New Mini-ITX Gaming Machine -- Will it Work?

[pardo2k]

I have a new mini-ITX gaming machine, and I'd greatly appreciate your feedback. I'm not interested in overclocking. My main concern is whether all of these components are compatible and will fit properly in the case. Thanks!!

SilverStone Sugo Series SG05BB-LITE Black

ASRock B85M-ITX LGA 1150 Intel B85 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

EVGA SuperClocked 02G-P4-2662-KR GeForce GTX 660 2GB

Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150

CORSAIR CX600M 600W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Modular

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM

 

[2timer]

I'm building my own SG05 shortly. I've done plenty of research and I can tell you the benefits/drawbacks to your components.

First of all, the SG05 is tiny. 267mm long by 167 high by 244 wide, if I remember correctly. There's a number of compromises you have to consider. If you want a full ATX PSU, you won't have space for the optical drive, *unless* you cut a hole in the back side and let the PSU extend 2-3 " out. Even then, you will be limited to a 62mm high CPU heatsink - and that's WITH the fan!

If you decide to remove the slim optical drive tray completely, you can fit an ATX PSU in the front, but it'll be extremely tight. I'm not even sure it's possible if you have an extended graphics card.

The simplest thing is to either let the PSU extend out the back, or remove the optical bay and put it inside the front. Lots of people have also gone the route of PSU inside, and Corsair H60/H55. That means you'll have a 120mm fan in the front.

If I were you, I'd highly recommend going with a Silverstone Strider model PSU. The Striders have a depth of only 140mm,whereas a Corsair has a depth of 160mm. That space savings will help a lot. You can get a modular 500W Strider for $75 on Newegg.

Let me know if you have more questions, I'm pretty versed on the SG05 atm.

 

[2timer]

Here's some pics for you:

SG05, Seasonic ATX PSU and 6.7'' GPU:

Note how cramped the cables appear in the front even without a full sized GPU. Your GTX 660 is likely 8-9", so it could be tough, unless you want the PSU sticking out the back or the rad sticking out the front like I said.

This is a similar setup, except he is using the Strider modular PSU I suggested. Much less cramped, might be able to squeeze your GPU in there, I'm not sure. Still no optical drive.

One last thing I forgot: if you decide to do a completely "vanilla" (non-modded) build using the slim optical drive and the SFX ST-55FG, then this is the largest air cooler you can fit under the PSU. In fact, it was designed specifically for the SG05. Should have zero problems keeping your CPU cool, and you can also include an optical drive:

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=368

 

[Termie]

I have a new mini-ITX gaming machine, and I'd greatly appreciate your feedback. I'm not interested in overclocking. My main concern is whether all of these components are compatible and will fit properly in the case. Thanks!!

SilverStone Sugo Series SG05BB-LITE Black

ASRock B85M-ITX LGA 1150 Intel B85 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

EVGA SuperClocked 02G-P4-2662-KR GeForce GTX 660 2GB

Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150

CORSAIR CX600M 600W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Modular

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM

It's a good thing you came here for help. There are a number of component choices here that simply won't work. I hope you didn't buy the parts already!

(1) PSU - won't fit. Need SFX power supply. Silverstone makes them, but you might as well just buy the SG-05 with the power supply: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

(2) Optical drive - won't fit. Need slim drive.

(3) Graphics card - tight fit. I'd suggest a shorter card.

I put together a guide to building in the SG-05. Take a look here.

 

[2timer]

It's a good thing you came here for help. There are a number of component choices here that simply won't work. I hope you didn't buy the parts already!

(1) PSU - won't fit. Need SFX power supply. Silverstone makes them, but you might as well just buy the SG-05 with the power supply: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

(2) Optical drive - won't fit. Need slim drive.

(3) Graphics card - tight fit. I'd suggest a shorter card.

I put together a guide to building in the SG-05. Take a look here.

I wouldn't suggest a shorter card - unless you simply don't need the GPU power. The SG05 can take a GPU with up to a 9.5" length:

SG05 support with 9.5" long NVIDIA Geforce 8800GTS 512MB in 1xPCIE 6pin

The real issue is the optical drive and the PSU form factor. If you decide you don't want the optical drive, it's possible to fit an ATX PSU inside the case without any modding. But if you must have the optical drive, you only have two choices: use the SFX PSU or mod the case. The ST-55SF is a fine PSU, it's just a tad underpowered for some people, and also enthusiasts prefer a PSU with 120mm fan.

