Advice Needed on Mini ITX Build for Photo and Video Editing

hitman

hitman

hitman

Associate
Joined
7 Oct 2009
Posts
498
As above really. I've decided to build a small form factor pc which I can use for general productivity, streaming and crucially some photo and video editing at 4k. Also for listening to high res music. I want to keep this under £1000 if possible but its crucial that the end result is small and relatively easy to transport. Will have to pick up a monitor but this will be an added cost to the £1000.

Any advice would be great. Excited to order the components and start!
 
 
Exo Male, thanks for the recommendations. Was just going to post asking if it was possible to fit what I want in an ITX build. Would it be possible to upgrade what you've listed in the future? Or is the build limited by the form factor?
 
Would be able to upgrade that with something like a 3900x 12 core cpu and more powerful graphics card fairly easily theres also space in the case for a couple hdds/ssd for more storage.

I would look at cooling though. Theres very little room for a cpu cooler, not certain that the larger amd stock coolers will fit, you can get a 120mm aio cooler though so that might be an option
 
That motherboard isn't great. Has the weakest VRMs of the B450 ITX boards, and the software is poor. I know the MSI and Asus boards are better. Not sure about the ASRock.

Also might be worth looking at SFX power supplies. Not needed for that case, but if you decide to change in the future, ATX PSU compatibility really limits ITX case choice. The EVGA GM series is very well priced at the moment (not available at OCUK).

Just passing on two of the mistakes I've made on my recent build; I wish I'd coughed up the extra for the Asus board an SFX PSU.

On the subject of cooling, cooler clearance generally isn't a problem as there's a specified minimum amount of space around the socket. However, some tower coolers have issues with ITX boards if large RAM heatspreaders are used or the motherboard has large heatsinks near the socket. My Noctua U12S can't be oriented for vertical airflow due to my tall RAM and the Gigabyte board's VRM heatsinks. And when oriented for horizontal airflow I can't get a fan on the RAM side (again, due to the size of the RAM; Team Group Night Hawk).

Generally, top-down coolers are more ITX friendly, both with the cases and the boards. So as with the PSU, if you might change cases at some point then one of these (or just an AMD stock cooler) would be the best pick.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the replies everyone, some great advice there.
On the subject of cooling, would it be possible to use a water cooler with such a build?
 
hitman said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, some great advice there.
On the subject of cooling, would it be possible to use a water cooler with such a build?
Click to expand...
Depends on the case that you eventually choose, but yes there are ITX cases that can accommodate AIOs or custom loops. Planning before buying is essential because compatibility isn't guaranteed (e.g. some larger ITX cases can accommodate 280mm radiators, whereas others can't).
 
Fractal Design Core 500 can fit a 280mm radiator AIO.
CA066FD_118617_800x800.jpg

Currently £53.99 at OCUK.
 
OCUK don't appear to sell it but you might look at the Silverstone LD03 case. It's an ITX case with a vertical motherboard mount for improved cooling. Linus Tech Tips have a build video here.

 
Thanks guys for the recommendations. Wondering if I may have to re-think this one. Was going to build a small form factor PC to carry out video and photo editing whilst overseas. My rationale was it is much cheaper than the equivalent laptop and would have much better performance. At the end of my time overseas, I could then travel back with the PC in my hand luggage. Now realise that might be pushing it in terms of size and weight (max is 7 -10kg) plus has anyone actually done this, ie put their build in their hand luggage on a plane?
 
How long are you going to be overseas? I would be very careful about travelling with a PC overseas as they can suffer considerable damage in transit. You might be better off with a high-end NUC.
 
hitman said:
Thanks guys for the recommendations. Wondering if I may have to re-think this one. Was going to build a small form factor PC to carry out video and photo editing whilst overseas. My rationale was it is much cheaper than the equivalent laptop and would have much better performance. At the end of my time overseas, I could then travel back with the PC in my hand luggage. Now realise that might be pushing it in terms of size and weight (max is 7 -10kg) plus has anyone actually done this, ie put their build in their hand luggage on a plane?
Click to expand...

Look in to the Skyreach 4 Mini and you'll find loads of stuff about this exact use case.

Won't be cheap, mind. The case is $199 + $35 shipping + import taxes. And the 400W PSU is $213 (including shipping, and ships from Germany so no extra taxes). Likely looking at £1200 minimum for the PC.
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone, been reading the advice and suggestions with interest. Just about to look at an NUC and the Skyreach 4 Mini.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom