Ditching my i7 build for a mATX/SFF AM3 build

[Thrackan]

Hi all,

I'm going to ditch my i7 setup due to overkill and I'm looking for a handy little small form factor setup. I'll most likely go Phenom II X3 since it's got a very attractive pricing scheme and now I'm looking for something to fit all this stuff in.

I'm going for silence and portability with enough punch to play some games.

Need to fit:
Proc, mobo, CPU, ATX PSU (the obvious stuff)
3x3.5" internal, 1x3.5" external, 2x5.25" external of which 1x5.25" external and 1x3.5" internal less is discussable.
1x Radeon 4850
If possible, I would like to fit my 240 rad in it, but I believe that is not an option with most SFF cases.

I'd like something in the realms of a Thermaltake Lanbox Lite, of which I read a nice review right here on TPU, but I'm a little bit concerned about the part where it mentions being unable to use drive cages when using a large GFX card. I'm also slightly concerned about the PSU mounted right above the CPU cooler.

I've also been looking at the Mini P180, which I think is a very nice case, but I'd rather see a box/cube form. Almost zero downsides when it comes to functionality, though I still have to discover the external 3.5". which is a must-have.

For now, my third option is the NZXT Rogue, of which the only bad thing I can see right now is the clearance of the GFX card, which could give problems with both the PSU and sliding the motherboard tray in. I'd think mounting a PSU after you mount your GFX card can be a bit nasty.

I'm looking for people who have experience with these kind of Lanboxes, and maybe give me some advice on what (not) to get for my mATX setup.

 

[LittleLizard]

case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163085
mobo - This or if u go crossfire this
cpu - U ALREADY CHOOSE ONE!
ram - This
cooler - I read (dont remember where) that the scythe shuriken is very silent and slim.

 

[Zubasa]

If you are getting a HD 4850, I recommand an IceQ4 from HIS which shoots the hot air out of the case, and it is silent.
Sticking a reference HD 4850 in a small case, you get yourself a mobile oven.

 

[Thrackan]

case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163085
mobo - This or if u go crossfire this
cpu - U ALREADY CHOOSE ONE!
ram - This
cooler - I read (dont remember where) that the scythe shuriken is very silent and slim.

RAM: Got it already. I actually killed one of the chips you linked before
Cooler: still have a Shuriken lying around
CPU: most likely an X3, but that will be decided later
Case: I just fell in love with, and could actually find, the NZXT Rogue The Silverstone ain't ugly though.

Now I have 2 motherboards here, with almost equal specs, same shipset and for exactly the same price:
Asus M4A785TD-M EVO
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H

Those linked boards are nice too, but fairly unavailable here. The above choices are based on availability as well since I've already got people in line for my i7 box and I need a new PC before I put them off

If you are getting a HD 4850, I recommand an IceQ4 from HIS which shoots the hot air out of the case, and it is silent.
Sticking a reference HD 4850 in a small case, you get yourself a mobile oven.

Still have a 4850 lying around, it's actually sitting in my i7 build atm. Hybrid Crossfire should be fun!
Also, what's more fun than a PC you can make dinner with? I just need to find a program that does *ping* when my food's done

 

[Steevo]

4770 and some scythe fans.

 

[LittleLizard]

RAM: Got it already. I actually killed one of the chips you linked before
Cooler: still have a Shuriken lying around
CPU: most likely an X3, but that will be decided later
Case: I just fell in love with, and could actually find, the NZXT Rogue The Silverstone ain't ugly though.

Now I have 2 motherboards here, with almost equal specs, same shipset and for exactly the same price:
Asus M4A785TD-M EVO
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H

Those linked boards are nice too, but fairly unavailable here. The above choices are based on availability as well since I've already got people in line for my i7 box and I need a new PC before I put them off

get the gigabyte if u want to oc

 

[Thrackan]

Is that Asus board that bad on OCing? I'd love to try but the board needs to work with me on that of course.

 

[boomstik360]

No it is great. Look up some reviews.

Ah it was for the ATX "V" Version but I am sure it would be about the same