Update:
M1 v2 Build Log on page 2
=====================
Hi there,
I've recently discovered the world of SFF gaming on this forum which might mean I could finally end 8 years of Macbook Pro discrete graphics and Bootcamp misery!
I've seen a lot of great builds with the SG05 and other cases that look small and light enough to potentially carry-on inside a backpack. Is this even possible with airport security and modern cooling systems etc? I've had electronics stolen from checked bags before, so a little hesitant about checking it. It would have to weigh no more than about 6.5kg/14.5lbs so I could fit my laptop in there too. I live between a couple of states in Australia and take domestic flights a few times a year.
...anyhow, I'd love some advice from those more experienced
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
1. Gaming (BF4, Metro LL, Crysis 3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Grid 2, etc). Would love to be able to run these in Ultra/Very High at 1080p, but dropping the resolution down a bit is okay, as most of my gaming is done on a TV on the other side of the room
2. Dual boot with OSX Mountain Lion or Mavericks hackintosh
3. Windows 8 media centre (not a big priority though)
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Not immediately, but I'd like to experiment down the track if possible
3. What's your budget?
$1200 USD including tax... Have factored in higher parts cost in Australia. Budget is a little flexible if needed.
4. Where do you live?
Australia. Have easy access to B&M stores and discount parts shops
5. What exact parts do you need for that budget?
Case
Power supply
Motherboard
CPU
RAM
GPU
Cooling
SSD
HDD for storage... will 3.5" be too heavy?
6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing?
Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, monitors
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard?
Wifi and bluetooth required
2x USB 3.0 required
1 or 2 more USB 2 or 3 ports required
8. What resolution output do you need?
1080p x2 screens: Panasonic 1080p plasma (HDMI) + Samsung 27" 120Hz 3D 1080p LED (displayport or dual link DVI)
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive?
Needs to fit in carry-on luggage/backpack
No optical drive required
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have
Comfortable with modding but would prefer an unmodified or subtly modded case if possible, especially when explaining to airport security
Have metal snips, soldering iron, drills, screwdrivers
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem?
Not too important at full load when gaming (headphones), but would be nice if it's a reasonably tolerable level at idle
12. 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?
As small as possible
6.5kg/14.5lbs max weight
No handle required
13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, Windows 8 64bit license
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
3-5 weeks
Thanks
M1 v2 Build Log on page 2
=====================
Hi there,
I've recently discovered the world of SFF gaming on this forum which might mean I could finally end 8 years of Macbook Pro discrete graphics and Bootcamp misery!
I've seen a lot of great builds with the SG05 and other cases that look small and light enough to potentially carry-on inside a backpack. Is this even possible with airport security and modern cooling systems etc? I've had electronics stolen from checked bags before, so a little hesitant about checking it. It would have to weigh no more than about 6.5kg/14.5lbs so I could fit my laptop in there too. I live between a couple of states in Australia and take domestic flights a few times a year.
...anyhow, I'd love some advice from those more experienced
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
1. Gaming (BF4, Metro LL, Crysis 3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Grid 2, etc). Would love to be able to run these in Ultra/Very High at 1080p, but dropping the resolution down a bit is okay, as most of my gaming is done on a TV on the other side of the room
2. Dual boot with OSX Mountain Lion or Mavericks hackintosh
3. Windows 8 media centre (not a big priority though)
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Not immediately, but I'd like to experiment down the track if possible
3. What's your budget?
$1200 USD including tax... Have factored in higher parts cost in Australia. Budget is a little flexible if needed.
4. Where do you live?
Australia. Have easy access to B&M stores and discount parts shops
5. What exact parts do you need for that budget?
Case
Power supply
Motherboard
CPU
RAM
GPU
Cooling
SSD
HDD for storage... will 3.5" be too heavy?
6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing?
Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, monitors
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard?
Wifi and bluetooth required
2x USB 3.0 required
1 or 2 more USB 2 or 3 ports required
8. What resolution output do you need?
1080p x2 screens: Panasonic 1080p plasma (HDMI) + Samsung 27" 120Hz 3D 1080p LED (displayport or dual link DVI)
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive?
Needs to fit in carry-on luggage/backpack
No optical drive required
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have
Comfortable with modding but would prefer an unmodified or subtly modded case if possible, especially when explaining to airport security
Have metal snips, soldering iron, drills, screwdrivers
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem?
Not too important at full load when gaming (headphones), but would be nice if it's a reasonably tolerable level at idle
12. 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?
As small as possible
6.5kg/14.5lbs max weight
No handle required
13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, Windows 8 64bit license
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
3-5 weeks
Thanks
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