Meet The Tiki: Core i7-3770K And GeForce GTX 680 In A Mini-ITX Box?
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Geforce
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Anonymous
August 3, 2012 3:46:03 AM
Falcon Northwest sent us a mini-ITX-based platform worthy of enthusiast lust. We asked the company's president, Kelt Reeves, to walk us through the process of designing a tiny desktop packing more performance than most power user-oriented rigs.
Meet The Tiki: Core i7-3770K And GeForce GTX 680 In A Mini-ITX Box? : Read more
Meet The Tiki: Core i7-3770K And GeForce GTX 680 In A Mini-ITX Box? : Read more
More about : meet tiki core 3770k geforce gtx 680 mini itx box
freggo
August 3, 2012 5:13:08 AM
I usually do not bother with these 30+ page click stories. They are a pain in the arse.
But.. that story just was too interesting, almost like a crime novel...
Just one more click and I stop.... ok, jut ONE more.
Anyway, it was interesting to see the painful birth of what seems to be a very interesting product; also I don't even want to guess how much $$$ we are talking all things considered.
Still, very interesting and impressive. Would love to see THG do a test, especially the noise part would interest me. I HATE noise and am willing to pay xtra for $ilence :-)
But.. that story just was too interesting, almost like a crime novel...
Just one more click and I stop.... ok, jut ONE more.
Anyway, it was interesting to see the painful birth of what seems to be a very interesting product; also I don't even want to guess how much $$$ we are talking all things considered.
Still, very interesting and impressive. Would love to see THG do a test, especially the noise part would interest me. I HATE noise and am willing to pay xtra for $ilence :-)
Score
35
Robert Pankiw
August 3, 2012 5:45:23 AM
http://build.falcon-nw.com/
I posted a really nice and long comment that magically got erased.. Basically, it is around 2500 USD for (what I assume) is the shown model (i7, 2 128GB SSDs + HDD, GTX 680 2GB) but for a nice system (i5, 1 256GB SSD, GTX 670) it is 2045 USD.
I posted a really nice and long comment that magically got erased.. Basically, it is around 2500 USD for (what I assume) is the shown model (i7, 2 128GB SSDs + HDD, GTX 680 2GB) but for a nice system (i5, 1 256GB SSD, GTX 670) it is 2045 USD.
Score
0
Related resources
s3anister
August 3, 2012 6:29:13 AM
xaed
August 3, 2012 6:31:04 AM
Robert Pankiwhttp://build.falcon-nw.com/I posted a really nice and long comment that magically got erased.. Basically, it is around 2500 USD for (what I assume) is the shown model (i7, 2 128GB SSDs + HDD, GTX 680 2GB) but for a nice system (i5, 1 256GB SSD, GTX 670) it is 2045 USD.
All things considered, that extra $500 (I'm thinking it's more assuming they get their parts at OEM rates) isn't THAT bad.
Score
9
abhijitkalyane
August 3, 2012 6:31:21 AM
dakkon
August 3, 2012 6:31:54 AM
Darkerson
August 3, 2012 6:46:36 AM
peroludiarom
August 3, 2012 6:50:47 AM
Menigmand
August 3, 2012 7:22:37 AM
I love a small, quiet pc, but the biggest problem is not the actual size. The main aesthetic problem is that a pc setup will still include a monitor and plenty of wires, a keyboard and a mouse. Having a pc in a small livingroom tends to "take over" the space and make it seem a bit like an office.
That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
Score
-8
tastyface
August 3, 2012 7:57:00 AM
dakkon
August 3, 2012 8:00:58 AM
menigmandI love a small, quiet pc, but the biggest problem is not the actual size. The main aesthetic problem is that a pc setup will still include a monitor and plenty of wires, a keyboard and a mouse. Having a pc in a small livingroom tends to "take over" the space and make it seem a bit like an office. That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
incorporate the thing in your media center/TV rack, connect it to your 50in LED TV or HD projector "run the cable through the walls if using projector" in the future displays with 4k/8k capabilities . and use wireless keyboards and mice, and or use a wireless gaming controller, game from the couch.. its a gaming PC not a work PC..
Score
12
NAG3LT
August 3, 2012 8:13:02 AM
Dragh0n
August 3, 2012 8:50:23 AM
Super_Nova
August 3, 2012 8:59:22 AM
Menigmand
August 3, 2012 9:13:33 AM
dakkonincorporate the thing in your media center/TV rack, connect it to your 50in LED TV or HD projector "run the cable through the walls if using projector" in the future displays with 4k/8k capabilities . and use wireless keyboards and mice, and or use a wireless gaming controller, game from the couch.. its a gaming PC not a work PC..
Yes I thought about this solution, but mouse/keyboard gaming doesn't work so well from the couch..
