Skylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log


  1. Posts : 246
    Win 11 Pro
       #1

    Skylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log


    Hi Guys,

    Hope it's fine to start a thread log about my next builds. As soon as I start to build them I will update the thread.

    My next two rigs are going to be an HTPC Mini-ATX (project Mini-Beast) for the living room hooked to an LG 70" 4K TV, and the other a Micro-ATX for my office at work. (Project Firefly). Project Brawndo (My main build remains in my man cave as my main beast).

    I've received most parts but still missing a few. The hardest part will be to try to cram the h100i and he G1 980Ti in the 250D. Why these huge video cards? Well I had them laying around waiting to sell them because I swapped my main build SLI setup to EVGA Hybrids, but finally decided to keep them for my new builds.

    Specs below, some pics of the parts I've already received, and 2 pics comparing the size of the Corsair 250d versus de 750d that is my main build.

    Any comments, feedback, suggestions please go ahead :)

    Project Mini-Beast (Mini-ITX HTPC Build)


    Case: Corsair 250D (Delivered)
    CPU: i7 6700K (Delivered)
    Cooler: Corsair H100i (In the mail)
    Mobo: Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 Mini-ITX DDR4 GA-Z170N-Gaming 5 (In the mail)
    Mem: Kingston HyperX Savage Black 16GB (2x8GB) 2400MHz DDR4 (In the mail)
    PSU: EVGA SuperNova 850 Gold with Black individually sleeved cables kit (Delivered)
    GPU: Gigabyte G1 Gaming 980 Ti (Already had)
    OS/Programs Drive: M.2 NVMe Samsung 950 Pro 512 GB (Delivered)
    Storage Drive: Samsung 850 Evo 1TB (Ordered)


    Project Firefly (Micro ATX Office Build)


    Case: Thermaltake Core V21 (Delivered)
    CPU: i7 6700K (In the mail)
    Cooler: Corsair H115i GTX (delivered)
    Mobo: Asus Gene VIII (Delivered)
    Mem: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz (Delivered)
    PSU: Corsair AX850 (Already had laying around)
    GPU: Gigabyte G1 Gaming 980 Ti (Already had)
    OS/Programs Drive: M.2 NVMe Samsung 950 Pro 512 GB (Ordered)
    Storage Drive: Samsung 850 Evo 1TB (Ordered)

    Skylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log-img_9298.jpgSkylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log-img_9305.jpgSkylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log-img_9301.jpgSkylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log-img_9299.jpgSkylake Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX Build Log-img_9300.jpg


    To be continued...
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 16,623
    Windows 11 Pro X64
       #2

    I love threads like this, keep us posted
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 246
    Win 11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Sorry if this took so long, my micro-ATX build is already finished, but I will post pictures later of this since it's a bit boring.. Now the good stuff :)

    I'm currently building the Mini-ATX and have changed a few things on the build. The Corsair 250D will be used later for something else. I've switched to a Silverstone RVZ02 case.

    So here's the build, a few pictures of the progress, if all goes well, will be finished in a few hours.

    Project Mini-Beast (Mini-ITX HTPC Build)


    Case: Silverstone RVZ02
    CPU: i7 6700K (Delivered)
    Cooler: Silverstone AR06
    Mobo: Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 Mini-ITX DDR4 GA-Z170N-Gaming 5
    Mem: Kingston HyperX Savage Black 8GB (2x4GB) 2400MHz DDR4
    PSU: Silverstone SFX 600W Gold Modular
    GPU: Gigabyte G1 Gaming 980 Ti
    Storage: M.2 NVMe Samsung 950 Pro 512 GB
    Extra Storage Drives: 2 x SSD's to be added later


    The stuff:



    First time working with a Mini-ITX build, couldn't believe how small it is. Here it is next to my hand and an iPhone 6 Plus.





    Preparing the cooler (Silverstone AR06)



    I used Arctic MX4 for the Thermal Paste, the pea method.

    It's a shame that the color scheme of the fan doesn't fit the rest of the system, but I can deal with that for now. Maybe I will hunt for a low profile 92MM fan later with a scheme that fit.



    The M.2 goes to the back of the motherboard



    To be continued :)
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 246
    Win 11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Some progress..

    Comparison of the SFX PSU to a Corsair AX760







    Back plate



    Nice I/O Shield!



    Bluray Drive

    Riser, PCI-e extension, GPU bracket GPU installed





    Starting cable management

      My Computers


  5. Posts : 246
    Win 11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    It's alive!

    Now waiting for my Xbox one wireless controller with wireless adapter, Steam Controller and a Logitech Keyboard+Trackpad K400 Combo to arrive. Also will change the tv stand to a low profile, large one and mount the TV to the wall.

    TV is a an LG 70UF7700 4K

    Not sure why it showed 40C on first post, now it's in the low 30's at idle and high 40/slow 50's under load with stock clock.



    Size comparison to Xbox One






    Overclock test, CPU @ 4.6, GPU 1500/4000 with the setting used in the Heaven thread



    Really happy with this build!

    If you're considering that case for a Mini-ITX build, here's a couple of notes:

    1. There's an included adjustable brace to secure the GPU in place. My Gigabyte G1 980 Ti was very wobbly without the brace. If it fits, use it. It secure the back of the card and prevent it from wobbling when you move the case.

    2. If you install a blu-ray drive, get a 12.7, not the ultraslim 9.5. There's a 12.7 tray adapter included with the case but it didn't fit my LG 9.5. So I will be ordering a new drive

    3. My Silverstone SFX 600 PSU didn't include a SATA Slimline connector for the optical drive. So I've ordered an adapter as well for the optical drive

    4. I recommend an open air GPU, not reference, since this case rely on the components to cool themselves by blowing air out of the case on the sides.

    5. The Silverstone AR06 Cooler comes with 4 rubber rings that you HAVE to put on the screws that you will use on the back to secure the heatsink. If you forget to put them on your screws, you can, and probably will short the PCB. It's not mentionned in the instructions of the AR06 but when I saw those little pieces of rubber, became obvious what they were intended for.

    Edit:

    Additional Notes

    The i7 is overkill, the i5 6600k would have been perfect for that build, but it was an impulse buy.
    Also, I ordered the wrong ram kit, I wanted 2 x 8 but received 2 x 4. 8GB should be fine though for gaming. If I run into problems later, I'll just get a new kit and sell this one.

    These are my only regrets/mistakes along with the wrong Slim Optical Blu-Ray Drive.
    Last edited by Brawndo; 15 Mar 2016 at 08:57.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 16,623
    Windows 11 Pro X64
       #6

    Looking great @Brawndo
      My Computers


 

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