New build: Can I go wireless in a Prodigy?

Freemorpheme · Feb 16, 2014

Hi there,

I am considering this build:

Case: BitFenix Prodigy (White) Mini ITX Tower Case
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair XMS3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Intel DC S3500 Series 160GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

I need this for gaming and 3D work - but I need something small and sleek and quiet as possible so it won't piss off my wife. I also ideally need to fit a wireless network card in there, but partspicker says that's not a goer. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Any general advice on the build is also welcome - I'm not 100% sure the PSU will wedge into the case for example, and I have no clue about motherboards so picked one almost at random.
Thanks

MauveCloud · Feb 16, 2014

You can get a usb wi-fi adapter, such as http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-wireless-network-card-rnxn150hg

With a 160GB ssd you might want to add a mechanical drive for more capacity.

Corsair RM650 is 160mm deep so it'll fit a Prodigy.

Freemorpheme · Feb 16, 2014

MauveCloud :

Thanks. I have two 2.5 laptop hds I can reuse in the build, should have added that to the spec.

Is there a way of mounting a usb dongle internally?

Freemorpheme · Feb 16, 2014

Upon further examination I see this motherboard: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gah87nwifi which I assume is what I need...

MauveCloud · Feb 16, 2014

Yeah, that motherboard would work too. Technically there are adapters to allow connecting usb devices inside the case, but that's not a good idea for a usb wi-fi adapter, because the case will usually act as a faraday cage and block the signal (laptops are built a bit differently so an internal wi-fi adapter is generally possible). You at least want to make sure the antenna(s) are on the outside of the case.

Rammy · Feb 16, 2014

Couple of points which haven't been raised -

Plenty of mid-high end ITX boards have integrated Wifi. It's not especially hard to find one, but they will be more expensive than similar boards without it.

If you are using a K-series processor, then you generally want to overclock (especially when you have a decent CPU cooler fitted). To do this, you need to go for a Z87 chipset motherboard.

If you aren't overclocking, then going for a non-K version (depending on the price difference) might be more sensible. This means you can use H81/B85/H87 chipsets, and potentially go for a smaller CPU cooler (or use the stock Intel one)

If you want to fit a Hyper 212 Evo on an ITX motherboard, you need to be very careful about which motherboard you pick. The Gigabyte-H87N-WIFI for example, which you linked, is not compatible with the 212 due to CPU socket location (this isn't standardised).

I don't know that I would ever go for the SSD you picked. I'm assuming you are UK based (uk tag on link) which means you can pick up a quality 250Gb Samsung 840/840 EVO for less.

The HD7850 is fine for basic gaming, but given your relatively high budget you might want to push more funds into this area if you want to play high end games at decent settings for the foreseeable future.

650W is huge overkill for the system as it stands. Without being able to overclock the CPU (on the original build) and a single HD7850, your wattage demands are both low and very predictable. A 400-450W PSU would suffice, though you can make a definite case for a 500-550W as it does give you more options for graphics cards/upgrades. A 550W PSU like say the XFX Core 550 is going to cover you for almost any possible upgrades.

Freemorpheme · Feb 17, 2014

Rammy :

Couple of points which haven't been raised -

Plenty of mid-high end ITX boards have integrated Wifi. It's not especially hard to find one, but they will be more expensive than similar boards without it.

If you are using a K-series processor, then you generally want to overclock (especially when you have a decent CPU cooler fitted). To do this, you need to go for a Z87 chipset motherboard.

If you aren't overclocking, then going for a non-K version (depending on the price difference) might be more sensible. This means you can use H81/B85/H87 chipsets, and potentially go for a smaller CPU cooler (or use the stock Intel one)

If you want to fit a Hyper 212 Evo on an ITX motherboard, you need to be very careful about which motherboard you pick. The Gigabyte-H87N-WIFI for example, which you linked, is not compatible with the 212 due to CPU socket location (this isn't standardised).

I don't know that I would ever go for the SSD you picked. I'm assuming you are UK based (uk tag on link) which means you can pick up a quality 250Gb Samsung 840/840 EVO for less.

The HD7850 is fine for basic gaming, but given your relatively high budget you might want to push more funds into this area if you want to play high end games at decent settings for the foreseeable future.

650W is huge overkill for the system as it stands. Without being able to overclock the CPU (on the original build) and a single HD7850, your wattage demands are both low and very predictable. A 400-450W PSU would suffice, though you can make a definite case for a 500-550W as it does give you more options for graphics cards/upgrades. A 550W PSU like say the XFX Core 550 is going to cover you for almost any possible upgrades.

Thanks, that gives me lots to think about. I dont intend to overclock right away but do want to give myself the option in the future - can anyone think of a m-ITX motherboard and cooler combination that will give wifi and allow this? I will adjust the PSU as you suggest and consider amending the GPU, but I am already over budget to be honest.

vonronge · Feb 22, 2014

Freemorpheme :

Same board with wifi and space for msata: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128690

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