Mini ITX...

[CrzyChinook]

im thinking of building a kick ass mini ITX rig.. maxim portability with a kick ass mother board and graphics card.. ive built computers in the past but only servers and regular ATX desktops and laptops ... anyone have some experience on dealing with these little buggers? and pit falls i need to know about?

once i decided on the hardware ill post what im getting

[iamthesgt]

im thinking of building a kick ass mini ITX rig.. maxim portability with a kick ass mother board and graphics card.. ive built computers in the past but only servers and regular ATX desktops and laptops ... anyone have some experience on dealing with these little buggers? and pit falls i need to know about?

once i decided on the hardware ill post what im getting

We use them at work for our production devices. They'll overheat if you crowd them too much, but they're pretty robust in general. Only thing I'd be concerned with is how much you can get out of them. A lot of them only have 2 DIMM slots and 1 PCIe, 2 SATAs, so keep that in mind. Not saying you can't put a lot of good stuff on there, but you'll have to be selective.

[CrzyChinook]

We use them at work for our production devices. They'll overheat if you crowd them too much, but they're pretty robust in general. Only thing I'd be concerned with is how much you can get out of them. A lot of them only have 2 DIMM slots and 1 PCIe, 2 SATAs, so keep that in mind. Not saying you can't put a lot of good stuff on there, but you'll have to be selective.

yeah im looking at the new ASUS mobo P8Z77-I DELUXE - Motherboard - mini ITX - LGA1155 Socket - Z77 - USB 3.0 - Wi-Fi(n), Bluetooth, Gigabit LAN - onboard graphics (CPU required) - HD Audio (8-channel)

This motherboard supports Intel 3rd generation Intel Core processor-based platform and 2nd generation Core/Pentium/Celeron processors, with iGPU, memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support onboard graphics output with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (2 DIMM) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance. Intel 3rd generation Intel Core processor-based platform and 2nd generation Core/Pentium/Celeron processors are among the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.

SpecificationsGeneral
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Product Type: Motherboard - mini ITX
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Chipset Type: Intel Z77 Express
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Processor Socket: LGA1155 Socket
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Max Processors Qty: 1
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Compatible Processors: Pentium, Celeron, Core i5, Core i3, Core i7
Supported RAM
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Max Size: 16 GB
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Technology: DDR3
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Registered or Buffered: Unbuffered
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Features: Dual channel memory architecture, Intel Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP)

Audio
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Type: HD Audio (8-channel)
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Audio Codec: Realtek ALC898
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Compliant Standards: DTS Connect, High Definition Audio, DTS UltraPC II

LAN
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Network Controller: Intel 82579V
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Network Interfaces: 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet

Expansion / Connectivity
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Expansion Slot(s): 1 x CPU ¦ 2 x DIMM 240-pin ¦ 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Storage Interfaces: SATA-600 - connector(s): 2 x 7pin Serial ATA - 2 device(s) - RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5 ¦ SATA-300 - connector(s): 2 x 7pin SATA, 2 x 7pin eSATA - 4 device(s) - RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg RAID Features: Intel Smart Response Technology
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Interfaces: 1 x DVI-I ¦ 1 x HDMI ¦ 1 x DisplayPort ¦ 1 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) ¦ 4 x USB 2.0 ¦ 4 x USB 3.0 ¦ 1 x TOSLINK ¦ 1 x audio line-out - mini-jack ¦ 1 x audio line-in - mini-jack ¦ 1 x microphone - mini-jack
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Internal Interfaces: 4 x USB 2.0 ¦ 1 x USB 3.0 - header ¦ 1 x SPDIF out ¦ 1 x audio
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Power Connectors: 24-pin main power connector, 8-pin ATX12V connector

Features
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg BIOS Type: AMI
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg BIOS Features: DMI 2.0 support, WfM 2.0 support, Multilingual BIOS, ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ACPI 2.0a support, SMBIOS 2.5 support, USB BIOS Flashback, UEFI BIOS
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Sleep / Wake Up: Wake on LAN (WOL)
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Hardware Features: C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall), jack retasking, ASUS Anti-Surge Protection, MemOK!, ASUS Q-Design, GPU Boost, ASUS EZ DIY, CrashFree BIOS 3, audio jack detect technology, ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit), ASUS Q-Shield, Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) support, ASUS Fan Xpert, ASUS TurboV, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, ASUS TPU (TurboV Proces

