Mini ITX Build

yellowputty · 25 May 2012 at 16:18

For the first time, I have to say I am completely out of my depth here. I'm really wanting to build a very small linux computer, which will be used mainly for running numerical simulations for my PhD (although the best part of my work will be done using a supercomputer so nothing serious).

I've found a cheap case, and I didn't think the choice of case was an issue, but if there is, I'd welcome any warnings or suggestions.

Basically, all the computers I've built so far run AMDs, but suddenly the motherboards are very expensive in mini ITX. I'm not looking for fancy video output, just something that will crunch numbers well!

Thanks for any advice.

Cheetah Designs · 25 May 2012 at 16:20

Its mini itx NOT micro itx.

Does the case you have take a mini-itx board?

yellowputty · 25 May 2012 at 16:24

Cheetah Designs said:
Its mini itx NOT micro itx.

Does the case you have take a mini-itx board?

Well yes, I've looked for Mini ITX Cases.

Cheetah Designs · 25 May 2012 at 16:29

yellowputty said:
Well yes, I've looked for Mini ITX Cases.

Try looking for something second hand to get it cheaper.

Most (if not all) mini itx boards come with integrated graphics cards so you don't need to get a graphics card.

Careful about the case you get though, make sure that it can fit the CPU cooler. Some cases are really, really small and you may struggle for cooling your equipment.

Purely out of interest, if you don't mind sharing, what's your PHD on and at what Uni.

yellowputty · 25 May 2012 at 16:32

Thanks Cheetah - I shall keep my eyes on case specifications, do you recommend any?

PhD is at Bristol in Astrophysics.

Cheetah Designs · 25 May 2012 at 16:35

Drop me an email via my website: www.benbarron.com.

(Bristol Comp Sci student - currently sitting in Wills library if your about uni)

yellowputty · 25 May 2012 at 16:40

Cheetah Designs said:
Drop me an email via my website: www.benbarron.com.

(Bristol Comp Sci student - currently sitting in Wills library if your about uni)

Done and done.

Anyones advice still on AMD vs Intel, Motherboards, Coolers and RAM etc...would be of great help.

Cheetah Designs · 25 May 2012 at 16:46

For most everyday tasks Intel CPUs are generally better, but for pure number crunching I am not so sure that you can say clock-for-clock one it better than the other.

Do you need to run your simulations in real time?

yellowputty · 25 May 2012 at 17:05

Cheetah Designs said:
Do you need to run your simulations in real time?

That's a good question, quite probably, although I doubt I will need to run them on what I intend to build. I just want a small linux pc that can execute some fairly intensive c code, as fast as I can possibly afford.