Score
3
Menigmand
August 3, 2012 9:14:58 AM
cobra5000
August 3, 2012 9:55:24 AM
jrharbort
August 3, 2012 10:52:19 AM
mcschneid
August 3, 2012 12:28:24 PM
A Bad Day
August 3, 2012 1:11:25 PM
DSpider
August 3, 2012 1:36:55 PM
Iluv2raceit
August 3, 2012 1:49:33 PM
Wonderful, nother Falcon Northwest product that 99% of the PC gaming community is NOT going to buy BECAUSE IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE!! No one in their right mind is going to pay the crazy premium just to have a small form factor PC. I would rather spend $2,700 on an Alienware M18X with dual GTX680Ms that would beat the crap out of this system's performance and would come with it's own 18.4" 1920x1080 screen!
Score
-6
CaedenV
August 3, 2012 2:03:16 PM
That was an awesome article Toms!
One thought though for the case design... Once they decided to do water cooling then why not fold the GPU behind the mobo with a WC block on it and the CPU, then turn the bottom of the case into a giant water block with a large silent fan on the side blowing through the case?
The idea being that then the mobo and GPU would be on the top of the case with one side having access to upgrade the CPU and ram, and the other side having access to change out the GPU. The GPU would be single wide and could almost go back-to-back with the mobo tray, and even with the ram height it would still be well within the 4" wide restraints and possibly thinner.
The bottom of the case (which the case may be able to be shortened a little as well) would be the radiator which would be heavy.... nearly as heavy as a slab of granite I would think. This would help the system stand on end, while allowing for 2 side-by-side 120mm fans on the rad blowing in from one side of the case and out the other. It would be a little more expensive, but I doubt that boutique enthusiasts would mind the extra few $$ to have a truly silent extreme build in such a small package.
Anywho, still an amazing piece of engineering, and the final product looks sweet!
One thought though for the case design... Once they decided to do water cooling then why not fold the GPU behind the mobo with a WC block on it and the CPU, then turn the bottom of the case into a giant water block with a large silent fan on the side blowing through the case?
The idea being that then the mobo and GPU would be on the top of the case with one side having access to upgrade the CPU and ram, and the other side having access to change out the GPU. The GPU would be single wide and could almost go back-to-back with the mobo tray, and even with the ram height it would still be well within the 4" wide restraints and possibly thinner.
The bottom of the case (which the case may be able to be shortened a little as well) would be the radiator which would be heavy.... nearly as heavy as a slab of granite I would think. This would help the system stand on end, while allowing for 2 side-by-side 120mm fans on the rad blowing in from one side of the case and out the other. It would be a little more expensive, but I doubt that boutique enthusiasts would mind the extra few $$ to have a truly silent extreme build in such a small package.
Anywho, still an amazing piece of engineering, and the final product looks sweet!
Score
1
CaedenV
August 3, 2012 2:14:04 PM
menigmandI love a small, quiet pc, but the biggest problem is not the actual size. The main aesthetic problem is that a pc setup will still include a monitor and plenty of wires, a keyboard and a mouse. Having a pc in a small livingroom tends to "take over" the space and make it seem a bit like an office. That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
The only wires that need to be hooked up to this thing is HDMI for audio and video output, and power.
Put the tower beside the TV so that all your wires are hidden behind the entertainment system, and the keys and mice can hide in the coffee table if you don't want them out.
Internet is wireless, keys and mouse are wireless, game pads and joysticks are wireless, and while you CAN hook up a ton of other periphrials they are entirely optional. If your HTPC or gameingPC takes over your living room any more than a cable box or game console does then you are doing something wrong.
Score
0
spookyman
August 3, 2012 2:21:20 PM
marco777
August 3, 2012 2:23:41 PM
eriko
August 3, 2012 2:27:25 PM
menigmandI love a small, quiet pc, but the biggest problem is not the actual size. The main aesthetic problem is that a pc setup will still include a monitor and plenty of wires, a keyboard and a mouse. Having a pc in a small livingroom tends to "take over" the space and make it seem a bit like an office. That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
dakkonincorporate the thing in your media center/TV rack, connect it to your 50in LED TV or HD projector "run the cable through the walls if using projector" in the future displays with 4k/8k capabilities . and use wireless keyboards and mice, and or use a wireless gaming controller, game from the couch.. its a gaming PC not a work PC..
INDEED - enter my M18x R2.
I still get i7 Xtreme, Crossfire, and other than the supply (from which you'll not stray far), I have only a mouse and met to clutter the place up. When friends visit, it's packed away in the time it takes to close the screen, pop the mouse on top, and put on the shelf.
