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Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

teenage.engineering

61–70 of 236 posts

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#61
post #26

I'm a big fan of this form factor, specifically just big enough to fit a motherboard/CPU/RAM plus a real-size GPU. These all use SFX PSUs and typically just an M2 SSD on the motherboard. They also have only 2 RAM slots. The days of needing a tower are over for most people. I'm all about space-saving while still having a full-power PC. It's a niche, boutique market but there are some really interesting cases. My perso…

Big annoyance with SFF builds is noise. Many of these are overall smaller than just my GPU and CPU cooler, and SFX PSUs have smaller fans and aren’t available in passive configurations. And they’re usually more expensive than a more normal-sized build.

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#62
I just built a Ryzen 5800x / B550i / RTX 3080 (well, 3080 is arriving tomorrow) to replace an aging i7-2600k + 980ti build mid tower, used an 18L CoolerMaster NR200p case [1], and pretty happy with that case overall-- lots of flexibility, though a bit bigger than most of the SFF PCs.

The Teenage Engineering case looks great as a non-gaming, everyday-use build, if a larger GPU isn't needed.

[1]: https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mini-itx/masterbo...

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#63

If you want a good mini-ITX case, just buy a Node 202. You can use it horizontally and put your monitor on top of it. Buy power-efficient components and load it with the thickest and biggest Noctua PWM fans possible, and set the fan curves low, and its basically totally silent.

I second this. I use a Node 202 case for my firewall box.

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#64
post #47
post #26

I'm a big fan of this form factor, specifically just big enough to fit a motherboard/CPU/RAM plus a real-size GPU. These all use SFX PSUs and typically just an M2 SSD on the motherboard. They also have only 2 RAM slots. The days of needing a tower are over for most people. I'm all about space-saving while still having a full-power PC. It's a niche, boutique market but there are some really interesting cases. My perso…

My last two builds (going about ~7 years) have been mini ITX. The builds tend to be more frustrating (I wouldn't say harder; just more frustrating and longer), but the end result is always more pleasing. The biggest thing that I wish were more accessible within the mini-ITX form factor is 10Gbps ethernet. Maybe with thunderbolt it could now exist as an external dongle, with the right motherboard, but internally there…

[deleted]

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#65
post #40

Yeah, it looks really nice indeed, which is unfortunately rare for PC cases. But no thanks, computing power and low noise are more important to me. Waiting for a nice looking and silent ATX case :>

I ended up going with the NZXT H1 for my mITX case, and while it has had issues I had to fix, I'm finally happy with it I guess. My competitor was the the Fractal Design 7 Compact had I gone ATX, so if you're diehard about this I'd recommend it, and it's also still very small: https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-... That said performance and noise was a concern for me and I've overall ended up…

I have a Ryzen 3950X in an Antec P180. The GPU is an undervolted AMD R9 280x with custom, larger, fans. The case is okay - I guess the Fractal Design looks a little nicer and is probably less of a behemoth, but it's not worth upgrading. I have a powerful near-silent computer already and it looks... okayish.

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#66
post #50
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's Teenage Engineering. None of their stuff is cheap, and you're paying mainly for the aesthetic.

They make high quality stuff. I have an OP-1 synthesizer. It's not just good looking, it's an amazingly innovative and fun device.

I agree that their stuff is high quality concept-wise; at the same time their products are not very durable. E.g. OP-1 is prone to failures; knobs break, ports and keys stop working. In case someone likes high quality and durable products, I recommend doing careful research before buying from this brand.

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#67
post #26

I'm a big fan of this form factor, specifically just big enough to fit a motherboard/CPU/RAM plus a real-size GPU. These all use SFX PSUs and typically just an M2 SSD on the motherboard. They also have only 2 RAM slots. The days of needing a tower are over for most people. I'm all about space-saving while still having a full-power PC. It's a niche, boutique market but there are some really interesting cases. My perso…

Big annoyance with SFF builds is noise. Many of these are overall smaller than just my GPU and CPU cooler, and SFX PSUs have smaller fans and aren’t available in passive configurations. And they’re usually more expensive than a more normal-sized build.

> Big annoyance with SFF builds is noise.

Not really any more. Most popular mini-ITX cases for enthusiasts support 240mm AIOs for CPU cooling. Noctua even has low-profile air coolers that fit in some mini-ITX cases and rival their biggest heatsinks in performance.

The SFX PSUs are slightly more expensive, but the good ones are so efficient that the fans won't even turn on during normal (non-gaming) use.

Modern SFF builds can be extremely quiet.

Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis

#69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's Teenage Engineer! And behold their 600€ radio: https://teenage.engineering/products/ob-4 Yes, I said a radio. While the OP-1 is a unique musical instrument (sold a $700 10 years ago, now $1200 new, god only knows why...), these designers will make you pay a premium for most of their products, aside from the low quality pocket operators.

Looks like something designed by Dieter Rams.

Looks like something designed by Dieter Rams around 1969.

Which I guess is the point.

Zero appeal for me, but I'm clearly not the target audience.

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