. I like EVGA but I've heard nothing but good things about MSI so I wanted to switch this time.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530


Do know if your selection will fit inside the Fractal Node?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530


Definfitely thanks. Will end up probably selecting your post as best solution but I'm still just waiting on a response to the brand differences. Once I hammer that out I'll probably be done and will finalize my purchase.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Selphy

Distinguished
Aug 23, 2011
34
0
18,530
Unless anyone has any glaring issues with these choices, this is what I'm going to get/buy/build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($255.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($85.53 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1079.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 22:14 EDT-0400)

Thank you for all your help.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom