The thing that makes mATX builds really challenging is that you have
a lot of hot running components in a very tiny space which spells out
an overheating nightmare, not to mention hair ripping frustration
trying to find graphics cards and CPU coolers that are big enough to
get the job done but small enough to actually fit in an mATX case...
Here is my latest build, and I can guarantee that they all fit
together.. Might not be the best prices anymore, because a lot of the
rebates and sales have ended..
Additional Costs (Optional)
PC-HDTV5500 TV Tuner card: $110
SI-128SE CPU Heatsink (Fanless): $30
In addition to the above, I added an SI-128SE CPU cooler so
that my CPU runs silent (and fanless) and a pchdtv-5500 TV Tuner
card.. With mATX builds, make sure you get a modular PSU.. Keep in
mind that your power usage on an mATX build can be a bit less than on a
full ATX build. PSUs get highest efficiency between 25% and 75%
load.. Outside that range and your efficiency drops like a rock.. It
doesn't make sense to put in a 800 watt PSU if you can't fit a larger
card than 9" in and are running a 45 watt fanless CPU..
The PCI
Slot cooler, I don't really need.. But I keep it around just in case
it hits above 90F inside the house.. This system I've had running
24/7 at 100% load on the CPU (running x264 encoding of TV shows and
captures from VHS tapes). Also running at 100% load on the GPU with
folding@home 24/7..
I'm dual booting Vista 64-bit and Debian GNU/Linux.
Edit:
Also pointing out that the 605e 45-watt AMD quad-cores should be out
within a month or two.. They run at 2.3 Ghz per core and at 45 watts.
Edit #2:
Power consumption(not including monitor)
100% CPU and 100% GTS 250: 210 watts
100% CPU and using integrated video (GTS 250 not installed): 115 watts
idle
CPU with powernow! frequency scaling enabled, integrated video, and
hard drive powerdown on idle (GTS 250 not installed): 65 watts
TechieJustin:Yes, the MicroATX seems to be a real pain in the a**.
BUT, that's what I will be needing. If with that build, do you think I should remove the CPU heatsinc when it gets shipped?
The
CPU heatsink that ships stock with a 5050e is more than enough.. The
only reason I got rid of it is because it has a fan.. I don't like
fans. If you don't mind fans, then it doesn't matter. If you're
running a hot graphics card like a GTS 250, you're not going to hear
the fan on the CPU cooler anyway.. I wasn't quite sure if I was going
to put a dedicated graphics card in this build at first, but then games
like Ghostbusters came out so I went ahead and did it.. Originally I
was planning for a power efficient perfectly silent build, but the GTS
250 really cancels that out..
TechieJustin: Also, is that handle a real handle; or is it just for show?
It
is a real handle made of 100% aluminum. It is a beast of a handle, but
also part of the reason why the case is so expensive.. If you welded
a crowbar onto any case, it still wouldn't be as strong as a handle on
a TTLanbox.. But at the same time, I have to admit that it is so much
overkill of a handle that having it "for show" is also a big part of
it.. It's obvious they could have made the handle a lot smaller and
lighter while still getting the job done.. Originally I was building a
silent PC, but then after putting the GTS 250 in, the huge heatsink
that I got for the CPU is mostly just for show now.. Within a couple
years, I'll probably move the GTS 250 into another system and let this
be the silent PC I originally intended it to be. I didn't plan for this
to be my primary gaming PC, but that's the way it ended up.. It's a
pretty decent portable gaming system, I've got no complaints.
It's
too bad the TTLanboxes with the handles aren't on sale anymore at
NewEgg.. At $130 it's very difficult to recommend.. There's probably
better deals out there. I paid $100 for mine after the $15 rebate,
instant discount price, and free shipping... Rebate and instant
discount looks like they ended.
BTW, the slotted / vented see-through clear side panels are plastic.. Someone asked me if they were glass.. They're not.