Q08/11 SFF

Gary*

Gary*

Gary*

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Joined
11 Sep 2009
Posts
1,037
I like my Fractal Design R2 and now I think it's time for a change. I've been considering downsizing into a mITX system as my PC needs have changed recently. Instead of the massive amounts of gaming, the machine will generally be used for Photoshop CS5 & media.

I wasn't sure on what case to choose, I like the cushiness of the Q11, although the Q08 provides better cooling, I'd like to know if the Prolimatech Samuel will fit either of these cases with a standard PSU.

Choosen spec;

Q08/Q11
Gigabyte GA-H55
i7 860
4GB Corsair XMS3
Crucial C300 64GB

I'm planning on using my current graphics card, and undecided on a PSU. I'm wanting a modular PSU, could anyone suggest one that isn't overkill?
 
I cannot say for sure but i have a q11 and with standard cooling idle at 42 - 45 and when playing games never get above 70 and thats play MW2 on full settings.

As for the Prolimatech Samuel I have been reccomended it by another forum member... Leigon i think... But i wont find out if it fits untill i buy one on the 25th or there abouts..

I must say the Q11 is roomier than it looks. But installing the powersupply is a bit of a squeeze. I recon if the hole was maybe 1mm bigger then it would be so much easier to install.

Also a small warning. If you are planning on using a graphics card you want it to be shorter than 200mm (unless you have a friend to hand to help you install the graphics) I chose the MSI GTX 460 Cyclone and had trouble with connecting the power cables, had to connect them before i put the card in my case.

But i have to say im pretty chuffed with the system as a whole. Stock cooling on the components make it whisper quiet.
 
The Prolimatech Samuel 17 will work in either of these cases with a full size atx psu.
The only thing you need to be aware of is if you use tall ram like ripjaws,they will foul the hsf.
Corsair XMS3 however will be fine.

Thermalright AXP-140 is also a good choice but requires you to do away with the metal backplate when using the H55N as a small icc on the rear of the board interferes with any cooler that uses a backplate.
You just use plastic/nylon washers to make up the thickness of what would have been the backplate.
back2circle_575px.jpg


A plastic backplate such as supplied with the H50 can be trimmed slighty to miss the icc
(H50 trimmed backplate for the H55N)
scaled.php


The H50 obviously isnt going to work in the Q11,the reference and pics are just to show you and others what the potential pitfalls are for anyone that isnt doing their homework when selecting components for these tiny builds,which only really applies to people that want high powered/overclocked parts in tiny cases.


As for a modular psu anything ~500w is more than enough.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-037-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1098
Seems to fit the bill.
 
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Personally I wouldnt risk it,I've read posts of peeps that have crushed those icc's and fubared the board as a result.
The warranty doesnt cover you crushing those icc's,and leaves you no recourse for RMA.
I'd rather spend a few mintues trimming the backplate before it's installed and have one less thing to worry about.
 
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Oh I agree, in fact I didn't even know about the issue until I read your post. If I had known I would have trimmed it, but it's all working fine now so I'm sure as he'll not stripping it all down :D
 
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