About the Assembly of compact system units I wrote. On our website you will find promotional worklog about a little barebones, and also about the Steam Machine. This material in another format. Here are the visual configuration. Write a similar article prompted me of two things: the first is a popular topic “Computer of the month”; the second four handsome corps, which arrived at the same time in the test lab Ferra.ru.
By the way, one of the “Iron stream” I live gathered Assembly in the housing Codenamed Metis. In the allotted time “stuffed” into it, not a small cooler, large power supply and powerful graphics card. Not without contingencies, sweat and blood, but overall, in my opinion, turned out quite fun.
The basis of the mother Board mini-ITX
Compact gaming system = motherboard form factor mini-ITX. Nowadays such a device would not be surprised. Still, such solutions have a number of features which we will take into account during Assembly. List them:
- Limited functionality. On the PCB size mm 170х170 really need to unsolder the CPU socket, two DIMM slots for installing RAM and PCI Express x16 connector to install one graphics card. Therefore a compact system is build with one graphics accelerator, no AMD CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI.
- Only two slots for RAM. As only two DIMM slots, it is better to invest in a normal set, namely to take 16 GB of RAM and efficient processor. To change only the video card.
- Install a bulky cooler. Manufacturers have realized that the processor socket is really positioning and higher. Then a large radiator does not cover the PCI Express x16.
- RAM without large heatsinks. Since the same large CPU cooler will block the DIMM slots.
- A small number of connectors for fans connection. The cheap matplot — two, at the middle/top — three-four. If you plan a system with a large number of “Carlson” it is better to take any case with integrated fan controller, or a separate 5.25-inch unit, or adapters (e.g. MOLEX) and splitters (to connect multiple fans to one fan connector on the mother Board.
- The use of interface M. 2. It is designed for SSDs. The application of this SSD saves space and also saves you from laying of two cables.
- Only Intel platforms. Unfortunately, if you are talking about a compact PC, we mean only the Core processors. Yes, there are mini-ITX-boards for the platform FM2+, but for a really powerful build is better to use more CPU. Under AM3+ tiny “mom” no.
ASUS Z170I PRO GAMING
Fees for LGA1151 platform (for processors Skylake and Kaby Lake), if we are talking about the Z170 chipset Express, quietly dispersed chips with unlocked multiplier, and without it. Model Z170I PRO GAMING — that’s right. We used the test cases.
Testing of hulls
So, we in edition have registered the following characters: Metis Thermalright, Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX, Fractal Design Define Nano’s and NZXT Manta. Not all are sold in the Russian retail. Optionally the system unit order including abroad. For example, in the German shop Computeruniverse. In most cases, will be cheaper, although cons like shopping enough.
Many of the buildings. Case different. It remains to choose the most unique and
It turned out that one case was more than the other. NZXT Manta generally papermache with some Midi Tower. But in this case fits a large number of fans and radiators NWO! While he is certainly more compact than a giant Full Tower.
Codenamed Metis
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX
Fractal Design Define Nano S
NZXT Manta
Dimensions, volume
190х254х277 mm, 13.4 l
230х375х395 mm, 34,1 l
203x330x400 mm, 26,8 l
245x426x450 mm 47 l
Case material
Aluminum, plastic
Steel, plastic
Steel, plastic
Steel, plastic
Maximum height of CPU coolers maximum length of VGA card, the maximum length of the power supply
165 mm, 170 mm, 180 mm
200 mm, 330 mm, 180 mm
165 mm 315 mm 160 mm
165 mm 363 mm 363 mm
Seats under drives 2,5’, 3,5’
2, 1
1, 2
2, 2
3, 2
Fans installed
the front 0;
top 0;
bottom — 0;
rear — 1x 120 mm.
front panel — 1x 200 mm;
top 0;
bottom — 0;
behind — 0.
front — 1x 140 mm;
top 0;
bottom — 0;
rear 1x 120 mm.
front — 2x 120 mm;
top 0;
bottom — 0;
rear 1x 120 mm.
Interfaces on the front panel
2x USB 3.0, microphone, audio
2x USB 3.0, microphone, audio
2x USB 3.0, microphone, audio
2x USB 3.0, microphone, audio
Features
The most compact in the test;
In fact, it is possible to install a graphics card longer;
Great for modding fun;
Many models in different colors.
A relatively compact Tower with the possibility to install several radiators, water cooling system;
The ability to install the largest air coolers.
Insulation;
A relatively compact Tower with the possibility to install several radiators NWO.
Blind on the bottom, covering the PSU and the pile of wires;
A relatively compact Tower with the possibility to install several radiators, water cooling system;
PWM controller eight fans;
Backlight.
Price
4000 RUB.
3800 RUB. (Computeruniverse excluding shipping)
Was 5500 RUB.
Was 9000 RUB.