 

[Praxis1452]

Get an SFX PSU. Even modular full size ones will make your life a nightmare. I've built one, it was still a massive pain the the included SFX.

 

[pardo2k]

Thank you everyone. Based on your feedback, below is my modified build -- will this all work together now?

1 SilverStone Sugo Series SG05BB-LITE Black

2 ASRock B85M-ITX LGA 1150 Intel B85 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

3 EVGA GTX 760

4 Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150

5 SILVERSTONE Strider Essential series ST60F-ES 600W

6 G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

7 Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

8 Toshiba TS-L633 Slim Optical Drive + Micro Connectors, Inc. 20-inches Slimline SATA Cable (F03-162)

9 Stock CPU Fan

10 Samsung 840 250GB SSD

======

A few last questions:

(A) Do I need "low profile" memory or will the normal-sized GSkill I've selected be fine?

(B) If I don't overclock, will the Stock Intel CPU be fine in terms of temps while gaming?

(C) How much Wattage do I need? I always thought 500-600W was needed for a gaming build, but if it won't limit my performance, I'll go with the 450W power supply included with the SG05 case here.

(D) Finally, are there any other accessories that I will need to be able to build this (I have different-sized screwdrivers).

Thanks!

 

[Termie]

You don't need the 600W PSU. Just go for the Strider 450W model. Your system won't use more than 250W at full load.

For some reason, the Crucial low-profile memory on Newegg is suddenly getting horrible reviews after months of 5-star reviews: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148662

It looks like Newegg was shipping some mis-matched sticks. Anyway, you're probably safe getting it from Amazon.

It will definitely help if you actually get an after-market low-profile cooler.

 

[Praxis1452]

Your system at max load will use:

gtx 760: 170W-200W(if you OC and raise the TDP through a bios flash, +voltage as well)
i5-4670: maybe 150W max. I mean TDP is what 77W? That's with OC and + voltage.

450W is more than enough.

Also if you go with a full ATX psu you absolutely cannot mount an optical or use the included 2.5" & 3.5" mount which are attached to the optical drive plate.

 

[Zap]

You don't need the 600W PSU. Just go for the Strider 450W model.

Actually, go for the Silverstone ST45SF or Fortron Group FSP450-60GHS(85)-R units, whichever is cheapest. They fit properly in the SG05, and are the same PSU. Amazon is sometimes cheapest place for the Silverstone.

 

[2timer]

Thank you everyone. Based on your feedback, below is my modified build -- will this all work together now?

1 SilverStone Sugo Series SG05BB-LITE Black

2 ASRock B85M-ITX LGA 1150 Intel B85 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

3 EVGA GTX 760

4 Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150

5 SILVERSTONE Strider Essential series ST60F-ES 600W

6 G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

7 Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

8 Toshiba TS-L633 Slim Optical Drive + Micro Connectors, Inc. 20-inches Slimline SATA Cable (F03-162)

9 Stock CPU Fan

10 Samsung 840 250GB SSD

======

A few last questions:

(A) Do I need "low profile" memory or will the normal-sized GSkill I've selected be fine?

(B) If I don't overclock, will the Stock Intel CPU be fine in terms of temps while gaming?

(C) How much Wattage do I need? I always thought 500-600W was needed for a gaming build, but if it won't limit my performance, I'll go with the 450W power supply included with the SG05 case here.

(D) Finally, are there any other accessories that I will need to be able to build this (I have different-sized screwdrivers).

Thanks!

(A) If you go with that model PSU, you won't be able to fit the optical drive. Since you want the OD, you'll need an SFX PSU like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...CE&PageSize=20

I highly recommend either the ST45SF or the ST45SF-G if you want modular.

(B) With the optical drive and SFX PSU, the very best air cooler you can get is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835220058

It has 6 heat pipes and fits snugly below the PSU. The fan will blow up into the PSU, exhausting warm air out of your case. This will keep your Haswell CPU very cool.

(C) Using these components you should have zero RAM heatsink clearance issues.

 

[pardo2k]

Thanks! I've made some final adjustments. Before I hit the order button, could you please glance at my final build to ensure that it fits properly and give me a GO/NO GO? If I can do without the aftermarket CPU Cooler, I'd prefer to, but I'll keep it if it's useful. For those who are interested, this comes out to around $1,000.

