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Ultimate Mini-ITX Build Project (Dark Nova)
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NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#1 - 2015-01-23 05:37:34 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Hello and good day.

Finally i have reached the point where i feel the need to upgrade my computer. I also had a laptop (15 inch Samsung 9-series) that i sold yesterday to spend the money on my new computer.

I'm a person who want's to have one device that does everything. Same applies when it comes to smartphones. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phablet that kinda replaces tablets for me, so instead of having one little smartphone and a big tablet, then i just use a device that is a phone and a tablet in one phablet device.

I'm doing the same with my computer now. My new computer will replace a laptop for traveling as i will build a computer that i so small that i can fit it into a travel bag and at the same time still be as powerfull as a normal computer.

So here is the complete list on what i will get and move over from my current computer. * indicates that i already have it in my current computer and will be moved over to the new computer.

Computer case: Rosewill Legacy U2-B-Window Black (Jonsbo U2).

Power supply: Corsair HX750*.

Motherboard: Asus Maximus VII Impact.

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K.

CPU cooler: Corsair H60 Liquid Cooler* (this one have a 120mm fan with it).

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB DDR3 1866 MHz (2X4GB) CL9*.

GPU: Asus GeForce GTX 970 DirectCU Mini.

SSD: Corsair Force Series F120* (this one is old and i will update it to an M.2 SDD later).

HDD: Western Digital Black 3 TB 64 MB Cache S-ATA III.

Keyboard: Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810.

Mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse.

Mousepad: Corsair Gaming MM200 Small Cloth Gaming Mouse Mat.

Screen: Dell Professional P2214H (i already have a 32 inch screen, so this screen will only be used for traveling).

And here is a list on what i'm gonna upgrade on / to the computer later.

CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H80i GT Performance Liquid CPU Cooler.

RAM: Corsair DOMINATOR Platinum Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 2400MHz CAS10.

SSD: Samsung 950 Pro 256 GB PCIe NVMe - M.2 Internal SSD (i can use one M.2 SSD directly on the Asus motherboard).

So what do you guys think of my new build project?

You can see pictures and benchmarks (soon) of the computer here on my own blog: Dark Nova.

I think this computer will be pretty awesome and pretty powerfull when i have got everything i need.

If you have anything on my lists that you would change out, then let me know. I'm always happy to get recommendations on better items if there is anything better Big smile

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Rip van Winkle
Doomheim
#2 - 2015-01-23 12:30:54 UTC
I zhink that ze project will make you happy!

Keep up the spirit! :)

EOL. All people care about is themselves anyway.
Dak Dallocort
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#3 - 2015-01-24 00:10:27 UTC  |  Edited by: Dak Dallocort
This is a great build. I'm using a 4670k + GTX 970 myself, and it's handled everything I've thrown at it so far. I do have a few suggestions.

I'd use a shorter power supply. Cooler master V650 - Compact This is important in a mini-itx build because cable management can be a real headache. This will give you an additional 1.6" behind your power supply for jamming those excess cables. 650w is more than enough headroom for your build.

Are you set on using two hard drives? The U2-B has mounts for an ssd and a 3.5" drive on t he bottom of the case, but an additional 3.5" drive would require use of the front cage, which would be better served as a mount for a second 120mm fan. More fresh air coming in through the front side vents means cooler air pushing through your H60 in the back.

Honestly, the RAM you have is fine. Unless you plan on something like video editing, you won't even fully utilize 8gb you have. As for the higher frequency, I suggest you watch this video for an explanation of how lower frequency/lower latency > higher frequency/higher latency for gaming.
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#4 - 2015-01-24 01:40:07 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Dak Dallocort wrote:
This is a great build. I'm using a 4670k + GTX 970 myself, and it's handled everything I've thrown at it so far. I do have a few suggestions.

I'd use a shorter power supply. Cooler master V650 - Compact This is important in a mini-itx build because cable management can be a real headache. This will give you an additional 1.6" behind your power supply for jamming those excess cables. 650w is more than enough headroom for your build.

Are you set on using two hard drives? The U2-B has mounts for an ssd and a 3.5" drive on t he bottom of the case, but an additional 3.5" drive would require use of the front cage, which would be better served as a mount for a second 120mm fan. More fresh air coming in through the front side vents means cooler air pushing through your H60 in the back.

Honestly, the RAM you have is fine. Unless you plan on something like video editing, you won't even fully utilize 8gb you have. As for the higher frequency, I suggest you watch this video for an explanation of how lower frequency/lower latency > higher frequency/higher latency for gaming.

