Small Form Factor System Help/Feedback

Hey folks, I have decided to replace my old XPS 700 with a SFF…I’m looking for some guidance/recommendations from the group. Thanks in advance!

1. What will you be doing with this PC? - Going to replace a 5.5 year old XPS system. Use will be general multitasking while I study for my CCNA and MCP Certs, streaming of music and movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime and Youtube, gaming (BF3 if I can find the time). I do burn the occasional CD or DVD for family and friends. Eventually I will use the box for ESXi to virtualize a Windows and Linux.

2. Will you be overclocking? - NO

3. What's your budget? - $700
Are tax and shipping included in this budget? – NO
Is your budget flexible? – YES
Is cost a driving factor in component selection? – It’s a factor but more interested in functionality of components that aren't overkill for my needs now and the near future.

4. Where do you live? - Suburbs of Philadelphia PA
Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby - MircoCenter is 15 miles away.

5. What exact parts do you need for that budget?
CPU – leaning towards i5-3470
RAM – undecided on brand but want no less than 8Gbp, will get 16Gbps is a good deal is to be had
Mobo -
Storage – already have a few SSDs but need a 3.5” HD
PSU – leaning towards Corsair CX430M or CX500M but would really like to hear from folks who have SFF systems and their use of modular or non-modular PSUs.
Optical Drive

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.
Case – Cooler Master 120 Elite
GPU – GTX550Ti


7. 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.
Must fit an ITX case.
USB 3.0 – at least one onboard USB 3.0 header
Must support at least 16Gbps of RAM
SATA 3Gb & 6Gb – required
PCIe 3.0 x 16 – at least 1 required
IOMMU/VT-d – required
DVI & HMDI – required

8. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. – 1680 X 1050 minimum
Do you need multiple monitor output?- Yes I need multiple monitor output which is supported by video card and by the onboard graphics processor.

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. – Will be placed under a desk and I prefer to have the optical drive for now.

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 have no interest in doing custom case modifications.

11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? – Don’t care

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? – Don’t need it to be mobile (won’t be carrying it around) but do want a smaller system which I can place under a desk.

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 – Yes, 64 bit Windows 7 and Windows 8 Pro Upgrade

14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? – Within 30 days.

If you're going to MicroCenter, no doubt the i5-3570K or i3-3225 + mini-ITX motherboard $50 off package deal. Looks like the GA-Z77N-WIFI is available at your PA store.

(Edit) Nevermind, neither has VT-d