noleafclover614
n00b
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2013
- Messages
- 12
Hi guys, new to this forum but lurking through the threads I see lots of good information here. I'm looking for some advice on my very first SFF build that I want to get going soon. Below are the answers to the standard questions. Let me know if there are any suggestions with regard to components! My main concern moving forward is power consumption, since I don't know how well the stock 90W PSU will handle. I also don't plan on using an external GPU, so I'd most likely rely on the graphics from the processor. Thanks in advance
--M@
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
This PC will serve both as a file server for streaming PLEX content to my Roku Box wirelessly and as an overall light use PC. The only game I really play is StarCraft II so if I can squeeze decent performance out of that I'd be happy. Other than that I don't plan on using the machine for much else other than occasional office work and streaming content.
2. Will you be overclocking? No plans to do this
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?
My budget is around $550. I don't want to go much higher than this, if at all possible.
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 am in NY, and a quick Google search says that a Microcenter is about 20 minutes from me.
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.
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 re-used parts other than USB peripherals
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.
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. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Will be hooked up to a 1080p computer monitor.
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.
My plan is to mount the Antec ISK 110 case to the back of my monitor with the included VESA mount. This is not a requirement though. I could just as easily sit it on the desk next to my monitor.
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 small screwdrivers but that's about it. I have not ever done any case modding or advanced design changes to systems.
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
As quiet as possible is preferred.
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?
This doesn't need to be mobile.
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
I have a Windows 8 64bit license and installation media ready to go.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I plan to build this in the next 2-3 months.
--M@
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
This PC will serve both as a file server for streaming PLEX content to my Roku Box wirelessly and as an overall light use PC. The only game I really play is StarCraft II so if I can squeeze decent performance out of that I'd be happy. Other than that I don't plan on using the machine for much else other than occasional office work and streaming content.
2. Will you be overclocking? No plans to do this
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?
My budget is around $550. I don't want to go much higher than this, if at all possible.
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 am in NY, and a quick Google search says that a Microcenter is about 20 minutes from me.
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.
- Case (I have my heart set on the Antec ISK 110)
- PSU (?)
- RAM
- CPU
- Hard 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.
No re-used parts other than USB peripherals
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.
Required:
- Wireless ready
- Onboard video, since I don't plan on adding an external GPU
- Support for 2 sticks of DDR3 1600 RAM
- Size is important - as stated above I'd like this to fit in an Antec ISK 110
8. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Will be hooked up to a 1080p computer monitor.
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.
My plan is to mount the Antec ISK 110 case to the back of my monitor with the included VESA mount. This is not a requirement though. I could just as easily sit it on the desk next to my monitor.
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 small screwdrivers but that's about it. I have not ever done any case modding or advanced design changes to systems.
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
As quiet as possible is preferred.
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?
This doesn't need to be mobile.
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
I have a Windows 8 64bit license and installation media ready to go.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I plan to build this in the next 2-3 months.