My first SFF - advice needed

[matt80]

Hi,

I am about to embark on my first SFF build. I am a casual gamer so need something that will run games pretty well, but I am also on a bit of a budget so don't want to spend the earth.

I've noticed some of the motherboards have onboard graphics - is it possible to add a standalone PCI-E graphics card at a later date? I was thinking of going down this route so that I can save up for a decent graphics card once I've bought the case/mobo/cpu etc. I wasn't sure whether a SFF mobo with onboard graphics would mean that I could only use that graphics card forever?

And would I be right in thinking that it will be cheaper to build everything myself from scratch? The Shuttles seem quite expensive and was thinking of getting one of the Aspire X-QPac cases with their 420W PSU - good value for money I think...

Thanks!

 

[IlllI]

yes provided it has a PCI-E slot, you'd be able to add something better at a later time. but those boards with integrated graphics...well.. they are pretty bad. i wouldnt expect anything too much from them unless you only play older games or in lower resolutions. plus they use system memory which also slows performance down.

i'm curious though, why not just hold off on getting something until you have enough for all the parts?

 

[R3MF]

personal recommendation:

Silverstone Sugo 03 case - £85.00 *
Silverstone ShortCable PSU - £55.00
Gigabyte GA 965QM-DS2 Mobo - £65.00 **
will looks as cool as a Shuttle, and cost you £100.00 less than the equivalent Shuttle.

* reviewed on hexus today
** solid capacitors

 

[IlllI]

the only thing is, its not as small as a shuttle

 

[R3MF]

his suggestion of the Aspire Q-pac is actually larger than the Sugo 03, which is why i felt safe suggesting it.

S X100 = 3,697,830
SST LC19 = 9,228,960
S SN21G5 = 11,470,000
S M2000 = 12,066,600
MSI Mega = 12,127,500
S SN25P = 14,784,000
SST LC11 = 17,502,720
SST Sugo 03 = 21,700,00
Aspire Q-pac = 22,827,636
SST Sugo 01 = 23,325,544
L PC-V300 = 24,710,000
A Fusion = 25,792,200
SST TJ08 = 28,227,528
SST LC16 = 30,706,250

 

[juktar]

Do you want a compelte system with monitor? I just posted specs here. Swap out the CPU and add a graphics card if needed. Pretty inexpensive with the Q-Pack case. With a X2 processor I think the price would be around $350 + shipping. That is using the onbard graphics. It has a PCI Express slot so add about $175 for a decent graphics card and you are around $525 for a system with no OS, Monitor, KB and mouse (KB and Mouse can be had real cheap though).

 

[imported_OrSin]

Xpacks and old Sugo are wider then Shuttles. Sugo has new mini tower. I taller then the shuttle but thiner also. It about the same shape as the Asus barebones but alot better built. Also you can choose your own motherboard which is going to be much better then the Asus board.

 

[Trevante]

I'm no expert on SFF or computer building in general (it's been a while), but the Thermaltake Lanbox looks a decent case, especially if you get the one with the handle; it would be great if you want to take it to LAN parties. I played with a demo model at Fry's and the handle is much more solid than the one on the Ultra MicroFly. Don't know about the Xqpack, but the handle on that doesn't look as sturdy as the one on the lanbox.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...thermaltake+case&name=MicroATX+Desktop

 

[juktar]

I would not use the handle on the Aspire case at all..

However, that handle looks good on the Lanbox.

 

[grant2]

Originally posted by: R3MF
personal recommendation:

Silverstone Sugo 03 case - £85.00 *

I can't find the Sugo SG-03 case actually for sale anywhere, and it looks like the street price will be over $200 u.s. whenever it actually is available! That's at least $100 more than a Q-Pack which does include the power supply.

The power supply on the q-pack gets mixed reviews. Theoretically it should be enough for a moderate system but there are power nazis who claim only $100+ supplies are worthwhile. But even if you toss the power supply you're $100+ cheaper than the sugo solution.

 

[RedWolf]

Originally posted by: R3MF
his suggestion of the Aspire Q-pac is actually larger than the Sugo 03, which is why i felt safe suggesting it.

S X100 = 3,697,830
SST LC19 = 9,228,960
S SN21G5 = 11,470,000
S M2000 = 12,066,600
MSI Mega = 12,127,500
S SN25P = 14,784,000
SST LC11 = 17,502,720
SST Sugo 03 = 21,700,00
Aspire Q-pac = 22,827,636
SST Sugo 01 = 23,325,544
L PC-V300 = 24,710,000
A Fusion = 25,792,200
SST TJ08 = 28,227,528
SST LC16 = 30,706,250

Where did you find those (or did you create it). I'd love to find something like that for ATX and microATX cases.