Hello, first time builder here. Hoping to build a fast everyday use PC that can also handle some moderate gaming (primarily Starcraft 2). Interested in SFF primarily because I might need to move via airplane soon and it's quite hard to move large computers that way.
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 yourank them from most important to least important).
Primarily web browsing, word processing, moderate gaming, and occasional media playback/light photo editing. This will be my family's main PC.
2. Will you be overclocking?
Not unless it's easy ^^
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?
Looking at $300, although parts that could last more than a few years/multiple builds can be a bit more expensive.
4. Where do you live?Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Yes, both of those and more!
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.
It depends...see #6 below.
For sure: case, mobo
Probably: CPU, RAM, PSU
Depending on integrated, GPU...integrated might be enough to get me by until I have more budget.
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.
I have a Dell Dimension e510 with a 305W PSU, a BTX mobo, a Pentium D processor, and 4 GB of DDR2 memory...these seem like they won't be particularly useful, but feel free to correct me.
I'll be bringing in at least one HDD from there and a Samsung 830 SSD from another. I'll probably also reuse the DVD/RW drive from the Dell if I can.
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.
Need - to be able to take full advantage of my SSD
Want - USB 3.0 (especially front ports)
Want - WiFi
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?
I would like to be able to go to 1920x1200 on one, and dual monitors at some point in the future.
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.
nah, no particular space, although as mentioned earlier I foresee the need to move via air with so it would be ideal if it was less than half a checked bag.
I'd like to have an ODD, but am open to not having it if there are significant cost or space savings.
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 screwdrivers and a drill, but would prefer not to make custom mods the first time around.
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
Ehh...not super important? but it will be in a bedroom, so it can't be an all-out jet.
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?
Not super mobile, weight and size are factors, but I'm moving with it, not taking it around all the time.
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
Mmm I think I only have an OEM Win7
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
In the next month.
I've been thinking something like the following:
i5-3570K - $170
Asrock h77m-ITX - $55 (after CPU combo deal)
Cooler Master Elite 120 - $50
Apevia 500W ATX PSU - $20 AR at newegg
Samsung 8GB (2x4GB) - $40
Total: $335before taxes
My main concerns with this are lack of Wifi and possible overheating issues due to the case (especially if I add a GPU later). I have been intrigued by the SG05...However, I'm a bit scared to get a smaller case, especially as a new builder. Any advice would be much appreciated!
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 yourank them from most important to least important).
Primarily web browsing, word processing, moderate gaming, and occasional media playback/light photo editing. This will be my family's main PC.
2. Will you be overclocking?
Not unless it's easy ^^
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?
Looking at $300, although parts that could last more than a few years/multiple builds can be a bit more expensive.
4. Where do you live?Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Yes, both of those and more!
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.
It depends...see #6 below.
For sure: case, mobo
Probably: CPU, RAM, PSU
Depending on integrated, GPU...integrated might be enough to get me by until I have more budget.
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.
I have a Dell Dimension e510 with a 305W PSU, a BTX mobo, a Pentium D processor, and 4 GB of DDR2 memory...these seem like they won't be particularly useful, but feel free to correct me.
I'll be bringing in at least one HDD from there and a Samsung 830 SSD from another. I'll probably also reuse the DVD/RW drive from the Dell if I can.
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.
Need - to be able to take full advantage of my SSD
Want - USB 3.0 (especially front ports)
Want - WiFi
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?
I would like to be able to go to 1920x1200 on one, and dual monitors at some point in the future.
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.
nah, no particular space, although as mentioned earlier I foresee the need to move via air with so it would be ideal if it was less than half a checked bag.
I'd like to have an ODD, but am open to not having it if there are significant cost or space savings.
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 screwdrivers and a drill, but would prefer not to make custom mods the first time around.
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
Ehh...not super important? but it will be in a bedroom, so it can't be an all-out jet.
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?
Not super mobile, weight and size are factors, but I'm moving with it, not taking it around all the time.
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
Mmm I think I only have an OEM Win7
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
In the next month.
I've been thinking something like the following:
i5-3570K - $170
Asrock h77m-ITX - $55 (after CPU combo deal)
Cooler Master Elite 120 - $50
Apevia 500W ATX PSU - $20 AR at newegg
Samsung 8GB (2x4GB) - $40
Total: $335before taxes
My main concerns with this are lack of Wifi and possible overheating issues due to the case (especially if I add a GPU later). I have been intrigued by the SG05...However, I'm a bit scared to get a smaller case, especially as a new builder. Any advice would be much appreciated!