[Build Help] Mini Gaming Rig - Advice Needed

kimbo_schlice · May 14, 2015

Hi all! I'm planning on building a mini gaming PC, and I do not have a ton of building experience, so I would love any and all advice that you're willing to give. The main reason that I am wanting to go mini is that I move fairly regularly so I decided a smaller PC would be easier to haul around. I'm aiming for game settings of 1600P, 60 FPS, and every setting Ultra on major titles like The Witcher 3. Here is my preliminary build list:

Update: Based on advice received so far, here is my current proposed build:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bHbFhM
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bHbFhM/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($76.50 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.76 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.17 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($20.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1160.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-20 16:35 EDT-0400

Note: PCPartPicker finds a couple compatibility issues, but based on reviews and build logs, I think they may be inaccurate.

Here are my main questions:
What are your thoughts on my build?
Do you see any ways to improve my build?

DonkeyOatie · May 14, 2015

Here's what my students do: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.htm

My take.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($32.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($111.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($58.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($24.15 @ NCIX US)
Fan Controller: BitFenix Recon (Black) Fan Controller ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1091.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 13:42 EDT-0400

WiFi/Bluetooth and the case comes with two fans. Better PSU, fan controller, overclock the GPU, cheaper air CPU cooler. You do not really need overclocking for Gaming and then you could do this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($532.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($58.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($24.15 @ NCIX US)
Fan Controller: BitFenix Recon (Black) Fan Controller ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1244.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 13:46 EDT-0400

Gaming systems are usually GPU limited, so overclocking and memory configuration don't do much.

Upgrade in what way? The only meaningful upgrade will be more memory.

If you choose a mATX solution, then later SLI becomes and option to improve performance like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M OC Formula Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($24.15 @ NCIX US)
Fan Controller: BitFenix Recon (Black) Fan Controller ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1398.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 13:50 EDT-0400

kimbo_schlice · May 14, 2015

Thanks for the reply DonkeyOatie!

CPU: I haven't heard of the Intel Xeon CPU, the reviews make it sound like it approaches i7 performance, but isn't OC-able. Interesting alternative! Do you know how the temperatures of the Xeon compares to the i5/i7 CPUs?

CPU Cooler: Why do you not include a CPU cooler? Is the stock cooler for the Xeon decent?

Motherboard: You mention going with mATX instead. I am open to an mATX, but am trying to go with the smallest build possible. Are the ASRock motherboards better than the MSI one that I had in my list?

PSU: You mention that the PSU you included instead is better, but it is Bronze certified (compared to the Gold certified one I had included). What makes it better?

Case: Why did you go with the Cooler Master case instead of the Corsair? I think I prefer the shape of the Corsair or the BitFenix Prodigy, but if the Cooler Master case is better, than I'll go with that one instead!

DonkeyOatie · May 14, 2015

kimbo_schlice :

The Xeon IS an i7, without the iGPU,so lower power it is equivalent to the i7 4770, and it's a lot cheaper. An i5 4660 is almost as good for gaming, but the Xeon allows for other applications like editing or rendering.

You may not need a CPU cooler. Stock may be fine. If not, a very modest air cooler will do the business and it is an easy add-on. Don't get one unless you know you need it.

You plan to overclock, so the ASRockE ITX/ac is better then your MSI. The MSI has four hybrid power phases, with no doubler, the ASRock board has six digital phases, so it has better power for overclocking which may allow you to get a better overlock, and it's cheaper. mATX allows you to gain future performance by adding a second GPU.

Bronze, Silver, Gold is all about power use efficiency, like m.p.g. in a car. It has nothing to do with the quality and performance of the parts in it, although Gold does require minima somewhere. MY PSU is a 'race car' engine for your computer, the Corsair is a high quality 'truck' engine. A gaming system is a race car, not a truck.

I chose the case because it is a good cheap case with two fans in it. It's a place where I can legitimately trim budget. The Thermaltake Core V1 is also very good. Cases are a personal choice but should not exceed 10% of budget at this level.

Here's what my students do: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.html

kimbo_schlice · May 14, 2015

Thanks for the continued great information!

As far as overclocking goes, I have no experience with it in the past, so I am not set on overclocking. If I go with the Xeon card, it sounds like overclocking is not an option. I am leaning towards the Xeon and no overclocking. If I'm not overclocking, how does that affect the motherboard that I should select? How do you think performance of the non-overclocked Xeon would compare to an overclocked i5?

As far as cases go, what do you think about the BitFenix Prodigy?

qwerty987123 · May 14, 2015

I chose the xeon as it is equivalent to an i7 for the price of an i5 but didn't include an aftermarket cooler as the stock one should do fine. For motherboard i went with the cheapest h97 board as with an itx for and xeon for cpu there's no advantage in getting a z97 board. The RAM is the cheapest single 8gb with good speed and latency. The drives are picked for a combination of speed and value. The gpu is the best possible single gpu within your budget and has a solid factory overclock with a good cooler.The case looks good and has lots of fan mounts for cooling and finally i picked the cheapest good quality, fully modular psu.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mtmhrH
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mtmhrH/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($539.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1199.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 18:17 EDT-0400

DonkeyOatie · May 14, 2015

Yes, the Xeon is not overclockable.

The i5 4670 is four cores at 3.4 Ghz
The Xeon 1231 v3 is four cores and Hyperthreading at 3.4 Ghz
The i7 4770 is four cores and Hyperthreading at 3.4 Ghz

An overclocked i5 4690K is capable of at least 4.2Ghz, unless you are very unlucky.

As I said above, overclocking has limited value in gaming because the limiting factor is the GPU, so speeding up the CPU does very little.

An i5 4460 is four cores and 3.2 Ghz. It is the price-performance leader for gaming.

The BitFenix Prodigy is an excellent case. If you like it, get it.

EDIT. The slightly more expensive memory I selected can be downclocked to 1600Mhz CL8 to add a little extra speed to a non-overclocked system.

kimbo_schlice · May 15, 2015

Thanks for the input everybody!

I think I'm going to go with the Xeon 1231v3, so as far as MOBOs go, is there a reason to go with a Z97 over an H97?

Also, for cases, I went by my local Fry's last night, and was unpleasantly surprised by how large the Thermaltake Core V1 and Corsair 250D were in person. They don't seem to save that much space over micro ATX towers, and they're definitely too large to fit in a suitcase. I think the cube shape actually makes the case less portable for my needs, because there isn't an angle I can lay the case at where it isn't too tall for something like a carry-on rolling suitcase. Maybe a very small tower type case would be better for fitting in suitcases. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

qwerty987123 · May 15, 2015

If you want to put it in a suitcase then you want a htpc build

kimbo_schlice · May 15, 2015

What am I losing out on if I go with an htpc build?

Also, I found this build guide for an htpc build: http://techbuyersguru.com/miniITX2.php
What are your thoughts on the recommendations? It mentions the Silverstone Raven RVZ01 for the case.

qwerty987123 · May 15, 2015

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4nzrCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4nzrCJ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($91.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($539.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone GD09B HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1201.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-15 13:20 EDT-0400

qwerty987123 · May 15, 2015

the main downside of a htpc build is the same as that of an itx build and that is airflow but this can be dealt with.

kimbo_schlice · May 15, 2015

Thanks for the build list!

I found a build guide on pcpartpicker that went with a 5400RPM HDD because lower spinning hard drives create less heat: http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/Wqp9TW/full-guide-gaming-htpc-setup

Do you think that the difference between 5400RPM and 7200RPM heat is big enough to justify going with a slower speed?

kimbo_schlice · May 15, 2015

Thanks again for your help everybody! Taking into account all of the advice so far, here is my current build list:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6NsN7P
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6NsN7P/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($100.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.95 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($339.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($79.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($25.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1128.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-15 18:13 EDT-0400

What are your thoughts, comments or advice? Thank you! One thing to not is that I went with a 7200RPM HDD, but a build guide I saw for this case went with a 5400RPM HDD to reduce heat. Should I do this as well?

DonkeyOatie · May 15, 2015

I use the Milo ML07, which is the same guts as the RVZ01, but cheaper and more subdued. Look at the pics in the first linked build to get an idea.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.html

That's it in the very first picture, then link to the whole thread above. I used a 2 pack of SP quiets too.

kimbo_schlice · May 19, 2015

Thanks again for all of your help everybody! I did some more research on small cases and small builds in general, and came across this build video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00fux_ePBwg In the video they use a special GTX 970 from Gigabyte that is a smaller form, the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Mini ITX, to make a truly small gaming rig. With that information, I've updated my pcpartpicker build list! This is approaching the size that I was hoping for at the start of this build!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/24yjQ7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/24yjQ7/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D9L 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($76.50 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.76 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($316.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: RAIJINTEK Metis (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($81.00 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($20.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1050.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-19 16:02 EDT-0400

What are your thoughts on this build? PCPartPicker says there is an incompatibility with the case and the PSU, but I don't think that is true because I've seen in reviews that this case works with SFX power supplies. Please let me know what you think about this build and if you see any ways to improve it! Thank you very much!

DonkeyOatie · May 19, 2015

I think that the reviews have the ASUS being better for that GPU form factor. I have one now inherited from another build. This one: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx970dcmoc4gd5

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121912&cm_re=asus_gtx_970_oc-_-14-121-912-_-Product

kimbo_schlice · May 19, 2015

Yeah I actually just saw the ASUS version. I'm seeing now that the Raijintek case is terrible about heat management, so I'm back to looking for a different case. Maybe the Cooler Master 110 or the Silverstone Sugo SG05. Do you have any insight into either of these two cases?

DonkeyOatie · May 19, 2015

When I was looking to build the system I'm working on I settled on the Silverstone Milo ML07.

The Azza Z is worthy of consideration, I like the Thermaltake Core V1, but it is a cube. The Cooler Master N200 is more conventional. I would look at the Cooler Master Elite 130. The SG05 or 06 is good, and the SG08 is interesting.

kimbo_schlice · May 20, 2015

So it looks like the SG13 may be the best option out there for me. It is a little smaller than the Cooler Master 110, but can fit a full length graphics card.

Here's my current build list so far with this case:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bHbFhM
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bHbFhM/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($76.50 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.76 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.17 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($20.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1160.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-20 16:35 EDT-0400

What are your thoughts? I ended up going with the NVidia reference card because the blower design is supposed to be better at removing heat from the case. I'm a little worried that air cooling isn't going to be enough in this case. Also, the SG13 Manual says the CPU cooler height limit is 61 mm based on an ATX power supply, but going with the SFX supply saves me 22.5 mm, so I think I have 83.5 mm to work with. The Noctua NH-L12 is 93 mm, so it may be too tall.

DonkeyOatie · May 20, 2015

No. That Noctua is a great cooler, if it fits. Here's a review http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2662&page=5 and a comparison chart. You can remove the top fan and use it as a case fan. Even with the small fan, it's good.

I'm not convinced about your SSD it is a low end model.

kimbo_schlice · May 20, 2015

Yeah I'm worried about the clearance for it. If I end up needing to remove the top fan, I'm worried that at that point I would be losing out on too much cooling and that it would then make more sense to just go with an AIO liquid cooler like the Corsair H80i. Are there quality CPU coolers around 80 mm in height?

The Kingston SSDNow? I just selected it because it was cheaper than other options. Is the Crucial MX100 more reliable?

DonkeyOatie · May 20, 2015

I don't know the best at the moment. I use Crucial BX100 or MX and just bough a cheap MX200.

Here's our advice on SSDs for May http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-recommendation-benchmark,3269.html

Note that Tom's ONLY presents products that they have tested. There's a lot of stuff out there and the market is very fluid. I see no reason to go lower than a BX100 240Gb unless you know what you need and it's good.

This is what the FrostyTech review says. (You really need to start educating yourself about the details)

Noctua's NH-L12 heatsink will also work with only its bottom 92mm fan attached; so with the 92mm running at stock speed (1300RPM) and the 120mm fan set aside Frostytech applied a 150W heat load. Under these test conditions the NH-L12 heatsink yielded a temperature of 27.0°C over ambient (44.7 dBA) at stock fan speed and 32.9°C over ambient (33.1 dBA) at the 92mm fans' lowest speed (1300RPM).

The Noctua NH-L12 heatsink was then tested with an 85W heat load. Under these single-fan test conditions the NH-L12 heatsink had no problem maintaining a temperature of 16.3°C over ambient at full fan speed and 19.4°C over ambient at reduced fan speed.

Even with the bottom fan it should be great. http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2662

The FrostyTech list and database will let you find a good cooler. Even the RAIJINTEK Pallas should do the job.

kimbo_schlice · May 20, 2015

Thank you for all of your great help! That review for the Noctua NH-L12 makes it sound like a great option. I think a good solution may be to swap the top fan with a slimmer 120 mm x 12 mm fan, and then use the included fan it as the case fan like you had said. Hopefully that would give me back some of the cooling performance.

Here's my build with a slim 120 mm fan that I might be able to swap with the larger Noctua fan:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G7YyBm
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G7YyBm/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($97.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.60 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 970 4GB XLR8 Video Card ($298.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.17 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Scythe Slipstream 110.3 CFM 120mm Fan ($7.20 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1052.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-20 21:11 EDT-0400

I also switched the storage choices for higher quality drives. By the way I think that the specs listed for the case fan (that I would swap with the top Noctua fan) are wrong, I think the listing here on NewEgg is correct.

Alternatively, here's a build that forgoes messing around with swapping top fans and uses a higher rated sub 75 mm CPU cooler (compared to the Noctua without the top fan), and a larger 140 mm fan for the case fan.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7c3KLk
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7c3KLk/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS8900 Quiet CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($97.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.60 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 970 4GB XLR8 Video Card ($298.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG13B Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.23 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-P14 FLX 65.0 CFM 140mm Fan ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1019.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-20 20:35 EDT-0400

What do you think?
Note: It's actually the Zalman CNPS8900 Extreme that's rated higher than the Noctua, but it looks like the Zalman CNPS8900 Quiet may be an updated version. Apparently the Extreme is difficult to find now.

[Build Help] Mini Gaming Rig - Advice Needed

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Reputable

Champion

Reputable

Champion

Reputable

Champion

Reputable

Champion

Reputable

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