Hey, thanks for your answer.

Yeah, you are probably right about the thing with the RAM speeds. The 1866 MHz DDR3 RAM's are the sweet spot i believe. However, since i do video editing, i always see that Adobe Premiere Pro and other apps like that are making Windows 7 Home Premium (as i use now) to complain alot about little RAM left when i encode stuffs while using Firefox and Winamp for example.

I also do alot of gaming, so i will most likely go for a 2 x 8 GB version of the same RAM as i have now. The only thing is that the 2 x 8 GB version of the same RAM i have is as expensive as the 2400 MHz RAM i linked to over.

Would you rather buy the 2 x 8 GB version of the RAM i have now where you don't have to edit the CAS timings, or would you buy the 2400 MHz DDR3 RAM and downclock it to 1866 MHz and then adjust the CAS timings down or simply run it at default 2400 MHz speed?

What would you buy here and do as they have almost the same price?

I know DDR4 is out now, but there isn't any Mini-ITX motherboards out yet that supports that.

When it's about the PSU, then my PSU is modular and it's 18 cm long, so even if the PSU i have now is 18 cm long, i think it will fit nicely into the Jonsbo U2 case as my PSU is modular and i can get the SSD and both of the HDD's on one single power cable. So it wont be alot of cable mess in the computer case.

EDIT: Is there any differences from this DDR3 RAM module to this DDR3 RAM module?

I can't see any differences on them except for the design. I kinda want a RAM module that is RED as the new motherboard have the RAM mountings in red colors Big smile

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Dak Dallocort
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#5 - 2015-01-24 03:36:37 UTC
Quote:
Would you rather buy the 2 x 8 GB version of the RAM i have now where you don't have to edit the CAS timings, or would you buy the 2400 MHz DDR3 RAM and downclock it to 1866 MHz and then adjust the CAS timings down or simply run it at default 2400 MHz speed?

What would you buy here and do as they have almost the same price?


Downclocking and getting speedier timings is no problem. Go with whichever kit you like the looks of most.

Quote:
Is there any differences from this DDR3 RAM module to this DDR3 RAM module?


The only difference besides aesthetic is Pro incorporates XMP 1.3 as opposed to 1.2. I've not delved into that particular area enough to give any opinion on the benefits of 1.3 as opposed to 1.2.

Quote:
When it's about the PSU, then my PSU is modular and it's 18 cm long, so even if the PSU i have now is 18 cm long, i think it will fit nicely into the Jonsbo U2 case as my PSU is modular and i can get the SSD and both of the HDD's on one single power cable. So it wont be alot of cable mess in the computer case.


I failed to notice in your original post that you already had the psu, or I wouldn't have suggested a different one.
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#6 - 2015-01-24 03:52:41 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Dak Dallocort wrote:
Downclocking and getting speedier timings is no problem. Go with whichever kit you like the looks of most.

Ok, i have to think about this then. I might just go for the 1866 MHz 2 x 8 GB version as i doubt i will use any speeds over that as i wont gain any better performances by going over 1866 MHz.

Dak Dallocort wrote:
The only difference besides aesthetic is Pro incorporates XMP 1.3 as opposed to 1.2. I've not delved into that particular area enough to give any opinion on the benefits of 1.3 as opposed to 1.2.

Take a look at this: http://www.overclock.net/t/1456936/does-xmp-1-3-boost-performance#post_21531689

If you do manually overclocking like i do, then i / you wont see any differences from XMP 1.2 to XMP 1.3. If i / you do automatic overclocking, then XMP 1.3 is preferred.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Alpheias
Tactical Farmers.
Pandemic Horde
#7 - 2015-01-25 06:43:54 UTC
Unless you are building this computer to take with you on your business trips, which is just a whole level of stupid even for you, where you need two screens for work. Not only would you be better off with a laptop but you won't be able to play games on that screen as it is powered by USB. But then again, it IS you so I should keep my expectations of you lower than low moreso now than ever.

Agent of Chaos, Sower of Discord.

Don't talk to me unless you are IQ verified and certified with three references from non-family members. Please have your certificate of authenticity on hand.
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#8 - 2015-01-25 06:52:06 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Alpheias wrote:
Unless you are building this computer to take with you on your business trips, which is just a whole level of stupid even for you, where you need two screens for work. Not only would you be better off with a laptop but you won't be able to play games on that screen as it is powered by USB. But then again, it IS you so I should keep my expectations of you lower than low moreso now than ever.

