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So, it's been about 6 years since I've upgraded my computer, and it's about time. I'm very attracted to the idea of a small form factor machine and would love any suggestions you guys can provide, specifically relating to cases.
I'd like to do a new computer as small as possible, I'm a video game developer, and I'll be using this for work, and gaming, so my two major constraints is that it needs to be able to fit a full-size video card, and as much memory as possible, 32GB minimum, more preferred.
The memory requirements, and desire to run Intel seems to limit me to a Micro ATX MB, but I can't seem to find any Micro ATX compatible cases under 20-some liters, though it seems that they should be able to get a lot smaller.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
Gaming, Photoshop, Compiling, Maya, ZBrush, UE4, and likely many at the same time.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
No
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?
I'm aiming for about $2500, but flexible.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Seattle, WA, USA There is Fry's and the like, I'll likely be ordering most components online if possible.
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).
My plan is to do a full rebuild, so that should include: CPU, RAM, MB, Case, PSU, SSD, and GPU.
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.
No reuse plans
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.
Primary requirements are 32+ GB of ram. Would like at least 6 USB ports, hopefully 4 being USB 3.0. I'm considering using M.2 for storage, otherwise a single SATA 6GB/s port should be sufficient.
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?
I need to be able to drive at minimum 1 4K monitor, and 1 1920x1080 monitor, multiple 4K monitors would be preferable
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.
There is no strong space requirements, but beyond my hard requirements size is my next priority. I'd like to be able to ease transport of my complete system. I have no need of any optical drives, and intend to do bulk storage externally, so a single fast SSD should be all that's required.
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 fairly comfortable with most modification that would be required, but would like to keep the amount time spent on modifying cases too a minimum if possible.
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
Quieter is of course better, but this is not a significant priority so long as it doesn't sound like a server room.
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 important, but I'd choose against handles and straps. Weight isn't as important as size.
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, will likely be running 64-bit Windows 8
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Within the next couple of months with some flexibility
Thanks a ton for any suggestions!
I'd like to do a new computer as small as possible, I'm a video game developer, and I'll be using this for work, and gaming, so my two major constraints is that it needs to be able to fit a full-size video card, and as much memory as possible, 32GB minimum, more preferred.
The memory requirements, and desire to run Intel seems to limit me to a Micro ATX MB, but I can't seem to find any Micro ATX compatible cases under 20-some liters, though it seems that they should be able to get a lot smaller.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
Gaming, Photoshop, Compiling, Maya, ZBrush, UE4, and likely many at the same time.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
No
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?
I'm aiming for about $2500, but flexible.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Seattle, WA, USA There is Fry's and the like, I'll likely be ordering most components online if possible.
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).
My plan is to do a full rebuild, so that should include: CPU, RAM, MB, Case, PSU, SSD, and GPU.
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.
No reuse plans
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.
Primary requirements are 32+ GB of ram. Would like at least 6 USB ports, hopefully 4 being USB 3.0. I'm considering using M.2 for storage, otherwise a single SATA 6GB/s port should be sufficient.
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?
I need to be able to drive at minimum 1 4K monitor, and 1 1920x1080 monitor, multiple 4K monitors would be preferable
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.
There is no strong space requirements, but beyond my hard requirements size is my next priority. I'd like to be able to ease transport of my complete system. I have no need of any optical drives, and intend to do bulk storage externally, so a single fast SSD should be all that's required.
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 fairly comfortable with most modification that would be required, but would like to keep the amount time spent on modifying cases too a minimum if possible.
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
Quieter is of course better, but this is not a significant priority so long as it doesn't sound like a server room.
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 important, but I'd choose against handles and straps. Weight isn't as important as size.
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, will likely be running 64-bit Windows 8
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Within the next couple of months with some flexibility
Thanks a ton for any suggestions!
