I'm building a non-gaming SFF system that I'll be using as I travel the country. I've ordered an M1 case from NCASE, so I'm hoping you guys can suggest the best components for use in that case. These are my answers to the list of questions in the sticky post:
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).
Prioritized as 1, 2, & 3:
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?
Including tax and shipping, my budget is about $2000K, but its flexible. The most important factor in component selection is performance. Cost is secondary.
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 the San Francisco Bay Area in California, so I have access to brick and mortar chains.
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).
Im planning to use an M1 case from NCASE, unless it turns out this is a poor choice for my needs. Ill need components that will work with that case:
A powerful CPU, RAM, motherboard, SSD for OS, HDD for data, power supply, appropriate fans. Optical drive (slim)
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 reused parts.
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.
At least a couple USB 3.0. *required*
HDMI output *required*
integrated wireless. * required*
ethernet *wanted*
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?
If I can get 2 monitor output, that would be perfect. 1080p playback would be nice, but not required. I assume I can get this with integrated graphics?
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.
It needs to fit in carry on as I travel. This is why I got the M1 case. Id really like an internal optical drive, which is another reason I went with M1. If it ends up being untenable, I can make do with an external drive.
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...)?
Not comfortable at all.
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
Noise level not important, within reason. I'll be using the system in an office.
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?
Mobility is very important. Ill be taking it as carry on for trips at least 3-4 times year. Weight and dimensions should fit within these constraints. The M1 carry bag looks perfect.
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 legit version of Windows 8.1
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
As soon as my M1 case arrives in 6-8 weeks.
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).
Prioritized as 1, 2, & 3:
1. Primarily for software development. Mostly running bloated MS products like Visual Studio, SQL Server, but also web servers (Apache, IIS). Ill mostly be running compilers and debugging code
1. Ill be taking the PC on the road pretty regularly, so durability and weight are also concerns.
2. Would like to be able to use multiple monitors
2. Occasional need for running Photoshop and other Adobe Products
3. Less occasional use as HTPC, though this is a very low priority
Im planning to install the OS on an SSD and use HDD for all other data. I will not be using it for gaming.1. Ill be taking the PC on the road pretty regularly, so durability and weight are also concerns.
2. Would like to be able to use multiple monitors
2. Occasional need for running Photoshop and other Adobe Products
3. Less occasional use as HTPC, though this is a very low priority
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?
Including tax and shipping, my budget is about $2000K, but its flexible. The most important factor in component selection is performance. Cost is secondary.
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 the San Francisco Bay Area in California, so I have access to brick and mortar chains.
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).
Im planning to use an M1 case from NCASE, unless it turns out this is a poor choice for my needs. Ill need components that will work with that case:
A powerful CPU, RAM, motherboard, SSD for OS, HDD for data, power supply, appropriate fans. Optical drive (slim)
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 reused parts.
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.
At least a couple USB 3.0. *required*
HDMI output *required*
integrated wireless. * required*
ethernet *wanted*
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?
If I can get 2 monitor output, that would be perfect. 1080p playback would be nice, but not required. I assume I can get this with integrated graphics?
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.
It needs to fit in carry on as I travel. This is why I got the M1 case. Id really like an internal optical drive, which is another reason I went with M1. If it ends up being untenable, I can make do with an external drive.
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...)?
Not comfortable at all.
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
Noise level not important, within reason. I'll be using the system in an office.
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?
Mobility is very important. Ill be taking it as carry on for trips at least 3-4 times year. Weight and dimensions should fit within these constraints. The M1 carry bag looks perfect.
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 legit version of Windows 8.1
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
As soon as my M1 case arrives in 6-8 weeks.