Mini-ITX Gaming Rig - Need Review!

[jdogg707]

This is the first time I've built a Mini-ITX device aimed at gaming and I want to ensure I have everything lined up correctly for my intended purposes. I appreciate the review!

Info:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.

I will be using the machine exclusively for gaming, along with occasional Excel spreadsheet/web browsing. I want it to be a powerful gaming rig while remaining as quiet as possible.

2. What YOUR budget is.

I am really trying to keep this thing under $2K and as close to $1,500 as possible.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference.

No brand preferences, just maximum performance for my money.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

I currently have a BenQ 32" 2560x1440 Monitor

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Default speeds.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

2560x1440

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

ASAP

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

No, I have a copy of Windows 10 Pro.
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Here is the current build - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jyVg8d

Proposed List:
Intel i5-6600K CPU
ASRock Z170 Gaming Mini ITX Board
G.Skill TridentZ 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4-3400
Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
Asus Radeon R9 Nano
Corsair RM 850W Fully Modular PSU (Overkill for the build, but is $10 cheaper than 650W)
Silverstone Sugo SG13B-Q Mini-ITX Case
Corsair STRAFE RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard (Cherry Brown)
Corsair M65 RGB Wired Laser Mouse
Sennheiser G4ME ONE Headset

Total Cost: $1,857.35

 

[Termie]

The RM 850 won't fit in the SG13. Go for a much, much smaller PSU, like the EVGA 550GS. Anything more than that isn't just overkill, it will make your build nearly impossible to put together.

And the 950 Pro won't work on that board. Mounting a PCIe-based NVMe drive underneath the motherboard with zero airflow is guaranteed to result in constant throttling, and may damage the SSD in the long run. I tried mounting an 850 Evo underneath a Z710 ITX board and it ran at 55C under low loads. It runs at 30C when mounted on the front of an ATX board. The 950 Pro runs much, much hotter than the 850 Evo.

 

[Ketchup]

A micro atx may be the way to go here. At least to give your devices some breathing room.

 

[jdogg707]

Thanks for the info, I guess I trusted PCPartPicker's compatibility check a bit too much.

Recommendations on a very small mATX case that would work better?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Thanks for the info, I guess I trusted PCPartPicker's compatibility check a bit too much.

Recommendations on a very small mATX case that would work better?

Virtually anything, although I like stuff from Fractal design. (Define Mini, Node 1000, etc.)

The build in your OP would almost work; easiest 'fix' if you want an mITX system would be a SATA SSD and a smaller PSU (even a SFX unit like Silverstone's own 600w unit) which would give you all the wattage you need and plenty of room for airflow, etc.

Or mod the case to add a vent (maybe even a fan) on the bottom below the motherboard to cool that SSD slot... or pick a motherboard with a slot on the "right" side.

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the info, I guess I trusted PCPartPicker's compatibility check a bit too much.

Recommendations on a very small mATX case that would work better?

Yup, nothing wrong with your build other than the two items mentioned. PCPP doesn't have real compatibility checks. No systems are actually built, and all suggestions are based on maximum capacities listed in specs where available. That doesn't usually work in the real world when building ITX. In fact, it almost never works. Because I build a lot of ITX systems (and publish guides on those systems), I have a good sense of what works and what doesn't.

Given that the SG13 is half the size of any mATX case on the market, I don't think mATX is the best alternative for you.