New Mini ITX Lian li Minecraft build :)

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OnionHead

OnionHead

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Jan 28, 2014
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Good evening :D

It's been a long time since a self build (Socket A days). So I'm out of touch with recent components etc.

I need a machine that will run Minecraft and usual tasks like browsing YouTube etc. This system will replace an ageing Dell Zino HD :)

It has to be tiny and neat to fit on a slim laptop desk so after much debate I've ordered the Lian Li PC-Q03 (I know, small with potential heat problems)

This is what I plan to put in it, and I'd be grateful if you can give me advice on a few things.

A 65W CPU from AMD perhaps the : AMD A8 5500 (Or would an A4 be sufficient? )

And with some better cooling option like the slim Thermalright APX_100

MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 Board

I haven't decided on Ram (I was thinking of a single stick of 4GB 1866) and then upgrade to 8GB if required) I'm not sure if 1866 ram is required?

Has to be a modular PSU as space is restricted as is airflow :

Corsair Builder Series CXM 430W Modular

Would the 430w be sufficient? If I eventually add a video card to run dual graphics would 500w be a better option.

I'll need 1xSSD to put in there along with a 2.5 HDD

1x Slim DVD and that's me (I Think)

I know on most items spend a few pennies more and you can have better, but this is essentially a minecraft YouTube box for my daughter. She's been playing Minecraft on the iPad and I said "Try it on the desktop" . The wee Dell goes into meltdown after about 5 minutes of playing :)

I'm looking forward to the new build, and I like the challenge of the small Lian li.

Any help thoughts would be excellent, I'm ready to order, just want to make a good choice of bits without messing it up.

Best regards
Onion

 
Solution
ewok93
It is. It's probably a newer model or something, but it is compatible. As for the motherboard, I was thinking you had a micro case. You do need a mini, as mini fits in micro and full, but nothing but mini fits in mini. Minis do run cool, so that is a good thing for your case. http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2JPVL That's the build with the cheapest mini worth getting. Sorry for the confusion.

Also, in that case, you can add another video card, but only one that takes up one bracket.
GeForce_GTX_690_bracket.jpg
This will not fit.
card_bracket.jpg
This will.
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ewok93

ewok93

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Mar 18, 2013
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Well, an SSD is a huge waste of money for a build like that. Go for something like an A10 5800k and an Asus A85XM-A, with a 1tb harddrive and a Corsair CX500m. That will come out to be this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2JwR3
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2JwR3
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2JwR3/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2JwR3/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($100.00 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus A85XM-A Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($63.48 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.94 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $290.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-29 03:14 EST-0500)
 
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OnionHead

OnionHead

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Jan 28, 2014
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Thanks for the reply. Those are some excellent prices but I'm in UK/Ireland. Pitty the prices are not as competitive here, although saying that Amazon UK are probably cheapest for most.

Interesting regarding the SSD. I thought about a small SSD for the operating system and a 1TB 2.5".

One other question, the A10-5800k is 100w I believe. In such a small machine should I not be going for a 65W CPU or am I unlikely to benefit.

Again, thanks for the reply, that gives me more things to look at :)

Edit :

Asus A85XM-A (Dispatch time 1-2 Months) :(

I don't see wifi listed on the specs, I'm guessing most recent boards have wifi? Less clutter for the tiny case the better. My case arrived today and it's sitting pretty on my desk, beautiful little thing. Just need stuff to put into now :)
 
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OnionHead

OnionHead

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Jan 28, 2014
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Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Didn't even know about pcpart checker ;) Really handy that.

Tell me this, if I eventually add a video card to run dual graphics, will the 430W be up to the job? I know the 500w is not massively more expensive but I guess there's no point if it's not needed.

Unfortunately the Ballistix looks like a no go with the size of the cooling (I hope I'm wrong). There's not enough people out there with the PC-Q03 for reference but I'm thinking it's gonna be tight, can you recommend an alternative

Sorry and finally do you know if that little Asus board has Wi-Fi?

Well that's the case sorted, and I'm pretty much sold on the AMD A10-5800K. Will most likely go with a single 3.5" drive as suggested. I'm getting there :)

Edit: I should have pointed out that the only cooling in the PC-Q03 is via the PSU and Slim CPU cooler, so I've no option for case fans in there. I don't plan to overclock, maybe a small amount if possible, although I'm not overly bothered
 
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ewok93

ewok93

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I just suggested that RAM because it was the cheapest 1866 4gb RAM, just go for what's cheapest, brand really means nothing with RAM. Almost no motherboards have wi-fi, but you can get an adapter for cheap. ($5 here, so like 3 err... don't have that symbol here and I'm too lazy to copy/paste it).
 
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OnionHead

OnionHead

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Jan 28, 2014
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Sorry, I'm just noticing your board suggestion. The case is Mini itx :) So an even more limited choice. The A85XM-A is Micro AFAIK.

If I proceed with the MSI board do you know if memory compatibility is a problem with more modern boards, for some reason the memory I'm looking at (Crucial BLT4G3D1869DT2TXOBCEU 4GB Ballistix Smart Tracer Memory) is not shown as compatible on MSI's site although PC Part checker shows this memory as compatible
 
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ewok93

ewok93

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Mar 18, 2013
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It is. It's probably a newer model or something, but it is compatible. As for the motherboard, I was thinking you had a micro case. You do need a mini, as mini fits in micro and full, but nothing but mini fits in mini. Minis do run cool, so that is a good thing for your case. http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2JPVL That's the build with the cheapest mini worth getting. Sorry for the confusion.

Also, in that case, you can add another video card, but only one that takes up one bracket.
GeForce_GTX_690_bracket.jpg
This will not fit.
card_bracket.jpg
This will.
 
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Solution
OnionHead

OnionHead

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Jan 28, 2014
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10,630
Sorry to be a melter, but one last question if you please :) Will the 430w be sufficient if I add a video card to run dual graphics? Or should I go 500w, or really is there no need?

Best regards
 
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