MATX to MITX Downsize

Dynix

Dynix

Dynix

Hitman
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Joined
25 Feb 2004
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Hi,

Looking to downsize to a small MITX case so in need of a few new parts!

Current Specs:
CPU: Intel i5 3570k (Overclocked @ 4.4GHz)
CPU Cooler: Alpenföhn K2 Mount Doom
RAM: Samsung Green 8GB (Overclocked @ 2133MHz)
Motherboard: Asus Z77 Maximum V Gene
Graphics: MSI R9 280X
PSU: Corsair AX650
Hard Drives: Samsung 840 240GB SSD + WD 2TB​

I'm in need of a smaller case, new CPU cooler, new motherboard and new PSU (quieter one preferably). Everything else is in working order.

I've had a quick search around and have these in my basket. I haven't really got a budget but if we can reduce the prices anywhere then that'd be good.

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe (Socket 1155/Intel Z77.DDR3/S-ATA 600/Mini ITX) - £125.99
CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro H100i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler - £88.00
PSU: Be Quiet Power Zone 650W '80 Plus Bronze' - £79.99
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 250D Mini ITX - £71.00
Total: £375.56
(A couple of these are on offer right now)

I've also read a lot about shortened PSU cables. As it's a MITX build, should I be picking some up to help with cable management in the case? Any input on this would be appreciated also.

Regards
 
Recon64 said:
May i ask why you actually "need" to go smaller?
I always looked at M-ATX as tiny :p
Click to expand...

Honestly, I don't need to at all :D I've just been looking at the MITX cases over the past couple of weeks and the more I look at them, the more I dislike tower cases! My current case (Fractal Define Mini) isn't big by any standards but still want to go smaller!
 
Dynix said:
Honestly, I don't need to at all :D I've just been looking at the MITX cases over the past couple of weeks and the more I look at them, the more I dislike tower cases! My current case (Fractal Define Mini) isn't big by any standards but still want to go smaller!
Click to expand...

I see, an eye for small things ;)
Off the bat, that power supply is by far overkill, you only need around 350 watts, maybe look at something in the 400-450w range, saves you money, may even allow for more room inside your chassis.

Unless you do not mind noise, i recommend you invest in some decent 120m fans, personally Noctua, looks are a bit marmite though :D
 
Recon64 said:
I see, an eye for small things ;)
Off the bat, that power supply is by far overkill, you only need around 350 watts, maybe look at something in the 400-450w range, saves you money, may even allow for more room inside your chassis.

Unless you do not mind noise, i recommend you invest in some decent 120m fans, personally Noctua, looks are a bit marmite though :D
Click to expand...

Will have a look, thanks!

I did actually pick up a couple of these Noctua fans last week - they are quiet as anything!
 
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Mini ITX Motherboard
CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro H105 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
Case: BitFenix Phenom Mini-ITX Cube Case - Midnight Black
Power Supply: Corsair Builder Series CX 500w Modular '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply

Sub Total : £262.43
Shipping : £11.75
VAT : £54.84
Total : £329.02

If you get free Shipping then it's £314.92, that's £60 saved.

Or if you want to swap the water for Air, can I suggest this:
CPU Cooler: Alpenföhn Brocken CPU Cooler
Used one recently and it's pretty good and reasonably quiet even on full. That case fits quite large coolers so you can go for something bigger.

New totals:
Sub Total : £214.93
Shipping : £11.25
VAT : £45.24
Total : £271.42

Or £257.92 with free shipping. Almost £120 saved.
 
Last edited:
I think itd be a waste for you to spend this amount of money just to go down-a-size.

Fair enough you like the 250D but you can get mATX cases in a simular style.

If you like the cube like nature of it this is a great choice (as it will also support your cooler):

YOUR BASKET
1 x Aero Cool Dead Silence Gaming White/Black Mini Tower Windowed £72.95
Total : £82.55 (includes shipping : £8.00).



But if you like the Obsidian Sytling, the 350D is spot on:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Corsair Obsidian 350D Windowed Micro ATX Case - Black (CC-9011029-WW) £94.99
1 x Corsair Hydro H100i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler (CW-9060009-WW) £88
Total : £196.49 (includes shipping : £11.25).



You will need a new cooler though.
 
Agree on the Aero Cool, but is'nt the 350D similar in size to his Fractal Define Mini, which is what the OP is trying to get away from.
 
Thanks for the input guys. After a little more consideration, what I may do is just downsize to a smaller cube-like MATX case - wanted to get away from the tower as you correctly pointed out! It does seem like a waste of waste downsizing to MITX.

Some of the MATX cases have taken my fancy, for example:

BitFenix Colossus M Micro ATX - £82.99

I'd like to still pick up a new cooler for the case and the Corsair Hydro H105 suggested previously does look good. Would anyone happen to know if I could fit this in the top of the Colossus without a problem?
 
I went from a Atx corsair 500R to the DS Cube and it all works well with the h100. Just an input if you like the look of it.
 
Dynix said:
Thanks for the input guys. After a little more consideration, what I may do is just downsize to a smaller cube-like MATX case - wanted to get away from the tower as you correctly pointed out! It does seem like a waste of waste downsizing to MITX.

Some of the MATX cases have taken my fancy, for example:

BitFenix Colossus M Micro ATX - £82.99

I'd like to still pick up a new cooler for the case and the Corsair Hydro H105 suggested previously does look good. Would anyone happen to know if I could fit this in the top of the Colossus without a problem?
Click to expand...

Not to sure if the H105 will fit, the spec for the Colossus states it will fit a SLIM 240mm radiator. The H105 is 38mm thick compared to the H100i's 27mm.
 
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