Holiday 2012 Small Form Factor Buyer's Guide
by Zach Throckmorton on December 5, 2012 1:55 AM ESTConclusions
It never ceases to impress me how rapidly PC hardware advances. Compared to the SFF systems we recommended in 2011, today's small computers either cost less, are substantially more capable, or both. I am particularly pleased with the continued innovation in the ITX case market. That said, I remain disappointed in the lack of diversity of FM2 ITX boards, and I hope that motherboard manufacturers address this sooner than later, as AMD's Trinity APUs lend themselves particularly well to SFF systems.
Intel's side of the equation is served reasonably well in the budget market with Sandy Bride based Celeron chips, but we're still waiting for Ivy Bridge based Celeron offerings. The trade off with Intel right now remains one of generally better CPU performance with worse graphics performance - substantially worse when we're looking at Celeron G540 vs. a Trinity APU. If you don't care about graphics and have reasonably mainstream media habits, the Celeron chips are a good option, but as we see additional emphasis on heterogeneous compute that could change.
As I've alluded to throughout the guide, it's especially important to keep your eyes on prices as we approach 2013. Retailers, both locally and online, change prices frequently and sometimes by large amounts. Identifying specific components and watching their prices will help you acquire them for as little as possible. AnandTech's Hot Deals Forum is a great place to find out about great prices. Finally, you can ask questions of fellow enthusiasts, and share your expertise in AnandTech's General Hardware and SFF Forums.
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KAlmquist - Wednesday, December 5, 2012 - link
Sorry about the last post--the Anandtech comment system doesn't like HTML in comments. Here is a fixed version:I'm guessing that the power supply in the budget build is an Apex AL-8250SFX from Allied Leader International, manufactured by Deer Electronics/Solytech. Deer/Solytech is a name you probably recognize only if you read reviews[1] of cheap power supplies for their entertainment value[2].
As far as I can determine, a decent power supply cannot be built for less than about $40. Back in July, Anandtech published "350-450W Roundup: 11 Cheap PSUs." Martin Kaffei's conclusion about the $28 unit: "Some PSUs have no right to exist."[4]
Based on price and pedigree, I'd wager that the power supply in the budget build is crap. If I'm wrong, that's a "man bites dog" story and Anandtech should do a full review of this PSU.
Footnotes:
[1] http://www.hardocp.com/article/2007/10/03/50_power...
[2] http://www.hardocp.com/article/2007/05/23/450w500w...
[3] http://www.anandtech.com/show/6013/350450w-roundup...
[4] http://www.anandtech.com/show/6013/350450w-roundup...
pvdw - Monday, December 10, 2012 - link
My first thought was that the power supply was junk, but SPCR reviewed this case and recommended it. Not that I would buy it, but I'm usually a step above budget builds.Dug - Thursday, December 6, 2012 - link
Try some Wesena cases that look really nice.http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/Wesena-chas...
Don-Roland - Thursday, December 6, 2012 - link
>AMD gaming system>AMD gaming
>AMD
hasseb64 - Thursday, December 6, 2012 - link
Come on Zach!A 500W PSU with bronze as a fileserver PSU?
First: A PSU in that application is an investment, smaller and higher efficency is a must!
2: You would NEVER EVER need more than 300W, I would gladly recommend even lower if more were on hand on this broken PSU market.
KAlmquist - Sunday, December 9, 2012 - link
Good catch. I was so surprised to see Zach recommend a no-name power supply in the budget build that I missed this one. He says he chose it because it "is one of the smallest ATX power supplies available." The ST50F-P is 150mm by 86mm by 140mm, which is the standard size for an ATX12V power supply. For the same price or less you could get a high quality Gold rated power supply with the same dimensions and a wattage rating more than adequate for the system. For example, the SeaSonic SSR-360GP (360W) is about $66. That said, if you insist on modular connectors then the ST50F-P might be the best you can do.StardogChampion - Thursday, December 6, 2012 - link
Realan (the folks who bring you the Habey EMC-800/600) also have a nice line of mini-ITX HTPC cases with built-in power supplies. Check these out:http://www.ecosmartpc.com/ei3.html
http://www.ecosmartpc.com/ei5.html
http://www.ecosmartpc.com/ei7.html
Foeketijn - Friday, December 7, 2012 - link
In my experience, the parts that break the most are the powersupply , and then a tie between the mobo, HDD and videocard. I can't remember ever having to replace something else and not having coffee involved. Years ago I quit selling the budget builds, because one out of five systems going bad in lets say three years was just to much troubles for my likings. In most cases you trow in e extra 50 euro (same story probably goes for dollars) and have much happier customers in the long run. Since these days you can really buy a lot of processing power in the budget area I am tempted going for a m-ITX build for the silent tiny office boxes. Only which PSU to select.I am not really confident in selling a system with an ST50F-P when an in-depth analysis from Anandtech (one of the most trustworthy sources) says:
"Most capacitors are made by CapXon and OST; these are very cheap capacitors compared to other brands and may not hold up as well long-term."
Especially in a fileserver, I don't get skimping on the power supply.
Ideally I would take an low power, silent part designed for workstations/servers. Only they are as far as I can find not in ATX size.
Is there a good alternative when the bar for endurance is a bit higher?
Wrathgar11 - Saturday, December 8, 2012 - link
Great write-up. SFF has been a central feature of computing to me for some time.My fileserver is a Mini ITX Supermicro X7SPA based system in a Fractal Core 3000 case (used with various larger boards beforehand), my media PC is another atom based system in a Node 304 case and my desktop is a DH61DL based i3 unit in a Core 1000 case.
All are mini-itx boards, two fanless and silent and all very reliable (the HTPC and desktop have no moving parts, are SSD equipped and also run silent Pico PSU's).
My gaming system is a PS3. That uses more power than the 3 PC's combined.
philipma1957 - Sunday, December 9, 2012 - link
FIRST off the asrock z77e-itx is a great board but it should have a crucial msata 256gb ssd.it has sold as low as 169. that adds 100 bucks to the price. no need for the 1 tb hdd in a gamer.
second the cooler master case fits a hd7970 so just do it.
that adds 200 to the price.
third the cooler master elite needs 1 mod a 4 inch circle saw cuts a hole right where the cooler master logo is put in a cheap grill
and temps drop 5-10c. this saves you 20 over the bitFenix case.
fourth a full size psu drops in cost of 75 to 90
so price is about 1200
but top of the line cpu
top of the line graphics card and a full sized psu. if you want to cut costs get the hd7950 save a hundred 1100 gives you a full
powered gamer. I like this cooler master build so much I have 3 of them under my belt.