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General discussion

Mini ITX Build

Sep 21, 2014 5:40PM PDT

Hello all,

I'm looking at building a Mini ITX PC. I'm a bit stumped for parts, mainly because I'm unsure about the specific compatibility requirements with the ITX components. I'm also uneasy about building an ITX system due to the difficulty of working in such a small space, as many have mentioned before.

Anyway, my budget range is from $800-$1000 (though, the lower the better), and I would like a system that can game reasonably well (I'm not expecting 60FPS, 1080P Ultra). I'd also like to render HD videos, have it run quietly and at a cool temperature. Preferably, I'd like an SSD for boot and OS, but I understand in this price range it may be difficult and I may have to stick with a mechanical hard drive.

I've also considered possibly purchasing an Intel Core i3 4150, in order to keep my costs down and get a beefier graphics card, but I'm not sure what the implications will be by getting a cheaper CPU. In terms of graphics, I've considered getting the 750ti, but again I'm not sure about any AMD alternatives that may be faster/cheaper etc., as I'm only predominantly familiar with the Nvidia card range. I'm also a but stumped with selecting a case, though the EVGA Hadron Air (though it may be too small).

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure how this works, but if I could have any suggestions with this build, and perhaps some recommended parts, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

~ Adam

Discussion is locked

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Opinion......Don't
Sep 22, 2014 1:44AM PDT

Don't even think about building a gaming rig in that small case.

Think heat.......which you will have a bunch of when you game.

Get a mid tower case and be done with it.

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ITX nope, small PC case maybe
Sep 22, 2014 10:46AM PDT

I got a small case that's 9x12x14in. which is roughly about 1/3 bigger than a ITX type or Shuttle case. It's more of a squat PC case, able to hold a min-ATX type mtrbd. to include anything new out there, even a ITX if it had to to. The benefits is just that able to hold a std. PSU, all drives, and well cooled. The mtrbd. is i5 based and readily can go with a typical decent GPU, but that would require a larger wattage PSU. In other words its a better than a ITX case only. I got it used and is based on an Apsire brand name. As the other poster offered a mid-sized PC that's more up and down would work better for you since you want gaming. My case is well cooled with 1-case fan and PSU fans(s) but I can modify it to have a blow hole fan. If you get small or ITX type, then yeah it maybe tight fit, so be careful. i don't have that problem, as mine has a slide out mtrbd. tray for building. good luck

tada -----Willy Happy