New Mini ITX Build

[zolo30]

I am looking for some feedback on the following build. The goal is to keep the budget as low as possible but still have great performance for light gaming, blogging, photoshop, and possibly some video editing in the future. 

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vZMWJx

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vZMWJx/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($159.99 @ Micro Center) 

Motherboard: MSI H81I Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($66.99 @ Mwave) 

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($78.30 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($64.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($79.99 @ Micro Center) 

Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $554.23

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 08:09 EDT-0400

[SAV1OUR]

budget? 

[Manny Calavera]

You would want something like Xeon 1230v3  or xeon 1231v3(haswell refresh) and only 1 stick of ram for upgradability if you are video editing in future. You have only 2 slots.

Make sure mobo has haswell refresh bios support if you go with haswell refresh processor. 

 

But for light and not regular video editing your cpu is fine.

[zolo30]

H81 + 4590 = You'll need to update bios, unless you've a haswell CPU you can't do anything

also H81 only supports up to 1600 MHz RAM, you're throwing money

 

I will look into a different MOBO any suggestions? Also that RAM is cheaper than 1366 and 1600 MHZ. I look at RAM and I select brands I know and trust from previous builds and then I look at price if a higher speed stick is cheaper or within 5 dollars of a lower speed stick then I pick it up especially if it has heat spreaders I like.

 

budget? 

 

No more than 700 if we can help it.

 

You would want something like Xeon 1230v3  or xeon 1231v3(haswell refresh) and only 1 stick of ram for upgradability if you are video editing in future. You have only 2 slots.

Make sure mobo has haswell refresh bios support if you go with haswell refresh processor. 

 

But for light and not regular video editing your cpu is fine.

 

Video editing is something that may not come until much later down the road. This build is for my girlfriend who is just now getting introduced to non Mac computers and her interests are growing. I want to set her up with what she does now and see where she goes from there. So in the future if she ends up doing more video editing I can buy a new CPU then. That may be a few years though just depends on her needs.

 

With the RAM I looked at getting 16GB but it is overkill currently for her build. I had not thought about grabbing one stick right now and grabbing a second later....I may just do that because performance would not be that much worse for her current needs and then we can upgrade. Thanks for the good suggestion.

[MEC-777]

I would recommend the Gigabyte H97N-Wifi motherboard. I have the H87 version with an i5-4570. Excellent quality, really happy with it. The rest of  your build looks good. Only other thing is maybe a 500w PSU just in case you want to upgrade the GPU later on.  

 

Use 1600mhz CL9 RAM, not 1333. Shouldn't be much of a cost difference anyways. 

[zolo30]

If you want to use a haswell refresh/DC CPU you'll need a mb with H97/Z97, take whichever is cheaper since you chose a locked cpu. Also you might like to see a mITX bundled with a WLAN card

 

I will look into a MOBO with a WIFI card I am just not too concerned about it since the computer will be within 5 feet of the router.

 

I would recommend the Gigabyte H97N-Wifi motherboard. I have the H87 version with an i5-4570. Excellent quality, really happy with it. The rest of  your build looks good. Only other thing is maybe a 500w PSU just in case you want to upgrade the GPU later on.  

 

Use 1600mhz CL9 RAM, not 1333. Shouldn't be much of a cost difference anyways. 

 

A 290x is 120watts more power but I would most likely never go that high on a GPU for this computer but even then a 450 would support that card.

 

How long have you had that MOBO? any issues with it?

[MEC-777]

I will look into a MOBO with a WIFI card I am just not too concerned about it since the computer will be within 5 feet of the router.

 

 

A 290x is 120watts more power but I would most likely never go that high on a GPU for this computer but even then a 450 would support that card.

 

How long have you had that MOBO? any issues with it?

Even if you're within the "limits" of a given PSU, it's not good to push it close to it's limits. There's an efficiency range for every PSU and it's not a bad idea to estimate how much power your system will be using and size your PSU according to where it will operate at it's most efficient output when your PC is at heavy load. 

 

While there is such a thing as having a PSU too small for your needs, there's also such a thing as too big - where the PSU continuously operate outside it's efficiency range, essentially using more power than you would with a smaller PSU. For you, anything above 600-650w I would say is overkill if you plan on sticking with the 270X, and 450w should be just about right (not too small and not too big). However, an R9-290 with this system would be pushing a 450w PSU, even a gold rated one. Just keep that in mind is all. It usually better to have a little headroom available with your PSU in case you want to upgrade or change your mind later on. That's why I suggested 500w. 

