Small Form Factor Buyers’ Guide
by Zach Throckmorton on May 25, 2011 10:30 AM ESTClosing Thoughts
Our last buyers’ guide focused on nettops with small footprints, low power consumption, and relatively impotent computing capabilities. This guide conveys a fuller range of SFF system abilities, from inexpensive general computers to high-powered, higher-priced gaming rigs. There really are a wealth of options for smaller computers if you’re willing to give them a shot.
I’ve been a long time SFF enthusiast, and the evolution of this niche market has been intriguing. When I started building computers a decade ago, the SFF system didn’t really even exist, aside from homebrewed rigs that required extensive user modification. There was an SFF fad in around 2004 where Shuttle and other companies started making proprietary designs with custom cases, motherboards, and power supplies, but reliability proved suspect (just ask Jarred about his SFF experiences). Today, system builders now have a large selection of SFF cases, mini-ITX motherboards, low-power CPUs, and 2.5” HDDs/SSDs that really open the door to anyone interested in a smaller system.
Of course, you don’t have to go that small if you don’t want to. The micro-ATX form factor is one step up from mini-ITX and offers quite a bit more in the way of expansion options. The cases and motherboards are larger, but with the added size come fewer restrictions on components and cooling, and mATX cases can be easier to work with if you’re willing to increase your system’s footprint.
If you’re interested in other ideas or help, be sure to check out our SFF sub-forum, where there’s plenty of discussion on mini-ITX components. If you have any questions or comments, our comments section is available as always. What experiences—good and bad—have you had with mini-ITX? Do you feel mini-ITX is preferable, or is the added flexibility of micro-ATX better? Perhaps you feel both are too limiting and that mid-towers are still the best overall choice for long-term reliability. Let us know what type of system size you prefer and why, and we’ll look to address those markets with future buyers’ guides.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
71 Comments
View All Comments
hsew - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
I'm lost here. What purpose does an overclocking chip do on a platform that can't overclock?Gigantopithecus - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
Resale value, plain & simple.Mr Perfect - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
One person posted a build and mentioned that with the K series graphics, plus the ability to overclock the graphics, he was able to keep from using a discreet GPU in his HTPC. It would also give you options if you later wanted a Z68 board.Dustin Sklavos - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
The 2500K and 2700K are the only desktop chips that have twelve shader units instead of six on Sandy Bridge. It's an asinine distinction Intel made, but if you want a competent IGP you have to go for the K series.jo-82 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
are quadratic Mainboards imho, like miniITX with 17x17cm. It would be mouch nicer to get mobos with 23x13cm.shamans33 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
it's for backwards compatibility with motherboard standoffsrhyscathym - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
What does the quality of HD playback look like on this machine? It would be great to see this system run through media playback benchmarks.Also, will this system support the Audio decoding that a distinct video card such as the ATi 5770 provides?
Mr Perfect - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
Thanks for doing this article, it's great to see serious ITX machines getting some recognition.Now if anyone would bother releasing a Z68 mITX board, I can get on with building something that will outpace even the nicer gaming rig in the guide here.
e36Jeff - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
I know they are not the easiest to find, and they do run a bit more, but AMD does have a 250e(as well as a 245e, 240e, and 235e) that is exactly the same as the 250 you had selected, but uses 20W less. seems it would be a better fit for the HTPC or the alternative CPU for the gaming rig. Its extra price would, however, likely rule it out for the budget build.MadAd - Saturday, May 28, 2011 - link
My friend bought his ancient 10 yo PC around for a fix up, after explaining how every part in the box was pointlessly obsolete, I did have to pause and say, well you could use the ATX case again.Isnt it time to move on? Sure there are smaller boards and cases to buy, but as a standard ATX is like the old dog that still barks at the movements in the yard but should have been put to sleep years ago.
What was it keeping the standard alive? Motherboards certainly dont need to be that big, hardly anyone uses more than 1 or 2 optical drives these days (infact do we need an optical format going forward anyway? but thats a different discussion), HDDs are not limited to 3.5" anymore and theres NAS boxes springing up if we do need more of either of those, e-sata one of those next to it, perfect expansion system.
Video cards can still be full height and length, and provision can be made for multiple slot boards- but other than that, its the PSUs that arent changing shape and are hard to find smaller, but if a new standard was bought out they would be remade, without having to pay out the wazoo for 1U type kit
Time for a change?