Advice for ITX system

[tzongyee]

I am thinking of putting together a new PC into the silver stone SG-08 mini ITX casing. All my previous desktops were ATX MB w midtower casings but being a non-gamer and I don't do fanciful stuff to my PC, I am keen to explore a SFF desktop this time.

May I know what are the pros n cons of an ITX MB like the ASUS PZ77-I-deluxe? Also, are internal slim bluray/DVD combi optical drives easily found in the market (i dont see on the lrice lists online)and how much they should cost?

The components I am thinking of using are: ASUS pz77-I-deluxe w intel i53470. Samsung 840 series SSD, WD 1TB HDD, 2x4gbcosair vengeance ddr3 ram, silverstone sg08 casing, slim optical bluray/DVD combi(recommendations?). Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[coyote]

For most users, a B75 chipset board + i3 is overkill most of the time. The intel onboard hd 2500 graphic is more than capable for.hd movie playback.

Asus, gigabyte and asrock B75 itx boards are all good and reliable, asrock usually cheapest.

Itx cases wise, i.suggest cooler master elite 120 advance with a fsp hexa 500w psu. Elite 120 is small enough but still uses atx psu. For even smaller chassic, thermaltake sd101, inwin BM650 are available, but.psu are proprietary.

 

[nippp0n]

What is your purpose of the rig and your budget? Do you need OS?

 

[tzongyee]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm using it for surfing, viewing videos and movies, photo editing and work(usual office applications). Not a gamer at the moment which is why i left out a Graphics card. Yes, I do need OS.

With regards to my optical drive question, any slim int bluray combi drives ard (or do I have to settle for another case w full size 5.25 bay / ext optical drive?)

 

[Felfirez]

Coolermaster Elite 120 is good for ITX board and full sized components. Just did up a system using it. I'd recommend that too.

 

[Boltstorm]

the PZ77-I-deluxe is meant for overclocking. I don't think you need that especially since there are much cheaper alternatives.
Casing you can consider Jonsbo. small and simple case.
Also you don't need the vengeance ram, just get g.skill value ram.

 

[coyote]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm using it for surfing, viewing videos and movies, photo editing and work(usual office applications). Not a gamer at the moment which is why i left out a Graphics card. Yes, I do need OS.

With regards to my optical drive question, any slim int bluray combi drives ard (or do I have to settle for another case w full size 5.25 bay / ext optical drive?)

Optical drives has lesser relevance nowadays as even windows 8 can be installed from a usb thumbdrive. Ubuntu did that couple.of years earlier.

Only the smallest vesa mountable itx chassis requires the slim odd drive to be fit. Smaller itx chassis like inwin bm650 supports both a standard size odd drive or a slim odd drive. The slim odd drives gives a little more clearance or headroom in the tiny chassis which resulted in slightly better ventilation or allows a slightly taller cpu cooler to be installed. The effects of both are not significant.

Slim odd is only relevant in those even smaller.vesa mountable itx chassis. Those supports only a single 2.5" hard disk only, should that be your preference. Slim odd is available from some shop at a slight premium over standard size one, not hard to find.

 

[t258jgn]

internal slim bluray/DVD combi optical drive not avail in SG.
Even if you find it will cost over $190

Asrock Z77E-ITX Z77 Mini-ITX should be the max. Any boards price higher than that will not that worth.

I also want to downgrade my 2x ASUS PZ77-I-deluxe motherboards soon.