Hello all,
After years (really - years) of deliberation, I have finally begun to purchase parts to build my own PC. I want something relatively small (but don't need tiny), so at first the mATX form factor seemed to make the most sense, as I heard ITX could be frustrating for a first-time builder. As such, I went ahead and purchased a PSU when I found one as a steal on Newegg, knowing it would fit an mATX case.
Later, I decided that I definitely wanted to use the BitFenix Phenom M - I LOVE the look of it, as I want something that both blends in to my desk, but also makes a subtle statement. However, I have read that the mATX version of this case has some limitations for cooling. I need my PC to run quiet, as I do a lot of audio recording, so I want to minimize my fan speed and noise as much as possible - cooling efficiency is important. From what I can see, the ITX version is better for this. I only plan to use this for light gaming (I vastly prefer using a console), so I have no need for SLI.
My dilemma is two-fold. First, will my power supply even fit in the ITX? The dimensions are 150 x 86 x 163 mm. It is not modular, so I'll need room to stuff in those extra cords... Second, is the cooling setup really that much better for ITX that I'd see less fan noise? Finally, if mATX seems more appropriate, then what type of cooling setup do you suggest that would be both efficient and silent? The room the computer will be in gets pretty warm due to the layout of my house...
My proposed build:
Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core
Motherboard TBD after choosing case form factor
Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600
Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" SSD (for OS and major programs only)
Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM
EVGA 02G-P4-3753-KR GeForce GTX 750 Ti Superclocked 2GB 128-Bit
Case TBD - Phenom Variant
Rosewill 550W ATX12V / EPS12V
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
After years (really - years) of deliberation, I have finally begun to purchase parts to build my own PC. I want something relatively small (but don't need tiny), so at first the mATX form factor seemed to make the most sense, as I heard ITX could be frustrating for a first-time builder. As such, I went ahead and purchased a PSU when I found one as a steal on Newegg, knowing it would fit an mATX case.
Later, I decided that I definitely wanted to use the BitFenix Phenom M - I LOVE the look of it, as I want something that both blends in to my desk, but also makes a subtle statement. However, I have read that the mATX version of this case has some limitations for cooling. I need my PC to run quiet, as I do a lot of audio recording, so I want to minimize my fan speed and noise as much as possible - cooling efficiency is important. From what I can see, the ITX version is better for this. I only plan to use this for light gaming (I vastly prefer using a console), so I have no need for SLI.
My dilemma is two-fold. First, will my power supply even fit in the ITX? The dimensions are 150 x 86 x 163 mm. It is not modular, so I'll need room to stuff in those extra cords... Second, is the cooling setup really that much better for ITX that I'd see less fan noise? Finally, if mATX seems more appropriate, then what type of cooling setup do you suggest that would be both efficient and silent? The room the computer will be in gets pretty warm due to the layout of my house...
My proposed build:
Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core
Motherboard TBD after choosing case form factor
Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600
Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" SSD (for OS and major programs only)
Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM
EVGA 02G-P4-3753-KR GeForce GTX 750 Ti Superclocked 2GB 128-Bit
Case TBD - Phenom Variant
Rosewill 550W ATX12V / EPS12V
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!