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ITX gaming computer build
Mitcho
Wollongong, New South Wales
28 posts
Hello all,

Lots of people are asking for help with big computer builds and such for all the latest gaming but size doesn't mean better.

I've got my own I.T company that works with building computers for every need that you can think of and currently no websites offer "mini gaming" rigs.

This is something that I'm working with on the side of normal things so its not up for sale on my website yet and id like to get some input on what you guys think so far.

Now the only thing I haven't put in here yet is PSU and a Dvd/Blu-ray drive

Motherboard: Zotac Z68ITX-A-E
CPU: I5 2500k
Ram:Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MH
GPU: GTX 570 (I like the Gigabyte 3 fan edition one
HDD: 60gb SSD for OS and Gaming, (option to take a second one in raid)
HDD: Western Digital 2tb green
Case: Custom Case (or if anyone can point me in the direction for a ITX case that can support a full Graphic card)

as an Optional extra maybe for better cooling for the CPU changing the stock cooler to an Corsair Hydro H80?

As of this point the Zotac motherboard has only just been released here in australia and is roughly $210-260 give or take.
08:24pm 09/12/11 Permalink
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08:24pm 09/12/11 Permalink
koopz
Brisbane, Queensland
9563 posts
give yourself a plug Mitcho ;)

- change that HDD out for a SSD dude.

- make sure the case is adequately fan-cooled (especially if you're going to dump the H80 in there). That northbridge chip doesn't cool itself eh.

I'm not familiar with the board. Does it OC well?
08:39pm 09/12/11 Permalink
tspec
Melbourne, Victoria
3320 posts
ITX cases that fit full size graphics cards don't really exist, keep in mind with a full size graphics card you're probably going to need a standard atx power supply and an atx psu isn't going fit in an itx case. The mini psu's used for itx cases won't stand a chance of driving a gaming graphics card (but that ultimately depends on the card you use and it's power requirements).

I've been using a Silverstone Sugo SG03-F case for my gaming rig for a while, it was a smallest case I could find which would fit a full size gaming card as well as an atx psu. It's a nice case but it does tend to get quite hot due to the compact size so you'll need to be mindfull of that.
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=244&area=usa

last edited by tspec at 20:52:19 09/Dec/11
08:49pm 09/12/11 Permalink
Mitcho
Wollongong, New South Wales
29 posts
give yourself a plug Mitcho ;)

- change that HDD out for a SSD dude.

- make sure the case is adequately fan-cooled (especially if you're going to dump the H80 in there). That northbridge chip doesn't cool itself eh.

I'm not familiar with the board. Does it OC well?


As you can see in my post, i already have a SSD in the list.

Cooling isnt going to be much of an issue since the Custom case i have in mind has a lot of air flow since it has no real sides, Once i have a photo ill show you what i mean.

------------

Tspec

That is what i've come up with as well, I'm going to have to stick to a Custom Case that i can build and fit a normal psu in there.

In the end ill have to stick to a Custom build Case for the build and see how it will go.

The Motherboard has had amazing reviews and is considered the "First" real ITX motherboard that can overclock nearly/as good as Standard full size boards. Its also the first itx Motherboard to have the x68 chipset as well so it supports all current and 2nd gen cpu's

It has everything on it, back panel is as follows: antenna, dual gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, a clear CMOS button, a PS/2 Connector, dual HDMI and mini-DisplayPort, optical SPDIF output, and the standard audio jacks.

Edit: http://www.techaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/inside_out_computer.jpg I'm going to build something like that but much much smaller and cover the front of it and have something like a Poster or something so i can hang it above my monitor on the wall.
09:11pm 09/12/11 Permalink
tspec
Melbourne, Victoria
3321 posts
Sounds good, post some photo's when you've got it ready. I've owned a few Zotac mini itx boards in the past but all last gen socket 775 boards.
11:41pm 09/12/11 Permalink
IVY_MiKe
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
542 posts
There was a well spec'd Gigabyte mITX board around with the last gen of CPU's, not sure if they've renewed for the current swing of things.

Also, for an awesome case, look no further than the Silverstone SG07.

$199 gets the case and a PSU that is good for an 11.5" video card (I recently ran my 5870 eyefinity 6 ed card in one, and the only reason I went back to my 'big rig' is because the case fan noise drove me nuts.)

Awesome little rig tho... tough to beat for the price/performance/size too!
01:26am 10/12/11 Permalink
Whoop
Brisbane, Queensland
19022 posts
GPU: GTX 570 (I like the Gigabyte 3 fan edition one

I have the GTX 570 OC from gigabyte and let me say this: In close proximity to other cards they get FUCKING HOT. I woke up to find mine sitting around 95+ celcius according to MSI's "kombustor" benchmark thing. The main problem with them is there's no room to suck air in if they're close to another card. There aren't any cutouts in the fan shroud to let air through.

Here's a picture of how mine's set up. The bottom card stays cool but the top one quickly heats up to egg frying temperatures.
Photobucket

and that's in a normal sized case. Look how close the fan shroud is to the card below it, whoever designed these things needs a smack in the chops.
09:14am 10/12/11 Permalink
Jayman
Brisbane, Queensland
603 posts
ITX cases that fit full size graphics cards don't really exist, keep in mind with a full size graphics card you're probably going to need a standard atx power supply and an atx psu isn't going fit in an itx case. The mini psu's used for itx cases won't stand a chance of driving a gaming graphics card (but that ultimately depends on the card you use and it's power requirements).


Lian Li PC - Q08 Fit's the bill. Standard size PSU and 300mm for a graphics card! Sweet looking cases.

http://goo.gl/wX35I
03:15pm 10/12/11 Permalink
tspec
Melbourne, Victoria
3322 posts
Cool, it's good to know there are a few options on the market since I looked last.

Those mini itx cases (like my micro atx case) with the ATX PSU, have you guys used the stock coolers given the PSU sits directly in front of the CPU? Most of the after market coolers I've seen tend to have much more height in them than the stock coolers. Might get away with something like this but it would be tight.
04:33pm 10/12/11 Permalink
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04:33pm 10/12/11 Permalink
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