For the relevant comparisons (each housing its own terms at the height of the CPU cooler and length of VGA card) I used the following test bench:
- Intel Core i7-6700K @4.2 GHz;
- The cooler altogether, the Silver Arrow ITX;
- Motherboard ASUS Z170I PRO GAMING;
- RAM DDR4-2133 2x 8 GB;
- The graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Founders Edition;
- Power supply Corsair HX850i, 850W;
- Hard disk WD RED 2 TB;
- SSD 256 GB;
- Windows 10 x64.
Test bench
Testing was conducted in two stages. Going stand, pictures of turnkey systems. Then one hour to load the CPU in LinX 0.6.5, then “the Witcher 3: wild Hunt” (location — Novigrad). The results in the graphs below. Fan cooling systems, as well as body “wind turbines” were in automatic mode.
The functionality of the modern mini-ITX boards is enough to build productive gaming computer
The noise measure, unfortunately, failed. But in the case of our test bench, everything is interconnected. The “hot” case was also the noisiest. It Is Codenamed Metis. Pleasantly surprised Fractal Design Define Nano S. is Quiet and cold. As you can see, the noise does not interfere with the output of heated air outside the metal structure. But the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX is clearly not enough fan on the back wall, working on blowing. Consider this point, if you’re looking in the same Computeruniverse sistemku based on it. Manta is good in all respects. And this is the only case with a PWM controller for a large number of fans.
Starter Assembly — ~30 000 rubles
How to build a computer
Usually starting the Assembly, in order to keep within the designated budget, I take the housing as a residual. Models such as the ACCORD P-25B or 3Cott 1811, are on average 1,500 rubles. If you’re talking about more than a cute “pod” under mini-ITX, the initial decision — Zalman M1 — worth 3000-4000 rubles. To it take the power supply ZM500-LE from the same Korean manufacturer. The competition in this “trough” is quite long cables, but most importantly — for 12-volt line, the device emits 400 watts. Returning to the Zalman M1, note that the case supports the installation of CPU coolers height up to 160 mm and graphics cards up to 350 mm. the Analogs at the price and the functionality is barebones Thermaltake Suppressor F1, Cooler Master Elite 110, and the Thermaltake Core V1.
Cheap matplot form factor mini-ITX platform LGA1151 cost in the region of 4500-5500 rubles. Same fee, but for mATX really take over 3500-4000 rubles. It is seen that for small form factor have to pay. On the one hand, supplies the creation of more compact things spend less. On the other end the price tag was influenced by such factors as higher complexity of the build and the smaller volume of production. Well, the cheapest system unit with a mini-ITX Board, which can be called games, will cost about 35 000 rubles in the Moscow retail.
The ideal option to increase gaming performance the starting Assembly is, of course, buy the video card of level GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (overview) or Radeon RX 470 (review). Core i3-6100 will pull both. Immediate objective to upgrade — installation of a second module of RAM to 16 GB, then SSD at least 128 GB. A SSD drive will significantly speed up loading the operating system and main programs.
Codenamed Metis
Metis — aluminum case for modders. Its purpose is evident in everything. To begin with, that this is the compact model. 13 litres is a decent indicator. “Metis” is really small. Thermalright offers multiple coloring. I liked the blue. There is the classic version, without Windows.
At once I will tell about all four sections: All models are equipped with Windows. And it’s awful. Photos like modding accessory may look cute, but the packaging is cheap and tacky. Because it uses conventional plastic. Even in expensive NZXT Manta.
In the end I just removed the Metis from the box, but the window was already covered with small scratches. Upset. In my opinion, it is better to take a case without a window. Next, plan the side door to replace all the acrylic wall, carved to order. Well, the body obviously can not hurt the fan is working on blowing. You have to drill out the hole for 120/140-mm fan and blower hole wizard. However, this is poetry.
The case supports full ATX power supplies. Closely, as the maximum length of the video card is 170 mm. the Most powerful today — a shortened version of GeForce GTX 1070. But I managed to “push” the reference GeForce GTX 1060 (250 mm). Got back to back. For this I replaced in the testbed Corsair HX850i on SF450 from the same manufacturer. Handy adapter SFX-to-ATX. It is always possible to do it yourself, rangerbane some old block donor.
The upper cover is fixed 3.5-inch hard disk. A very bad idea. “Screw” is so close to the graphics card, which ultimately affects all parts. On the bottom there are two seats for 2.5-inch drives. But overall the cooler is a tower they were immediately blocked. So together with Metis is better to use a miniature SSD and hard drives, securing them with double-sided adhesive tape to the side of the power supply.
By the way, in case fit cooler height 165 mm, although the manufacturer says the limit is 160 mm.
Complete with Metis is 120 mm impeller without PWM. In its place to really put maintenance-free water cooling. In the case of using the air cooling system is better when all fans work on blowing. Dust filters there, and where they come from. Finally, to completely hide all the wires when assembling the stand I failed.
On the top panel look two USB 3.0 ports. If you do not have on your motherboard (which is possible for the cheapest devices on the platform LGA1150), that is just USB 2.0. The reset button is not provided.
