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.
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Gigantopithecus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I completely agree, which is why I clearly stated "AMD’s Zacate platform (discussed in our last guide) is far less powerful than an i3-2100T system, but keep in mind that it is sufficient for most HTPC tasks."That is, already covered.
MrTeal - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
As of yesterday Intel released the new Sandy Bridge Pentium chips, and Newegg has stock on at least the G620. The 620 might not be that appealing, but the G620T looks identical to the i3-2100T other than the 300MHz drop in CPU clock. For $50 less, it might be a pretty good downgrade.beginner99 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
Yeah just saw them too. The G620T looks really nice for a NAS or HTPC. Extra CPU power compared to zacate can be useful in a NAS (RAID). Also Zacate MBs are pretty expensive where I live especially the ones with a usable amount of SATA ports (more than 4) meaning price wise a G620T won't cost much more.For a NAS the main problem is a decent case. This mean small but space for at least 4 hdds. Chenbro ES34169 looks cool but very expensive...
max40watt - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I suppose this is more in line with the Nettop article, but I built a delightful mini itx AMD Fusion e-350 based desktop in an old NES console a little while back. I've been using it mostly for htpc use (netflix and hulu over boxee software controlled via an iphone) but it's also proven to be fine for light gaming.I was worried about the heat inside of the Nintendo, but so far it doesn't seem to be a problem.
http://bit.ly/ithm17
Drag0nFire - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
http://www.silentpcreview.com/intel-2100t-2400sAvlor - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
Another great case for small form factor PCs in CoolerMaster Elite 100. It looks ok-ish, provides reasonable options for storage and will accommodate mATX boards despite being similar in size to that by Foxconn.Aikouka - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
Zach, I recently rebuilt my server with a Core i3-2100t in an ASRock P67 Extreme6 motherboard. I actually used the stock heatsink/fan (HSF), which I normally don't do. I figured that it couldn't be too bad, right? I knew it'd probably be a little warmer. However, what I was very surprised about is how noisy that stock HSF is. I can literally hear my server from a room away, but my HTPC (Core i3 540) using a Thermaltake SlimX3 is fairly quiet (still audible within a few feet).To be fair... I'm not 100% certain that it's only the stock HSF's fault and not the motherboard doing a poor power management job. I told the motherboard to allow the CPU to go up to 50C, but it seems to never get that high, which makes me think it's not reducing the power properly.
Gigantopithecus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
Bizarre! I wouldn't call the stock i3 HSF silent, but the one I have in my music box up in my loft is inaudible ~10ft away with music at lower volume settings. Something is up with either your particular HSF or your board's regulation of its juice. Also, remember to check basics like having the HSF plugged into the HSF header and not having the HSF plugged into the chassis fan header (with the case fan plugged into the HSF header). I've done that before. :pOnus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I built a gamer in a PC-Q08R last year (slide show of build on YouTube under user "jtt283"). I also used a 550W Truepower New. The CPU is an i5-650, on an ECS H55H-I. Initially I used a HD4850, which exhausted its heat. I switched that for a GTX460, and noticed a definite (though not hazardous) increase in temps, that also increased CPU cooler noise but not intolerably. I would be perfectly willing to use an even more powerful GPU, but it would have to be another that exhausts its heat. The fact that it will mount more drives than the mobo has ports means I may very well repurpose this machine as a backup server for the other PCs in the house.Bobsy - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
Hi, just wanted to say this is a great article. For people who do not work in the field (building computers all day long), it's a great starting point for more research if desired, or a great shortcut for someone who just wants to get the job done. Very professional and well written. Thanks.