[Help] SFF Dilemma

[uhohzitzcooky]

Hello everybody. I'm hoping to get some opinions and recommendations on what to do.

Parts I already have:
Core i7 940
Intel 160GB SSD
GTX 275

This will be my first SFF build and I'm currently trying to figure out which is the best route to go.

Option 1 - Shuttle SX58J3 Barebone

or

Option 2 - Sell the i7 for roughly $150-200, and pick up the following:
i5 750
Gigabyte H55N-USB3
Silverstone SG-07

Some concerns I have for the Shuttle are:
- The reliability of PSU/Mobo
- Lack of USB 3.0 support on the Shuttle PC
- I will upgrade GPUs soon - either the 5870, or a next iteration. I want to make sure the PSU will support it.

Not a real heavy user: some minor photoshop, video editting, and gaming. Currently using a 24" monitor @ 1920x1200. Considering going to a Dell U2711.

So that's what I'm facing. Is it worth the extra effort to go with option 2?

thank for any help and suggestions!

 

[bastage]

what do you ahve for memory now? already have a triple channel kit?

 

[uhohzitzcooky]

I haven't purchased the memory yet - and that is actually another factor as to why i'm leaning more towards option 2 as long as I find 4 GBs sufficient.

 

[bastage]

then I would say go ahead & sell off what you got.. & Build from scratch.. You may also want to consider an AMD build though using the Asus mITX & a Phenom II x4 (or x6 if you can find a 95w one).

 

[uhohzitzcooky]

hmm, I haven't considered an AMD chip. I suppose I could look into it. Haven't been able to find an x6 95w though I do see it on their website being the HDT55TWFGRBOX. Hopefully the release date on it is soon.

 

[Infineon]

An i5 should be plenty and would likely use less power than an X6 (even a 95w model). I currently have an i7 860, and even w/ HT disabled (basically an i5 760 @ this point) it's plenty fast for everything (games, encoding, etc).

The H55N-USB3 is pretty much the best ITX LGA1156 board there is, unless you want a P55 board, in which case DFI has one (although I'd probably get the GB)

 

[bastage]

hmm, I haven't considered an AMD chip. I suppose I could look into it. Haven't been able to find an x6 95w though I do see it on their website being the HDT55TWFGRBOX. Hopefully the release date on it is soon.

Tiger Direct has the 1055t 95w listed.