Sub $1000 mini-itx, tell me what i should change

[berkie]

I'm a first time pc builder and I would like to do a mini-itx. I plan to use it for media and some gaming (skyrim, SC2).

I would like to probe the collective brain to find out how I can fiddle with this build.

Budget is <$1000

This is what I have come up with:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CJTP

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Plus 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)

Total: $934.80

 

[djangoringo]

Get the plextor in microcenter too : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/plextor-internal-hard-drive-px128m5s
And the ram : http://www.microcenter.com/product/382101/Ballistix_Sport_8GB_DDR3-1600_(PC3-12800)_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Memory_Modules)

Make sure you can pick the cpu on a microcenter store, because that price is only for pick-up store only, and the rest of the stuff without paying shipping.
The silverstone is a decent psu, but at that price you can get a seasonic unit and modular : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii620bronze
The rest is fine.

 

[EzioAs]

Looks good. Personally, I would grab the Corsair TX650 V2 which is $71 at Newegg with promo code or $76 at Amazon. I checked the Fractal Design and Corsair website for clearance and it should fit.

There's also the XFX Pro Series 550W at $65 at Amazon or $74 at Newegg and that's a better unit than the Silverstone Strider Plus 500W.

 

[bak0n]

I'd seriously think about upping the PSU by 50 to 100W or going to a "silver", "gold" or "platinum" variant. Havent used the H77 but this machine is the Z77-itx from ASrock and a good board. I've also look for sniper memory to give yourself more clearance in case you want an aftermarket cooler. I also used a Prodigy case so I could get max cooling for it.

 

[EzioAs]

@djangoringo

While the SeaSonic M12II 620 is a great unit, there's probably some clearance issue with the FD Node 304. Their website states that the 160mm max clearance is for non-modular psu. With the modular interface, the M12II 620 is bound to prove some difficulties.

 

[djangoringo]

It fits the bitfenix prodigy, it' 160mm : http://www.overclock.net/t/1256282/short-psu-list-atx-psus-that-are-160mm-or-shorter-small-case-friendly

 

[berkie]

Thanks for the input guys, and ya I don't want a bitfenix. Any input on the video card? It is the item I was least sure about.

 

[EzioAs]

Don't see any problem. $199 for a GTX660 is a great deal

 

[djangoringo]

It fits, but you might have to remove the 2 hdd brackets.

 

[berkie]

Thanks for the speedy replies, sorry if this is a stupid question, can I put a sound card in this build?

 

[EzioAs]

You cannot add another card if you're planning on using a discrete video card. MiniITX motherboards only have one expansion slot.

 

[djangoringo]

The motherboard has a pretty decent onboard audio, the realtek ALC892, and you can't add the sound card, it only has the pcie 3.0 slot.

 

[berkie]

Alright, i see. What would be the best way to get the OS onto the system?

 

[EzioAs]

Installing from a USB flash drive is much faster.

 

[djangoringo]

Yes, usb flash drive, or just put the os dvd in the dvd drive.

 

[berkie]

Fractal 304 doesn't have a dvd drive so i'll just put it on a USB, thanks for the help guys