 

 

I've had the motherboard for almost a year now (next month) and zero issues to date. One thing to note about it is the CPU placement is a little odd compared to most other ITX motherboard layouts. They have it more towards the GPU side which can cause fitment issues with certain CPU air coolers like the Hypder 212 etc. I'm running an AIO water cooler so it didn't matter for me. Stock Intel cooler fits just fine. 

[zolo30]

Even if you're within the "limits" of a given PSU, it's not good to push it close to it's limits. There's an efficiency range for every PSU and it's not a bad idea to estimate how much power your system will be using and size your PSU according to where it will operate at it's most efficient output when your PC is at heavy load. 

 

While there is such a thing as having a PSU too small for your needs, there's also such a thing as too big - where the PSU continuously operate outside it's efficiency range, essentially using more power than you would with a smaller PSU. For you, anything above 600-650w I would say is overkill if you plan on sticking with the 270X, and 450w should be just about right (not too small and not too big). However, an R9-290 with this system would be pushing a 450w PSU, even a gold rated one. Just keep that in mind is all. It usually better to have a little headroom available with your PSU in case you want to upgrade or change your mind later on. That's why I suggested 500w. 

 

 

I've had the motherboard for almost a year now (next month) and zero issues to date. One thing to note about it is the CPU placement is a little odd compared to most other ITX motherboard layouts. They have it more towards the GPU side which can cause fitment issues with certain CPU air coolers like the Hypder 212 etc. I'm running an AIO water cooler so it didn't matter for me. Stock Intel cooler fits just fine. 

 

Ok makes sense on the PSU thanks for the input.

 

What case and what AIO are you currently using? Also any reason you are running an AIO if you are using a locked CPU?

[zolo30]

I have built a Mid tower ATX computer for myself in the past but mini ITX is new to me.

[MEC-777]

Ok makes sense on the PSU thanks for the input.

 

What case and what AIO are you currently using? Also any reason you are running an AIO if you are using a locked CPU?

 

I'm actually using the Node 304 with two AIOs (H60 for the CPU and H55 with kraken G10 for the GPU) and yes, it all fits in the without mods. Here's a thread I created about the build: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/182047-stacked-120mm-aio-concept/ Pics are on page two.

 

Basically I wanted it cooler and quieter. Full system specs in sig.

[asusfan]

I would recommend the Gigabyte H97N-Wifi motherboard. I have the H87 version with an i5-4570. Excellent quality, really happy with it. The rest of  your build looks good. Only other thing is maybe a 500w PSU just in case you want to upgrade the GPU later on.  

 

Use 1600mhz CL9 RAM, not 1333. Shouldn't be much of a cost difference anyways. 

This is good advice if you don't want to overclock etc. i seen reviews on this m/board and looks good.

so yeah i think if your going with m-itx then get one with onboard wifi.

also look at the MSI gaming m-itx and then there is lots of Asus m/boards to.

finally to save money the 1600mhz memory kits are so cheap now get 1600 and not 1333.

a SSHD can also save if you just want one drive.

[zolo30]

I'm actually using the Node 304 with two AIOs (H60 for the CPU and H55 with kraken G10 for the GPU) and yes, it all fits in the without mods. Here's a thread I created about the build: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/182047-stacked-120mm-aio-concept/ Pics are on page two.

 

Basically I wanted it cooler and quieter. Full system specs in sig.

 

Man two AIO'S!!! That is awesome man how are the temps? I assume you monitor them. How do you have the fans configured? I am actually looking to experiment with my Girls computer. I am going to start with the stock CPU fan and see how hot and loud it runs and then add a water cooler later I think. My tinkering instinct keeps kicking in but I know that the cheaper I make the computer the happier she will be. So I might have to add all the extra gucci shit months down the road so she does not feel the pain right off the bat. Money inception. 

 

This is good advice if you don't want to overclock etc. i seen reviews on this m/board and looks good.

so yeah i think if your going with m-itx then get one with onboard wifi.

also look at the MSI gaming m-itx and then there is lots of Asus m/boards to.

finally to save money the 1600mhz memory kits are so cheap now get 1600 and not 1333.

a SSHD can also save if you just want one drive.

 

Yeah that MOBO was actually the cheapest one right now which is great. Great review and cheapest one I will take it. I thought about an SSHD to save costs I am still on the fence. 

[zolo30]

Here is my new proposed build to start out.

