Proud first time builder - High end Mini-ITX build

[DanH]

http://www.3dmark.com/spy/2021400My previous PC was a prebuilt that I upgraded over the years with some help but it had always struggled to run modern games at 60fps or even begin to take advantage of my 144hz G-sync monitor so after getting a new job and saving up money for ages I decided to take the dive and attempt to build my own new PC.

 

I consulted these forums for some help in selecting the parts, and here is what I came up with: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/TheStuffDanDoes/saved/yVmwP6

 

It may have taken me almost 2 days and at least 6 different panic attacks but the build is finally complete!

 

Take a look at this album to see the build progress and some comments: 

http://imgur.com/gallery/vgPoc

 

 

The first benchmarks are in too: http://www.3dmark.com/spy/2021400

 

I am yet to overclock the system because I am being cautious of temperatures due to the small form factor and limited cooling, but at the moment everything seems to be running smoothly.

Building that system was probably one of the most stressful experiences of my life. Working with £1400 worth of hardware that I'd saved up for like a year to buy is rather nerve-racking when it's your first time building and everything feels like it's going wrong. It wasn't a pleasant experience building and there's still some kinks that need ironing out, it's definitely not a perfect system. But I'm glad it's working now  

 

[genexis_x]

Nice parts selection. Love it!

[ThomJV]

Nice build! Anything you ran into as a first-time builder? I'd like to build a system like this myself and was wondering what to look out for.

[DanH]

2 minutes ago, ThomJV said:

Nice build! Anything you ran into as a first-time builder? I'd like to build a system like this myself and was wondering what to look out for.

Cable management is a pain.... I should have planned it out better and kept it neater if I could.

[snpr1992]

Cable management is always a pain but even worse when picking smaller form factors!  I've usually just jumped on the custom sleeved bandwagon to make it easier or extensions.  Build sounds nice.  Would like to see some pictures.  What made you decide to go with mini-ITX?