SG08 Mini-ITX - 3570k, GTX670, ASRock - Page 2

I'd go ITX just because I think they are more fun and you don't really need the extra space, it sounds. I will say that the SilverStone Temjin TJ08B-E does look like a really solid Micro ATX case. For which ITX case to pick that's a tough one. I'd definitely take the Lian Li PC-Q18B out of the running because I don't like that it has no vents in the back, it is narrower than the PC-Q08 meaning less room for a CPU cooler, and I could be wrong but the hard drive rack doesn't look removable at it is in the PC-Q08. Overall the PC-Q08 would offer more flexibility than the SG07, but it is also bigger. The SG07 does seem to have the more optimal GPU orientation and venting, as you've already concluded yourself. The PC-Q08 has the potential of starving the GPU of air if it's put on carpeting. Still the issue with the GPU cooling can be easily resolved by using the PC-Q08 on a hard surface or putting something hard underneath it (as you saw in my thread I used a side panel to accomplish this). At stock my HD7850 is at 28C idle and 57C load (although that is with a substantially larger 230mm fan in the front, upgraded from the stock 140mm, so keep that in mind). The GTX670 does consume more power so it will be hotter I'm sure.

I think you'd be happy with either case (PC-Q08 or SG07). With that said if I were you I'd probably go with the SG07. It will give you the minimal size you want, proper cooling, and the GPU will get fresh air no matter if it's on a hard surface or carpet. The reason I went for the PC-Q08 was due to the previously mentioned flexibility, support for AIO CPU water coolers, the slick look with the red option that captivated me, and the ability to use almost any size PSU with the hard drive racks removed.

I think you made some excellent component choices. That Gigabyte GTX670 looks insane with 3 fans and an 11" PCB. If the quietest system possible is the goal that might not be the way to go. At launch I heard good things about the Asus DirectCU II GTX670. It has voltage control but maybe the Gigabyte has that too since it doesn't use the reference PCB. Another nice thing about the Asus is that it has a backplate. I actually own some G.SKILL Ripjaws X RAM but it didn't overclock very good. I'd go for the king of overclocking RAM, the Samsung DDR3-1600 30nm. I have a pair and they are at 2GHz 10-10-10-24 1T 1.4v. For the hard drive I'd definitely recommend an SSD, unless the space would be too limiting or you don't have a spare hard drive to use for storage. The speed increase is worth it. Here is the build I'd go with:

Intel i5 3570K CPU: $224.99 shipped after code TRIBUTE
Asrock Z77E-ITX + M4 128GB SSD: $266.54 shipped ($20 Combo Discount)
Asus DCII GTX670 GPU: $399.99 shipped
2x Samsung 4GB DDR3-1600 30nm Sticks: $47.98 Shipped Total
Silverstone SG07 ITX Case: $184.99 shipped (go Amazon if they get more in)
Total: $1124.49
Edited by Ben the OCer - 5/27/12 at 10:41pm

I love my EVGA... no issues whatsoever.

I would look at the Samsung RAM as well. Same price, OC's a heck of a lot better and higher....

I really don't consider either of those cases SFF because they just ballooned the size to quite large proportions. To be honest, I don't see why everyone is going crazy over the Prodigy. It is quite large and uses space inefficiently. Sorry I'm ranting now.

Heatspreaders are not that important on DDR3 and even less important on the Samsung 30nm ram.

Sorry, I guess I missed that. Those GTX670s go in and out of stock so they are hard to keep track of. You won't regret getting the SSD, I'm loving my M4. True, with all the moving you might do, all the more reason to go with the SG07. I got the G.SKILLs barely above stock, like 1618MHz. The Samsung 30nm RAM can usually get at or above 2GHz easily. The Samsung RAM is low power with the 30nm process and stock 1.35v so heat is a non-issue. With my OC to 2GHz all I needed was 1.4v. They are also super lower profile so they will actually be a help in a small case to be less obtrusive for coolers, cooling, and cables. Here is what they look like:

Crucial M4 128gb's...

Got two of em in my LAN rig.... more than enough space (since I have a dedicated NAS too....)

I'm not sure if you saw my comment about 9"+ GPU's in the SG05, Pete, but a 680 and etc. will fit.
It's a very generously small estimation.

Your limit is about 10.5" or 266mm.
Edited by stealthybox - 5/29/12 at 6:22am

i got a sg05 and you can fit cards thats a bit over 10.25 inches. a reference gtx 680 will fit in a sg05 (few rigs out there that have them) the 9 inches is so if the power connectors of the card face backwards there in sufficient clearance for the power cables. If you have power connections coming out the side the card you should be fine.