 

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/knNMMp) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/knNMMp/by_merchant/)

 

Type|Item|Price

:----|:----|:----

**CPU** | [intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54590) | $159.99 @ Micro Center 

**Motherboard** | [Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gah97nwifi) | $94.99 @ NCIX US 

**Memory** | [Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls8g3d1609ds1s00) | $77.98 @ OutletPC 

**Storage** | [samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw) | $84.64 @ Amazon 

**Storage** | [seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003) | $53.98 @ OutletPC 

**Video Card** | [MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xgaming2g) | Purchased For $0.00 

**Case** | [Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcanode304bl) | $79.99 @ Micro Center 

**Power Supply** | [Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cs450m) | $49.99 @ Newegg 

 | | **Total**

 | Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $601.56

 | Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 22:01 EDT-0400 |

[zolo30]

I may later for shits and gigs add another RAM stick and CPU cooling but only later when the Girl is used to the price of the computer right now. 600 dollars is a great price point I think for her use of a computer.

[zolo30]

Ok here is an alternative build that is more cost effective and will fit my girls needs today and for awhile until her computing desires grow. Please lend me your thoughts 

 

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/78NMMp) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/78NMMp/by_merchant/)

 

Type|Item|Price

:----|:----|:----

**CPU** | [intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54590) | $159.99 @ Micro Center 

**Motherboard** | [Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gah97nwifi) | $94.99 @ NCIX US 

**Memory** | [Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls8g3d1609ds1s00) | $77.98 @ OutletPC 

**Storage** | [seagate  1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dx001) | $77.99 @ Amazon 

**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp43751kr) | $125.00 @ Newegg 

**Case** | [Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcanode304bl) | $79.99 @ Micro Center 

**Power Supply** | [Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cs450m) | $49.99 @ Newegg 

 | | **Total**

 | Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $665.93

 | Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 22:56 EDT-0400 |

[MEC-777]

Man two AIO'S!!! That is awesome man how are the temps? I assume you monitor them. How do you have the fans configured? I am actually looking to experiment with my Girls computer. I am going to start with the stock CPU fan and see how hot and loud it runs and then add a water cooler later I think. My tinkering instinct keeps kicking in but I know that the cheaper I make the computer the happier she will be. So I might have to add all the extra gucci shit months down the road so she does not feel the pain right off the bat. Money inception. 

 

Thanks. Yeah, it's a little different, but it works really well. Three Corsair SP120 performance edition fans running in push-push-pull on the two rads. Since the GPU rad gets substantially hotter than the CPU rad, it sits in the back with the CPU rad in front. Also using the two 92mm intake fans that come with the case and the Kraken G10 has a 92mm fan on it to cool the VRMs on the GPU. 

 

Temps:

 

-Idle temps: CPU mid 20's, GPU high 20's.

-Normal usage (browsing etc.): CPU 25-30, GPU 30-35.

-Heavy gaming with GPU overclocked (+150mhz on GPU & memory): CPU 35-45, GPU 45-55.

 

Before with the stock Intel cooler and Windforce triple fan GPU cooler I was seeing temps of 60-65 on the CPU and 70-75+ on the GPU. So I'm pretty happy with 20-30 degrees cooler. All those temps listed with the AIOs is with the fans running at 50% (1200-1400rpm) which is basically whisper quiet. 

 

 

For your build though, you shouldn't see temps as high as I was seeing on air because the R7-270X, and especially the 750Ti, don't put off as much heat. 

[zolo30]

Thanks. Yeah, it's a little different, but it works really well. Three Corsair SP120 performance edition fans running in push-push-pull on the two rads. Since the GPU rad gets substantially hotter than the CPU rad, it sits in the back with the CPU rad in front. Also using the two 92mm intake fans that come with the case and the Kraken G10 has a 92mm fan on it to cool the VRMs on the GPU. 

 

Temps:

 

-Idle temps: CPU mid 20's, GPU high 20's.

-Normal usage (browsing etc.): CPU 25-30, GPU 30-35.

-Heavy gaming with GPU overclocked (+150mhz on GPU & memory): CPU 35-45, GPU 45-55.

 

Before with the stock Intel cooler and Windforce triple fan GPU cooler I was seeing temps of 60-65 on the CPU and 70-75+ on the GPU. So I'm pretty happy with 20-30 degrees cooler. All those temps listed with the AIOs is with the fans running at 50% (1200-1400rpm) which is basically whisper quiet. 

 

 

For your build though, you shouldn't see temps as high as I was seeing on air because the R7-270X, and especially the 750Ti, don't put off as much heat. 

