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I'm looking to build a new computer, and I haven't been deep into the hardware review scene in quite a while, so I figured I'd ask for some advice.
Some notes to mention. I have very, very limited desk space, so the case needs to have an incredibly small footprint. Small enough to put the computer behind the monitor even. Just imagine I have about as much desktop space as a laptop with a mouse would require.
Also, putting the case on the floor is out of the question. I have a dog that sheds, a lot, and I don't want a hairball the size of my CPU cooler stuck in my case.
Just to get some details out of the way, I'll repost the questions from the sticky in this forum.
Now to the meat of the matter, and what I actually need advice on.
I really want an APU. If I get an upper end one, I wouldn't have to worry about graphics on lower settings, and for the cost they are quite nice compared to other integrated solutions. The problem is that there's only 1 ITX FM1 socket motherboard currently on Newegg (ASRock A75M-ITX), and while there are a few other boards I could find (Asus F1A75-I Deluxe, Gigabyte A75N-USB3, Zotac A75-ITX WiFi), they aren't easily available, so I wanted to ask for everyone's opinions before I jumped any guns.
The ASRock one is definitely more affordable, but it has very mixed reviews on Newegg. Does anyone have any opinions of the board here, or any of the other boards, for that fact? I didn't want to spend too much money on an FM1 board as I may be upgrading to an FM2 board by years end. I'd just hold out upgrading until then, but I don't really want to.
The setup I'm aiming for is probably the following.
<Motherboard>
<Ram that's compatible with motherboard>
Lian Li PC-Q12
Crucial 128gb M4 SATA III SDD
AMD A8-3870K
And I'd be open to other case suggestions, but I like how small the Q12 is, and I doubt I'll ever use an expansion slot, especially if I upgrade to FM2.
Sorry for the disjointed post!
Thanks.
Some notes to mention. I have very, very limited desk space, so the case needs to have an incredibly small footprint. Small enough to put the computer behind the monitor even. Just imagine I have about as much desktop space as a laptop with a mouse would require.
Also, putting the case on the floor is out of the question. I have a dog that sheds, a lot, and I don't want a hairball the size of my CPU cooler stuck in my case.Just to get some details out of the way, I'll repost the questions from the sticky in this forum.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, 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). Light gaming and web browsing, in that order. I've never been one to demand high quality graphics. I just want something that will run smooth on some setting.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection? Budget is probably in the 500-700 range, no more.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)? I have absolutely no physical stores around me. Newegg is probably where 99% of my hardware will come from.
4. 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. CPU, case, ram, power supply, HDD, motherboard, and better CPU cooler, possibly.
5. 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. Not reusing any parts. Been using a laptop and all my desktop hardware is ancient.
6. 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. Must be FM1. Must be mini ITX. Would prefer USB 3.0. Would prefer SATA 6Gb/s.
7. 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? Don't require any of these specifics. I'm flexible.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. As stated above, it needs to have a very small footprint. Smaller than most shoebox/desktop cube cases. Preferably something very skinny.
9. 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. Would rather not touch the case.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care. Don't care. Would rather it stay cool than be quiet.
11. 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? Probably will never move, honestly.
12. 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. Windows Vista Ultimate. It ain't 7, but give me a break, I'm on a budget.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years? At least in the next few months, depending on the availability of parts.
Now to the meat of the matter, and what I actually need advice on.
I really want an APU. If I get an upper end one, I wouldn't have to worry about graphics on lower settings, and for the cost they are quite nice compared to other integrated solutions. The problem is that there's only 1 ITX FM1 socket motherboard currently on Newegg (ASRock A75M-ITX), and while there are a few other boards I could find (Asus F1A75-I Deluxe, Gigabyte A75N-USB3, Zotac A75-ITX WiFi), they aren't easily available, so I wanted to ask for everyone's opinions before I jumped any guns.
The ASRock one is definitely more affordable, but it has very mixed reviews on Newegg. Does anyone have any opinions of the board here, or any of the other boards, for that fact? I didn't want to spend too much money on an FM1 board as I may be upgrading to an FM2 board by years end. I'd just hold out upgrading until then, but I don't really want to.
The setup I'm aiming for is probably the following.
<Motherboard>
<Ram that's compatible with motherboard>
Lian Li PC-Q12
Crucial 128gb M4 SATA III SDD
AMD A8-3870K
And I'd be open to other case suggestions, but I like how small the Q12 is, and I doubt I'll ever use an expansion slot, especially if I upgrade to FM2.
Sorry for the disjointed post!
Thanks.
