Small Form Factor Build

**Modulok** · Posted: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:48:38 Post Subject: Small Form Factor Build

So just last week I helped build a Core i7 computer for a co-worker. It was fun to build, but hard to see it go when we were done. So I've been thinking of upgrading from my obsolete Rolling Eyes

775 system (in signature).

Instead of using a full size ATX board and mid to full tower case I have been thinking of a micro ATX board and small form factor case. Previously I didn't like SFF systems mainly because I never found an mATX board with all of the features I wanted. I did a quick search and see that there are three 1366 socket mATX boards, two met my requirements.

I started a wishlist and need some other opinions besides those voices in my head Bang Head

list so far

SuperChip64 · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:20:12 Post Subject:

Are you wanting a SFF (ala Shuttle) or a mATX Mini/Micro Tower, or a Slimline (Like HP's or Dell's)?

Reason I'm asking is important, because a SFF comes with it's own motherboard, except for very few 'larger' Medium-Form-Factor machines. Most MicroATX Cases probably won't fit a GeForce 8000-series (And certainly won't fit a 9000/GTS/GTX Series card). Slimline cases also present their own unique properties - either you're stuck with Low-Profile video cards, or a convoluted NLX-like riser card.

SC

**Modulok** · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:24:39 Post Subject:

Check out the Lian Li case from the first post...most likely that's what I will go with (unless anyone shows me a better case that will work).
It will fit a large card, from what I found a GTX295 is under 11 inches (300mm ~ 11.8 inches)

What I like about this case and SFF computer is that if I decide to hook it up to my home theater for some big screen gaming it will not look out of place.

x.clay · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:50:19 Post Subject:

Silverstone has some nice SFF cases (SUGO series) that you might want to check out as well.

**Modulok** · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:07:34 Post Subject:

I actually did look at Silverstone's SFF cases (and had the latest on my list), but decided it might have been too small. Not having a MB tray was a major turn off as well.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:14:29 Post Subject:

You bought the Lian Li already?

**Modulok** · Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:40:00 Post Subject:

Haven't bought anything (except stuff already owned).

SuperChip64 · Posted: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:15:39 Post Subject:

Of course, reading way too quickly with way too little coffee, I didn't see the Lian-Li in the first post. D'oh!

The only issue I could foresee with that case is squeezing a GTX295 - depending on where the PCI-e power connectors are on the card. Most I've seen are at the top of the card, so you might need to consider your power connector into the length/height factor. Your current videocard will have no problems.

It's a very nice case.

mrweasel · Posted: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:25:24 Post Subject:

you might want to check out this board as well:
MSI x58M
I personally have it and it rocks! Very good layout and a bunch of nice OC tools (that I'll be playing with this week).

EDIT: Looks like the Egg deactivated the ASUS board Confused

**Modulok** · Posted: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:48:00 Post Subject:

I saw that MSI board on Newegg, but it was out of stock at the time. I also noticed the ASUS board deactivated as well, no clue why though Confused

I read that eVGA has an mATX board due out soon, so I will probably wait to see what that looks like before I make a decision on the motherboard.