SFF Suggestions

[elkodust]

So Im looking into building a sff computer. Im going to college soon and Id like to have a new machine come with me I have been looking into a bunch of different things, and I have a bunch of ideas for parts. Two things:

I dont care about noise
I want to be able to travel with it(I dont mean like a laptop, but if I go off campus for a month I'd like it to come with me. I hear some of you have experience with flying with these things. How has that gone for you?)

So yeah.

Mobo: http://www.provantage.com/asus-p5e-vm-hdmi-green~7ASUS1P0.htm
( I had anothe rlined up but you guys made me change my mind)

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

Video Card: I have an old ati radeon 9550 that I was planning to use. Not the best, but itll hold me for now.

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148134

SO yeah. I want to be able to game on this machine. I dont need crysis on full settings, i just need something that will run most things well. My budget is one grand american, just so you get an idea of what im working with. The thing is, im stuck on two things: the case, and the monitor. I havent picked out a hsf or anything due to wanting to figure out the case first. And If i were to fly with it like I said, how would I deal with the monitor? How do you deal with a monitor while traveling period? I was at first thinking about a qpack, but now you guys have made me reconsider, so I was also thinking about a Microfly.


This is my first SFF, and sorry for such a long post. Thanks in advance.

 

[mrmylanman]

I have an SG03 and personally love it. I did have an SG01 and although I liked the quality, I didn't really like the shoebox layout. It costs about $120 I believe. I got a 22" Samsung widescreen and I absolutely love it. It is $260 now on newegg I believe. The quality is really good on it.

 

[tiraides]

The Apevia/Aspire XQPack and the Ultra MicroFly both use variants of the same body design, so either one would be an inexpensive choice (especially over the Silverstone SUGO cases). However, the power supplies they normally come with are worse than garbage. If you can, just get one without a PSU.

If you want to travel with both the monitor and the computer, you may want to get a smaller monitor. (That, and you definitely want to pack them while traveling as carry-ons. It's possible with the case, but I don't know about the monitor.)

Here's a revised build list:

$160 - Acer X193W+BD 19" widescreen LCD
$73 - Ultra MicroFly (free shipping)
$105 - Corsair HX520 (free shipping & $10 mail in rebate)
$133 - Asus P5E-VM HDMI
$120 - Intel E7200 (free shipping)
$75 - A-DATA 2x2GB DDR2 800 (free shipping)
$25 - Samsung SH-S223F SATA DVD burner (free shipping)
$65 - Western Digital 320GB SATA HDD (free shipping)
$150 - EVGA 8800GT (free shipping & $20 mail in rebate)
$80 - Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit OEM
=====
$986 - Subtotal (not including shipping, taxes, or rebates)

I made some changes to your initial wish list in order to get everything (including monitor and operating system) at under $1000 before shipping. (If you need to get everything at under $1000 shipped, then drop the RAM down to a 2GB kit.) I never tried traveling with a monitor before, so you may want to consider a 17 inch monitor with an easily removable base instead.

Because heat will be an issue with this build, I suggest leaving everything at stock settings. For this reason, and to cut costs, I didn't choose an aftermarket CPU cooler.

 

[AVT]

So Im looking into building a sff computer. Im going to college soon and Id like to have a new machine come with me I have been looking into a bunch of different things, and I have a bunch of ideas for parts. Two things:

I dont care about noise
I want to be able to travel with it(I dont mean like a laptop, but if I go off campus for a month I'd like it to come with me. I hear some of you have experience with flying with these things. How has that gone for you?)

So yeah.

Mobo: http://www.provantage.com/asus-p5e-vm-hdmi-green~7ASUS1P0.htm
( I had anothe rlined up but you guys made me change my mind)

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

Video Card: I have an old ati radeon 9550 that I was planning to use. Not the best, but itll hold me for now.

