Advise for a mATX Gaming Build.

Ventrus

Hi everybody,

I'm looking into putting together a new pc, and want to have as small a case as possible.

I can see that there are Cases and builds for micro ATX builds, but none exactly what I'm looking for. I think everything will revolve around the Processor that I want, which is Intel Core i7-4770K - 3.5GHz - Socket 1150

The Case I would like to have is the BitFenix Prodigy case
Pictures: http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/prodigy/

On at lot of sites you can build gaming pc's but not with that specific processor (I have checked Tomshardware links etc...) . I'm not sure what possible issues this may cause. I have found compatible mATX Motherboards. A concern I have is what it would be like for overheating. To note, I don't have any intention of overclocking.

I haven't put together a mATX build before so I'm not sure what I should be looking out for or if there are other concerns that wouldn't come up with a standard case. Any feedback would be appreciated!

-( i )- Wicker

Is there a particular reason you want the i7? If its just for gaming, an i5 will perform just as well. (Games dont use hyperthreading currently)

Another thing to note, the K processors are unlocked for overclocking, if you're not overclocking you can save yourself a bit of money and get the non-K version.

One last thing, the Bitfenix Prodigy is currently ITX. The Bitfenix Prodigy M (mATX) should hopefully be available soon though.

Ventrus

Thanks for that
Unlocked/Locked was a bit of confusion for me, so thanks for clearing it up.

I have seen that ITX Motherboards are a standard of their own but I can see some Builds that are using the Prodigy with i7/i5 so I assumed that it should be okay, but I guess I didn't research it enough.

With regards to the case, I'm not completely set on that, I'm very open to alternatives (It was really the look I was going for). I just want it to be small, I currently have an ATX Tower and it's a complete nuisance for arranging/fitting/leg space. Would there be any alternatives you could recommend?

Ventrus

With regards to wanting the i7, it's for future proofing mainly

BloodBath

Itx will limit your overclocking a fair bit. Maybe wait for the matx prodigy if you want to overclock.

You should fill this in.

1. What is your budget? [€xxx]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]

Ventrus

Thanks Bloodbath

1. What is your budget? [€1000 (but not confined to this, if I need a part that I can't afford Ill simply wait until I can]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Internet] - Can't specify a game, but generally the latest, Bioshock Infinite would be one I could immediately think of.

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard Drive (1tb 72k rpm (can't think of the model, not at home atm) - Graphics GTX 560 Ti)] PSU is 700w but this will probably be overkill and a more efficient one is desirable.

5. Do you need a monitor? [No - Currently 24' HD]


5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080]

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.] No

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [No]

8. How can you pay? [Credit Card]

9. When are you purchasing? [In 90 days (roughly)]

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [No Help]

BloodBath

This should do nicely. What power supply do you have currently?

You probably don't need to replace it. That xeon is and 4 core/ 8 thread cpu that's pretty much the same as a 3770 ivy running 100mhz slower and without an igp. It wouldn't be far off a 4770 in performance. You're looking at around €80 less for the board + cpu combo.

I didn't include a dvd drive but add one if you need it.

Go for whatever colour prodigy you like as well of course.

Item|Price
Intel Xeon E3-1230v2, boxed, LGA1155|€201.31
ASRock B75M-ITX, Sockel 1155, ITX|€66.62
8GB-Kit G.Skill Sniper PC3-14900U CL9-10-9-28|€60.44
Powercolor HD7950 PCS+ 3072MB GDDR5|€261.21
Samsung SSD 840 250GB SATA 6Gb/s|€140.79
BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Gehäuse - weiß, ohne Netzteil|€69.67
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - Intel/AMD|€29.18
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€848.21

Ventrus

Thanks for that,

I wasn't expecting the Xeon mention, I guess I had it in mind that the i7 would be the way to go so Ill do a bit of research on that.

The list has opened up a few more options also that I wasn't aware of also so that gives me something else to look into/consider.

Thanks a mil again