Compact PC build questions!

[anhduc0314]

Hey guys! Newbie here!

I really wanna build my first system in a compact form since I might have to move it around a lot ! You know, college kid's problem.

And being the newbie that I am I just want to follow the build that linus did on this one 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/110303-ultimate-intel-compact-sli-gaming-pc-computer-how-to-build-guide/

 

CPU: Intel Core i7 4770K Unlocked Quad Core Processor with HyperThreading

SSD: Intel 530 Series 240GB SSD

Storage Hard Drives: WD Black 4TB

Motherboard: Gigabyte G1.Sniper M5 mATX

Case: Bitfenix Phenom M Compact Gaming Case

Video Card: Dual EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti Reference Cards in SLI

RAM: 16GB ADATA XPG Dual Channel DDR3 Memory

Power Supply: Be Quiet! Purepower 700W

 

My problem is I do not have that much to spend, but I really want a good motherboard and a good CPU that will get me through the next 4 years.

So I plan on swapping these components.

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i or CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO

RAM: Kingston FURY 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 750i Superclocked ( I only play dota2 and some CAD drawing)

Power Supply: No idea!!! ( Really, I can use some help here)

 

Can any of you guys give me some thoughts? Any compatibility issues ? Is that a great motherboard for a compact PC? Any advice for better parts for less $$ ? Anything would be helpful.

Thanks guys

 

[DavidHawk62]

- It'd be super helpful if you gave us some kind of budget to stick to but hopefully I can help.

- That CPU unfortunately isn't compatible with the motherboard from that build, and honestly the CPU from the build is cheaper and would probably last you a good while anyway.

- The GTX 750TI would be fine for the games you play, and you can bump down the power supply if that's gonna be your graphics card. Something like the Corsair CX430M or something similar since you definitely won't need a 700W power supply.

- Regarding the cooler, if you're on a budget stick to the Cooler Master one.

- The RAM you picked is DDR4, which is also not compatible with the board from the build. I'd stick with the RAM from the build or go for a single 8GB of DDR3 from a reputable brand like Crucial, G. Skill, Corsair, ADATA, etc.

[Mindstab Thrull]

Regarding the PSU, one thing I strongly suggest is an 80PLUS-rated power supply. The obvious reason is that it's more power efficient, which means that more of the power that it draws will actually go to powering your components and less being wasted as heat and such. The less-obvious reason is that companies that put together cheapy power supplies won't send them in for testing, so you have some kind of quality assurance being implemented for you - the PSUs will at least be of decent quality and not your $10 ones that if they go could take your entire system with it. A quality power supply around 500W or so, ideally Bronze rating or higher, you can get relatively cheaply; my favourite recommendation is the EVGA 100-B1-0500-KR (500W 80PLUS Bronze, around $50 US) which should hold you pretty well.

 

HOWEVER, I strongly suggest finding a case you want first, and then hitting up www.pcpartpicker.com to narrow down your options. If the case that you want is a Mini-ITX case, for example, you'll need to build with that in mind, because that means a lot less room. A smaller case like a Mini-ITX or a Micro-ATX case means you also have to pay more attention to restrictions on graphic card lengths, cooling unit sizes (especially height), and physical size of the power supply, amongst other things. So in this case, your best bet is to find a case that you really want and start there.

 

Good luck!

[NannerBeans]

If you're going compact I highly suggest mitx. An EVGA Hadron Air is an excellent value since it comes with a psu. I had a 350D my first year in college and it wasn't all that much smaller than a normal mid tower. My Ncase is much easier to move around. The EVGA Hadron is a good cheaper option. Make sure you get a blower style gpu though. 

[Tiby]

He wants SLI and Haswell-E platform. With a decent case you can get an mATX board that is more versatile. 

I also prefer mITX but it is harder to build. Not all components fit and nevertheless when it comes to cooling you have to pay more attention to it as well, it's not like you will have many options for it.

My opinion is to not go small when you want this kind of setup. You will just be looking for trouble (such as lack of vents, lack of dedicated ports, lack of options for future upgrades, etc). Just get a decent ATX case.

[anhduc0314]

Thanks a lot guys !!! WOW this forum rocks!

And my budget I would think is around 1k to 1k3USD top.

Btw can you guys think of a better motherboard or that one is fine ?

The case that Im looking at is : BitFenix Micro ATX http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GVAQ2VE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

Any thoughts ? Whats the difference between a ATX and ITX case ?

[Mindstab Thrull]

Sizewise: ATX is larger than micro-ATX, which in turn is larger than mini-ITX. The first is the standard size in most computers. The second is a lot shorter along the end where the board's outputs (eg where you plug in the keyboard) are located and commonly still has room for 4 memory slots and dual graphics cards. The last - mini-ITX - is the smallest overall, with boards that support only 2 RAM slots and a single GPU card.

Cases generally support smaller form factor motherboards but not larger than what they are designed for, so an ITX-based case won't handle an ATX board, though the opposite is typically true. This is why when dealing with smaller systems I recommend findingthe case first.

[Mattrixx]

Thanks a lot guys !!! WOW this forum rocks!

Make sure you quote replies or else anyone you're replying to won't get a notification. Also, follow your own topics so you'll get a notification when someone replies! 

[anhduc0314]

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/anhduc0314/saved/#view=p4dwrH

 Hey guys does this list look good ? 

[brob]

This is an mITX build. It has WiFi which is generally useful in college environments. It does not have an optical drive. These days one is not usually required. Windows can be installed from a usb stick.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($289.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($91.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($107.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($97.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB DUAL-X Video Card  ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 380T Mini ITX Tower Case  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($87.79 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer H236HLbid 60Hz 23.0" Monitor  ($129.99 @ Best Buy)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1221.19
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-25 23:47 EDT-0400