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Asking for SFF system help?

S

splash

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 16, 2008
Messages
161
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). 90% of the time is Web Browsing/Email the other 10% Quickens / MS Office / Burning DVD's. I don't play games on the PC anymore. That is what the Xbox if for.

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?Budget is flexible. Want to spend wisely but not a deal breaker

4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?Fry's about 20 miles away along with Best Buy's

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).Starting from the beginning again I do have a pair of WD Black 640GB drives and a external Seagate 2 TB USB2 connection I can hook up. I thought about buyig a 2 bay to house the 2 WD Black drives. So I need Case CPU RAM MOBO cables Power Supply. OH and I have a external DVD/CD drive that is a USB2 connection for burning disks and loading software

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.Listed under #5

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.RAID for my data drives (WD Black 640 GB drives) at least 1 USB 3.0. I thought I could hook a USB 3.0 hub to that and run multiple external drives from the hub. HONESTLY NOTHING IS REQUIRED. i'M TRYING TO UPDATE TECH FROM A 6 YEAR OLD MACHINE THAT IS STARTING TO HAVE ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE SMALLER THEN MY MID TOWER I HAVE NOW. MAYBE LESS NOISE. OH REQUIRED I WANT MY OS TO SET ON A SSD AND EVERYTHING IN DATA DRIVESRequired **WIFI** In case I move this PC away from the cable modem/router

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 have a 24" monitor that is 1920x1200

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.I have beed reading a little about NUC systems and that would be nice to mount VESA to the back of my monitor. But really want to get away from the Mid Tower I have now. So NUC is not a requirement

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 put together my last 2 computers but I'm not a handyman so building from a kit is doable. But from scratch I'm not into.

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 better. I will not be gaming

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?System will not be moved around. I have a desk. I just want to reduce footprint.

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 WIN7 Enterprise 64bit

14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years? I would like to do this around the Black Friday time frame when computer parts are at their lowest

Thank you to anyone that takes time out of their day to help me. About every 6-8 years I try to "catch up" with tech knowledge to make a educated buy/build BUT then I forget it all next time I have to buy another PC. Thanks for your help!
__________________
CHIP: Intel Core2 Quad Q6700 2.66Ghz Socket 775
 
NUC or not-NUC changes everything about the requirements. Is your criteria regarding this about the budget, or about fitting your 3.5" drives?

If not-NUC, then would you prefer cases that have a small footprint, but maybe taller? Or prefer case like a cube/shoebox type shape, i.e. longer footprint but not so tall? Are you the type of person that puts stuff on the top of your PC?
 
If you can swing it, I'd strongly recommend a NUC, although you'll have to forget about using those 3.5" drives.

I've used this NUC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...02062&cm_re=DN2820FYKH-_-56-102-062-_-Product) in two builds so far (for other people) and they both absolutely love it. They both use it for general computing (web browsing, media consumption, general software) and it's more than fast enough for those uses. It comes with a wifi/bluetooth mPCI-E card, all you have to do is add RAM (204-pin) and a 2.5" hard drive of your choice, and install Windows off a USB drive or an external optical drive.

Altogether, I built 2 for under $350 each with all the parts necessary, including 128GB SSD's. It's probably the best price-peformance-size ratio system you'll find on the market right now.
 
It's about reducing footprint and stuffing at least 2 hard drives, I'd probably use a Lian Li PC-QQ11 and go from there.
 
SRTie4k said:
If you can swing it, I'd strongly recommend a NUC, although you'll have to forget about using those 3.5" drives.

I've used this NUC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...02062&cm_re=DN2820FYKH-_-56-102-062-_-Product) in two builds so far (for other people) and they both absolutely love it. They both use it for general computing (web browsing, media consumption, general software) and it's more than fast enough for those uses. It comes with a wifi/bluetooth mPCI-E card, all you have to do is add RAM (204-pin) and a 2.5" hard drive of your choice, and install Windows off a USB drive or an external optical drive.

Altogether, I built 2 for under $350 each with all the parts necessary, including 128GB SSD's. It's probably the best price-peformance-size ratio system you'll find on the market right now.
Click to expand...

Sorry I wasn't clear on my use of the 2 WDN Black 840GB drives. I want to get a 2 bay enclosure and RAID the 2 drives to store important documents family pictures and a good OS image backup of the complete install. I will connect a second external 4 TB drives for less important data and torrents, etc.. My many goal is to get away from the mid tower sitting on the floor under the desk "look".
 
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