Mini-ITX Internet/RDC computer

[ALMOSTunseen]

So i'm probably going to chuck out my mum's old Trashiba laptop, and replace it with a nice little mini-ITX that hides somewhere on her desk. Mostly it just used for Internet, Outlook, and it is used allot for connecting to other computers via RDC. There are a couple queries I have.
The PSU: I hear mixed messages all over the place, about the Prodigy, about what PSU's fit in it, etc. I have just chosen a PSU that I think should fit. If someone can refer me to a Seasonic PSU, or something very reliable that would fit. Specifically a Fully Modular PSU.
GPU:For what she is doing, is the GPU I have chosen, a bit over the top? Will the computer be fine running the Intel Graphics?
Cooling:The H40 should fit fine?
Anything else, that you can reccomend would be great.
I shop via pccasegear.com

Thanks,
ALMOSTunseen

The Proposed Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($105.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($119.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($115.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($22.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Case White ($89.00)
Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H40 CPU Cooler ($65.00)
Motherboad: Gigabyte GA-H77N-WIFI Mini ITX Motherboard ($129.00)
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM ($95.00)

[ALMOSTunseen]

Thinking of getting a Seasonic M12II 520W Modular PSU instead. Would that be better?

[theonedub]

For the use you describe, the entire build is overkill really.

You could pickup one of the newer Zotac Z-boxes that would do everything you listed. Alternatively you could go with the integrated Intel Graphics on the CPU and grab a really tiny case (like the iStar ITX) and mount the whole PC on the back of the LCD.

While the Prodigy is small, its really not small enough to hide on a desk. I thought it would be smaller, but its really just a bit smaller than an OEM mATX case.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Ok, so if I wanted to stay with the Prodigy, should I just ditch the GPU?
And also, I would like to replace the fans, with some much quieter ones.
I was thinking of getting a BitFenix Spectre Pro 230mm Black Fan for the front. And 2 BitFenix Spectre Pro 120mm Black Fan's. Replacing the Fan on the H40 with 1 of them, and using the other fan for an exhast.

[theonedub]

I would, but if you still want a discrete card buy something like a 6450 cheap.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by theonedub

I would, but if you still want a discrete card buy something like a 6450 cheap.

But Will the 6450 be that much different to the intel 4000? Also, with the fans, will my config work? I want to have the 230mm at the front, which is fine. But I'm a bit puzzled what to do with my radiator. Do I put it on the roof, and have an extra fan on the rear? Or do I put it on the Rear, and have an extra fan ontop?
edit:I may be running a 27" screen.

[theonedub]

No big difference between the Intel and AMD, just giving options. If your 27" is 2560x1440 or higher check to make sure DVI ports are dual link.

I dont see a problem with fan placement, the H40 can be put in the roof or the rear. I put a 200mm fan in the front of my white Prodigy, but due to the design of the front facsia, there is little airflow from it. Just an FYI.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by theonedub

No big difference between the Intel and AMD, just giving options. If your 27" is 2560x1440 or higher check to make sure DVI ports are dual link.

I dont see a problem with fan placement, the H40 can be put in the roof or the rear. I put a 200mm fan in the front of my white Prodigy, but due to the design of the front facsia, there is little airflow from it. Just an FYI.

Yeah, I need to check the resolution of the screen first. And the airflow issue, is that due to the mesh being too condensed/not having enough holes.

Looking at pictures, it seems like the white Prodigy has no mesh at all on the front?
http://static.pccasegear.com/images/bitfenprod1ws.jpg
http://static.pccasegear.com/images/bitfenprods.jpg

[theonedub]

That's right, no mesh in the front of the white version its solid.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by theonedub

That's right, no mesh in the front of the white version its solid.

Well that's completely useless.... Why do they even put a fan there anyway?

Apparently is has little vents on the side at the front to draw in air?

[theonedub]

Those slots you see in the black channel that surrounds the white fascia do not help the fan draw in any reasonable amount of air whatsoever.

The best thing you can do is either pick up the 'Yin Yang' version of the case (white body and black front panel with mesh) which is available on some websites or add a spacer between the fan and the mount on the case. That way at least the fan has room to circulate air inside the case and cool things like the HDD and flow some air over the MB to cool components. Although its not fresh cool air, its better than nothing.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Can't find anywhere in Aus that sells the Yin or Yang version. This is the closest thing I could find to spacers on the place where I buy my parts. Maybe you could find better on the site.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=19531

[ALMOSTunseen]

So I just want to be certain on this, the Silverstone ST45SF-G 450W SFX Will fit in my case and provide enough power? I've seen allot of people get PSU's for their Prodigy, and it doesn't fit. But because this is SFX, with an ATX adapter, it should fit right?

[[Ion]]

Originally Posted by ALMOSTunseen

So I just want to be certain on this, the Silverstone ST45SF-G 450W SFX Will fit in my case and provide enough power? I've seen allot of people get PSU's for their Prodigy, and it doesn't fit. But because this is SFX, with an ATX adapter, it should fit right?

