ITX or ATX

[PatRed]

I know this discission is more on me than someone else on the internet to make but what should i do? Is it worth the motherboard downgrade to get the itx build or should i buy the atx build with the better mobo and psu.

ATX

https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/list/XfQ9Lc

ITX

https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/list/D3dWdb

[strange13930]

1 minute ago, PatRed said:

I know this discission is more on me than someone else on the internet to make but what should i do? Is it worth the motherboard downgrade to get the itx build or should i buy the atx build with the better mobo and psu.

ATX

https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/list/XfQ9Lc

ITX

https://fi.pcpartpicker.com/list/D3dWdb

In my opinion I would go with the atx because you can fit larger hardware and coolers compared to itx

[Ha-Satan]

I mean, like you said, that's not a question we can answer for you. Would your living or working space work better if the case was smaller? Would you actually have occasion to carry your PC around with the handle?

[Millios]

Hidden 3rd Option

mATX

Still some portability and smaller footprint yet you get quite the hardware compatability due to the somewhat larger cases

[Ha-Satan]

9 minutes ago, Millios said:

Hidden 3rd Option

mATX

Still some portability and smaller footpring yet you get quite the hardware compatability due to the somewhat larger cases

 

My favorite case I've ever worked it was the Thermaltake Core V21, which isn't exactly a small case but it is a fun shorter mATX form factor and it's super easy to build in considering how all the sides come off. I also really like the moveable fan rails that you can mount wherever you want on three sides of the case, especially because you can use them as GPU-side intake fans to get next-level GPU temps (like, I was getting 41C over ambient in GPU stress tests - that would put it in the top 5 of the GN case temp charts). 

 

I really wish they'd make a new version of this with updated I/O.

[GuiltySpark_]

Building a properly small SFF system around an ITX board is generally going to take some experience and extra know-how on top of basic PC building skills. Some specific parts will be more expensive, assembly won't be as straight forward and hardware depending you may have additional tuning/tweaking that needs to be done to accommodate the smaller space. If SFF is still something you want to do, I don't blame you, they're pretty awesome when executed well.

[Millios]

4 minutes ago, Ha-Satan said:

 

My favorite case I've ever worked it was the Thermaltake Core V21, which isn't exactly a small case but it is a fun shorter mATX form factor and it's super easy to build in considering how all the sides come off. I also really like the moveable fan rails that you can mount wherever you want on three sides of the case, especially because you can use them as GPU-side intake fans to get next-level GPU temps (like, I was getting 41C over ambient in GPU stress tests - that would put it in the top 5 of the GN case temp charts). 

 

I really wish they'd make a new version of this with updated I/O.

100% If it wasnt for the IO I would have picked the same case for my new build (instead its going in my emulation/light gaming machine)

But since I kinda wanted and needed some newer ports like 3.2 and type C for some devices my personal choice would the lian li a3 and jonsbo d31 and d32 (Honorary Mention goes to the Asus AP201 but its pricier and can look tacky if it isnt in line with the aesthetic while the others have a more tasteful design imo as well)

[OhYou_]

imo, itx is never worth it unless you are making extreme compromises in the name of size reduction.
as the owner of a 3.8L itx pc...

[Jurrunio]

Does it have to come to these two exact builds? Cuz then yeah, are you willing to sacrifice performance for a smaller size. My ATX build is nasty to move around the house already and it's not anywhere close to the limit of how much stuff could go in there so I regret going to ATX personally.

[TVwazhere]

I love my torrent, but there's just something about an entire PC that's both smaller than my RTX4080 and my cat that makes me smile. 

 

 

 

[DeerDK]

Depends. My first build was a beginner friendly MITX case, and I loved it, but as the others have said, there are some tradeoffs you need to consider. 

• Component costs. SFF components and itx motherboards tend to cost more. 
• Limits to what components you want. Not everything fits, and you cannot count on having the beefiest coolers, so noise and heat may be higher. 
• Building can be much more tricky due to space limits. 

 

Apart from that, I love ITX. There are so many cool small cases and you can really tailor to your specific needs. Currently I'm using a mATX case though, as I needed something with a specific small footprint, but you can really go crazy, and pack a full gaming set into a very small packing. 

If you feel up for the challenge, I'd say go for it, but you need to. Be confident in yourself, cause it can get rather finicky