Micro-ATX Browsing Experiment

[MaryD]

This can't be quite a proper log as I have already built the new system.

First the motivation.

My primary and secondary are very slow to start up and can sit for a couple of minutes with Task Manager showing the disk at 100%. This suggests that an SSD would be a good idea.

I tend to have several browser tabs open, which soaks up memory. The secondary only has 4 GB and is not upgradable (rather old ...) So plenty of RAM would be a good idea.

I don't play games that require high powered graphics, so one system with a reasonably good graphics card will do fine. I tend not to add extra cards, so I don't need many slots.

My previous builds have been ATX midis, but the factors above suggested I go for a micro with on-board graphics. Does this reasoning sound OK?

 

[MaryD]

So:
Case - Kolink KLM-001 Micro-ATX
MB - Gigabyte B450M-DS3H-CF AMD Micro-ATX
CPU - AMD Ryzen 3 2200G VEGA 3.7 GHz 4 core
System Disk - WD Blue 250 GB M.2 SSD
Filestore Disk - WD Blue 2 TB

I could add a photo but I don't think it would add anything to the description.

 

[MaryD]

My opinions of the build:

It's very difficult to work in the cramped interior of a micro-ATX case. I don't think I'll go this route again.

It does start up very quickly, which was one of the aims.

It doesn't quite meet the need as both Firefox and Opera repeatedly lock up and say "No Internet". I haven't solved this yet.

What else should I add to this thread?

 

[MaryD]

Here's a photo of the interior -
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2znhh5rnn83ij41/General Interior.JPG?dl=0
I don't usually tie up the cables but I couldn't see what I was doing with them loose.

It looks as if there is an empty optical bay at the top, but there isn't because it's the power buttons, lights and front USB ports.
The upper hard drive is held on two screws as it's a 5" bay. The only empty bay is the vertical SSD bay in the middle.

The memory is two by 8 GB Vulcan T-Force DDR4. Stock cooler. Kolink Core 500W PSU.

 

[MaryD]

This build was largely an experiment. I chose the micro format because it would have sufficient scope for the RAM, disks and add-in cards I planned to use. I saved money on the case and PSU, and have come to the conclusion that it was a poor decision. A larger case wouldn't have the problem of squeezing cables in, and I have tucked unused cables into an empty external 5" bay before. This case doesn't have an empty bay and sleeved cabling is easier to manage too. I take the point about a pricier case with a rear tray and holes.

I could start a thread about my primary build. It's fairly old now but with recent upgrades.