Miscellaneous
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Included Accessories: 2 x Wi-Fi Ring Moving Antennas
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Cables Included: 4 x Serial ATA cable
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Software Included: Drivers & utilities, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS AI Suite II, ASUS AI Charger+, ASUS Update
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Compatible with Windows 7: "Compatible with Windows 7" software and devices carry Microsoft’s assurance that these products have passed tests for compatibility and reliability with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7.
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Compliant Standards: Plug and Play, ACPI 2.0a, ErP Ready
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Width: 6.7 in
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Depth: 6.7 in

Manufacturer Warranty
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Service & Support: 3 years warranty
http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/main/gfx-blkbullet.jpg Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 3 years

[loakii]

So when you say mini ITX is that like a shuttlebox?

[CrzyChinook]

So when you say mini ITX is that like a shuttlebox?

yes i believe so.. shuttlebox is a brand or company that supports MiniITX MoBo's but as shuttlebox have progressed people are always trying to maximize performance with little space.. and i guess the class of computers is called mini ITX ... kinda like with regular desktops.. ATX and all of their variants ... FlexATX, MicroATX, MiniATX, ATX, EATX, EEATX, and WTX


pretty kick ass.. im looking at a third gen icore processor.. prob a I7 Ivy Bridge and the case im looking at will support 4 2.5 drives plus a 1 3.5 drive... or just 3 3.5 drives.. but im excited about the 4 2.4 cause i have a crap load of those drives sitting in my office
for graphics card.. it can support a full on card.. right now just to keep the price down im looking at the NVIDIA GTX 550 ti or maybe the 560 ..well see what the price tag is but right now im in the 650-800 ragne in having a pretty good gaming rig in a SFF.. sweet

[iamthesgt]

yes i believe so.. shuttlebox is a brand or company that supports MiniITX MoBo's but as shuttlebox have progressed people are always trying to maximize performance with little space.. and i guess the class of computers is called mini ITX ... kinda like with regular desktops.. ATX and all of their variants ... FlexATX, MicroATX, MiniATX, ATX, EATX, EEATX, and WTX


pretty kick ass.. im looking at a third gen icore processor.. prob a I7 Ivy Bridge and the case im looking at will support 4 2.5 drives plus a 1 3.5 drive... or just 3 3.5 drives.. but im excited about the 4 2.4 cause i have a crap load of those drives sitting in my office
for graphics card.. it can support a full on card.. right now just to keep the price down im looking at the NVIDIA GTX 550 ti or maybe the 560 ..well see what the price tag is but right now im in the 650-800 ragne in having a pretty good gaming rig in a SFF.. sweet

670-800? The Ivy Bridge i7 will run you at least $300...mobo $200...video card $150 plus. You're looking at a low end of $750 (unless you've already got case, PSU, & RAM...

[CrzyChinook]

670-800? The Ivy Bridge i7 will run you at least $300...mobo $200...video card $150 plus. You're looking at a low end of $750 (unless you've already got case, PSU, & RAM...

on newegg ive pieced it together..
1. case.. $50
2. Ram $40
3. super deal ...power supply and graphics card $180
4. and another combo deal.. chip and board.. $500


Total price $770.. no to shabby.. might upgrade the ram to 16bg

[iamthesgt]

on newegg ive pieced it together..
1. case.. $50
2. Ram $40
3. super deal ...power supply and graphics card $180
4. and another combo deal.. chip and board.. $500


Total price $770.. no to shabby.. might upgrade the ram to 16bg

Ahh...didn't take into account the combos. You can save some money there.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[obtainedpilot]

How about one of those dual core atom boards I've been thinking of putting a mini together for the cheapest price

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

[iamthesgt]

How about one of those dual core atom boards I've been thinking of putting a mini together for the cheapest price

Atoms aren't going to work very well for gaming. If you're only doing basic word processing, web browsing, watching movies, etc. Atoms will do fine.

