Unsure about cooling and PSU for mATX

stuartmrdowning · Aug 6, 2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rCJzhM

I mocked up these parts to build around a CPU-mobo combo I got last week. I want it all to fit into a nice, compact case. However, I'm worried about cable-management and cooling.

I'm not planning to OC my build immediately, so I'm currently skimping on extra fans or an aftermarket CPU cooler. Will the case's stock fans be sufficient for gaming right out of the box?

Also, this will be my first build and I'm slightly intimidated by cable management. Is there a better, fully modular PSU that will provide all the connections I need, or is a partially-modular PSU the way to go?

i7Baby · Aug 6, 2014

Then get a bigger case as well as a power supply. Bigger case will give you better airflow and more cable management room.

volcanoscout · Aug 6, 2014

I put a similar build in that case a couple of months ago. I like the case and airflow isn't an issue, although I would recommend replacing the stock fans. Cable management was a little tougher than it would be with a larger case, but if you plan it out and take your time, it's definitely doable. I would recommend a modular - it'll save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you end up having to reroute cables (which you will). Being able to disconnect a cable from either end helps a lot with that. The ability to leave out unnecessary cables is huge when it comes to management.

stuartmrdowning · Aug 6, 2014

i7Baby :

volcanoscout :

Thanks for the recommendations! Do most modular PSUs come with all the cables I will need? Is there a possibility I'll need to buy some more specific cables? And can you recommend a good modular PSU that will fit the mini case? I'm looking at the Corsair cx series right now.

Pr3di · Aug 6, 2014

Usually with a good PSU you`ll have all the cables, the main problem being the PCI-e cables in case you want to SLI or X-fire.
I recommend if possible to get a fully modular Silverstone PSU, and also the Silverstone PP05 cables, which are shorter than usual, just for small cases, in order to avoid a lot of ling cables cluttering your case.

Also, stay away from Corsair CX PSU`s, as they are kinda bad. If you`re not interested in Silverstone, look for Seasonic, Antec, XFX, EVGA, even Corsair, but the AX, TX and HX (I think these are the classes).

You can also check out the silverstone Sugo SG10 for a good mATX case. It has the PSU in the front, and it takes air from outside, and pushes it right back out not into your case.

volcanoscout · Aug 6, 2014

I would recommend the EVGA Supernova G2 750W - it's about 150W more than you need, but it's a Tier 1, 80+ Gold, fully modular (and has all the cables you'll need, plus some), and is priced better than anything comparable. There are cheaper options available.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220g20750xr

The only real drawback to it is that, because it's 180mm long, it will interfere with installing a 120mm fan in the bottom. I don't really consider that a drawback though - if you get good case fans in the front and rear, you don't need the bottom one.

This would be my second choice, if you want smaller and cheaper:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii620bronze

Search

Unsure about cooling and PSU for mATX

stuartmrdowning

Reputable

volcanoscout

i7Baby

Titan

volcanoscout

Dignified

stuartmrdowning

Reputable

Pr3di

Honorable

volcanoscout

Dignified

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page