Score
0
MichaelShuck
August 3, 2012 2:36:15 PM
I hope the editors are paying attention here with this article. If editors feel that doing a diatribe on assembling a box with wires and fans is not interesting to its readers, then write those articles as an adventure, a process, failures and successes, as in this article and you will ALWAYS have readers interested. It's not a story about a box with wires and fans, it's a story about a guy and his quest. Maximum PC magazine is awesome in their editor's excellent articles, but to put the personal experience into the focus really enrichens the reading experience. All I can say is Tom's Hardware, THANK YOU for this article! A million thanks! Mike in Wichita
Score
8
priority1
August 3, 2012 2:52:13 PM
Marcus52
August 3, 2012 2:58:30 PM
someguynamedmatt
August 3, 2012 3:45:08 PM
fedelm
August 3, 2012 3:58:55 PM
MichaelShuckI hope the editors are paying attention here with this article. If editors feel that doing a diatribe on assembling a box with wires and fans is not interesting to its readers, then write those articles as an adventure, a process, failures and successes, as in this article and you will ALWAYS have readers interested. It's not a story about a box with wires and fans, it's a story about a guy and his quest. Maximum PC magazine is awesome in their editor's excellent articles, but to put the personal experience into the focus really enrichens the reading experience. All I can say is Tom's Hardware, THANK YOU for this article! A million thanks! Mike in Wichita
Very true.
Fede from Argentina
Score
2
bucknutty
August 3, 2012 4:05:59 PM
dalauder
August 3, 2012 5:07:10 PM
dalauder
August 3, 2012 5:19:35 PM
Wow! That was a really interesting read. I hope they do push more for moving away from the ancient ATX form factor. It would be amazing if something like this caught on...although, realistically, it should be 14.5"x14.5"x4.5" so that it's less of a nightmare for typical builds.
With the way your parts were used, I think only the PSU and thin (and unnecessary) DVD are non-standard parts anyways...even if the fan and RAM selections have to be specific.
With the way your parts were used, I think only the PSU and thin (and unnecessary) DVD are non-standard parts anyways...even if the fan and RAM selections have to be specific.
Score
0
twelch82
August 3, 2012 5:50:10 PM
pyrrocc
August 3, 2012 6:18:21 PM
twelch82I have been wondering why no case manufacturers have released a case yet intended for a build like this (I have searched multiple times). The 90 degree rotated GPU combined with mini-ITX seems to make a lot of sense.
You mean like this: http://www.logicsupply.com/products/c137b
Score
1
MasterMace
August 3, 2012 6:58:28 PM
dennisburke
August 3, 2012 7:47:53 PM
I too, found the read very interesting and could not stop. Very challenging project. My only concern is aesthetic, and it is the large white backlite logo. To fit better into a home entertainment center I'd rather see a smaller version of the logo, without the rectangle, and perhaps a raised gold plated badge in an upper corner.
Score
0
Crush3d
August 3, 2012 8:16:59 PM
twelch82
August 3, 2012 8:38:46 PM
dennisburkeI too, found the read very interesting and could not stop. Very challenging project. My only concern is aesthetic, and it is the large white backlite logo. To fit better into a home entertainment center I'd rather see a smaller version of the logo, without the rectangle, and perhaps a raised gold plated badge in an upper corner.
For entertainment center use, it'd be better if it were set up for a horizontal orientation, with the bluray drive in the front instead of on the end.
I don't know how much bigger that would have made it, but I don't have room in my entertainment center to fit that thing vertically plus room for inserting and removing discs.
This seems more like a slimline desktop. Not even really a LAN box with that granite base.
Score
1
billafu
August 3, 2012 9:02:44 PM
Inferno1217
August 3, 2012 9:46:44 PM
Pearlmam
August 3, 2012 9:47:17 PM
menigmandI love a small, quiet pc, but the biggest problem is not the actual size. The main aesthetic problem is that a pc setup will still include a monitor and plenty of wires, a keyboard and a mouse. Having a pc in a small livingroom tends to "take over" the space and make it seem a bit like an office. That's why I like to game on a laptop, even though I get less graphics performance, the kit can always be folded up and put in the cupboard when I have guests over and need the dining table.
Cord management can help you there.
Score
0
youssef 2010
August 4, 2012 12:16:48 AM
beoza
August 4, 2012 12:29:35 AM
cobra5000Falcon Northwest is so far above Alienware, they do not deserve to be in the same sentence. Noob.
I have to agree with you. I spec'd out a computer from Alienware, all the bells and whistles, did the same thing on Falcon Northwest. Falcon was cheaper by around $500, and it's water cooled! Falcon Northwest has been around a lot longer than Alienware. I think they were 1 of the first companies to start offering custom performance oriented gaming systems back in the days of the 3DFX Voodoo 1, so early to mid 90's. Their systems arent flashy, but the do offer custom pain jobs on their cases. Toms has reviewed their computers before and they've consistently recieved high marks. I actually read up on the Tiki on the Falcon NW site before I saw the story here. It's a rather nice and very capable system for it's size.
I don't agree with the noob part though.
Score
1
zeratul600
August 4, 2012 12:48:44 AM
gti88
August 4, 2012 4:24:01 AM
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