[CrzyChinook]

Atoms aren't going to work very well for gaming. If you're only doing basic word processing, web browsing, watching movies, etc. Atoms will do fine.

pulling the trigger friday.. after that ill post what hardware im settling for.. after and pic will follow ..any body got a suggestion for bench marking software? i think price wise (best bang for my buck) im getting geforce gtx 550 ti 2gb card

[iamthesgt]

pulling the trigger friday.. after that ill post what hardware im settling for.. after and pic will follow ..any body got a suggestion for bench marking software? i think price wise (best bang for my buck) im getting geforce gtx 550 ti 2gb card

Check this out: http://www.pcworld.com/article/258473/how_to_benchmark_your_pc_for_free.html

[CrzyChinook]

pulled the trigger a couple days early .... TOTAL PRICE $$$ 902... not to shabby.. kinda blew my budget a wee bit but not too bad i had some extra wiggle room
heres a list of what i got
1. the case... went with the Cooler Master Elite 120
2. the MoBo.. went with the ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe
3. the CPU.. went with the intel I7-3770k Ivy Bridge 3.5GHZ (was in a great combo deal with the MoBo)
4. the PSU.. went with a combo deal with graphics card.. a Corsair Gaming series GS700 700W
5. the Graphics card.. as stated with that psu deal i got the GeForce GTX 550 Ti 2gb
6. last but not least was the RAM.. went with 16gb(2X8gb) with G.Skill Ripjaw X series... DDR3 1600(PC3 12800)

I love newegg and their combo deals saved alot of money!!

i looked on tiger and it was almost 1200 .. but they have better shipping price's.. but in the end newegg was cheaper!! once i receive it ill take before and after pics of it!

[obtainedpilot]

Atoms aren't going to work very well for gaming. If you're only doing basic word processing, web browsing, watching movies, etc. Atoms will do fine.

You can play world of warcraft on a single core atom chip but I was looking for.basic cheap and small computer as I havnt done much gaming on pc for almost 4 years

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

[iamthesgt]

pulled the trigger a couple days early .... TOTAL PRICE $$$ 902... not to shabby.. kinda blew my budget a wee bit but not too bad i had some extra wiggle room
heres a list of what i got
1. the case... went with the Cooler Master Elite 120
2. the MoBo.. went with the ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe
3. the CPU.. went with the intel I7-3770k Ivy Bridge 3.5GHZ (was in a great combo deal with the MoBo)
4. the PSU.. went with a combo deal with graphics card.. a Corsair Gaming series GS700 700W
5. the Graphics card.. as stated with that psu deal i got the GeForce GTX 550 Ti 2gb
6. last but not least was the RAM.. went with 16gb(2X8gb) with G.Skill Ripjaw X series... DDR3 1600(PC3 12800)

I love newegg and their combo deals saved alot of money!!

i looked on tiger and it was almost 1200 .. but they have better shipping price's.. but in the end newegg was cheaper!! once i receive it ill take before and after pics of it!

Sweet! Looks like a nice computer! Newegg's deals are awesome.


You can play world of warcraft on a single core atom chip but I was looking for.basic cheap and small computer as I havnt done much gaming on pc for almost 4 years

Well, let me correct myself. You can play some games, but not on high settings, and some new games won't run. Wow is old enough they have to keep it compatible with a lot of different hardware for their userbase.

[obtainedpilot]

I might just might be able to play eve on it tho found a board see what you guys thinkhttp://www.asrock.com/mb/NVIDIA/A330ION/

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[CrzyChinook]

I might just might be able to play eve on it tho found a board see what you guys thinkhttp://www.asrock.com/mb/NVIDIA/A330ION/

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

looks nice but cant seem to find a price point...

the mobo i bought could play eve without a graphics card!!..

[obtainedpilot]

Awesome yeah there going for 10 to 100 bucks on eBay right now

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[CrzyChinook]

The Beginning!! BOXES!!!!

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00397.jpg

Heres the MoBo!! the heart of the beast

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00391.jpg
http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00410.jpg

The Case... Striped and Prep...

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00402.jpg

The Mobo meets the Case

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00411.jpg

and next the PSU

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00412.jpg

and now the Graphics card!! damn tight fight.. ill have to tear it back apart later for a cleaner cable management!
and installed 4ea 2.5 HD... 500gb hybrid(OS)/650gb(games)/250gb(stuff)/250gb(more stuff).. had them lying around.... might as well use them

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00415.jpg

For now.. the extra cable from the PSU..

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00416.jpg

ok she's all plugged up.. clean up the cabling later gotta see if she runs!!

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00424.jpg

sweeet all buttoned up and working like a champ!!!

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/DSC00437.jpg

here is what installed (used cpuz/gpuz/speccy).. nice everything works great time to start updating and installing all my shitzzzz...

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz19/crzychinook/TheResults.jpg

[iamthesgt]

Sweet. Looks nice

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