Does mini itx have any disadvantages compared to micro atx?

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Muaz Hassan

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Aug 10, 2013
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I really don't like the size of my PC so i was thinking of getting the prodigy colossus. Which one should I get (mini itx or micro atx) according to my components:

- Intel i7 3770K with stock cooler

- GTX 780 ti

- 1 HDD and 1 SSD

- PSU: dont have a clue which one to get does the mini itx version fit a atx size psu

- 1 bluray drive.

Also is the mini itx version worse for air flow than the micro atx version?

btw i do not want to overclock anything and i do not want to get SLI
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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To address your question directly- ITX and mATX are form factors, and the motherboards that are produced within those are the things you can compare.
mATX is obviously bigger, it's usually cheaper (for a similar level of quality) and it has a few less comprimises and compatibility issues as it's a little more standardised. The main practical difference is the loss of expansion slots and only two DIMM slots.

Moving onto your build, a 3770k is a processor explictly labelled for overclocking (the k). If it's a gaming build then you don't really need an i7 either as they don't offer much over an i5. Assuming it's not solely for gaming and an i7 does earn it's place, the 4770 or 3770 are probably the ones to look at.

As for cases I'll link to an itx guide I have below, but to outline-
The mATX Bitfenix cases are pretty compromised in layout, I'm really not a fan. The ITX versions are too big for ITX really, but it does give you lots of space, layout options and airflow. If you want the best airflow of the bunch, then it's probably the black Prodigy for its mesh front and vented sides. The Phenom/Collosus ITX are decent but don't quite have the same level of ventilation.
 
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Muaz Hassan

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Aug 10, 2013
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Sorry I didn't quite make myself clear. I already have an i7 3770K, what i really wanted to know is will all my components fit into the prodigy M (or colossus) without having bad airflow? also do you think i should get the mini itx version or the micro atx version according to my specs

thanks
 
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DonnyTechMaster

DonnyTechMaster

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From what I can tell the inside of this case looks almost identical to the bitfenix prodigy which is what I have (I guess its just a later model or something). I have the itx version which is great for airflow since all of the fans are relatively close to the motherboard allowing for the air to be pushed out quickly. My suggestion if you get the itx version (which i recommend because it has the best airflow imo) is to put 1 exhaust fan on the back, and 1 intake on both the top back, and bottom front of the case, in order to keep all of your major components cool. You can of course add 2 more fans if you remove the optical drive bay for added airflow. Also, as far as a psu make sure to get one that is 160mm or less in length because i got one that was 165mm and I had to really force it into the case, which was not ideal. This might be changed on the newer case however, so do some research first.
 
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giantbucket

giantbucket

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Nov 17, 2013
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those bitfenix cases aren't all that small even for ITX. they're kinda big. look at an antec isk600 for a small build. I run one with a gtx760, i3 with h55 cooler, 2.5" wd black, full size atx power supply. the ONLY ah heck with it is that they expect you to use the slim dvd drives, which means slimline sata connector (sold separately).

lemme measure mine:

10" wide, 14" deep. 8" high


the ONLY disadvantage with ITX for you is 2 ram slots instead of 4 like you get with mATX.
 
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