The main usage for the computer when i'm traveling or is on vacations or something is playing EVE Online and some few other games and to do some video editing. Ofc surfing the web, listening to musics and so on is something i'm gonna do to.

But the reason i want to buy this is to be able to upgrade the computer parts for parts instead of selling the whole laptop and then buy a new one everytime i want to upgrade, which can be rather cumbersome and expensive.

So this computer will both be my main stationary computer at home that does the bigger stuffs and it will be my travel computer to that i can take with me that will be more used for normal stuffs.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#9 - 2015-01-27 23:22:59 UTC
As the travel screen i will buy later is getting it's display signals and power from the USB 3.0 port, then i have a question.

Even though the screen gets it's display signals via the USB 3.0 port, i'll guess the GPU will just send the display signals via the USB 3.0 port instead of the HDMI or DisplayPort?

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Alpheias
Tactical Farmers.
Pandemic Horde
#10 - 2015-01-28 11:49:48 UTC
NightmareX wrote:


Even though the screen gets it's display signals via the USB 3.0 port, i'll guess the GPU will just send the display signals via the USB 3.0 port instead of the HDMI or DisplayPort?


The Intel GPU will, your graphics card will not. But speaking of GPUs, seen the memory woes surrounding the 970?

Agent of Chaos, Sower of Discord.

Don't talk to me unless you are IQ verified and certified with three references from non-family members. Please have your certificate of authenticity on hand.
Black Panpher
CastleKickers
Rote Kapelle
#11 - 2015-01-28 12:57:52 UTC
Just buy a car?
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#12 - 2015-01-28 13:46:48 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Alpheias wrote:
NightmareX wrote:


Even though the screen gets it's display signals via the USB 3.0 port, i'll guess the GPU will just send the display signals via the USB 3.0 port instead of the HDMI or DisplayPort?


The Intel GPU will, your graphics card will not. But speaking of GPUs, seen the memory woes surrounding the 970?

Yeah i have seen the thing with the memory allocation on the GTX 970. But the performance on it is still great though.

Damnit, it's a bummer that the display signals comes from the Intel GPU in the CPU and not the GPU. That makes me to consider another more transportable screen that goes via the HDMI port that have an external powersupply.

Anyone to recommend?

EDIT: The Jonsbo U2 computer case, the Asus motherboard, the Intel CPU and the Asus GPU is now bought Twisted. Will just move over the other stuffs from my current computer next week when i get the new stuffs.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#13 - 2015-01-28 22:33:07 UTC
Alpheias wrote:
NightmareX wrote:


Even though the screen gets it's display signals via the USB 3.0 port, i'll guess the GPU will just send the display signals via the USB 3.0 port instead of the HDMI or DisplayPort?


The Intel GPU will, your graphics card will not. But speaking of GPUs, seen the memory woes surrounding the 970?

I have to call you out on this, because i found this. He says that the GPU will render the frames while the CPU will encode the stream that sends the display signal out via the USB 3.0 port to your screen.

Is there any truth in what he says there?

Or does he just talks about the integrated GPU in the CPU there?

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Alpheias
Tactical Farmers.
Pandemic Horde
#14 - 2015-01-28 22:46:36 UTC
NightmareX wrote:
Alpheias wrote:
NightmareX wrote:


Even though the screen gets it's display signals via the USB 3.0 port, i'll guess the GPU will just send the display signals via the USB 3.0 port instead of the HDMI or DisplayPort?


The Intel GPU will, your graphics card will not. But speaking of GPUs, seen the memory woes surrounding the 970?

I have to call you out on this, because i found this. He says that the GPU will render the frames while the CPU will encode the stream that sends the display signal out via the USB 3.0 port to your screen.

Is there any truth in what he says there?

Or does he just talks about the integrated GPU in the CPU there?


I have no idea, to be honest but then again I would never buy a USB powered monitor for gaming. But it is my guess that they are talking about the iGPU on the CPU.

Buy it and then tell us?

Agent of Chaos, Sower of Discord.

Don't talk to me unless you are IQ verified and certified with three references from non-family members. Please have your certificate of authenticity on hand.
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#15 - 2015-01-28 23:06:21 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Alpheias wrote:
I have no idea, to be honest but then again I would never buy a USB powered monitor for gaming. But it is my guess that they are talking about the iGPU on the CPU.

Buy it and then tell us?

I might have a solution to this. First i need someone to find me a good HDMI to USB 3.0 adapter (if that exists) and combine that with this cable.

