Downsizing

[hilljd00]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking to downsize my case to a SFF case but not massively smaller. My current case is a Fractal Design R3 in black.

I've noticed a huge shift in computer cases over the last couple of years. They have become very advanced and have in general become smaller. So my aim/hope is to downsize my case to a SFF but keep it functional.

If possible, I want to keep to my current spec to avoid increasing costs.

CPU: Inel i7 3820
M/B: MSI X79A-GD45 (8D)
RAM: 16GB DDR3
GFX: GeForce GTX 570
HDD: 1x 256GB SSD, 1x 3.5 2TB
PSU: I will confirm later.


I need two hard drives; my SSD and my 2TB. The rest of my storage/backups are located on a home server and online.

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).

- University work; graphics, video rendering, coding
- Running my business
- Plex/XBMC
- Internet
- Gaming

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

No, unless done automatic. I have a Corsair H80 cooling my CPU at the moment.

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?

No budget, UK resident.

4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?

Above.

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 current spec expect for a change of case and mobo.

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.

Above

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.

1-4x USB 3.0 required
2x SATA 6Gb/s required

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?

Two 1080P screens

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.

Yes, 1x blueray/dvd/cd burner. Either size

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...)?

Lost the use of my left arm... So none of the above but I can get stuff done.

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.

Quite/silent would be great!

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?

It doesn't. I'm looking at standalone and rack mounted cases

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 and Win7 64 bit, no issues

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

Next month

 

[vipz]

If you want to stick with the 3820 and go SFF, you're limited to micro ATX, and you have a tiny selection of X79 MATX motherboards to choose from. Given the age of the chipset and expected arrival of X99/Haswell-E towards the end of the year, I'm not sure that's a good idea.

What do you plan on doing with the existing motherboard and case? Would you consider replacing the CPU? You could go a lot smaller with mini ITX. You might need to replace the RAM also, assuming you're currently running 4x4GB.

Another option would be the Shuttle SX79R5 - it's by far the smallest X79 barebone but has a proprietary motherboard and power supply.

 

[D4rkn3ss]

Lian Li PC-A05B

 

[Woxys]

Well from my point of view you have 2 choices:
- if you want to keep all the current hardware 1 option it's Josbo W2 (42L vs R3 47L)
- if you want mATX you have Air240[33L](own it and i am very satisfied), ProdgyM[36L] and Silverstone KL06B[32L]
You can still find some decent x79 mATX boards out there. You can go with Silverstone if i don't care that much on aesthetics/hide the pc somewhere or you can go with Corsair if you want to always feast by looking at you damm gorgeous pc.
Those are not really SFF but i just want to give you a friendly advice.