micro-ATX Gaming Computer

[fpoon]

This is a micro-ATX gaming build I'm working on for my cousin.

Approximate Purchase Date: June 2012

Budget Range: $800-900 USD Before Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Watching movies

Parts Not Required: Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, Speakers, OS

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Microcenter.com, Newegg.com

Country: US

Parts Preferences: Intel, Intel, Intel

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: At least 1600x900

Additional Comments: None

This isn't my first time building a PC, I'm just checking with you guys.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=27214428

^I already have all the parts on my wishlist above^

 

[clutchc]

Nice. Looks like it's going to be a HTPC gamer. But I don't envy you cramming all that in the tiny case. Keep it cool, tho. Tiny cases like that can be ovens.
I built a similar rig for a client using a Thermaltake LanBox > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133045
It was modular, otherwise I don't think I would have had the patience.

 

[fpoon]

Thanks. I haven't even thought of cooling until now, especially when I might OC' for my cousin. Since water cooling and stuff like that is absolutely out of the question, what can I use to keep it cool?

 

[gizmo_65]

you can use liquid cooling on this case but you would have to change the motherboard. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163171
here is my computers specs
gaming htpc llano A-8 3870K processor, 500gb seagate momentus hybrid drive, 8gb g.skill sniper ram, sony blu ray player, crossfired 6670, bluetooth, wifi, mini keyboard/mouse combo, 450 WATT 80 PLUS PSU, WINDOWS 7 home premium http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TN5PZ6

gaming computer fx 6100 6 core processor,nzxt tempest 410 gaming case, 2tb western-digital green hard disk drive, xfx radeon hd 6870, 8gb crucial ram, corsair h60 liquid cooling, samsung blu ray drive, 630 WATT 80 PLUS PSU, WINDOWS 7 home premium http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007T0DXVM

 

[geofelt]

Your list looks reasonable.

But... if you already have all the parts, what question are you asking?

If you are near a microcenter, they will sell you a 2500K for $170, and a $50 discount on a motherboard. Unbeatable deal.

As to cpu cooling, don't spend too much on it. An inexpensive cpu cooler will give you adequate overclocks. The extra funds are better spent on a stronger graphics card.
It is the graphics cards that generate the heat. I would look for a graphics card based on the newer 28nm mfg process.

I like the lian li cases.
Look at the V354 M-atx case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112300

Or, why not consider a ITX build, using the Q08?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112265

 

[clutchc]

Thanks. I haven't even thought of cooling until now, especially when I might OC' for my cousin. Since water cooling and stuff like that is absolutely out of the question, what can I use to keep it cool?

I'd first try it with the stock Intel cooler and the single fan that comes with the case. See how it behaves. You can always add a couple more small fans in the cut-outs provided if you need to cool the chassis more. And you can add a small aftermarket cooler to the CPU if necessary, but the 95W SB processor will normally run cool. But keep in mind, small fast fans make more noise than large slow fans moving the same amount of air.

I've built several systems lately with the HD 6850. I don't think you'll need to worry about the heat from it. It never ran that hot for me... even during heavy gaming. And most of the air will be directed out the back of the card's vents. The i3-2120 HTPC Gamer I built in the LanBox case used its bigger brother, the HD 6870. No heat problem whatsoever. But something to keep an eye on until you are satisfied with the temps.

 

[fpoon]

Your list looks reasonable.

But... if you already have all the parts, what question are you asking?

If you are near a microcenter, they will sell you a 2500K for $170, and a $50 discount on a motherboard. Unbeatable deal.

As to cpu cooling, don't spend too much on it. An inexpensive cpu cooler will give you adequate overclocks. The extra funds are better spent on a stronger graphics card.
It is the graphics cards that generate the heat. I would look for a graphics card based on the newer 28nm mfg process.

I like the lian li cases.
Look at the V354 M-atx case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112300

Or, why not consider a ITX build, using the Q08?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112265

I don't like ITX, as it will cost more and generate more heat. My friends told me to get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, and I will get that because of OC'ing.

I do have a MicroCenter near me, and I will get the 2500K from there instead, saving me heck lotta money. However, the MB is $164 on MC and $124 on Newegg, wich makes no difference.

I have no reason to get a newer GPU, as the 7770's are now worth it, and besides, I don't have PCIe 3.0.

I'd first try it with the stock Intel cooler and the single fan that comes with the case. See how it behaves. You can always add a couple more small fans in the cut-outs provided if you need to cool the chassis more. And you can add a small aftermarket cooler to the CPU if necessary, but the 95W SB processor will normally run cool. But keep in mind, small fast fans make more noise than large slow fans moving the same amount of air.

I've built several systems lately with the HD 6850. I don't think you'll need to worry about the heat from it. It never ran that hot for me... even during heavy gaming. And most of the air will be directed out the back of the card's vents. The i3-2120 HTPC Gamer I built in the LanBox case used its bigger brother, the HD 6870. No heat problem whatsoever. But something to keep an eye on until you are satisfied with the temps.

I'm getting a Hyper 212 EVO just in case.

 

[fpoon]

Best answer selected by fpoon.