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…
Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
61–70 of 236 posts
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#62The 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
#63If 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.
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#64I'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…
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#65Yeah, 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…
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#66Earlier 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.
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#67I'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.
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
#68Fools and their money...
Re: Computer-1 mini-ITX Chassis
#69Earlier 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.
Which I guess is the point.
Zero appeal for me, but I'm clearly not the target audience.