i3-12100F build suggestions

OspreyO · 1 Sep 2022 at 08:14

I'm playing with the idea of making a light gaming/media encoder/server build around a i3-12100F. Its to replace a very old xeon. I want something with modern I/O. Lots of USB 3.1+ ports. Dual NVME and space for 2 or 3 hard drives. A PSU that can handle a 3060 or similar in the future. I'm going to re use a 1050 at the moment. 16 or 32gb of ram. The smaller the case the better even mini itx.

Any build suggestions.

tamzzy · 1 Sep 2022 at 08:23

OspreyO said:
media encoder

will you be using/could you take advantage of intel quicksync? if so, then the non-f version with the igpu may be more suited

OspreyO said:
The smaller the case the better even mini itx

the itx form factor carries a premium due to its smaller size, you're better off going with a micro-atx build instead for best value

OspreyO · 1 Sep 2022 at 08:30

Not using quicksync. Micro-atx point taken.

tamzzy · 1 Sep 2022 at 11:19

went for a cheaper h610 board although this only supports pcie 3 (for the nvme ssd, it's x4 for the first slot, and x2 for the second slot)
if you want pcie 4 x4 for the nvme ssd slots, then you will have to stump up the cash (£50+) for a b660 board

with regards to the ram, ddr4 is shortly going the way of the dodo, so my suggestion is to buy used ram from MM to save some £££

i've not used this case before so unsure of how well it will handle your build as it's only specced because it's cheap
if you want to spend a bit more on the case then the LianLi 205M would be my resounding recommendation for £50. It has the best build quality in the £50 price range (i've built a computer in this case before, so personal experience)

the kolink enclave is a very decent and good value gold-rated PSU (again, i've used it in previous builds, so personal experience)
tier-b: https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

My basket at OcUK:

1 x Intel Core i3-12100F 3.30GHz (Alder Lake) Socket LGA1700 Processor - Retail (SKU: CP-6AS-IN) = £109.99
1 x Asus Prime H610M-E D4 - Intel H610 DDR4 Micro ATX Motherboard (SKU: MB-6HP-AS) = £85.99
1 x Team Group Vulcan Z T-Force 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200MHz Dual Channel Kit - Grey (SKU: MY-0AJ-TG) = £89.99
1 x Aerocool Bolt Mini TG Micro-ATX case - black (SKU: CA-234-AE) = £34.99
1 x Kolink Enclave 600W 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply (SKU: CA-04A-KK) = £50.00
1 x Kolink AT/ATX "Kettle Plug" 1.2 5A Fuse Meter Mains Cable (SKU: CB-002-KK) = £0.00

Total: £370.96 (includes delivery: £0.00)

i3-12100F build suggestions

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