ITX Built :)

jennidc · 3 Aug 2013 at 21:08

I've just done my first mini itx build today using the new Richland AMD a6600k cpu.

I went for the following parts:
Mb - AsRock FM2A85x-ITX
CPU - a6600k
Case - CIT MTX-006B Black Mini ITX Desktop Case 300W PSU
Blaze rechargeable wireless mouse
Xbox 360 wireless pad and dongle

I recycled a 1 Tb hard drive and 8gb of DDR3 1600 and a keysonic wifi keyboard

Its seems to be running really well - as its my birthday soon I will be adding a 7750 for hybrid crossfire

I'm now looking forward to a bit of couch gaming

I made a couple of noob errors - I did not realise that with an APU you need to plug the 4 pin graphics power lead into the motherboard so wasted a good few hours trying to workout why there was no picture :rolleyes:

Also I thought the case would fit a standard DVD from an old build - wrong so I'm now installing Windows with the DVD balanced on the outside of the case.

At the moment I'm using the stock cooler with my own thermal paste (40 degrees). But if anyone has some low profile cooler advise for future overclocking please let me know. Pleasantly surprised with how quiet it is considering the cheap psu and cooler - my main desktop has lots of fans and crossfired 6970s though so I'm used to some noise lol.

jennidc · 5 Aug 2013 at 14:57

In my rush to upgrade I ordered a 7750 (HIS low profile model) which has arrived today.

It was only when I tried to fit it I noticed 2 problems :
1. The PSU blocks the card the card being placed into its slot
2. The case I have has no gap for an extension card.

From my perspective I can see 4 solutions:
1. Run the PSU external to the case with extension leads and mod the case to have space for the card.
2. Buy a PCIE Riser cable so I can position the graphics card horizontal
3. Change the case (not easy as my current case fits in a my TV cabinet) so I need a slim case
4. Use a pico psu to wire in a laptop style psu

If anyone else has been through this or can give me any advice please let me know - I want to try to do this as cheaply and simply as possible.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/jenno_d/20130804_131429_1_zps7e7942cd.jpg

maklabouhlel · 5 Aug 2013 at 23:39

You could have installed windows via usb. What about a larger case which fits in your tv cabinet?

jennidc · 6 Aug 2013 at 20:55

I think it might be the only option maklabouhlel - I'm kicking myself for trying to get a cheap case - I should have learned my lesson from previous experiences.

This looks nice :
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-163-SV&groupid=2362&catid=2282

The beauty of this case is I could use my ATX PSU which is much better spec than my mini one and I could add an extra hard drive and have better cooling.

If I can sell my 2 6950's I may keep the old case and shrink my i7 2600k desktop down to mini-itx - it would need some modding to get my raid 0'd 3.5" harddrives and my boot SSD in though - as I now use that machine for video production and for my YouTube slimming world recipes (9.5 stone lost in 2 years

)

jennidc · 9 Aug 2013 at 22:24

A quick update I'm currently having a go at building a lego case as I was really struggling to find a perfect case. I will post pics on completion i need to get a second hand box of random bricks to complete it. It should be a fun build. My first hurdle will be sorting out the power buttons and leds.

mhowarth · 10 Aug 2013 at 21:30

Out of interest what are you temps like in those cases?

The modding option to me sounds a bit more hassle and I'd say just go for the new case, if you need to justify it to yourself just remember that's the part you always see and if you're not 100% then you'll just regret it further down the line!

jennidc · 11 Aug 2013 at 21:28

I know what you mean but I have a burning desire to start a new project

After looking at 2nd hand lego prices I scrapped that idea.

After a bit of trawling I came across a site selling a copy pack of Jenga (Tumbling Bricks) plain wood bricks for £1.50. So I have ordered 10 packs to be safe and to allow for me making a hash of it

My plan is to use a solid base of wood with the sides and top made of Jenga bricks. I am going to have some 2x120mm fans built into 2 sides set to low

Temps are not good in my current cheap case - but I'm hoping the extra space and cooling will help with my wooden replacement. I plan to have enough room to use my Artic Cooling Freezer. I should have enough room to use my 600W PSU I may leave enough space for a full height GFX card (I have a spare 6970 which would be nice to use).