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rat
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2008
- Messages
- 4,915
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
All of the above, but it's mainly my gaming rig with the lowest possible size footprint while still remaining flexible enough for full sized GPUs.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Willing to pay more for known quality, otherwise, frugally minded. Since I will be repurposing as many parts as possible, my budget is ideally around $300.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
US, Chicago. Microcenter is the go-to place for various parts I don't want to wait for in ordering online or to see stuff in person and get inspiration for other mods.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Motherboard, case, psu (Barebones Shuttle XPC), fans, filters and controllers.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
Reusing the CPU, RAM, GPU, some adapters and Hard Drives.
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
The most I'd need is a 16x PCIe 2.0 slot, AM3 socket and 4 RAM slots. Everything else is surprisingly flexible. Because mITX motherboards have been so bloody difficult to find with the specs I'd be happy with... I ended up having to look at barebones kits. A Shuttle box fit the bill perfectly. The case can even accommodate full length GPUs with a slight bit of work.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Dual monitor with one screen, via DVI/HDMI, at 1920x1080... the other is a VGA Projector running at 1024x768 for movies.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Need? No. More of a desire to have the smallest possible size footprint for a decent box.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring?
Quite. This will be the most mod-heavy project in a while despite having very few visible signs of (amateur) modifications on the outside. I do everything from soldering, wiring to dremelling and most of the stuff in between.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care.
Fairly important-ish. I like to balance noise with cooling. So fan controlling will certainly be involved. Cooling needs vary based on room temperature/time of year, so I like to make the system more silent in winter.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Easy enough to pack for moving is the biggest concern. Don't want to worry about size, how sturdy the case needs to be, etc... Small enough to not have to worry about size and weight being an issue.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards.
Yes. My copy of Win7 Professional is legit and transferable. 64Bit.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Already ordered.
---
Done:
* Get and test Shuttle box,
* Get Slim Scythe 120mm Fans, 92mm fan, 120mm fan filters,
* Mod intake fan holes into case (side and top),
* Get 32-6 bolts to add 92mm fan to rear for radiator push/pull config,
* Add fan controller to deal with noise,
* Mod drive bays so 3.5" bays are completely removed yet 5.25" bay holes are still usable, (allows full length GPU and power connectors)
* Build Power Sensing cable for Xbox PSU/Case,
* Get XBox 360 Original 203 Watt brick,
* Get 6 pin adapters for brick,
* Get 6pin extension cord for external case to internal case connecting,
* Get 6pin to 6+2 pin x2 splitter for GPU and case mounting,
* Get less crappy fan controller panel,
* Mod serial port cutout to accommodate eSATA plug,
* Mod case to cut off the grille from the 92mm mount on the case that impedes airflow via exhaust and allow for fan's power cable to be routed,
* Get dual drive 5.25" mount to be able to put both the 3.5" drive and 2.5" SSD in the 5.25" slot,
* Mod 5.25" drive adapter to be able to mount with fan controller panel? (Not needed)
---
Decided to go smaller with a case known for being fairly moddable. Got a Shuttle XPC based AMD barebones kit. Now, the holes on the motherboard are for the ICE system as they don't come mounted with the AM2/AM3 retention bracket.
Anyone know if they're still standard? Eg, could I purchase an aftermarket replacement retention bracket for AM# CPUs and put it on the case should I decide to use a different CPU cooler? Hopefully would like to find out before I'd end up having to disassemble the unit to measure as I don't have the system yet.
All of the above, but it's mainly my gaming rig with the lowest possible size footprint while still remaining flexible enough for full sized GPUs.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Willing to pay more for known quality, otherwise, frugally minded. Since I will be repurposing as many parts as possible, my budget is ideally around $300.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
US, Chicago. Microcenter is the go-to place for various parts I don't want to wait for in ordering online or to see stuff in person and get inspiration for other mods.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Motherboard, case, psu (Barebones Shuttle XPC), fans, filters and controllers.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
Reusing the CPU, RAM, GPU, some adapters and Hard Drives.
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
The most I'd need is a 16x PCIe 2.0 slot, AM3 socket and 4 RAM slots. Everything else is surprisingly flexible. Because mITX motherboards have been so bloody difficult to find with the specs I'd be happy with... I ended up having to look at barebones kits. A Shuttle box fit the bill perfectly. The case can even accommodate full length GPUs with a slight bit of work.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Dual monitor with one screen, via DVI/HDMI, at 1920x1080... the other is a VGA Projector running at 1024x768 for movies.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Need? No. More of a desire to have the smallest possible size footprint for a decent box.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring?
Quite. This will be the most mod-heavy project in a while despite having very few visible signs of (amateur) modifications on the outside. I do everything from soldering, wiring to dremelling and most of the stuff in between.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care.
Fairly important-ish. I like to balance noise with cooling. So fan controlling will certainly be involved. Cooling needs vary based on room temperature/time of year, so I like to make the system more silent in winter.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Easy enough to pack for moving is the biggest concern. Don't want to worry about size, how sturdy the case needs to be, etc... Small enough to not have to worry about size and weight being an issue.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards.
Yes. My copy of Win7 Professional is legit and transferable. 64Bit.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Already ordered.
---
Done:
* Get and test Shuttle box,
* Get Slim Scythe 120mm Fans, 92mm fan, 120mm fan filters,
* Mod intake fan holes into case (side and top),
* Get 32-6 bolts to add 92mm fan to rear for radiator push/pull config,
* Add fan controller to deal with noise,
* Mod drive bays so 3.5" bays are completely removed yet 5.25" bay holes are still usable, (allows full length GPU and power connectors)
* Build Power Sensing cable for Xbox PSU/Case,
* Get XBox 360 Original 203 Watt brick,
* Get 6 pin adapters for brick,
* Get 6pin extension cord for external case to internal case connecting,
* Get 6pin to 6+2 pin x2 splitter for GPU and case mounting,
* Get less crappy fan controller panel,
* Mod serial port cutout to accommodate eSATA plug,
* Mod case to cut off the grille from the 92mm mount on the case that impedes airflow via exhaust and allow for fan's power cable to be routed,
* Get dual drive 5.25" mount to be able to put both the 3.5" drive and 2.5" SSD in the 5.25" slot,
* Mod 5.25" drive adapter to be able to mount with fan controller panel? (Not needed)
---
Decided to go smaller with a case known for being fairly moddable. Got a Shuttle XPC based AMD barebones kit. Now, the holes on the motherboard are for the ICE system as they don't come mounted with the AM2/AM3 retention bracket.
Anyone know if they're still standard? Eg, could I purchase an aftermarket replacement retention bracket for AM# CPUs and put it on the case should I decide to use a different CPU cooler? Hopefully would like to find out before I'd end up having to disassemble the unit to measure as I don't have the system yet.
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