Build own CPU like the Mac Mini

[ahleong79]

Hi everyone,

I am quite a noob here but wondering if anyone can help me with some basic knowledge on how to build a CPU like the Mac Mini. I was advised I could definitely build a more worth it CPU rather than forking out on a Mac Mini.

My requirements are quite minimal.
1) Mainly just for browsing, iTunes and some Microsoft Office applications.
2) I would also like to have a small form factor like the Mac Mini.
3) Not a gamer, nor doing any intensive video editing.

If some kind hearted soul can give me some advice, that would be very much appreciated!

 

[batniss]

Hi everyone,

I am quite a noob here but wondering if anyone can help me with some basic knowledge on how to build a CPU like the Mac Mini. I was advised I could definitely build a more worth it CPU rather than forking out on a Mac Mini.

My requirements are quite minimal.
1) Mainly just for browsing, iTunes and some Microsoft Office applications.
2) I would also like to have a small form factor like the Mac Mini.
3) Not a gamer, nor doing any intensive video editing.

If some kind hearted soul can give me some advice, that would be very much appreciated!

here: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/hardware-clinic-2/nuts-about-nuc-klub-5347419.html

 

[MacClipper]

here: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/hardware-clinic-2/nuts-about-nuc-klub-5347419.html

Thanks, I also did a relevant thread ~2 years back
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/87531872-post28.html

 

[ahleong79]

Hi guys,

Thank you for the links!
From what I saw, there are Intel NUC, Beebox and some others.
It seems really simple, just buy a HDD or SSD and RAM, then just fix it inside the NUC and that's it.
Anything else I missed?

I supposed the graphics card would be limited to what the NUC comes preinstalled with.
Same for the OS?
I guess it is also due to the small form factor that limits the amount of "customization" that we can do.

I am not sure if an internal fan is necessary for my needs though.

 

[Elijahonli]

Hi guys,

Thank you for the links!
From what I saw, there are Intel NUC, Beebox and some others.
It seems really simple, just buy a HDD or SSD and RAM, then just fix it inside the NUC and that's it.
Anything else I missed?

I supposed the graphics card would be limited to what the NUC comes preinstalled with.
Same for the OS?
I guess it is also due to the small form factor that limits the amount of "customization" that we can do.

I am not sure if an internal fan is necessary for my needs though.

mostly on a small form factor even like the mac-mini, there isnt much cooling needed

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Hi everyone,

I am quite a noob here but wondering if anyone can help me with some basic knowledge on how to build a CPU like the Mac Mini. I was advised I could definitely build a more worth it CPU rather than forking out on a Mac Mini.

My requirements are quite minimal.
1) Mainly just for browsing, iTunes and some Microsoft Office applications.
2) I would also like to have a small form factor like the Mac Mini.
3) Not a gamer, nor doing any intensive video editing.

If some kind hearted soul can give me some advice, that would be very much appreciated!

Top end Mac Mini configuration at price way lower than its lowest end model.

CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81TM-ITX @ $199
HSF: PC-Cooler S85 Low Profile 1U CPU Cooler @ $30
RAM: Kingston ValueRAM DDR3L-1600 CL11 8GB [SO-DIMM] @ $53 (PC Themes)
SSD: Zotac Premium 240GB @ $96* (Lazada Singapore)
PSU: FSP120-AAA 120W AC/DC Power Adapter @ $55
CASE: Silverstone Petite PT13 @ $80
OS: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 64-bit Product Key [OEM] @ $30 (Reddit)
Upgrade for free to Windows 10 via free Windows 8.1 update.

Total: $543

Optional:
HDD: HGST Travelstar 7K1000 1TB [7200 rpm] @ $85 (PC Themes)

Buy others from t258jgn.

All Lazada prices inclusive of delivery charge
*Price after Lazada App DBS FriYAY 12% off max $25 discount

OR just spend $290 on another model equivalent to $688 Mac Mini lowest end configuration: Zotac ID18

NUC-ZOTAC-Bundle-01. ZOTAC ZBOX ID18 Plus w/ Windows 8.1 + Kingston ValueRam KVR16LS11/8 1x 8GB 1600MHz CL11 1.35V DDR3 SODIMM

http://forums.vr-zone.com/motherboa...-psus-kb-mouse-post14584983.html#post14584983

 

[addicted79]

Where can I get a larger variety of cases? I prefer those that looks like the Intel NUC...