With that cable i can send the display signals only from the GPU via the HDMI to USB 3.0 adapter and then give the screen power via the 2nd USB 3.0 plug from a USB 3.0 port on my computer.

EDIT: I will need this one to.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#16 - 2015-01-30 01:52:15 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Just ignore the things in my post over. I decided to buy a relatively good screen. This one is a normal screen that goes via the DisplayPort.

The screen i decided to buy is this one: Dell Professional P2214H

That was the best cheap screen i could find that will basicly go inside a bag / suitcase that is within the size measurements to be allowed it as a hand luggage in the plane. Here in Norway, it's 55 cm long, 40 cm wide and 23 cm in depth.

Good choice or what?

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#17 - 2015-02-05 17:55:47 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Alright. My new computer is up and running now :-).

I spent the whole 2 days to put the new computer together because it's so small and everything had to be done pretty much perfectly. One mistake and you would have to disassemble half of the computer, lol. So i had alot of problems where i had to do that and build it up again. It's pretty much the most complex and hard computer i have ever build Big smile. The cable management was the hardest thing to get done good.

But here it is in it's full glory.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7309753/Bilder/New%20Computer/20150205_010747.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7309753/Bilder/New%20Computer/20150205_010802.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7309753/Bilder/New%20Computer/20150205_061509.jpg

Soon i'm gonna install the red LED lights i have from my old computer into my new computer. I'm not in a hurry with that right now, so i might do that next week.

EDIT: However, there is one little problem that i have to solve. The distance from the GPU to the harddrive under the GPU is pretty much zero. Because of that, the GPU generates heat that spreads to the harddrive, which makes the harddrive to go nuts after a little while.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#18 - 2015-02-08 03:30:01 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
About the heating from the GPU to the harddrive under the GPU. Wonder if it will be to any help to exchange the placement on the SSD and the harddrive?

Also that the harddrive will be placed where the SSD is placed now and the SSD will be placed where the harddrive is placed now.

At least the harddrive wont block most of the airflow to the GPU fan.

EDIT: I just found out that i can't do that as there is a fixed screwholes for the harddrive where it's placed now. I can either use 2x SSD's under the GPU or 1x SSD and one normal harddrive. So the harddrive that goes under the GPU can only be placed where it is now.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
Mina Sebiestar
Minmatar Inner Space Conglomerate
#19 - 2015-02-08 11:20:56 UTC
Wouldn't put anything mechanical under there but if you need HD you can try slim(laptop) drives it will free up few mm but i don't think it will make a difference.

Also if not already someone will make liquid cooling rack for that GPU if you have where to put radiator with a fan i would do it as well that GPU is open type cooling and it blows heat directly in case that is small and barely ventilated,even stock jet type coolers are better solution me thinks so that it push as much heat as possible thru GPU back grill.

You choke behind a smile a fake behind the fear

Because >>I is too hard
NightmareX
Pandemic Horde Inc.
Pandemic Horde
#20 - 2015-02-08 18:57:32 UTC  |  Edited by: NightmareX
Mina Sebiestar wrote:
Wouldn't put anything mechanical under there but if you need HD you can try slim(laptop) drives it will free up few mm but i don't think it will make a difference.

Also if not already someone will make liquid cooling rack for that GPU if you have where to put radiator with a fan i would do it as well that GPU is open type cooling and it blows heat directly in case that is small and barely ventilated,even stock jet type coolers are better solution me thinks so that it push as much heat as possible thru GPU back grill.

The only harddrive i see as a possible harddrive to use under the GPU is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Black-Notebook-WD7500BPKX/dp/B00DSUTX3O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423420952&sr=8-1&keywords=WD7500BPKX

I have 730 GB with movies on my harddrive atm. I use one of my current 1 TB harddrives for movies only, so i don't need a harddrive with alot of Cache and so on for that. So if i can delete some movies i have seen, then i will be fine with the 750 GB harddrive that is only 9.5 mm thick. The current 1 TB harddrive that is under my GPU is 2.03 cm think.

Or would you rather buy a single 3 / 4 TB harddrive and place it in the front where the other harddrive is and free the space under the GPU for maybe a 2nd SSD?

If i get an M.2 SSD that i can use directly on the motherboard, then i don't even need the SSD under the GPU.

I kinda want to have 2 normal harddrives over just 1 incase of a harddrive crash, because i wont lose everything in that process then.

Here is a list of my current EVE / PVP videos:

1: Asteroid Madness

2: Clash of the Empires

3: Suddenly Spaceships fighting in Tama
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