Mini-ITX mid-level gaming and HTPC

[kgouge]

Hi All,

I am moving to Japan for 2-3 years and want to bring a small desktop with me for light gaming and to hook up to a tv for HTPC functionality. I am really looking forward to diablo III so performance for that is basically all I am looking for (I know it isn't a very demanding game). The PC needs to be small so that it can fit in my apartment and suitcase when I travel. I haven't built a Mini-ITX pc before but that was what I was looking at. It has been about 5 years since my last build of any kind so I am not up-to-date on current specs. I am looking at roughly the following:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2300 Sandy Bridge 2.8GHz quad-core (should I save money and go i3?)
RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333
HD: 120gb SSD

Case: Maybe a Silverstone SG-06 with a 400W PS?
Video: Not sure what fits, whether low profile is needed
Motherboard: Maybe a ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E (leaning toward something with on-board wifi)

I could really use advice on what case, motherboard, and video card to go with. I am not sure if a low-profile video card is needed in all mini-itx cases, or what kind of power supply I will need.

Sorry I am so clueless. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[rwpritchett]

Just stopping by to point out that you don't want to pair a socket 1155 CPU with a socket 1156 motherboard. Look for ITX motherboards with either H61/H67/Z68 or H77/Z77 chipsets, not H55.

Before you begin selecting parts, you'll need to decide if you want a cube shaped case, or a slim case. Here's a good site to take a look at:

http://www.missingremote.com/review/nmediapc-htpc-7000b-micro-atx-mini-itx-htpc-case

Here's a nice little ITX gamer build in another forum:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1471133&page=15

Just to give you some ideas...