295x2 Mini ITX build

auroxi · 15 May 2014 at 12:59

Hi folks,

I haven't built a PC in about 11 years and I thought I'd give something extra special a try. I could really do with some input from you guys because I haven't kept much track of things on what's possible and what isn't.

I'll list some ideas down here and hopefully you guys can advise on if it will fit and works well.

Case: Cooler Master HAF Stacker 915F http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-361-CM
Graphics: 295x2 OC http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-352-SP
CPU: Undecided but maybe this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-532-IN&groupid=701&catid=6
Motherboard: Undecided
Memory: Something along the lines of 16GB of 2400? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-384-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1387
Hard Drives: 2 * 240GB SSD with decent performance: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-030-IN&groupid=701&catid=2104
PSU: Might be overkill? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-298-SV

Any thoughts/input behind this build will be appreciated. I'm presuming it will all fit in the case? I've seen a 295x2 fit inside this case before but I'm not sure if all of the other components will? (main concern PSU)

Also I'm not sure if the CPU will need a cooler on it? (and again, if it will fit).

Cheers

snips86x · 15 May 2014 at 13:04

This is a very ambitions project. I commend you for it though, looking forward to how it turns out.

Have you considered the following?
1 - With a card like that and limited space, you may have unexpected issues with temps.
2 - I think the PSU may be too big, a gold rated Antec/Superflower/BeQuiet which is smaller may be better suited
3 - Unsure on your choice of CPU, you're effectivly going to be running crossfire, so a 'K' series may benefit you more. Have you thought about using a H100i in there at all?

auroxi · 15 May 2014 at 13:08

Thanks for the reply.

I thought about the H100 but I'm really unsure if it will fit in the case. I'm a bit scared of purchasing all of these components and then it doesn't fit.

I don't think the temps on the GPU is much to worry about, it has an external cooler doesn't it and the standards temps on the 295x2 are quite low aren't they? I've seen it done before but no idea on how well it performs as it was more likely a marketing stunt.

I thought the K processors are only worthwhile if you plan on overclocking? I don't want to push the whole 'temps' thing too high/far, being such a small case.

Uncle Petey · 15 May 2014 at 13:12

What kind of games do you mostly play and at what res?

snips86x · 15 May 2014 at 13:15

The case does seem well ventilated, so I don't see why you should have an issue. Have you considered an alternative like the 7990 or a 6GB 780Ti?

auroxi · 15 May 2014 at 13:23

I have kept track of graphics cards lately (about the only thing I have) and after seeing the impressive figures and low temps of the 295x2, it seemed like a perfect solution. I would want to build a machine that will last a while and can run any current and future games at any details I wish.

I used to be a nvidia fan boy but AMD seemed to have outdone themselves with the 295x2 (plus it fits in the case!)

Uncle Petey · 15 May 2014 at 13:26

If you want to get the best out of the card with the most demanding current and future games, you will ideally want to OC the cpu and should probably be looking at an i7 'K' chip too.

nails666 · 15 May 2014 at 13:36

Uncle Petey said:
If you want to get the best out of the card with the most demanding current and future games, you will ideally want to OC the cpu and should probably be looking at an i7 'K' chip too.

Definitely, if you are spending that much on a graphics card you certainly don't want to be holding it back at all. If you can wait Intel are just about (next month) to release new 'Devils Canyon' cpu's including the i7 4790k which is what I'd recommend to do justice to that gpu. If you really can't wait then the current 4770k is the one to go for.

auroxi · 15 May 2014 at 14:00

Thanks guys. I can wait a month or so, it gives me more time to plan it out better I guess. I'll plan the new motherboard when the cpu is released. Does anyone know if a CPU + H100 cooler fits in this case?

snips86x · 15 May 2014 at 14:04

nails666 said:
Definitely, if you are spending that much on a graphics card you certainly don't want to be holding it back at all. If you can wait Intel are just about (next month) to release new 'Devils Canyon' cpu's including the i7 4790k which is what I'd recommend to do justice to that gpu. If you really can't wait then the current 4770k is the one to go for.

The difference between the 4770k and the 4790k will be minimal. You'll be lucky to notice any difference between them. The 4770k is one of the best 4th Gen clockers, highly recommended if you can afford the premium!

nails666 · 15 May 2014 at 14:52

snips86x said:
The difference between the 4770k and the 4790k will be minimal. You'll be lucky to notice any difference between them. The 4770k is one of the best 4th Gen clockers, highly recommended if you can afford the premium!

Well we don't know for sure what the difference in overclocking ability will be yet but the rumours are that it will be better with the new TIM on the 4790k. Even without any extra OC potential though the stock performance should be a decent improvement just through the 4.4GHz turbo clock compared to the 3.9 of the 4770k.

In any case, even if the improvements are only small they are still improvements for pretty much the same price so it would be foolish to buy a 4770k now if you can wait just a few weeks.

snips86x · 15 May 2014 at 14:53

It wouldn't be foolish at all. It's not like its a dead platform!

nails666 · 15 May 2014 at 15:05

Well the 4770k is for sure still a great chip but if you can wait a few weeks then why would you buy that now when you'll be able to get something better for the same price so soon?

fantasticCG · 15 May 2014 at 16:20

Yer I'd wait see how the chip performs!
Interesting to see how this build turns out

jimbaw · 15 May 2014 at 16:53

if you're not in a rush, wait till the new k series are out, especially since you're not on a tight budget. getting a good cooler is imperative especially in a SFF. the H100i seems to be a good choice (or maybe the h105 as I think it's a bit thinner).
anyways, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

auroxi · 15 May 2014 at 17:20

Would the h100/105 even fit in this case with that radiator and everything else in there?

The Hyper 212 is getting good reviews (which is mentioned on the product page of the case), is the 100/105 that much better and worth the risk of space?

jimbaw · 15 May 2014 at 20:15

you've got 360mm of fan space on each side and 120 at the rear so the rads will fit but you'll have to measure and make sure that you've got enough depth. I'm not familiar with that case at all I'm afraid. and isn't the hyper 212 quite bulky?

auroxi · 16 May 2014 at 07:55

Thanks Jim.

No idea on the dimensions of the hyper 212, it was just on the product page but I don't think it has a radiator (maybe I'm wrong). Once the new processors come out, I think the best thing I can do is order the parts almost one by one and measure the free space once the component(s) is/are fitted to ensure I don't end up in a right situation.

jimbaw · 16 May 2014 at 12:02

auroxi said:
Thanks Jim.

No idea on the dimensions of the hyper 212, it was just on the product page but I don't think it has a radiator (maybe I'm wrong). Once the new processors come out, I think the best thing I can do is order the parts almost one by one and measure the free space once the component(s) is/are fitted to ensure I don't end up in a right situation.

you could always do it this way.
but you should be able to find out by looking up the measurements. maybe you can message OCUK directly and ask them what they think?