 

Yeah I am looking at the 750ti and the heat, power, and noise levels are so low its amazing. The R7 260x and 265 are competitors but the noise and heat levels are so much higher for the FPS that I don't think my girl would even use at this moment or in the near future. Depending on how loud the stock intel cooler is I may replace it. I currently have a Corsair h100i on my build with two noctua fans. That set up is really quiet so I imagine a similary set up would work nicely. 

 

How loud is your computer at heavy gaming load? Do you even notice it?

[MEC-777]

Yeah I am looking at the 750ti and the heat, power, and noise levels are so low its amazing. The R7 260x and 265 are competitors but the noise and heat levels are so much higher for the FPS that I don't think my girl would even use at this moment or in the near future. Depending on how loud the stock intel cooler is I may replace it. I currently have a Corsair h100i on my build with two noctua fans. That set up is really quiet so I imagine a similary set up would work nicely. 

 

How loud is your computer at heavy gaming load? Do you even notice it?

The stock Intel cooler actually isn't that loud, IMO. I found my PSU fan was actually louder. 

 

It's the GPU fans, I found, that were really loud. During heavy gaming the 3-fan windforce air cooler would ramp-up and I could sometimes hear it even though my headphones and the PC was sitting on the floor beside the desk (not near my ears).

 

Now with the water cooling, I never need to run the rad fans at more than 50% and temps are as I mentioned; 20-30 degrees cooler - even during heavy gaming. These Corsair SP120 performance edition fans are very quiet at anything below 50%. It's not until you get them up above 60% that you really start to notice them. At 50% (during heavy gaming) it's like a gentle woosh (whisper) and without headphones, I can barely hear it.  

 

Yeah, the R7-265 is a stronger GPU but the 750Ti is a great choice if you want low power and low noise. 

[zolo30]

The stock Intel cooler actually isn't that loud, IMO. I found my PSU fan was actually louder. 

 

It's the GPU fans, I found, that were really loud. During heavy gaming the 3-fan windforce air cooler would ramp-up and I could sometimes hear it even though my headphones and the PC was sitting on the floor beside the desk (not near my ears).

 

Now with the water cooling, I never need to run the rad fans at more than 50% and temps are as I mentioned; 20-30 degrees cooler - even during heavy gaming. These Corsair SP120 performance edition fans are very quiet at anything below 50%. It's not until you get them up above 60% that you really start to notice them. At 50% (during heavy gaming) it's like a gentle woosh (whisper) and without headphones, I can barely hear it.  

 

Yeah, the R7-265 is a stronger GPU but the 750Ti is a great choice if you want low power and low noise. 

 

As I may add a cooler to the CPU I don't think at this moment for this build I would add a cooler to the GPU. But it is really interesting that you did that. How do you like the Kraken set up was it easy and would you recommend it? I am looking at buying a new 800 series card for my computer when they are released and I would most likely just cool a reference with an AIO so I do not have to wait for non reference card to come out. 

[bry.yyyy]

just use Corsair SSD They quite cheap and fast

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($82.26 @ Mwave)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($77.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Corsair Force LX Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  (Purchased For $0.00)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $574.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-28 06:13 EDT-0400

[zolo30]

just use Corsair SSD They quite cheap and fast

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($159.99 @ Micro Center)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($82.26 @ Mwave)

Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($77.98 @ OutletPC)

Storage: Corsair Force LX Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  (Purchased For $0.00)

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($79.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $574.18

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-28 06:13 EDT-0400

 

I am questioning the performance difference between an SSHD and a SSD+HDD combo. I have an SSD combo in my computer and love it. I keep bouncing back and forth on it.

[bry.yyyy]

I am questioning the performance difference between an SSHD and a SSD+HDD combo. I have an SSD combo in my computer and love it. I keep bouncing back and forth on it.

SSHD = HDD With build in NAND flash SSD

[bry.yyyy]

other name is Hybrid Drive

[asusfan]

If your doing video editing etc is it not best to get a 16gig memory kit @ 1600mhz there pretty cheap.

and for the graphics will one of them small compact graphics cards do? designed for m-itx as there is very little room in there.

[zolo30]

other name is Hybrid Drive

 Yeah I understand what it is but I am wondering if the performance is even that noticeable for someone like my girl who is going to be doing basic computing tasks and maybe light gaming. I feel if her needs grow we can add an SSD in the system, slap another RAM stick in, change out the GPU, But I am not sure at this moment her needs on computer would justify adding costs as little as they may be.