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148134

SO yeah. I want to be able to game on this machine. I dont need crysis on full settings, i just need something that will run most things well. My budget is one grand american, just so you get an idea of what im working with. The thing is, im stuck on two things: the case, and the monitor. I havent picked out a hsf or anything due to wanting to figure out the case first. And If i were to fly with it like I said, how would I deal with the monitor? How do you deal with a monitor while traveling period? I was at first thinking about a qpack, but now you guys have made me reconsider, so I was also thinking about a Microfly.


This is my first SFF, and sorry for such a long post. Thanks in advance.

Mobo: Looks good, although I'd buy it at Newegg if I were you.. otherwise, expect an RMA through ASUS to take 2-3 weeks.

Memory: I'd get 4x1gb instead, probably cheaper.

CPU: Looks good

Video Card: I'd get a newer one, 9600GT or something

HDD: Looks fine

--

Case: Since you're looking to fly with it, absolutely do not get anything the size of a TT Lanbox. I'd probably go with a Qmicrav2 or an X-Qpack. Otherwise, if you're unlucky (like me), you may have to have your system go through checked baggage. They don't charge you for it, but the chance of your system getting damaged is pretty high.

 

[mrmylanman]

I'd suggest keeping your computer and monitor's packaging (box, bag (if it comes with it) and styrofoam. That way you can just put it in there when/if you have to fly. Same stuff they ship computers to you in, under similar conditions (baggage workers treat packages like garbage, but so do UPS Fedex and USPS so you should be good).

I kept my boxes for this reason.

 

[AVT]

I'd suggest keeping your computer and monitor's packaging (box, bag (if it comes with it) and styrofoam. That way you can just put it in there when/if you have to fly. Same stuff they ship computers to you in, under similar conditions (baggage workers treat packages like garbage, but so do UPS Fedex and USPS so you should be good).

I kept my boxes for this reason.

This is a good idea if and only if you want it to go in checked baggage.

I don't, for the exact reason: In the best-case scenario, your package will likely simply be thrown around. Last time I was flying, one of my bags wasn't so lucky, an was completely destroyed - with a knife, it looks like, how that happened, I have no idea.

Bringing your system with you as carryon luggage is a big reason why I go SFF in the first place - it's just a lot safer.

 

[lowteckh]

.. Laptop

 

[mrmylanman]

This is a good idea if and only if you want it to go in checked baggage.

I don't, for the exact reason: In the best-case scenario, your package will likely simply be thrown around. Last time I was flying, one of my bags wasn't so lucky, an was completely destroyed - with a knife, it looks like, how that happened, I have no idea.

Bringing your system with you as carryon luggage is a big reason why I go SFF in the first place - it's just a lot safer.

Well my SG03 ain't goin carry-on lol.

I don't plan on flying it any so it's not a problem, but it is a good safe bet moving it around anyway. I put it in there when I drive it to my buddy's house for example, since I don't feel like shelling money out for the bag.

 

[AVT]

The SG03 actually looks like it's smaller than what went with me last time I was flying. Although, what's with the PSU placement? Won't fit any good heatsinks in there.

Heh, maybe it's just me, but I've had too many bad experiences with checked baggage to have anything expensive going in there..

edit: I should note that I usually fly international.

 

[mrmylanman]

Well AVT I am using the NT06 and it is keeping my Q9300 at ~50C right now which isn't great, but it is really quiet the way I have the case set up, so I guess you get some and lose some. If I went with a dual core I imagine it would be a fair amount cooler, and that's what most SFF systems are made for anyway I think.

 

[elkodust]

Thanks for all the advice guys

Anyways, Im really liking the build tiraides suggested. Its pretty nice, and seems like it would be a powerful machine. Any other suggestions? And if I were to get an aftermarket cpu cooler, are there any suggestions?

 

[tiraides]

.. Laptop

While a laptop would be good for school and for travel, finding even a decent gaming laptop for under $1000 is next to impossible (especially if you plan on playing some of today's games).

The SG03 actually looks like it's smaller than what went with me last time I was flying. Although, what's with the PSU placement? Won't fit any good heatsinks in there.

