Moving into a SFF Case

[Dark2Light2]

So, in a time period of about 2004-2006 I built a desktop that did fine for what I wanted to do, however its starting to look like maybe its time for some upgrades.

Firstly, let me say that I'd like to upgrade in order of the best performance increase at the period of installation.

Here are my current specifications:

AMD 3500+
1.5 GB of Corsair value ram
500GB 7200 RPM Seagate HDD
DVDRW/CDRW Drive
450W Xclio PSU
EVGA 7800GT
Coolermaster Case, not sure on model but I hate it.
22 Inch LG Monitor

Anyways, I want to upgrade to an SFF setup.

I was just wondering what order you would upgrade in?

I am looking at the Q6600, Shuttle SFF case, 8800GTS 640MB

What would you guys do? For price vs. performance

 

[phokur]

Well first how set are you on a shuttle/how skilled are you at case modding? You'll have to hack out the side of the shuttle to fit the 8800gts. Also I'd be worried about high temps in the shuttle with that mod and a Q6600. And lastly, the shuttles tend to have tiny PSUs. Dunno if it will run everything you want it to run. If you're up to it, Magnum G.I. is running a setup you may be interested in. He also says all is good so far with what he's doing.

If you decide to go to another SFF case, there are many good build threads on here. This for example is a good way to go. Search around and see what you think, also try Sudhian if you can't find what you want here.

 

[Skott]

Personally, I'm not a Shuttle fan. If it were me I'd get a SG03 for that Q6600 but thats just my own opinion. Might be an option for you if you decide against a shuttle. SG03 with two 120mm fans and the NT06-Lite heatsink.

Edit: The SG03 will hold atx psu and any nVidia or ATI video card.

 

[Dark2Light2]

well im not really set on shuttle, the name just stuck out.

im up for suggestions though.

i wanted to dabble with watercooling, but it might be more of a pain then anything.

 

[Skott]

Well, like I suggested the SG03 because the Q6600 runs pretty hot for a cpu. The SG03 holds two 120mm in front and then you can add the NT06-Lite heatsink. Some people mod a little fan on the NT06-Lite and most get a atx psu that can be situated in a way for the psu fan to help out the NT06-Lite. That would be my choice for the cheapest solution.

Best (and most expensive) solution is a Qmicra SFF case but they are expensive at $300. The Qmicra is the best SFF case on the market though. 120mm fans throughout and can hold any card, psu, and the bigger HSF. Plus it's designed for watercooling as well.

I've heard some people talking about possibly adding watercooling to the SG03 but not sure if anyone has done it yet. I know its been discussed some here on HF. Watercooling or not the best reasonably priced solution is the SG03 IMHO. The Q6600 will run in other SFF cases but I just think the SG03 has the better cooling options for its hotter temps. Particularly if you want to OC the Q6600.

 

[Dodger02WS6]

Well, depends on how you use your system. I've run a couple different Shuttle PC for several years with no problems at all. If you basically spec out a build, build it, tweak it, and then just use it for a few years without playing around inside, a Shuttle is an excellent choice. However, if you like to tinker between major overhauls, it might not be a good choice, a mAtx SFF would be better.

Shuttle has 1 G33 socket 775 system on the market right now that can handle a q6600, but it's a G chassis, you'd have to cut the side case to allow a double slot video card install. Lot's of people have done it and it works fine. At the end of the month, Shuttle is releasing a p35 chipset based SFF in the slightly larger P2 Chassis. The P2 will fit a double slot video card w/o major mods but you will lose your only PCI slot. If you like X-Fi or any other PCI sound card, you'll have to give it up. On the other hand, it will have onboard HD audio and if thats good enough for you, then waiting for the SP35P2 might be an option.

Several things to note: Shuttle SFF's are smaller than any mAtx you can build, and Shuttle PSU's have a reputation for powering anything you can fit in the case. I personally run a Shuttle SN25P w/ AMD X2 4800 CPU, 2gb OCZ DDR 3200, EVGA 7900 GTX, 2 Seagate 500gb SATA2 HD's, a BenQ 16x DVD-RW w/lightscribe and a Floppy all off its internal 350 watt PSU. I know hundreds more over on SFFTech that do the same.

The new P2 chassis is an evolution of the P chassis and comes with a 400 watt PSU, it'll handle far more than "less informed" people think it will with NO issues. On the other hand, here I am telling you how great it is, and you'll get a lemon and I'll be eating crow... As always, YMMV, but Check out SFFTech for a whole community of Shuttle users.

And for the record, for my latest build, I went with whats in my sig, you can't go wrong with an SG03 either

 

[PMildren]

I found this thread from a googling of q6600 and 8800gts, because this is the build I am also dealing with. So here is my question, what is a good motherboard to go with the above and in a sff? I am trying to keep costs to a minimum and wont be overclocking the system. I just want a stable, semi cool case and motherboard.

 

[vertigomhs]

I found this thread from a googling of q6600 and 8800gts, because this is the build I am also dealing with. So here is my question, what is a good motherboard to go with the above and in a sff? I am trying to keep costs to a minimum and wont be overclocking the system. I just want a stable, semi cool case and motherboard.

make a thread so more people can see your queston.

 

[Drakan290]

I'd say go with this mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128053
And a SG03 or MicroFly or QPack case.

 

[AVT]

Newer shuttles will accept 2, even 3-slot-wide video cards without any modifications. Just don't get one with an AC Accelero on it unless you want to do mods.

 

[Freezebyte]

Your definently not going to get a good price/performance ratio if you go Shuttle. Better to build your own, and I would avoid watercooling until your more familiar with building SFF systems and not do it on your first one or your gonna get fustrated pretty quick.

I would up the videocard to a 4850 as it will do better vs the 8800GTS.

 

[PMildren]

Your definently not going to get a good price/performance ratio if you go Shuttle. Better to build your own, and I would avoid watercooling until your more familiar with building SFF systems and not do it on your first one or your gonna get fustrated pretty quick.

I would up the videocard to a 4850 as it will do better vs the 8800GTS.

While I would love to get a new case, motherboard and graphics card after having already talked my wife into cutting loose the purse strings enough to get a new CPU, PSU, RAM and motherboard earlier this year, I just dont see adding a video card on to the list. This is the reason why I specifically listed just a case and vid card. But thanks for the heads up for next year or the year after.

And I think I am going to start a new thread. Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[AVT]

Your definently not going to get a good price/performance ratio if you go Shuttle. Better to build your own, and I would avoid watercooling until your more familiar with building SFF systems and not do it on your first one or your gonna get fustrated pretty quick.

I would up the videocard to a 4850 as it will do better vs the 8800GTS.

Uh, what?

I got my P35 Shuttle for $200.99 on Newegg.

That's cheaper than buying non-SFF components separately.

 

[Freezebyte]

Uh, what?

I got my P35 Shuttle for $200.99 on Newegg.

That's cheaper than buying non-SFF components separately.

It depends on where,when and what in regard to Shuttle if its cost effective or not. Try building a new Shuttle on the x58 platform and tell me thats cost effective