Building mATX SFF computer.

KisoArt

New Member
I'm planning to build an easily portable machine for work. (I currently use my Sager NP8760 laptop) I would use it for AutoCad, CorelDraw,

Sketchup and other graphics programs. I would like it to be capable of pushing 2 30" monitors and I will not be using it for gaming.

The last time I built a machine was about 2003. Since then there have been a lot of technology changes and processor types. I was considering

buying the Falcon Northwest Fragbox. However, since I have more time than money, I've decided to build something similar where all the money

will go into the components, and I would renew my comp knowledge that has lapsed of late.

I'd appreciate any info from users about any of the components to help me decide.
I've been looking at the Micro ATX mobos and the cases that go with them.

First the case:
I like the Small Form Factor mATX Cases. After much research I purchased the Silverstone Sugo SG01. So everything from here has to fit in this

case.

Processor:
(In the past I used AMD but this time I'm leaning toward Intel)
I'm Not sure what processor. Probably i7 920. A good deal on something more powerfull could convince me otherwise.

Motherboard: I think I pretty sold on the ASUS Rampage III GENE Socket 1366 uATX Motherboard Intel X58

Video Card: ATI 5870. I need it to push two monitors, at least 1 of which will be 30". I'm told the 5870 can.

Memory: I'm at a loss here. There are so many it seems. I'd like to get the fastest that the Mobo is capable of. Or if that is outlandishly

expensive, the next best.

Same regarding the cooler and PSU. I'm not sure about sizes that will fit in the case. I expect as I install parts I will see what fits or

doesn't. I've been told minimum 750W psu to run the 5870 properly. Suggestions on a good PSU for the SG01 case would be appreciated.

If any one has suggestions regarding other parts, suppliers, or other observations, they would be much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Are you set on the SG01? It sounds like you only need a graphics card for the system. If that's the case you could even go with an ITX board and case.
 
CPU - You can consider core i7 950.

RAM - 3 x 2GB. May be DDR3 1600?

PSU - 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended
Probably 600 - 650W to allow some room for overclock?
SG01 fit stand ATX PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...96&cm_re=seasonic_620w-_-17-151-096-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

CPU cooler - use stock if you not overclock. I am not sure the height...
May be something like these?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185097
 
Yep, I already bought the SG01. I think i would have liked and itx but all the mobos and cases I read about didn't seem like thay could handle the 5870

I guess my next purchase it the psu.
 
Yep, I already bought the SG01. I think i would have liked and itx but all the mobos and cases I read about didn't seem like thay could handle the 5870

I guess my next purchase it the psu.

itx can handle 5870 as far as it has PCI-E x16 slot and your power supply is juicy enough, but you would probably need to go with LGA 1156 instead of 1366.

However, if you can live with micro-atx, that is a better choice as it has more expension slot.
 
Yep, i can live with the MATX.

However, I am beginning to question the AMD/Intel choice. All reports have Intel with the advantage. However, I will NOT be gaming. This is to run AutoCAD, Sketchup etc. I read a few posts on another site that suggested that The Thurban 1090T would be great for a Graphics workstation, but inferior for games. Anyone can elaborate in detail on this?
 
If you're building in an mATX box then I would definitely go with a modular powersupply. There just isn't enough room in a SG01 to hide all the extra cables. Also go with an aftermarket CPU heatsink as the stock heatsink might have trouble cooling a highend CPU in such a small space.
 
Yeah, I went with this.(from a different vendor) It had very good reviews and is supposed to fit in the case. It was between this and a Corsair. The corsair was 650w, so I decided to go with the higher number. Of course I don't have the testing equipment to see what they really put out. However, It got a full 5 eggs by everyone on Newegg and I'm hoping they know more than me.

SilverStone Strider Plus ST75F-P 750W ATX Modular Power Supply - ATX, 750-Watts, Modular, 80-Plus Silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256059

Any suggestions on if I really need Intel i7 over AMD for what I'm doing?

Also, would a 5850 be good enough or must I get the 5870?
 
AMD provide better value for money for your use.
Phenom IIx 6 1055t is at good value if you could overclock yourself.

SILVERSTONE ST75F-P is good, but I doubt if you really need 750W
To save some $$, consider SeaSonic M12II 620/ SILVERSTONE DECATHLON DA650/ XFX P1-650X-CAH9 650W

Mobo - ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 should suit your purpose
 
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