All of the SUGO series cases are designed to work primarily with the NT06 series heatsinks and Silverstone's own power supplies (specifically, the short-cable version of their 500 watt PSU). Long story short, the intent was for the bottom fan on the power supply to take the hot air (that was pulled from the heatsink) out of the case.

I made some changes to your initial wish list in order to get everything (including monitor and operating system) at under $1000 before shipping. (If you need to get everything at under $1000 shipped, then drop the RAM down to a 2GB kit.) I never tried traveling with a monitor before, so you may want to consider a 17 inch monitor with an easily removable base instead.

You could swap out the EVGA card for the PNY model to save $30, but you lose the better warranty that EVGA offers.

$120 - PNY 8800GT (free shipping)

You could use the added savings to offset the costs of shipping (without having to reduce the amount of RAM), or you could double your hard drive storage capacity for only $20 more (you'll also gain a much faster hard drive in the process).

The estimated shipping costs for everything will be around $40-$50: about $20 for the monitor (from NewEgg; everything else from there comes with free shipping), about $10-$15 for the motherboard (from Provantage), and around $5-$10 for the OEM copy of Vista (from Microcenter; if you live near one, you could buy it there and only have to pay taxes).

 

[AVT]

Yeah, my E8400 at stock/idle gets core temps of 35/39 (according to realtemp), and CPUTIN reads 36. I'm using a Zalman 8700 cooler with it's stock fan replaced with a modded S-Flex (with shorter blades, it's 110mm).

What I meant was that we're limited to top-down coolers, we can't use towers like Scythe Ninja or Xigmatek HDT.

edit: OP, wait two days, and get the motherboard from Newegg also, to save on shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131237

You can also get the OEM copy of Vista there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

 

[elkodust]

Yeah, i wasnt gonna order anything until next week at least. Hopefully nothing disappears by then. And it seems likt the 17 inch monitor with a removable base is right up my alley.

 

[tiraides]

The Scythe Ninja Mini is a good CPU cooler for the SFF build. However, I haven't been able to find a decent 17 inch monitor with an easily removable base. (That's not to say that the monitor would be the easiest thing to carry onto the plane -- computer parts seem to be a magnet for unwanted attention and/or "accidental" damage.)

 

[elleana]

What would be a good silent/fanless CPU cooler? Not looking to OC, just want absolute minimal noise.

 

[elkodust]

Im scared of taking an sff with the whole huge heatsink on the cpu anywhere. And I have no problems with this thing making noise. I actually enjoy the little hum. But thats just me.

 

[tiraides]

What would be a good silent/fanless CPU cooler? Not looking to OC, just want absolute minimal noise.

You could easily remove the fan on most heatsinks and use them passively. However, you would be better served by creating your own thread (in the Overclocking & Cooling forum) about it. (Actually, I believe that the question has been answered over there several times before... you may want to perform a search on the subject.)

Im scared of taking an sff with the whole huge heatsink on the cpu anywhere. And I have no problems with this thing making noise. I actually enjoy the little hum. But thats just me.

The Ninja Mini (580g, review) is somewhat heaver than the stock HSF (~380g). If you want a lighter CPU cooler, consider the Scythe Shuriken (355g, review).

 

[AVT]

The choice of heatsink depends a lot on the case you're using. Not every heatsink will fit every case.

Post the case you're looking to use, and I can recommend some.

edit: Correct me if I'm wrong, but Intel's specification says heatsinks should be below 500g? You should be fine in a tower that doesn't go anywhere with heavier heatsinks, but I'd set this as the upper limit for anything that's going to be moving around.

 

[tiraides]

The choice of heatsink depends a lot on the case you're using. Not every heatsink will fit every case.

Post the case you're looking to use, and I can recommend some.

