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Looking for feedback on my MicroATX Build with BitFenix Colossus

Tags:
  • Build Your Own
  • Cooling
  • Components
  • Graphics
  • microATX
  • New Build
Last response: in Components
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February 15, 2014 3:18:39 PM

I'm trying to downsize! Would love feedback on my proposed parts list for this microATX build. FYI - I am an intensive graphics designer. All parts fitting in are my main concern. Second, I need to trim a bit off my budget if that's possible. {THANKS}

Here's my build list:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/susiehk/saved/3KSE

More about : feedback microatx build bitfenix colossus

February 15, 2014 3:29:28 PM

good build, made a few adjustments.

cheaper mobo but still useable with parts/RAM you chose.

changed from 4770s to the regular 4770(the S is the lower power underclocked version)

If you wanted to use 1600mhz instead of 1866MHZ ram you could also go for a smaller ITX build(if you feel like that) if not this looks fine.

i also removed the cpu cooler because you don't NEED a third party one unless you want to overclock or feel the intel is too noisy(it's not too bad)
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February 15, 2014 3:36:25 PM

I wouldn't go with the S - it's significantly worse. Go with an i7-4771. You don't need a liquid cooler by any means - if you want a quiet cooler, just get a Hyper 212 EVO.

Also, it's an absolute waste of money to go with a z87 motherboard - you don't need any of those features. Go with a cheaper (And smaller!) H87 option like the Gigabyte GA-H87N WiFi.

You also don't need to spend nearly so much money on the SSD - why do you think you need that much room?

Why do you need a video card with 4GB of VRAM? Is it something you're going to make use of?

The Micro ATX bitfenix cases are absolutely awful when it comes to airflow - I highly suggest the mini ITX cases of the same lines, which use the original prodigy design and are much, much better designed.

An 840w PSU is just ridiculous overkill...

Editing with a build list in just a second here:


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4771 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($299.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($145.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N15 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($26.99 @ B&H)
Case: Aerocool DS-Cube MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($108.59 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit - OEM (64-bit) ($99.97 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1536.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-15 18:42 EST-0500)
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February 16, 2014 7:01:40 AM

I wanted to use the SSD drive as my C drive, where I store all my programs and such. You think 250 GB will be good for 5 years (I like to build something that lasts a while - going on 6 with my current computer and the desktops in the big box stores are just now getting better...so it was probably overkill at first, but it's not anymore). I'll read up some more on those cases. That Colossus MicroATX is pretty new, isn't it? Again Thanks!!!!
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February 16, 2014 7:02:04 AM

also, thanks for the cpu suggestion - like that!!
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February 16, 2014 7:31:55 AM

@DarkSable: I just looked at the case you recommended - wow, I like it a lot! But it doesn't have any 2.5" bays.

Case: Aerocool DS-Cube MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($108.59 @ NCIX US)

By the way, your profile says home brew! I home brew as well...what do you like to brew?


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February 16, 2014 7:38:17 AM

Ok so my postt didn't include my build oops, I'll put my suggestion when I get on pc
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February 16, 2014 7:48:17 AM

AshyCFC said:
Ok so my postt didn't include my build oops, I'll put my suggestion when I get on pc


Thanks!

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February 16, 2014 8:09:00 AM

To be honest I like darksables build. I'd only change these areas

You don't NEED a cooler but the hyper 212 is good. Much nicer than stock although stock is fine if not OCing.

Note: you can put 2.5 inch drives in 3.5 bay's with adapters.

I'd get a bigger psu, it's a great unit but I'd prefer one with a bigger output for the parts you're using.

OP what's your ideal budget for this pc
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Best solution

February 16, 2014 11:42:04 AM

I just threw the cooler in there because the OP originally had liquid cooling, which was a total waste of money.

All the drive mounts in that case should have adapters to mount 2.5 drives as well... but really, with SSDs, it doesn't matter - they have no moving parts, so you could velcro them to the wall and they'd be fine. As for the power supply, 450w of a reliable brand is WAY MORE than enough for this rig - a 400w PSU would still be fine. Remember, there's no overclocking going on, and people tend to drastically overestimate how much of a PSU you need from the olden days when parts drew more power and PSUs were less reliable.



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February 16, 2014 11:43:25 AM

susiehk said:
By the way, your profile says home brew! I home brew as well...what do you like to brew?

Haha, sorry, miss in communication there - "homebrew" as in designed and built from scratch.
(Though I have been looking into getting into brewery, but hey.)
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February 16, 2014 12:24:27 PM

I know dark but let's say the OP wants to stick a second card in SLI in future with a new mobo or something. This is for graphics design.

I mean the 450W is great but that's just my thoughts.
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February 16, 2014 1:00:14 PM

That's true... but since it is for graphics design, why in the world would they be using a second graphics card?

And yes, but what's the point of buying a 750w PSU on the off chance of getting a second graphics card sometime in the future, when you're on a budget?

...plus it's an mATX rig, and he needs a wifi card... meaning there's no room for another graphics card anyways without throwing out the wifi card and replacing it with a usb dongle.

Just seems odd to me, is all.
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February 16, 2014 1:03:29 PM

Guess so, I think my thoughts on PSU were quite generic, specific to this rig you're rigjt
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February 16, 2014 1:34:09 PM

DarkSable said:
That's true... but since it is for graphics design, why in the world would they be using a second graphics card?

And yes, but what's the point of buying a 750w PSU on the off chance of getting a second graphics card sometime in the future, when you're on a budget?

...plus it's an mATX rig, and he needs a wifi card... meaning there's no room for another graphics card anyways without throwing out the wifi card and replacing it with a usb dongle.

Just seems odd to me, is all.


So I'm definitely NOT using a second graphics card. :-)
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February 16, 2014 2:11:01 PM

if that's the case then the 450w is perfectly fine.
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February 17, 2014 9:28:31 AM

Thanks for all the help!
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February 17, 2014 9:36:23 AM

DarkSable said:
I just threw the cooler in there because the OP originally had liquid cooling, which was a total waste of money.

All the drive mounts in that case should have adapters to mount 2.5 drives as well... but really, with SSDs, it doesn't matter - they have no moving parts, so you could velcro them to the wall and they'd be fine. As for the power supply, 450w of a reliable brand is WAY MORE than enough for this rig - a 400w PSU would still be fine. Remember, there's no overclocking going on, and people tend to drastically overestimate how much of a PSU you need from the olden days when parts drew more power and PSUs were less reliable.





Perfect, thank you!

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