Spec <£600 Mini-ITX

Billy-Dane

Billy-Dane

Billy-Dane

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Joined
16 Oct 2013
Posts
33
Hey Guys,

You were all awesome last time i requested advice however, my needs have now changed since the last spec you helped me with. Originally i needed a setup for 3 screens, however, my need for the 3rd monitor has been filled by purchasing a USB3.0 to VGA adapter (not great quality but it didnt need to be, just a screen for holding mails and static stats documents).

Now, my requirements are as follows:
Case: BitFenix Phenom Mini-ITX Cube Case - Arctic White
Processor: At least i5 (IvyBridge or Haswell)
Memory: At least 8GB
Drive: SSD (at least 64GB)
OS: Windows 8 or 7 (i only use desktop mode in 8 currently, hate metro)
Network: Wifi connectivity
Video: 2 Outputs (HDMI & VGA - either, or, both (Preferably both HDMI due to higher resolution capabilities))
USB: At least 1 USB3.0 & at least 3 USB2.0, anymore is a great bonus.

I need it to be under £600, not strictly, if it means £20-50 over but i am getting a worthwhile upgrade, i can stretch to it.

Key Points it will be used for:
3 Monitors
Photoshop, Excel, SPSS Stats Packages
No Gaming
Preferably as quiet as possible.
Preferably as cool as possible.

I am Currently using my i3 laptop as a desktop running 3 monitors off it (1HDMI, 1VGA and 1 USB3.0>VGA Adapter) and it is working great however, it runs real hot due to its limited cooling capacity(i use a cooling tray) and i just generally want a dedicated machine and use the laptop for more portable uses.

Hope that is enough info but if anymore is needed, please let me know :)

Thank you for your help in advance, most knowledgeable guys around.

FYI, here is my current setup running from laptop in a draw below the keyboard on its cooling tray: http://i.imgur.com/QQlMyyv.jpg
 
 
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Intel Core i5-4430 3.00GHz £137.99
MSI Z87I Gaming AC Intel Z87 (Socket 1150) DDR3 ITX Motherboard £129.95
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-Bit DVD - OEM £74.99
BitFenix Phenom Mini-ITX Cube Case - Arctic White £69.95
SanDisk Pulse 128GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Hard Drive £61.99
Corsair CS450M 450W Semi-Modular 80+ GOLD Certified Power Supply £59.99
TeamGroup Vulcan ORANGE 8GB DDR3 2400MHz Dual Channel Kit £55.99
Shipping : £11.25
Total : £604.34

All from OcUK.

If it was me I'd get an ivy bridge with a Gigabyte H77N-WIFI Intel H77 (Socket 1155) and save some money but these boards are out of stock at OcUK
 
 
I'm not sure if you need a dedicated gpu so I went for this, has an i7, a sexy motherboard but from clearance to save £44, 120gb ssd and some fast ram..

image.jpg
 
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Hey, thanks for the help!

Could you add a recommended low grade graphics card to run a third monitor and save my usb3.0 port and some cooling in there that you'd recommend?

Thank you


danewesley said:
I'm not sure if you need a dedicated gpu so I went for this, has an i7, a sexy motherboard but from clearance to save £44, 120gb ssd and some fast ram..

image.jpg
Click to expand...
 
I'd spec some cooling options but there is no need, with what you list the i7 won't be strained at all and neither will the gpu, does the case come with any fans?
 
I Beleive it comes with a 120mm rear fan and says it has space for tall CPU coolers, you dont think its worth it just in case? for £20? or is it really a luxury and not necessary?
 
It's not a luxury but if you where really stressing the CPU on all cores I'd suggest it, if you have the extra £20 now then yeh go for one, otherwise it won't matter too much. It will just bring load temps down and reduce noise a bit at typical usage.
 
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