If the OP's sticking to my recommendations, then the case in question is the first-gen MicroFly. (The link is in my earlier post.)

edit: Correct me if I'm wrong, but Intel's specification says heatsinks should be below 500g? You should be fine in a tower that doesn't go anywhere with heavier heatsinks, but I'd set this as the upper limit for anything that's going to be moving around.

You're right, that's the "official" standard (and I was trying to find the exact number earlier...). However, many of today's heatsinks far exceed that limitation.

 

[mrmylanman]

The NT06 weighs 570g and it didn't really cause any problems. Just be smart and don't pick up the motherboard with the opposite end and it should be fine.

 

[elkodust]

The NT06 weighs 570g and it didn't really cause any problems. Just be smart and don't pick up the motherboard with the opposite end and it should be fine.

Soory for the bump, and knowing my luck, thats exactly what I wouldnt do. But I'll probably go with that anyway. Now are the big ol heatsinks better than a fan in terms of cooling, or are they just quieter? Im probably gonna order the parts today.

 

[AVT]

The NT06 weighs 570g and it didn't really cause any problems. Just be smart and don't pick up the motherboard with the opposite end and it should be fine.

If you're transporting the case, that just might happen.

Granted, the near-CPU-socket-area probably IS a little more secure than if, say, you replace your northbridge heatsink, but still, be careful.

edit: The bigger the heatsink, the better it's going to cool. But getting a small heatsink and a fast fan is not a good idea.

Post your parts here on [H] so we can make sure you're getting a good deal.

 

[elkodust]

Okay so, back again. Now, my budget has been cut to just under $830 (Long story short, the last bit got stolen.)

Ive rethought my build somewhat, and Ive managed to drop the price without cutting the performance too much (I think).

I saw this case in another thread, and I've become very interested in it -- mainly because it looks tiny, and thats what I need. Ive heard good things about the psu that comes with it, and im just wondering if that will be enough to power my setup.

Heres the new part list:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108062
Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009127
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127037


Combo Deals:
Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318
AND
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227248

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052
AND
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145215

Newegg isnt caculating tax for me right now so my total is 733, but with tax it was 785.

So if I were to upgrade something, what should it be? The motherboard to the asus one from before, or the psu?

Thanks in advance.

edit: also, if anyone knows a better case in terms of portability( I dont mean if it has a handle, i mean like small and easy to move) let me know

 

[AVT]

If you want that case, be prepared to mod it. It has no intakes, which is going to cause cooling problems.

I'd recommend a motherboard with an Intel chipset. Nvidia chipsets run really hot, and don't really perform much better. SLI support is really the only reason to get one, but that board won't support it anyway.

Absolutely do not go with the included case PSU. I'd say 99% of included PSU's are junk, and at best, will die within a year, at worst, they'll kill your hardware (Aspire PSU's). I'd recommend either an Antec Earthwatts or any Corsair PSU, depending on your budget.

I'd recommend a stronger video card, so your hardware is a little more balanced. Upgrade to a HD4850 if your budget permits.

You linked CPU twice, didn't link HDD.

 

[elkodust]

If you want that case, be prepared to mod it. It has no intakes, which is going to cause cooling problems.

I'd recommend a motherboard with an Intel chipset. Nvidia chipsets run really hot, and don't really perform much better. SLI support is really the only reason to get one, but that board won't support it anyway.

Absolutely do not go with the included case PSU. I'd say 99% of included PSU's are junk, and at best, will die within a year, at worst, they'll kill your hardware (Aspire PSU's). I'd recommend either an Antec Earthwatts or any Corsair PSU, depending on your budget.

I'd recommend a stronger video card, so your hardware is a little more balanced. Upgrade to a HD4850 if your budget permits.

You linked CPU twice, didn't link HDD.

Fixed the linkage error. And yeah, if thats the case im gonna swap out that mobo for the ASUS shown before.

Edit: If i get a power supply and a different case, I dont think my budget will allow for an p5e-vm. Any other good borads that are slightly cheaper?

Will a 400 watt power supply cover me? Specifically this one :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032