Mini Rig w/ Good PSU?

[corfe83]

I'm looking to replace my old gaming PC with a new gaming PC sometime this summer. I'm *considering* migrating from my standard size to a mini size (1x 5.25" external bay, 2x 3.5" bays). Is it feasible to get a miniature barebones PC, with a beefy enough power supply to support a decent Ivy Bridge CPU + GeForce 680 GTX? Has anyone done this?

The barebones PC's for Ivy Bridge aren't showing up yet on Newegg, but I notice the barebones PC's for the previous intel generation appear to only have 300 watt PSU's, which is not enough (anandtech's Geforce 680 GTX review shows power consumption of 362 watts at load, and I'd really like some buffer room). I'd prefer a PSU of at least 400 watts, preferably a little more.

I don't like the idea of building my own mini PC because I'm lazy, I assume it's difficult, and I also assume it's really difficult to end up with cables as neat as one of the pre-built ones.

 

[GoStumpy]

It's actually quite fun to build one

 

[lehtv]

Sure, some mini-ITX cases support standard ATX power supplies. E.g. Lian-Li PC-Q07

However, I'd be hesitant putting a high powered graphics card into a mini case. It's just going to suffocate and heat up and make noise.

Do you actually need to save space or move it around often? Why not just build a microATX or ATX rig? I think microATX is a good compromise when it comes to cooling potential and size.

 

[james 1]

Hi, if you are looking at a barebones unit that supports ivy-bridge take a look at the shuttle SZ77R5 it also comes with a 500W PSU, I think it will be able to support that 680 GTX at a push, but you should really post that issue in the PSU forum:
http://uk.shuttle.com/products/productsDetail?productId=1581

I would personally go with a complete custom build I’ve been eyeing the Mini-ice from cubitek it’s slightly wider and taller than the Lian li case mentioned but has ample room for long cards and cooling.
http://www.cubitek.com/products/ice-series/mini-ice

 

[corfe83]

Thanks guys.

I don't have a super-specific size requirement, just wanted something less bulky than my current mid-tower. I hadn't considered mini-ITX - that actually looks perfect for what I need. Really liking that mini-ice case, since cooling is definitely a concern with the GPU. I'll probably go with that.

 

[PCTC2]

One thing to note with a layout like the Mini-Ice is that the PSU must be short and probably modular, otherwise you may run into problems. Make sure the PSU you buy fits.

Another option is the Silverstone SG08 that comes with a 80plus Bronze 600W PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163187

 

[T_Yamamoto]

One thing to note with a layout like the Mini-Ice is that the PSU must be short and probably modular, otherwise you may run into problems. Make sure the PSU you buy fits.

Another option is the Silverstone SG08 that comes with a 80plus Bronze 600W PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163187

Or the sg05

 

[Topweasel]

Or the sg05

As far as I know the SG05 comes with max a 450, still within limits of a Stock IB and 680 and the length should be fine for a 680 but not the 7900 series. But any thought of overclocking will be out of the question.