First Time ITX Build

[stiff_focus]

Budget (including currency): 2500USD. 

Country: USA

Aim: Mainly to be used as a photo editing computer.  The current desk setup includes a single 4k 60Hz monitor, but I may add a second in the future.

Programs: Adobe Lightroom Classic/Photoshop, very occasional very casual gaming (AC, Halo, etc)

 

I've never assembled a computer before and so I am looking to be caught here on any caveats I may have missed. 

• Will the components fit in the case? 
• Am I missing something in the list below like:
  • extra case fans
  • cables
  • thermal grease

The intent is for the computer to be a small-form-factor build, that will run as quiet as possible, while performing photo-editing tasks, offloading camera cards, and exporting images.  I understand that the SFF requirement is a compromise to this, but frankly I need the space for all my desk clutter.  I can try to justify the choices made below, but looking for any areas where I could improve without overspending.  I would also like to keep power consumption lower during standard use (web browsing, etc) to keep the temperature rise in the room down (need to get rid of the ~400W of heat generation out of here somehow).

Also do I need any tools?  I have standard tools, iFixit driver set, inspection mirror, caulking gun, so I should be good for most things I think.

 

JUSTIFICATIONS

CPU: I understand that the single threaded performance needed for Lightroom is somewhere that Intel excels, but why am I choosing an i9?  I hear that these chips are better suited for undervolting, which could lower power consumption (heat generation) and keep the fans running at lower speed for longer.

CPU Cooler: Noctua good I hear? The cooler looks like it fits and not a terrible price.  

Motherboard: Why the Z board?  Not sure if the overclocking capability (not what I intend to do) is required for the undervolting. Supports DDR5, which I hear is not a substantial improvement on DDR4, but I see it as "future-proofing".

Memory: 64 GBs, really?  Yea there are a few other workflows I run for data processing that do benefit from high memory capacity.  I have heard that high memory amounts can slow certain processes, so welcome to hearing any foreboding warnings.  Other than that I just recognize Gskill as reliable and they are DDR5 which again, I'm not sure is really necessary.

Storage:  I already have the drives

Video Card:  I don't really know what it is that I do which is graphics intensive, though I am concerned that the onboard graphics will not be able to drive 1-2 4k monitors.

Case: Looks neat.  ITX.  Let me know if you have any suggestions, but I am looking for something unassuming.

Power Supply: Ignorant here.  I assume that the titanium designation means that unit is more efficient and therefore producing less excess heat for the power conversion.

 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K 3.2 GHz 24-Core Processor  ($549.99 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.black 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler  ($54.95 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z690-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($259.00 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($159.99 @ B&H) 
Video Card: Asus ProArt OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card  ($364.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($179.99 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: Silverstone SFX 800 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply  ($210.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1979.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-17 21:52 EST-0500

 

[stiff_focus]

1 minute ago, wONKEyeYEs said:

That NH-L9i won't cut it.

Get a cooler that will do the job and buy a case to accommodate.

https://ncc.noctua.at/cpus/model/Intel-Core-i9-14900K-1762

Would I understand the NH-L9x65 to work?  The SFF is a requirement and I assume successful undervolting will lower heat generation here.

[Why_Me]

1. You do not want an unlocked 14 gen i9 for an SFF build.

2. You want a 7XX series board for better DDR5 support.

3. You want low profile RAM.

4. Seriously consider a mATX build because a SFF build for what your uses of your PC are is a bit insane to say the least. Thermal throttling with Intel builds is an actual thing and you are limiting yourself in the cooling dept. and you will seriously regret it later on. Especially when it comes to ITX power phase options and air cooling options.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i7-14700 2.1 GHz 20-Core Processor  ($399.99 @ B&H) 
Motherboard: *Asus ROG STRIX B760-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($199.03 @ B&H) 
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($159.99 @ B&H) 
Video Card: Asus ProArt OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card  ($364.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX Desktop Case  ($179.99 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: Silverstone SFX 800 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply  ($210.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1714.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-17 23:39 EST-0500

[Why_Me]

mATX build to have a look at.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i7-13700 2.1 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($369.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler  ($43.99 @ Newegg) 
Motherboard: *MSI MAG B760M MORTAR WIFI Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($179.95 @ Amazon) 
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($159.99 @ B&H) 
Video Card: *MSI VENTUS 2X BLACK OC GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB Video Card  ($449.99 @ B&H) 
Case: *Fractal Design Meshify 2 Mini MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: *MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($99.99 @ B&H) 
Total: $1613.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-17 23:52 EST-0500

[stiff_focus]

Cooling is ultimately the worry with the ITX limitation.  Can we clear up a confusion for power consumption then and excuse the ignorance?  The i9-14900F lists as 65 W while 14900K claims 125W (at least on pcpartspicker). However, both claim a boost clock of ~6GHz (near enough).  Are the listed power draws when all cores are under severe load or is this steady-state?

 

Note I'll take a second look at the memory for fitment.

 

PS I did like the Meshify when I was looking earlier, so may take a second look at the microATX