View Full Version : DrNip's Workin It On Out
DrNip
05-10-2011, 05:46 PM
Well as usual here I am again just on time for my what seems to be my quarterly build theme I have going. This one is simple. I needed a cheap and small PC for work. Most of the parts I already had besides the case, PSU and CPU heatsink. My main goal here was to build the tiniest computer I could and still have power. I'm sure there might be a smaller case out there but if there is I didn't find it. Here is a list of parts:
GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3
Intel Core i3 550
G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600
Western Digital Scorpio Black 160GB
SILVERSTONE NT07-775 90mm CPU Cooler
M350 Universal Mini-ITX enclosure
PICOPSU-150-XT
150w AC-DC Power Adapter, 12v 12.5A Barrel Version
Samsung 2343BWX 23" LCD Monitor 2048 x 1152
Logitech K270 Keyboard
Logitech M505 Lase Mouse
Windows 7 64bit Ultimate
Lets start off with some pics of the case. As you can see it is not even bigger than your standard size of paper!
5299 5300 5301
Harddrive bracket.
5302
Mobo installed. I managed to re-solder back on some resisters I ripped off on accident after a dentlord vmod special that had been done to it. Can't believe the mobo still worked! Had to modify the cables. Power switch and light wires were too short as well as hacked off the 4 pin molex plug.
5303 5304 5305
HDD clearance and PSU pics.
5306 5307
1st and 2nd CPU cooler failsauce. 1st one was a fanless setup. Got too hot. 2nd one was a 70mm fan setup. Waaaay too loud.
5308 5309
DrNip
05-10-2011, 05:55 PM
Here is the new CPU cooler with a little bit of a modification I had to do to two of the shroud pieces.
5310 5311
More pics of CPU Cooler installed.
5312 5313 5314
All buttoned up and mounted to monitor.
5315 5316 5317
Pic of Power Adapter.
5318
In the end I captured what I was looking for. Powerful, small footprint, quiet and cheap. Thanks for looking and hope you enjoyed. :cool3:
nice write up and build :thumbsup:
how big is that screen? 24" lol
DrNip
05-10-2011, 06:21 PM
23" 2048 x 1152 resolution. Real nice monitor. Just been sitting around collecting dust.
Patch
05-10-2011, 07:36 PM
I like it. Small case is nifty.
punx223
05-10-2011, 08:18 PM
very nice dude..... Ive always wanted to do a tiny build..... they usually just get outta hans though lol...
very cool!
Witchdoctor
05-11-2011, 12:04 AM
Pretty sick Nip, What about the size of an X Box :Dizzy:
nice kitchen area surfer fo sho
Kal-EL
05-11-2011, 01:22 AM
Wow Nip, thats a nice clean write up, pictures are beautiful too, so clear. You've got a nack for this stuff.
DrNip
05-11-2011, 02:26 AM
Thanks guys. :Hi:
Witchdoctor
05-11-2011, 03:00 AM
Hey Travis,
what's the next build ? a smart phone with a 2500K in it ............... :laughing:
DrNip
05-11-2011, 03:04 AM
ROFL. Just look at it. The 90mm fan takes up almost half the case! And it is only 37mm high. I do have plans for this setup. Upgrade it to the Gigabyte Z68 mini ITX that has been hinted around about as well as the Core i3 2105 with Intel HD 3000. I read the HD 3000 runs right along with the Radeon 5450. That is a few months down the line though.
Witchdoctor
05-11-2011, 03:48 AM
Crazy stuff,
digin thave the post with the gene ... may have to give the micro build another look :thumbsup:
kikicoco1334
05-11-2011, 11:00 AM
dude that think looks sick!
nice build!
Neuromancer
05-11-2011, 12:56 PM
Awesome build nip! Love SFF stuff :)
DrNip
05-11-2011, 04:56 PM
Crazy stuff,
digin thave the post with the gene ... may have to give the micro build another look :thumbsup:
Oh I will be giving it another look as well as a face-lift soon. :keeporder:
Also have plans of doing a full blown water setup again. It has been a few years since the last. That is still too far out to call though.
Chuchnit
05-12-2011, 12:39 AM
Looks sick Travis! So much power in such a small package.
marcam923
07-14-2011, 12:00 PM
1st and 2nd CPU cooler failsauce.
5308 5309
^^^ Epic lol
Very nice build Nip :good: I keep telling myself I need to do a small build like this so as to not want to tinker with it, but it never works out that way... Sleek, classy, and awesome how it mounts to the monitor!
DrNip
07-14-2011, 12:20 PM
Thanks bro!
punx223
07-14-2011, 12:26 PM
Thanks bro!
you inspired me Travis. Im building a SFF now too :)
Had to sell off my gaming rig so im building a lil system to get me by lol.
MaadDaawg
07-14-2011, 01:22 PM
Nice build Nip :) Love the way you bolted it to the monitor :D
DrNip
07-15-2011, 03:56 AM
Thanks guys. This went to my work as a work computer initially but home ended up needing it so it is now my everyday cruiser at the house. Have it behind the 1900x1200 28" monitor now. :D
Neuromancer
07-15-2011, 03:56 PM
Hmm.. I think I might look into Llano and copy you T-man.
(I want a little lite gaming performance as well as desktop duties :) )
Kotor, kids games that sort of thing :)
DrNip
07-15-2011, 04:09 PM
Lano is what, 100w? Dunno how well you could keep it cool in this small of a case.
Neuromancer
07-15-2011, 04:23 PM
Lano is what, 100w? Dunno how well you could keep it cool in this small of a case.
That would be the quadcore A8-3850.
the A8-3800, (same setup but 500MHz slower CPU) totals out about 65W. or 5W more than the Intel core i3-2100 dual core setup, but anywhere up to 300% IGP performance increase :)
HD2000 intel Graphics save alot more than 5W but cuts performance in half again on the IGP.
Might be worth looking into the 3850 and down clocking it for SFF :)
Nothing wrong with the intel setup, Looks awesome :)