Looking for input on proposed build.

Ok, so a bit about this build. I am really wanting to replace my current build with something a bit more mobile. I am wanting this build to be a powerful little computer, and basically a mini powerhouse.

The only thing that is absolutely must have is a 980ti, and a CPU that is somewhat future-proof.

Goal for the build is a long life, SFF gaming rig that is somewhat portable.



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, Browsing, and work.

2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)

Possibly, but OC is not going to be a primary concern. If I watercool, it will be a closed loop system.

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?

Total budget would be ~$2000. This does not mean I absolutely HAVE to spent 2k, but if push comes to shove that will be the point my wife might murder me.

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 live in a desolate wasteland where the closest Best Buy is 1hr away. There is a Microcenter about 6 hrs away in Dallas that I can drive to if I am already headed that direction.

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).

Literally everything, and that is why my budget is fairly high. I may salvage an SSD and 3.5 drive from current full-size build, but not likely. If the 3.5" drive wont fit, I am not opposed to going with smaller drives.

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.

NADA, 100% fresh build.

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.

Nothing "special" per se, but I think I would prefer to go with something high-end like the ROG boards.

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?

1080p dual monitors. I think they are 24"

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.

Not particularly, I just travel fairly frequently, and am tired of having to choose between no gaming on the road, or lugging my full tower around.

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 can mod if need be, but would prefer that I don't have to.

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

Most people tend to enjoy quiet systems, but this is one category that doesn't matter to me whatsoever.

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?

Mobile enough to where I can travel with it.

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

Windows 7 64, but may finally do the upgrade to 8... but probably not

14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?

I would like to accomplish this build by the end of the calendar year.

I guess I should've stated that this is my first time ever doing SFF, and I have no clue what cases are good, bad, easy to work in, etc. The last time I was in Microcenter I was looking at a few of the SFF cases, and many felt extremely fragile and cheap. Are there any cases out there that are somewhat sturdy, and look decent? I really like the look of the Ncase M1, but without getting a hands on with it it is hard to know what it is like.

jssaylor2007 said:

I guess I should've stated that this is my first time ever doing SFF, and I have no clue what cases are good, bad, easy to work in, etc. The last time I was in Microcenter I was looking at a few of the SFF cases, and many felt extremely fragile and cheap. Are there any cases out there that are somewhat sturdy, and look decent? I really like the look of the Ncase M1, but without getting a hands on with it it is hard to know what it is like.

Click to expand...

for a 980ti and small? SG08

I was in the same boat when I was looking for a case for my build last year. Most of the cases from Microcenter felt flimsy and plastic, even the premium cases from Corsair or Fractal Design. I had my eyes on the SG07/SG08 too, their fit and finish are left to be desired.

I decided to give the M1 a jump of faith because of all the pictures floating around on this forum, despite not being able to feel it in my hands. I was absolutely ecstatic when I first unboxed the M1. The build quality was way beyond what I was expecting. It felt so light, and so small in person. This case absolutely has a premium feel to it. Way beyond the plastic crap from other major case manufacturers IMO. This by far the best and most satisfying case I have owned.

@deanx0r im totally suspicious because i only like cubes but i agree the M1 quality is way over the sg08 and other offerings

@deanx0r after reading your post I just submitted an NCase order. Its funny because I have been mulling it over for a few weeks now, and reading that prompted my action. Now I have to decide whether to wait out Intel's next announcement hoping for a new quad-core, or just go ahead and grab a 4790.

Funny thing: I wasn't planning on a new build last year, but I have been lusting over the M1 for a while and kicked myself after I missed the first pre-order, so I picked the v2 as soon as it became available. After receiving it, it sat there on my desk for a few weeks, empty. My plan for it was Skylake, next-gen 14/16nm GPU... all planned for 2015ish. I just couldnt stop glossing over it, that thing was just screaming at me to be built. It only took a few weeks of me looking at it to weaken my will haha.

I have shown the case to a few friends and two of them ended up picking it up. I really love this case. Its rarity and the fact that it spawned from a crowdfunded project makes me even ore eager to support it.

Well I wonder how long the preorder process takes? I'm apparently on a pre-order for the v4 M1. I guess it'll force me to not spend too much money right now, and wait a bit to see what Intel will announce.

I'm in the same boat with respect to the M1. I have it on order and don't want to get any guts until I'm pretty sure it is on the way to me, which I understand shipping starts on the 15th.

I did opt for a Noctua NH-C14 cooler because it seems to be getting good results with M1 owners even compared to some AIO water cooling options. Probably the best thing to do is wait a couple of weeks and see if prices on your components come down a bit or if newer options become available.

Things to watch:

New Corsair and Silverstone PSU options. I don't think this will happen in the next couple weeks, but still, keep an eye on it.
Price pressure on video cards. New cards were recently released; it may have some downward pressure on older cards. I'm probably going with some kind of 970 variant.
Start thinking about cables. It seems like people that work with M1s really spend a lot of time with cable management.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Good luck!

Cable management scares the crap out of me with this build. The main reason is because I have never HAD to do cable management, and my builds have always been bigger is better, but now with this build, cable management will be required, and I live a pretty large distance from anywhere that might have cables to buy. Basically I will be needing to figure out what low profile cables I need well in advance, or my build will progress very slowly while waiting on cables to come in.