Mini-ITX build, bottleneck concerns

[MageTank]

1. Budget: $500-$600. Location: Ohio, United States

 

2. Aim:

 

So, I am planning on building my first mini-itx build, something similar to the size of a console. It will generally be used as an HTPC, but I still plan on it packing a decent punch in medium game settings. I wanted to keep power consumption as low as I could, while maintaining a decent amount of power behind the hardware. OCing will not be a priority, though if I find myself within a decent area in temps, I will consider doing so.

 

Here is what I've come up with so far:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/NdzZGX

 

My concerns are mostly with bottlenecks. I have not made an Intel build in over 12 years, and I have hardly kept up with the Intel side of things (my main box is a cheap 8320 build). As far as performance goes, the GTX 750 TI will hit exactly where I need it to hit for 1080p gaming, and will also use very little power (60w TDP). The Intel CPU should also be fine with a stock heatsink, due to its low TDP as well.

 

3. Monitors:

 

Most likely a 1080p HDTV, or a single 1080p computer monitor depending on scenario.

 

4. Peripherals:

 

None required, got my own copy of windows 8.1

 

 

 

If anyone could point out any potential bottlenecks with this setup, or offer any better suggestions within the same general price range, I would appreciate it.

 

-MageTank

 

[mosin40]

Looks great, except for the PSU...

[The Cool n00B]

Better PSU (more reliable) and that chipset will limit your overclocks. You're better off with a Z87 or Z97.

 

Try this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/NsgP99

[mosin40]

Here is a more kick-ass version:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($33.03 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($64.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: Team Zeus Yellow 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: A-Data Premier SP610 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX US) 

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 270 2GB TurboDuo Video Card  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 (White) Mini ITX Tower Case  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ Amazon) 

Total: $515.95

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-07 20:50 EST-0500

[mosin40]

This is even more Kick-Ass:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($33.03 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($64.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: Team Zeus Yellow 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: A-Data Premier SP610 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX US) 

Storage: Toshiba Product Series:DT01ACA 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Video Card: Club 3D Radeon R9 270X 2GB '14Series Video Card  ($154.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 (White) Mini ITX Tower Case  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Amazon) 

Total: $620.94

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-07 20:54 EST-0500

[blastquasar]

If you can afford it, go for a mx100 SSD http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-internal-hard-drive-ct128mx100ssd1

[MageTank]

Pretty fast responses, awesome. The motherboard platform upgrade is something that I will take into consideration, assuming the size of the case will not hinder the OCing potential due to heat restraints. As for GPU's, another reason I leaned towards the 750 TI over the faster AMD cards, was because a few family members happen to have Nvidia Shields, and game stream is a viable option for them. With a PC that uses very little power, leaving it on, and waking it remotely will be a far better option than streaming from a main rig. Considering games are scaled down to 720p anyways for shield streaming, the 750 TI should suffice for most games on medium-high @ 720p.

 

I wish I had the extra money for an SSD upgrade, as I am very partial to the Samsung 850 Pro, and I would not mind using another one for this build. I just figured I would get a cheap SSD for the OS, and use a 1TB WD red I have lying about for the additional storage. I am just hoping this build works out, as I would not mind having a PC that is of a similar size to a console, easy to leave lying around on a shelf of a TV stand.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

-MageTank