VanGoghComplex
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2016
- Messages
- 2,286
Hey guys! Posting to get some ideas for a new SFF build for my wife. Her Mac Mini is getting dated and it wasn't a powerhouse to begin with. I'm comfortable with building PCs, I just don't know the SFF market or considerations very well. Thanks for your time!
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
My wife is an artist, and paints digitally using a tablet. She primarily uses Photoshop, and Corel Painter (I think), and tends to have roughly a billion tabs open for references/etc. She doesn't game on her computer, but I'd like it to be an option for her, so I'm thinking a GPU along the lines of a 1050/1060.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
I'm not going to overclock it, but I am looking to watercool it for the sake of silence. I'm figuring the rule of thumb minimum of two 120mm rads for CPU + GPU. I may not be watercooling the GPU initially, depending on block availability.
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Budget isn't a huge concern, but I do want to be cost efficient. Eg: no overclocking, no need for K-sku or Z270 chipset, for instance.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I don't have retail access to... almost anything, really. Biggest city in Kansas is still a city in Kansas, I guess. XD
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
CPU, RAM, case, motherboard (mini-ITX), one 2.5" and one M.2 SSD, GPU (might just use a 750ti I've got lying around at first), PSU, DDC water pump, reservoir (5.25" bay type is possible) For now, I don't plan on any 3.5" drives, but room for one would be nice if she needs it.
6. 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.
Got a 750ti, the Gigabyte low-profile version, and a load of hardline fittings. Most everything else will be new.
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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 primary considerations are size (small) and silence. This is going to be replacing a Mac Mini, so it will almost certainly beat the snot out of what she's got performance-wise.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
2 monitors at 1080p.
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
No ODD necessary; we'll use an external when it's needed. As for space, she's got a small corner desk. This won't compete with the sandwich-esque dimensions of her Mini, so as small as we can get it would be ideal.
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm a DIY hobbyist and electrical engineer by trade. Comfortable with soldering and sheet metal work.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
I want it quiet. Her Mac Mini is awful with it's little blower fan.
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?
Mobility is not a huge concern.
13. 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
Nope, will be buying a new copy of Win10 home.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Over the next few months. I'd like to give it to her for her birthday in October.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
My wife is an artist, and paints digitally using a tablet. She primarily uses Photoshop, and Corel Painter (I think), and tends to have roughly a billion tabs open for references/etc. She doesn't game on her computer, but I'd like it to be an option for her, so I'm thinking a GPU along the lines of a 1050/1060.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
I'm not going to overclock it, but I am looking to watercool it for the sake of silence. I'm figuring the rule of thumb minimum of two 120mm rads for CPU + GPU. I may not be watercooling the GPU initially, depending on block availability.
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Budget isn't a huge concern, but I do want to be cost efficient. Eg: no overclocking, no need for K-sku or Z270 chipset, for instance.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I don't have retail access to... almost anything, really. Biggest city in Kansas is still a city in Kansas, I guess. XD
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
CPU, RAM, case, motherboard (mini-ITX), one 2.5" and one M.2 SSD, GPU (might just use a 750ti I've got lying around at first), PSU, DDC water pump, reservoir (5.25" bay type is possible) For now, I don't plan on any 3.5" drives, but room for one would be nice if she needs it.
6. 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.
Got a 750ti, the Gigabyte low-profile version, and a load of hardline fittings. Most everything else will be new.
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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 primary considerations are size (small) and silence. This is going to be replacing a Mac Mini, so it will almost certainly beat the snot out of what she's got performance-wise.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
2 monitors at 1080p.
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
No ODD necessary; we'll use an external when it's needed. As for space, she's got a small corner desk. This won't compete with the sandwich-esque dimensions of her Mini, so as small as we can get it would be ideal.
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm a DIY hobbyist and electrical engineer by trade. Comfortable with soldering and sheet metal work.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
I want it quiet. Her Mac Mini is awful with it's little blower fan.
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?
Mobility is not a huge concern.
13. 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
Nope, will be buying a new copy of Win10 home.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Over the next few months. I'd like to give it to her for her birthday in October.