![[H]ard|Forum](/styles/hardforum/xenforo/logo_dark.png){kind=logo}
Went to toss my previous desktop build into my CW02B for use in my theater room and I think I got sloppy (which is easy, because the CW02B is kind of a pain in the ass) and scraped the back of the mobo against something and killed it.
Been wanting to build an SFF build anyway, so thinking I could use it for gaming in my HT, plus I visit my nieces and nephews pretty regularly about 3 hours away and it'd be fun to bring my own PC to game on on their TV.
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).
Basically just gaming.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Definitely no watercooling. Will OC if the hardware allows, but it isn't mandatory.
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?
I don't care so much about the total dollars, just getting good parts at a reasonable value. E.g. Silverstone cases generally aren't cheap, but I like them and think they're (usually) good parts, and I'm willing to pay more for them.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
It'll all be ordered online, mostly on Amazon.
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).
I don't need keyboard, mouse, monitor, or any sort of HD (I have a spare SDD and spare 2 TB drive).
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.
I have an extra PSU but it's 190mm long so I don't think I'll use it, rather buy a new PSU and get a smaller form factor.
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.
Wouldn't mind having SLI support, but don't need it for sure. USB and SATA isn't really an issue. 2 of each I guess.
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?
1080P. Don't need multi monitor.
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.
I'd prefer to have an ODD, though it isn't 100% mandatory, and I don't have a problem shelling out the dough for a slim/slot 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...)?
I don't want to do any modding.
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
Don't care.
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?
Something that'll fit in a carry on type bag would be nice.
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
Not an issue.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Could order it tonight, or could wait a month. I'd like to have it bought and assembled before Thanksgiving.
Planning on waiting to see how the R290X shakes out, at least. I figure I'm shooting for at least 770 GPU performance, maybe 780.
Thanks for the help. Currently leaning towards the SG10 due to features and the fact that I've been happy with Silverstone's recent effort, but open to suggestions. I don't like plastic or cheap/crazy looking cases.
Been wanting to build an SFF build anyway, so thinking I could use it for gaming in my HT, plus I visit my nieces and nephews pretty regularly about 3 hours away and it'd be fun to bring my own PC to game on on their TV.
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).
Basically just gaming.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Definitely no watercooling. Will OC if the hardware allows, but it isn't mandatory.
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?
I don't care so much about the total dollars, just getting good parts at a reasonable value. E.g. Silverstone cases generally aren't cheap, but I like them and think they're (usually) good parts, and I'm willing to pay more for them.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
It'll all be ordered online, mostly on Amazon.
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).
I don't need keyboard, mouse, monitor, or any sort of HD (I have a spare SDD and spare 2 TB drive).
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.
I have an extra PSU but it's 190mm long so I don't think I'll use it, rather buy a new PSU and get a smaller form factor.
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.
Wouldn't mind having SLI support, but don't need it for sure. USB and SATA isn't really an issue. 2 of each I guess.
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?
1080P. Don't need multi monitor.
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.
I'd prefer to have an ODD, though it isn't 100% mandatory, and I don't have a problem shelling out the dough for a slim/slot 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...)?
I don't want to do any modding.
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
Don't care.
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?
Something that'll fit in a carry on type bag would be nice.
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
Not an issue.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Could order it tonight, or could wait a month. I'd like to have it bought and assembled before Thanksgiving.
Planning on waiting to see how the R290X shakes out, at least. I figure I'm shooting for at least 770 GPU performance, maybe 780.
Thanks for the help. Currently leaning towards the SG10 due to features and the fact that I've been happy with Silverstone's recent effort, but open to suggestions. I don't like plastic or cheap/crazy looking cases.