CM Elite 120 Small Form Factor Value Build

[weaverwacker]

So, I finally got around to turning my plans into reality for a Mini-ITX build. I'm very happy with it's overall size (pretty freaking small) and performance. I paid $563 bucks for all the parts after MIR. This mobo has built in wifi and Bluetooth 4.0. Pretty happy with this build!

I also have a video tour of this build on youtube, so if you wanna check that out here's a link!

Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced

Motherboard: Gigabyte H77n-wifi mini ITX

CPU: i3-3225 Ivy Bridge Dual core @3.3ghz (do not underestimate this CPU)

Memory: 8gb Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600mhz (1 x 8gb)

GPU: Sapphire HD 7770 Ghz Edition 1gb

PSU: Cooler Master Extreme 2 525w

SSD: 120gb Kingston SATA III

Windows 8 Pro (had a copy of this laying around)

[WoodenMarker]

Cool build! I enjoyed the video It was clear and quite professional.

[Nicktrance]

Cool, I'm really starting to like SFF builds, you might want to get a custom low profile cooler but I agree an i3 is more than good enough for most single GPU systems.

[weaverwacker]

Thanks guys! I'm trying to get my name out on youtube and do more hardware related videos. But thanks again for the feedback!

[bluepoodleguy]

Great example of what can be done with a SFF case. Happy gaming! :)

[TicTac]

Wow man looks awesome nice job!

[EmanuelNorberg]

Really good cable management for an ITX system!

[weaverwacker]

Really good cable management for an ITX system!

Thanks man! That was the only thing that bothered me about this build. I felt like I could organize them better, but I guess it's fine for a non-modular PSU!

[John haswell]

Cool conservative build I personally don't like the case the long and low design bugs me

[EmanuelNorberg]

Thanks man! That was the only thing that bothered me about this build. I felt like I could organize them better, but I guess it's fine for a non-modular PSU!

Oh yes definitely!

[KittenHat]

How do you like the case, I want to make an ITX system but I don't know which case to use.

[weaverwacker]

How do you like the case, I want to make an ITX system but I don't know which case to use.

Sorry for the late reply, but yes the case is very very nice, especially for the price I paid for it (~$39.99 USD). Check out Silvertsone's ITX cases, they are extremely nice, but you pay for what you get.

[KittenHat]

Sorry for the late reply, but yes the case is very very nice, especially for the price I paid for it (~$39.99 USD). Check out Silvertsone's ITX cases, they are extremely nice, but you pay for what you get.

Was it easy enough to work with?

[weaverwacker]

Was it easy enough to work with?

Pretty easy, the cable routing was kinda a pain..

[RobertVanGilder]

Pretty cool little machine..I'm planning to build a plex htpc in it...What is the maximum CPU cooler height? I'm planning to use a BeQuiet! cooler

[CptGopher]

Pretty cool little machine..I'm planning to build a plex htpc in it...What is the maximum CPU cooler height? I'm planning to use a BeQuiet! cooler

According to http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Cooler-Master-Elite-120-Advanced-Case-Review/1599 it's 65mm or about 2.5"

Also, @weaverwacker, what is your cpu cooler's temperatures like while gaming? I'm planning on getting the Elite 130 when it launches and I would like to know if I will need a cpu cooler for it. 

[weaverwacker]

According to http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Cooler-Master-Elite-120-Advanced-Case-Review/1599 it's 65mm or about 2.5"

Also, @weaverwacker, what is your cpu cooler's temperatures like while gaming? I'm planning on getting the Elite 130 when it launches and I would like to know if I will need a cpu cooler for it. 

Actually, the computer has been sitting in the corner since I've built it. It was kinda an impulse buy  -_- But, when I get the chance, I'll load some games on there and get an average temp for ya. If you have the money then i would def buy an aftermarket cooler. Because let's be honest, the Intel cooler isn't very attractive  :P What kind of processor are you gonna use?

[RobertVanGilder]

According to http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Cooler-Master-Elite-120-Advanced-Case-Review/1599 it's 65mm or about 2.5"

Also, @weaverwacker, what is your cpu cooler's temperatures like while gaming? I'm planning on getting the Elite 130 when it launches and I would like to know if I will need a cpu cooler for it. 

Thanks pal!

[CptGopher]

Actually, the computer has been sitting in the corner since I've built it. It was kinda an impulse buy  -_- But, when I get the chance, I'll load some games on there and get an average temp for ya. If you have the money then i would def buy an aftermarket cooler. Because let's be honest, the Intel cooler isn't very attractive  :P What kind of processor are you gonna use?

I'm running a Core I5 3330 at stock clocks. I would like to get a cooler, but money is a bit tight and if it can wait for a while, that would make things easier. A friend of mine actually had quite a valid point the other day. In a mini-itx build getting things that are functional is more important than getting the best looking things, because you can hardly see inside of the tiny chassis anyways.