First Build Mini-ITX

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latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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Hello.

I'm building my first computer and I was wondering if this ITX build would suffice on my needs. I do travel alot and an avid gamer.

I honestly don't want to consider buying a laptop because of performance.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased For $0.00)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($130.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($49.95 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($339.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: EVGA Hadron Mini ITX Tower Case w/500W Power Supply ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional (OEM) (64-bit) ($109.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $934.89

I'm quite concerned if traveling with an ITX with its components inside is a crazy idea. Is there some special bag for it to house it into?

I'm also not sure if an aftermarket cooler would fit inside or for the safest bet, just buy HQ case fans.

Is my GPU choice an overkill since I'm also planning to buy a portable monitor for it? Should I downgrade?

 
Solution
Rammy
The Hadron Air and Elite 130 will fit lower profile coolers, which are also usually a bit lighter. If you want to fit a closed loop cooler then you'll need a case with free 120mm fan slots near the CPU which aren't especially common on smaller chassis. Pretty much all ITX cases will have limitations in some way though, whether it is CPU cooler height, PSU length or Graphics card clearance. The Prodigy is one of the few ITX cases designed to fit a 240mm radiator but that means by ITX standards it's huge (made even bigger by the handles). The PhenomITX and ColossusITX have the same internal structure but proper feet and different aesthetics (still big though).

I have no idea how well a computer travels on a plane though, if it's just...
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Nuclear101

Nuclear101

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Jun 11, 2012
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Sadly, there are no bag's for desktops. I personally prefer the Bitfenix prodigy, except for the thin handles. Personally I dislike the Hadron Air, as the Bitfenix Prodigy is much better for less money. Your GPU isn't overkill if you are playing on high-ultra resolutions.
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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Sep 3, 2012
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I rather like the case, it looks excellent, it's very small (a lot smaller than a Prodigy) and it comes with a really usefully shaped PSU. Do I think it's worth $190? Nope. I would have some concerns about the handle (much like the Prodigys) being damaged in travel.

If you are travelling then even on a small motherboard, a cooler the size of that has to be a concern. For a start, that one won't fit. You are probably better off going for something with a lot less weight, or looking at closed loop air coolers (which again, I don't think will fit).

Overkill is a relative term. If you just want to run games and are happy turning down a few details here and there, you can easily drop $100 off your GPU budget and notice little difference. If you want to max most things out, and you are going to be playing at relatively high resolutions, then something like a GTX770 isn't a bad idea.

If you get a small enough system then you can probably find a bag that it'll fit into, but you could also look into carry straps like this - http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/6914/antectowercarryingstraplw8.jpg
 
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L

latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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thank you for suggesting bitfenix. As of now, I'm trying to consider the cases from them since I've read your post. I guess I had it right on the GPU.
 
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L

latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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I think I may have to discard the cooler as well if I may have to choose the said case. From the other build I've seen at pcpart, the builder went with case fans instead and I'm honestly wasn't sure if any coolers would fit in its dimensions.

As for the price of the case, since you guys have mentioned it, I'm seriously contemplating on just choosing a much budget friendly case. I seemed to chose this case because of its smaller dimension from what I've browsed.

Will the components be fine inside when subjected through air or land travel or I should be worried and just consider my build?
 
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L

latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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Taking a look at it now Sir. Thank you for suggesting the straps and the said case.
 
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L

latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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wow. Simplistic style like a duffle bag except it have paddings on the sides (and I can add more I guess to make sure). Will definitely be in my list. Thanks Sir.
 
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L

latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
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10,510


Having read the "water cooling" part kinda made it complicated to me but from my understanding, it seems to be able to fit "some" all in one aftermarket coolers with careful research for its radiator support? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

It seems to be viable and more reasonable for my build.
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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Sep 3, 2012
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The Hadron Air and Elite 130 will fit lower profile coolers, which are also usually a bit lighter. If you want to fit a closed loop cooler then you'll need a case with free 120mm fan slots near the CPU which aren't especially common on smaller chassis. Pretty much all ITX cases will have limitations in some way though, whether it is CPU cooler height, PSU length or Graphics card clearance. The Prodigy is one of the few ITX cases designed to fit a 240mm radiator but that means by ITX standards it's huge (made even bigger by the handles). The PhenomITX and ColossusITX have the same internal structure but proper feet and different aesthetics (still big though).

I have no idea how well a computer travels on a plane though, if it's just being tossed in your car or whatever then it's likely to be fine (though that heatsink you had picked out at the start weighs 1.2kg with fans, and something of that scale bouncing around inside your case is probably not a great idea).
 
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Solution
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latteagain

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Dec 1, 2013
17
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10,510


I never saw the weight of the cooler coming to be possible problem for internal damages. I've learned new things with your very brief answers to my inquiry Sir. Kudos to you. And I thank you all that have posted to answer in the thread. I'm just now torn in between both cases and might have to research more on which proper combo will fit best for me. Thank you for the answers.

 
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