mATX suggestions for a newbuild

[thewelshbrummie]

The TLDR version of this thread - I'm planning a new build from scratch and have some specific preferences for the motherboard: 6x SATA & onboard wifi in an mATX form factor. So far I've only found the Asus TUF-Z390 with wifi and... that's it. It will do the job, but I'd rather have other options to consider (the yellow/black colour scheme of the TUF boards is horrible), especially on the AMD side. Suggestions?

 

If you need more details, please read on for the background...

 

So my signature details both of my gaming builds - my original build from 2008 and its replacement in 2013. I've kept the old PC for an offline 32bit WinXP build, specifically to run my Win3.11/Win98 & 16bit games (my collection is something like 4-500 CDs/DVDs). The 2013 build was build with Win8 but took advantage of the free Win10 upgrade. The 2013 build is home to 28TB of HDD storage over 6x 3.5" drives and 3 SSDs totalling 2.5TB (1x 2.5" and 2x m.2 on a PCI-E bracket). My preference has always been to not go the NAS route, especially as network shares between the HTPC and gaming rig work well for my needs and adding another box seemed pointless for data I don't need remote access to.

 

Both are full ATX builds and are in the UK. I'm now in California so moving either computer isn't possible for the time being (the Antec 1200 is 17.5kgs when empty). I'm therefore planning a replacement in the US. Budget is pretty flexible but I'm aiming to keep it in check at around $1k, not including GPU and monitor (since I haven't decided on whether to stick with 1920x1200 or upgrade to 2560x1440).

 

The idea is to downsize the chassis but keep the options open to have as much storage as possible - therefore mATX is the best option for me. I'm also after a case that can sit on our new L shaped desk rather than on the floor (my UK rigs are on a wooden floor, it's carpet in SoCal). Main use will be gaming. I'm thinking of something like:

• Case - Thermaltake Core V21
• CPU - i5 9600K or R5 3600X (obviously depends on the motherboard)
• Motherboard - ???? - at the moment only the aforementioned Asus board will fit.
• CPU cooler - thinking of an AIO as it's a PC that may end up travelling a bit, so a huge air cooler doesn't appeal.
• SSD - depends on eventual budget but bigger is always best for me, so a 2TB m.2 nvme drive
• PSU - Seasonic Focus Plus Platinum 650W (always willing to pay upfront if it helps keep the electricity bills down, which will help with the 4-9pm surge pricing we have to work around)
• GPU - depends on display but as I'm thinking of 1440p, probably the 2060 Super - don't need full max settings but something close is preferable. The 1660 Ti will probably cut it for 1200p.

The Core V21 is the only locked component at the moment - it's an ideal case for me with 3x 3.5" & 3x 2.5" drive bays which should allow for 3x8TB and 3x4TB HDDs should I need them down the road.

 

So I'm after a motherboard that will let me use all 6 mounts for storage drives (and 1, preferably 2x m.2 slots). As is probably obvious, I tend to rebuild every 4-6 years rather than constantly upgrade (apart from storage and GPU). CPU gaming/performance/price isn't the priority, I'm after the right motherboard to build around.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

[Streetguru]

44 minutes ago, thewelshbrummie said:

The TLDR version of this thread - I'm planning a new build from scratch and have some specific preferences for the motherboard: 6x SATA &

Are you sure you don't just want an ATX case? There are some that are more compact ones like a Q500L, not sure about holding all of the drives in that case.

Or some Lian Li cases are compact.

You could also always buy an X399M Taichi motherboard, considering selling mine in southern California.
https://www.asrock.com/MB/AMD/X399M Taichi/index.asp

[thewelshbrummie]

2 hours ago, Streetguru said:

Are you sure you don't just want an ATX case? 

Certain - definitely want something smaller that can travel if necessary. I'm looking at the V21 as it will fit nicely on the desk we've got & is pretty cheap - plus the front panel USB sockets being on the left is in the ideal orientation. I'm open to other cases but I've yet to find anything of the size that would work - plus I've no issue with the case being large for the type of motherboard it can take.

[Streetguru]

7 minutes ago, thewelshbrummie said:

Certain - definitely want something smaller that can travel if necessary. I'm looking at the V21 as it will fit nicely on the desk we've got & is pretty

The 12 core 1920X is $199 right now aside from the extra price on the X399 motherboard in any event. Ryzen 3000 would be faster for gaming though.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cRDzK8/amd-threadripper-1920x-35ghz-12-core-processor-yd192xa8aewof