Absolutely. That Silverston 450w is enough for even a GTX680 and an OCed i7, so you'll have plenty of power to spare. Although I do agree with theonedub and that case is really bigger than is necessary.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by [Ion]

Absolutely. That Silverston 450w is enough for even a GTX680 and an OCed i7, so you'll have plenty of power to spare. Although I do agree with theonedub and that case is really bigger than is necessary.

Do think either of these is a good option?
Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX DTX Case
Silverstone Grandia GD04 USB 3.0 HTPC Case Black

Will I still be able to fit the H40 in these?

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...&cPath=25_1119
Thats the Mini-ITX section of where I buy my parts.

[[Ion]]

My suggestion would honestly be to go with the CM Elite 120 and to ditch the H40. For stock clocks, the stock Intel cooler is fine (the 2500k/3570k can hit 4GHz+ on a stock cooler). My preferred case for a build like this would be the Antec ISK300-150, but PCCaseGear doesn't seem to stock that (and you'd have to go with a 2.5" HDD or SDD and a low-profile GPU).

[theonedub]

That 120 is pretty nice, might look into that one myself

I do like the Node and you can get the H40 in there pretty hassle free, too.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by [Ion]

My suggestion would honestly be to go with the CM Elite 120 and to ditch the H40. For stock clocks, the stock Intel cooler is fine (the 2500k/3570k can hit 4GHz+ on a stock cooler). My preferred case for a build like this would be the Antec ISK300-150, but PCCaseGear doesn't seem to stock that (and you'd have to go with a 2.5" HDD or SDD and a low-profile GPU).

Ok, thanks for the case advice. The reason I wanted to get the H40, was because I wanted something really quite, that I could rely on. What other quite cooler would you recommend?

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ath=207_23_845
CPU cooling section.

[[Ion]]

Originally Posted by ALMOSTunseen

Ok, thanks for the case advice. The reason I wanted to get the H40, was because I wanted something really quite, that I could rely on. What other quite cooler would you recommend?

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ath=207_23_845
CPU cooling section.

Something like this has the advantage that it would fit in a smaller case like the Elite 120 or the Sugo SG05. But for the Prodigy, the H40 is a solid choice

The newer Intel coolers aren't that bad, really. At idle, the CPUs put out so little heat that the fan spins very slowly, and they don't ramp up all that much even under load. Yes, it will be noticeable, but not really annoying like the AMD stock fans @ load.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by [Ion]

Something like this has the advantage that it would fit in a smaller case like the Elite 120 or the Sugo SG05. But for the Prodigy, the H40 is a solid choice

The newer Intel coolers aren't that bad, really. At idle, the CPUs put out so little heat that the fan spins very slowly, and they don't ramp up all that much even under load. Yes, it will be noticeable, but not really annoying like the AMD stock fans @ load.

Ok, I think I may still go for the Prodigy. I don't really like to be working with small cases with my massive hands And the person who will be using the computer prefers the look of the Prodigy. I may be buying the parts tonight.
Thanks for all the advice and help.

[[Ion]]

Originally Posted by ALMOSTunseen

Ok, I think I may still go for the Prodigy. I don't really like to be working with small cases with my massive hands And the person who will be using the computer prefers the look of the Prodigy. I may be buying the parts tonight.
Thanks for all the advice and help.

It's a great case, for sure. Personally, however, if I was going to go ITX I'd go all the way and get an ISK300 or Elite 120...the Prodigy isn't that much smaller than many mATX cases, so it doesn't hold that much appeal to me.

I hope she enjoys the new system!

[Wrigleyvillain]

I know some are easier to work with than others in the Prodigy but it's designed to fit full-sized ATX PSUs. It's possible some don't fit but it is not a chronic issue.

Some Atom combo would be way better for this, IMO.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by Wrigleyvillain

I know some are easier to work with than others in the Prodigy but it's designed to fit full-sized ATX PSUs. It's possible some don't fit but it is not a chronic issue.

Some Atom combo would be way better for this, IMO.

Most ITX cases I see, actually have support for ATX PSU's, because they are such a popular choice, and for Smaller PSU's, the SFX psu's, they usually only go up to 500w.

[cdawall]

Why bother with such a highend CPU? I understand the RDC side, but for what your mum is running any good single core could handle easily leaving multiple cores open on the rig to handle the RDC side.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=19325

AMD APU would be perfect stuffed into that...

I know these are not in AUS, but I do not know most of your sites...

AMD A6-3500 Llano 2.1GHz (2.4GHz Max Turbo) Socket...

That with a mini ITX board would work well, 65w with a GPU.

[ALMOSTunseen]

Originally Posted by cdawall

Why bother with such a highend CPU? I understand the RDC side, but for what your mum is running any good single core could handle easily leaving multiple cores open on the rig to handle the RDC side.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=19325

AMD APU would be perfect stuffed into that...

I know these are not in AUS, but I do not know most of your sites...

AMD A6-3500 Llano 2.1GHz (2.4GHz Max Turbo) Socket...

That with a mini ITX board would work well, 65w with a GPU.

I can't seem to find any AMD mini-ITX boards.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...cPath=138_1207
That is where I buy my parts from, its the AMD motherboard section. Maybe you will have better luck then me finding it