Shuttle SFF spec - Gaming.

[darkgen]

OK, so my SX28P2 Pro has had it's day. It's been a magnificent unit with the wolfdale 8400 and I've managed 4 years out of it, but it simply isn't cutting it with today's games.

So, it's an obligatory please help spec out a SFF(shuttle) system. The requirement is simple: Games Games Games. Budget wise I can go anywhere (within reason, that being best value as opposed to latest released/early adopters privilege) with the thinking it will last me another 3/4 years. Ability to over-clock is preferable in order to eke out some life further down the road.

No accessories required.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[Doomedspeed]

The issue i see is the want to OC. It can be done, it just comes down to the choice of case. You won't be able to fit a huge air cooler in a small case and low profile air coolers are not reliable for OCing. That leaves you with All-in-one watercoolers, which is a good Idea.

Case wise, something like this would be the smallest you'd be able to go and keep the cooler inside (you'll see what i mean in a minute)

YOUR BASKET
1 x BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Cube Case - Midnight Black £59.99
Total : £71.09 (includes shipping : £9.25).




If you want to go smaller, you'd have to have cooling on the outside, take this case for example.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Lian Li PC-Q08A USB3.0 Mini-ITX Case - Silver £84.98
Total : £95.48 (includes shipping : £8.75).

Which case seems better for you?

 

[darkgen]

Have to confess I've never owned or set-up water cooling so that would definitely be a new experience for me. Case-wise I've always stuck with Shuttle because of the simplicity and the air OC fits for me. I'm not into extreme OC in anyway shape or form but perhaps I should take the plunge with water. Need to thunk about that.

Case-wise, it does not have to be uber SFF, it just meeds to fit into a space that's ~14"x9"x15".

 

[An Exception]

Have to confess I've never owned or set-up water cooling so that would definitely be a new experience for me. Case-wise I've always stuck with Shuttle because of the simplicity and the air OC fits for me. I'm not into extreme OC in anyway shape or form but perhaps I should take the plunge with water. Need to thunk about that.

Case-wise, it does not have to be uber SFF, it just meeds to fit into a space that's ~14"x9"x15".

See here

You can get a watercooler that fit's the shuttle no problem, it's simple, cools well, and allow quite allot of overclocking. Plus the R5 case accepts matx mobo's so you don't have to upgrade everything in 3-4 years time.

I would get the 77R5 version for an extra tenner....

 

[darkgen]

Thanks for the link, I'll read up. EDIT: OK that's probably beyond my comfort zone to perform modifications to the case, especially if playing with water. I'll probably make a complete hash of that!

OK so the open question remains:
What would be the best specification for a shuttle gamer box? As previously stated, there is no specific budget but I draw the line at silly price GPU. Just what would provide the best bang for the buck with some hopeful longevity. Have to confess that my existing SX38P2(8400) has probably spoilt me with its shelf life.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[An Exception]

I think you need to read beyond the first paragraph. You will then read there is a solution that is no harder than fitting a standard air cooler.

 

[Tute]

I think you need to read beyond the first paragraph. You will then read there is a solution that is no harder than fitting a standard air cooler.

Can you actually buy the 92mm Asetek cooler then? It says it's OEM only?

 

[SimonMaltby]

Asekek sell it direct on the bay but only in the USA, but will ship to the UK although costs are quite high of course.... but it is a worthwhile expense.