need help for an mATX build

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
N

nuffname

Honorable
Mar 14, 2013
13
0
10,510
Hi, i'm planning on building a mATX gaming pc with some minor video editing. I am preferring an mATX build because the desk isn't big enough and the floor is full of random stuff for the pc to rest on.

This is the build that I came up with after researching. Budget is around $1,500. Not including mouse/mousepad,keyboard,screen and OS

Case: Bitfenix Prodigy
Processor: i5 4670k
Motherboard: Maximus VI Gene
HDD:WD Green Caviar 1 TB
SSD: Any SSD > than 256gb
RAM: G. Skill Ripjaw 8gbx2 Ram
GPU:GTX 770/780 or R9 280x/290
PSU: 650W Seasonic Gold
Drive: I have an extra DVD drive


Notes and questions that I have:

  • ■ After looking at most mATX cases, my reactions to them were either too hipster,too flashy, or too boring. Then I saw the Prodigy and fell in-love with it. So sorry, I may not be that open-minded to other casing options.
    ■ The CD drive stays there. Forever. Or until it breaks. Will it fit?
    ■ I know it's small, but aside from keyboard and mouse, I'm gonna be plugging in a usb or two. Or ten. Give me a board with a lot of ports if you can.
    ■ Like I said, gonna do only some minor video editing, so 4770k isn't really what I want.
    ■ Is PhysX worth it? I intend to buy (and play!) some games that have physx on it and already own a few that have it(though i cant turn it on when using this laggy hell of a machine).
    ■ I'm getting an mATX, so it leaves me with only few spacing options, what will I be able to upgrade in the future?
    ■ I have plans of adding an extra SSD or HDD in the future. Spacing options?
    ■ SLI/CF'ing gonna be worth it in the near future? if so then Spacing options?
    ■ If SLI/CF is not worth it, I might get an audio card instead. Spacing options?
    ■ Does the PSU have enough power? If you still haven't noticed I plan on adding some stuff in the future so I want some extra power just in case.

Thanks
 
Solution
Rationale
You can use PCI cards like this to expand USB slots.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166002

I think PhysX is worth it, it's the largest reason I buy Nvidia for every single upgrade. :3

Yep, the PSU has enough power for that rig, and for upgrades.

I assume you want to OC since you picked a "K" CPU. That'll be tough on mATX. Most mATX boards don't have VRAM heatsinks. You might be better off not overclocking, at least it'd expand your board options substantially.

Other cases (I agree, the Prodigy is great though).
http://www.amazon.com/BitFenix-Power-Supply-MicroATX-BFC-PHM-300-KKXKK-RP/dp/B00G483C7A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815040

I wouldn't try SLI or CF in an mATX build...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Rationale

Rationale

Admirable
Mar 21, 2014
3,025
0
7,960
You can use PCI cards like this to expand USB slots.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166002

I think PhysX is worth it, it's the largest reason I buy Nvidia for every single upgrade. :3

Yep, the PSU has enough power for that rig, and for upgrades.

I assume you want to OC since you picked a "K" CPU. That'll be tough on mATX. Most mATX boards don't have VRAM heatsinks. You might be better off not overclocking, at least it'd expand your board options substantially.

Other cases (I agree, the Prodigy is great though).
http://www.amazon.com/BitFenix-Power-Supply-MicroATX-BFC-PHM-300-KKXKK-RP/dp/B00G483C7A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815040

I wouldn't try SLI or CF in an mATX build, personally. Seems like too much heat and too much power consumption to really be efficient.

As for a motherboard, I'm no expert but this looks good. Asus, Z87, integrated heatsink, 8 USB slots, etc. It's expensive for an mATX board though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131977
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
BuzzKenway

BuzzKenway

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
735
0
11,060


i think this is better case its has same specs as pridioloy
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345041
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
barto

barto

Expert
Ambassador
Apr 20, 2009
5,465
0
27,960


Well that's dumb. It appears to be a newer kid on the block, released in October. Missed that one. Well my previous post is pretty much irrelevant. But I do think a little larger case would be beneficial considering the extra drives.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
N

nuffname

Honorable
Mar 14, 2013
13
0
10,510
Apparently I haven't researched enough (thats why i posted here lol).
Big mistake on my part, I've always considered micro and mini to be the same :S
I guess I'll have to watch a few reviews on youtube to see how it really is. Or I could just do a new room plan for a bigger case..
Also forgot the cooler I'll be getting an h80i

Again, thanks for the feedback
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom