Mini-ITX computer

[smont2000]

Hi guys, does anyone have any ideas or configurations for a new build Mini-ITX computer? I am leaning towards a Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge processor so that i can use the built-in Intel HD Graphics. i'm not sure about the MOBO, RAM, case, power supply, cooling, etc.
this computer is just going to be used for spreadsheets, internet, office work. i already have a 27 inch high def monitor. it has to have a small footprint to mount under the desk and out of sight.
i'm open to all ideas

some products that i am exploring:

Antec ISK 300-65 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case
SILVERSTONE Sugo SG05-B Black SECC / Plastic Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case SFX 300W 80Plus Power Supply
ASUS P8H67-I DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
ASUS P8H61-I (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K

 

[striker410]

It would be a better idea to get something like an i3-2100 and a low profile graphics card. No sense spending $100 when you can get something that will perform better for $30.

I also suggest getting this board instead, has better features (mainly 7.1 audio and HDMI 1.4e) for $2 more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157238&cm_re=h67-_-13-157-238-_-Product

 

[smont2000]

It would be a better idea to get something like an i3-2100 and a low profile graphics card. No sense spending $100 when you can get something that will perform better for $30.

I also suggest getting this board instead, has better features (mainly 7.1 audio and HDMI 1.4e) for $2 more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157238&cm_re=h67-_-13-157-238-_-Product

Thanks striker. Btw, the system that you helped me with last week went together flawlessly and works like a dream...that was my first build and I couldn't be happier!!!

 

[striker410]

No problem man! we try. Like I was saying, I suggest a i3-2100 and something like a 5570. That will even allow you to do some light gaming. What is the res on your 27 incher? I mainly suggested a discrete graphics card because the Intel 3000 only supports up to 1920x1200, and i'm guessing that 27 incher is 2560x1600.

 

[genghiskron]

the sugo seems like the best bet. you wont be able to run the i5-2500k off the 65w adapter of the antec case. either of those mobos should work fine.
i dont know what your space needs are, you might consider something like this as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=11-129-034-Z01&ISList=11-129-034-Z01%2c11-129-034-Z02%2c11-129-034-Z03%2c11-129-034-Z04%2c11-129-034-Z05%2c11-129-034-Z06%2c11-129-034-Z07%2c11-129-034-Z08&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16811129034&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Antec%20New%20Solution%20NSK2480%20Black%2fSilver%200.8mm%20cold-rolled%20steel%20MicroATX%20Desktop%20Computer%20Case%20380W%20Power%20Supply
i dont know what kind of file volume you have, but if its only spreadsheets, you could even consider having a 60-80gb SSD as your only drive. My dad, for example, is a doctor and only uses about 40gb on his drive including windows 7. He loves the SSD because he insists upon keeping his computer off most of the time and the SSD drastically reduces boot time. Theyre small, quiet, lightning fast, and cool. If you have greater storage needs, the cost of an ssd is going to grow quite a bit and a regular hdd will probably be a better choice.

For ram, 2x2gb sticks should be plenty for office work.

 

[michxymi]

For your job this is what I would get

Stylish case with built in 150W PSU (More than enough)

Antec ISK 300-150 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case 150W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129080

Cheapest 4GB Ram with lifetime warranty

Patriot 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model PSD34G1333K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220537

AMD APU

MSI E350IA-E45 AMD E-350 APU (1.6GHz, dual core) AMD Hudson M1 Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130568

and Intel 80GB SSD (he can get 40gb, if he doesn't need storage)

Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW080G310 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167049

Sum 412$. Also, use a Linux Ubuntu on this!

 

[striker410]

Good idea, but he probably needs a discrete video card for that 2560x1600 screen (which i assume is what you have) Those Fusion APU's are cool, but not practical unless building a TINY rig (like a laptop =p).

 

[smont2000]

Thanks for your help so far. Here is what the system looks like now:

Antec New Solution Minuet 350 - Desktop slimline - micro ATX - power supply 350 Watt ( ATX12V ) - piano black - USB/Audio/E-SATA

ASRock H67M-ITX LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

EVGA 01G-P3-1312-LR GeForce 210 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

ASUS Black Blu-ray Drive SATA Model BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL

I have no idea if everything will fit into the case.
Any other ideas on the components?

 

[striker410]

The first question is, why 8GB of ram? You won't ever use more than 4GB gaming right now, 8GB is simply a futureproofing option.
I also suggest this instead of GT 210: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161367&cm_re=5450-_-14-161-367-_-Product Same price, better performance for videos and stuff. Other than that, looks good!

P.S. Everything should fit in that case

 

[smont2000]

The first question is, why 8GB of ram? You won't ever use more than 4GB gaming right now, 8GB is simply a futureproofing option.
I also suggest this instead of GT 210: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161367&cm_re=5450-_-14-161-367-_-Product Same price, better performance for videos and stuff. Other than that, looks good!

P.S. Everything should fit in that case

hi again striker,

my monitor is 4 years old, but still very nice shape:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_2707WFP_27_inch_LCD_monitor/4505-3174_7-32306445.html#reviewPage1

resolution is only 1,920x1,200. This is my wife's computer and there will be no games played on it, although she does watch some video.

I have this RAM lying around and will probably use it:

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL

I will go with the GT 210 you recommended.
Again, thanks a bunch!!!

 

[striker410]

If it's only 1920x1200, you migghhhtt get away with intergrated graphics. I would try it and see if it runs smoothly. If it doesn't, grab the 5450 I suggested.

 

[smont2000]

the sugo seems like the best bet. you wont be able to run the i5-2500k off the 65w adapter of the antec case. either of those mobos should work fine.
i dont know what your space needs are, you might consider something like this as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=11-129-034-Z01&ISList=11-129-034-Z01%2c11-129-034-Z02%2c11-129-034-Z03%2c11-129-034-Z04%2c11-129-034-Z05%2c11-129-034-Z06%2c11-129-034-Z07%2c11-129-034-Z08&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16811129034&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Antec%20New%20Solution%20NSK2480%20Black%2fSilver%200.8mm%20cold-rolled%20steel%20MicroATX%20Desktop%20Computer%20Case%20380W%20Power%20Supply
i dont know what kind of file volume you have, but if its only spreadsheets, you could even consider having a 60-80gb SSD as your only drive. My dad, for example, is a doctor and only uses about 40gb on his drive including windows 7. He loves the SSD because he insists upon keeping his computer off most of the time and the SSD drastically reduces boot time. Theyre small, quiet, lightning fast, and cool. If you have greater storage needs, the cost of an ssd is going to grow quite a bit and a regular hdd will probably be a better choice.

For ram, 2x2gb sticks should be plenty for office work.

Thanks for the tip on the case. All these Antec cases seem nice. I like the Minuet 350, mainly because it is smaller. I didn't see these cases on Newegg - good tip. Thanks again.

 

[smont2000]

If it's only 1920x1200, you migghhhtt get away with intergrated graphics. I would try it and see if it runs smoothly. If it doesn't, grab the 5450 I suggested.

Would it work if I put DDR3 1600 RAM into the motherboard that specifies 1333 Ram?

 

[genghiskron]

from what i understand, sandy bridge is built to decode media (like playing blu-rays), with almost zero cpu usage. i really dont see you needing anything more than integrated graphics.

the ram will automatically default to 1333 (it does this even in boards that CAN handle 1600mhz ram)

 

[smont2000]

Best answer selected by smont2000.