Computer Recommendation - Build, Reuse or Continue

[mike911]

in addition... i have recommendation from peers to just go notebook.. and forget about desktops. (which actually made me fantasize about tablets... instead.)

 

[Elysium87]

in addition... i have recommendation from peers to just go notebook.. and forget about desktops. (which actually made me fantasize about tablets... instead.)

is up to yourself.

desktop, the parts you can change easily anytime.

laptop is limited, and the spec is not exactly what you wan

 

[Shahmatt]

yea... initially i had my eyes on them. including phantex's and inwin's 9xx or nzxt case with those "awesome" looking glass panels.
but then... spending a luxary on them while hoping to reduce size is very weird.
because it is just only a few cm/litres difference only

hmm... i.e. to say if i run 1080p can still game if i dont ask for too much expectations.

those 120W adapter is a external types i presume?

because my definition of itx is not those ultra small form factors.
but at least sufficient enough to fit in a gpu.
so i was looking at cases like

cm 110a
silverstone sg13
jonsbo c2
There was 1 more case from another thread that i need to go check again
some case from taobao where it is a copy of our local aftershock case that can fit in a gpu

if it is really those itx with no gpus...

inwin chopin

With the ASRock STX board it is actually partly notebook as it uses SODIMM RAM but Desktop CPU. Some STX boards also have MXM GPU slots so for this you can buy GPUs meant for notebooks.

If you buy ITX board then you use normal RAM, and can either place the PSU within the box just like a normal build in those cases you have mentioned, or you can have an external adapter (AC-DC unit) and just have a small DC-ATX unit inside the box.

PSUs are simply AC-DC units and DC-ATX units combined, so this latter style is simply splitting the two up. Having an external adapter keeps this heat source outside of the case and so thermal management is better.

A regular ITX box is small if on the floor, but on the table can feel bulky, so the cms may matter on the table. You can consider cases like the S4 mini or MC 600 which goes for flat profile and accommodates GPU by laying it flat and connecting to PCI Ex slot via cable.

Doing without GPU and externalizing the adapter makes things smaller. Getting something really small that can be versa mounted could mean removing the bulk completely.

Ultimately depends on our preference and use case.

 

[mike911]

is up to yourself.

desktop, the parts you can change easily anytime.

laptop is limited, and the spec is not exactly what you wan

the problems are not the suggestions or solutions
but rather.. me (myself) who can't decide everytime.

I keep wanting a perfect solution (which we all know it never happens)
- fit
- budget (and must buy at cheapest price. best voucher)
- problem free (from reviews, opinions)
- looks
- cost effective
- etc.

 

[mike911]

anyways the itx (b85i) board looks like the problem
apparently not the gpu fault... need further checks...
doesn't boot now without Rams..

was working 2 hours ago... hiaz.

ultimately depends on our preference and use case.

thanks, Shahmatt
my intent for itx is not on the ultra smallest factor or stx solutions.

is only to reduce the form factor as much as possible so I can reduce space. (as in even possibly discarding/giving away/retiring mini r2)

but if I were to go itx/stx. then I will give up the idea of gaming and 1440p and go for productivity kind of setup (i.e. Mac mini or Intel nuc type of cases)

 

[Elysium87]

you ma fan le want this want that.

if you require so many condition, having your own build pc is much better for you.

and ITX can be also for gaming as well

 

[mike911]

I do not blame you for my bad behavior. and I apologized in my first post.

I will apologize again. for the indecisive behavior of mine.

 

[Shahmatt]

but if I were to go itx/stx. then I will give up the idea of gaming and 1440p and go for productivity kind of setup (i.e. Mac mini or Intel nuc type of cases)

Not sure I agree that it is a productivity setup because the 2400G is approximately GT1030 level, which is budget gaming territory, and there are better processors for productivity. Also future APUs can only be better IMO. But there are different ways to skin a cat.

 

[mike911]

Not sure I agree that it is a productivity setup because the 2400G is approximately GT1030 level, which is budget gaming territory, and there are better processors for productivity. Also future APUs can only be better IMO. But there are different ways to skin a cat.

nono... I mean like basic use.
not the YouTubers type of productivity kind of setup.

 

[Illusionist_85]

Just sharing findings.

Tried a few things to clarify doubts in mind.

1.
(Sorry clon22, i know dismantling it is not a good idea =.=)
Removed R9 380's backplate and installed to my original B85m-G43.
Somehow, after testing it
- case lying flat on floor
- case sitting up straight up

No issues with GPU, even with stress test over 1 day.

Spoiler

2.
@jedi5diah
I tried sanding (with whatever sandpaper i have at home) the rusted surface before, but did not dare to over sand it.

Spoiler

3.
@jedi5diah
2nd area (exhaust) which requires more effort, i havent sand this yet.

Spoiler

4.
@jedi5diah
3rd/4th area (not captured)
side panels, kind of oxidised feel with spots all over.
i am not sure how to treat this... tried to lightly wipe them off with a damp cloth, but did not help.


5.
decided to try back original setup b85i without GPU backplate
somehow on first setup after driver clean up, i got alot of issues
no display boot up
after reseating RAM/GPU
i got the following output
then i loosened the GPU Screws and no issues (stress test + game play) after another day.

Spoiler

6.
guess i will have to further monitor...
these random intermittent issues are very troublesome to isolate and resolve...

Maybe clean up the interior?

Sent from Sony Z4 using GAGT

 

[mike911]

Maybe clean up the interior?

You are referring to the case?
Or the components?

I did a quick dust off of the casing just few months back.
While mobo + gpu is rather recent.

Unless... i can try to clean the gold contacts of the RAM and GPU...