Small Gaming Desktop

[swiftlight]

So this is a strange question. What's the smallest case I can possibly get that will fit all the necessary components and still have sufficient cooling? Would appreciate if you could recommend the best specific parts as well.

My requirements are simple: i5-2500k, good graphics card to play with decent detail at 1920x1200 reso (likely gtx570 equivalent?), only need 256gb SSD (is the speed that important i.e. 300 vs. 520?), dvd-writer, 8gb ram. Additionally, anyone have a good recommendation for 23"-24" monitor (native 1920x1200)?

games i'm looking to play: diablo3, guildwars 2 (both apparently have not-so-intense type requirements so would like to play them at high on 1920x1200)

I'm flexible on budget (sky's the limit), but not interested in getting the absolute top-of-the-line stuff (like gtx 680) whose price will drop like a cliff in 3 months.

I've not built a pc in years so am only just trying to catch up with what's the latest tech and where's the value zone. Was initially thinking of waiting for ivy bridge but been reading there'd be delays and stuff. Reason for the smallest case is just noting space constraints in my place right now. If its not practical I guess I do have to go with a normal case. Not sure if I'd be overclocking.. likely not? I've not dabbled in overclocking in a decade.

 

[_Pez_]

this is the smallest quality case thing out there that can receive enough Hardware http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=567&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63&g=f

Also about Graphics Cards with an HD 7850 http://www.amazon.com/HD7850-DC2-2GD5-DisplayPort-Utilities-PCI-Express-Graphics/dp/B007JLFV7U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332835607&sr=8-2

and there you will have the performance or slightly more about the GTX570 for less much more less power consumption.

... and here a low profile cooling solution http://www.ninjalane.com/reviews/cooling/noctua_nh-l12

 

[DelroyMonjo]

Great! The Noctua low profile HSF costs $50 more than a CMHyper212+ and is only 15C hotter!!!! at Furmark load.....
I'd get a better case if that was my $50 choice.

 

[swiftlight]

thanks for the quick response!

is the additional cooling solution necessary? and any ideas on recommendation for various parts?

delroy: sorry i don't understand what you mean. the noctua cost $50 more, yet is hotter? so it's a poor buy then?

Let me retype for clarity....

What I -roughly- have in mind:
CPU: i5-2500K
MB: No idea
RAM: 8GB, no idea (1333, 1600 any diff?)
GPU: GTX 570 or equivalent (does the savings on HD 7850 make sense?)
HD: 256GB SSD. Not sure which model is better or if it makes a difference.
OD: Dvd-writer
Power: No idea
Additional Cooling: No idea if necessary
Case: No idea. Smallest possible with sufficient cooling (only if needed) and fits all the above parts.
Monitor: No idea. 23"-24" with native 1920x1200

 

[jerreddredd]

I guess the best question is how small do you want? the smaller it get the more creative you need to be in the build. if you have big hands and fingers, I would stay with MicroATX.

Case wise for MicroATX:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182

for ITX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112265
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163187
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163171

 

[_Pez_]

for Motherboard this one will work very nice;
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8P67M_PRO/#specifications

the HD7850 makes sense over the gtx 570 because you get the same performance for less $$ and even more if you do overclock. check the review http://www.anandtech.com/show/5625/amd-radeon-hd-7870-ghz-edition-radeon-hd-7850-review-rounding-out-southern-islands

PSU a 750W is enough. For future plans and if you want to do crossfirex or sli http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-ATX12V-EPS12V-Silver-ST75F-P/dp/B00307RM06/ref=sr_1_12?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1332872217&sr=1-12

Since you are picking a Unlocked Multiplier CPU you better go with an aftermarket cooler, this way you will be safe when overclocking

the case that I already posted stills my recommendation, since it already comes with 3 fans that will provide enough airflow for the case.

Monitor an ASUS VE248H 24" 2ms will do the job for you in any shooter game;
http://www.asus.com/Display/LCD_Monitors/VE248H/#specifications