SilverStone Sugo Series SG05BB-LITE Black

ASRock B85M-ITX LGA 1150

SILVERSTONE ST45SF-G 450W SFX12V

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9

COOLER MASTER GeminII M4 RR-GMM4-16PK-R2 120mm Slim Fan

Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150 [downgrading saves $20, so kept it]

EVGA SuperClocked 02G-P4-2762-KR GeForce GTX 760 2GB

SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD250BW 2.5" 250GB SATA

Samsung 8x SATA Slim DVDiARW + StarTech.com 20-Inch Slimline SATA to SATA

 

[2timer]

Looks good to me. Big improvement over your original configuration! :thumbsup:

 

[mfenn]

Side note: I love how Corsair has the gall to sell standard profile memory (i.e. the height DIMMs have been since 1996) as "low profile".

Parts look good to me.

 

[pardo2k]

Thanks for the GO-AHEAD. The Crucial RAM wasn't low profile indeed (liars!) so I think I'll get this version instead which is low profile:

Crucial Ballistix Tactical 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model BLT2K4G3D1608ET3LX0

 

[Essence_of_War]

Side note: I love how Corsair has the gall to sell standard profile memory (i.e. the height DIMMs have been since 1996) as "low profile".

Apparently anything without a gigantic "heat spreader" on it is "low profile"...

 

[2timer]

Corsair sells it's "low profile" Vengeance in relation to the standard Vengeance heatsinks. I think it's just a reference to Vengeance brand performance without the heatsinks. Was helpful to me.

 

[Zap]

Side note: I love how Corsair has the gall to sell standard profile memory (i.e. the height DIMMs have been since 1996) as "low profile".

Boutique sizing has hit computer RAM. D: This is what we get when fat heatspreader shaming is no longer PC.

 

[Termie]

Quick note - I recommend you use the Asus GTX 760 instead of the EVGA: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121775

In addition to being a quieter cooler, it's also much shorter, which will ensure that you have absolutely no clearance issues.

 

[piasabird]

I like to research stuff like this on Youtube. Videos are so interesting.

 

[mfenn]

Boutique sizing has hit computer RAM. D: This is what we get when fat heatspreader shaming is no longer PC.

Agree. We should start a Newegg review campaign to 1-egg all of those products. Bring back the shaming!

 

[pardo2k]

Quick note - I recommend you use the Asus GTX 760 instead of the EVGA: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121775

In addition to being a quieter cooler, it's also much shorter, which will ensure that you have absolutely no clearance issues.

Good call -- that video card has nearly identical performance as the EVGA but is one inch shorter.

One last question -- if I wanted to try to save a little money on this build ($1,020 shipped as of now), do you think prices will fall meaningfully (at least 10-20%) on these components in the next month or two? In particular, the CPU ($220) and video card ($260)? If not, are there certain sites that I can consult where I might find a sale of these costly parts?

Thanks!

 

[Termie]

Good call -- that video card has nearly identical performance as the EVGA but is one inch shorter.

One last question -- if I wanted to try to save a little money on this build ($1,020 shipped as of now), do you think prices will fall meaningfully (at least 10-20%) on these components in the next month or two? In particular, the CPU ($220) and video card ($260)? If not, are there certain sites that I can consult where I might find a sale of these costly parts?

Thanks!

No, they will not. In fact prices on CPUs never drop, and prices on brand-new Nvidia video cards never drop either. I'd estimate you won't see lower prices on the 760 until September.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Everything that's needed to be said has been. I'd also recommend just getting the SFF 450w PSU from Silverstone.

Less modding, plenty of juice for any midrange gaming card. (I'm using a 660Ti/3570K in mine.)

Cable management is a joke, though. Just kinda gotta deal with it.

 

[pardo2k]

Everything that's needed to be said has been. I'd also recommend just getting the SFF 450w PSU from Silverstone.

Less modding, plenty of juice for any midrange gaming card. (I'm using a 660Ti/3570K in mine.)

Cable management is a joke, though. Just kinda gotta deal with it.

Thanks. I can't locate the Silverstone SFF 450. Did you mean theSILVERSTONE ST45SF 450W, which is the non-modular version of my build for $30 less? If so, isn't it critical to have modular for a mini-iTX? Or is having all those extra power cables do-able? Will it lead to higher temps / impossible crampiness? Should I worry and spend the extra $30 for modular?