Codenamed Metis Rating: 8/10
Pro:
- Compact;
- A 1.5 mm aluminum;
- A lot of room for creativity will moderu;
- Fit overall CPU coolers.
Contra:
- Cheap plastic window;
- To install a graphics card longer have to get an adapter for the power supply SFX;
- The seats for storage are useless when building powerful gaming computer.
More photos Codenamed Metis is located in the same gallery.
Base Assembly — ~50 000
How to buy from Computeruniverse
The prices for parts the last few months do not change. Is that seriously more expensive RAM, but it predicted in August. The volume of PC shipments declining. Korean chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix reduced the volume of production. And yet in the Assembly at a rate of 50 000 I want to see a Quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM and a graphics card of GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 480. While in the designated budget to fit could. You have to take the Mini Tower and charge on the H110 chipset Express. All for the sake of compactness! If desired, it makes sense to invest in the motherboard on the logic Z170 Express. For example, ASRock Z170M-ITX/ac. With its help really to disperse powerbrokers Core i5-6400. The correct BIOS is here. Plus it is equipped with wireless module Wi-Fi.
Well, this system will pull any modern game in Full HD resolution. In most cases we are talking about maximum graphics quality settings. The first element of upgrade — buying a SSD. A couple of years upgraded to Core i7 processor Kaby Lake and the new generation of 3D accelerators. A second youth, not otherwise.
Offer a few more options for cheap enclosures. Not all, however, are sold in Russia. The first is the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX. You will find the Germans, we will talk about it next. There are more interesting models from Lian Li, as well as famous series from Cougar QBX. Corsair Obsidian 250D is also very remarkable case. In General, there are plenty to choose.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX
Unfortunately, Phanteks does not officially sells its products in Russia. The case I ordered in shop Computeruniverse, as the prepared material for the procurement of iron in Germany. Plus wanted to get acquainted with the Phanteks cases. Cooler because they have excellent. Enthoo Evolv ITX is good, but not without a couple of flaws.
The model Define Nano S larger, but less Manta. In terms of customization it is not inferior to its competitors. So, on the top wall will fit the two-piece radiator “dropsy” with 140 mm fans. The installation process is simplified. ITS mounted to a separate plate, which is then simply screwed to the chassis of the case. On the front panel of such liquid cooling also fit. Finally, the back wall will accommodate another radiator. 120 mm or 140 mm.
Enthoo Evolv ITX is a good option to build a fully custom water cooling system. Hybrid basket supports the installation of a tank for the refrigerant. But in real life it is attached to either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive to choose from. Or it can be stupid to dismantle.
By default there is one 200mm fan. Without the ability to control the speed of rotation of the blades, they work with the frequency of 850 rpm. But on the back wall of the impeller that blows the heated air, no. Buy immediately. The test results clearly talking about it. In the back there are seats for 120-mm and 140-mm. in addition, the fan is adjustable in height.
The front panel is equipped with a dust filter. Another book set on the bottom.
HX850i climbed with difficulty. Therefore, immediately connect all necessary cables. Otherwise, with a 180 mm “trough” will posites. And places at chassis abound. I’m afraid to lie, but at build time Enthoo Evolv ITX took less time. Velcro, elastic wire, is, by the way, the thing about Fractal Design. The metal visor on the bottom is the innovation of the MARKET. Phanteks does not hesitate to “soak up” the best ideas and implement them in their products.
The housing for the installation of classic mechanical drives are screwless mount. All the baskets are secured with anti-vibration pads. The drives are mounted in the particular chassis.
An important point, mention it when configuring assemblies: any one of the four buildings will not fit video cards that take up more than two expansion slots. The restriction on the length provided in the table. But the thickness is strictly two slots (42 mm).
As otmetku nitpicking one point: not enough eyelets to mount cables.
Evaluation of the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX: 8.7/10
Pro:
- Possibility to install several radiators, water cooling system;
- Dust filters;
- Adequate price;
- Fit large CPU coolers and long graphics cards.
Contra:
- Cheap plastic window;
- Need a fan on the back panel, working on blowing.
More photos Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX located in the same gallery.
Optimal build ~75 000 rubles
Illegitimate powerbrokers overclocking processors Intel Skylake
As in the classical Assembly, the best of the lot is, of course, video card. GeForce GTX 1070 is suitable not only for HD but also for GAMING. In principle, it makes sense to the Core i5-6600 to charge on the Z170 chipset Express and then overclock the CPU via the bus. Or just invest in a Core i5-6600K or even Core i7-6700. We see that any Intel the Quad in the same Battlefield 1 chokes, and indeed processorsamsung games lack.
Starting with this build in the special issue, suggest a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi module. Relieve the system from another wire. If we don’t have a reliable connection for online battles, of course.
The third nice thing is the availability of SSD in the system. Yes, the small capacity, but it’s better than without it.
And one more thing. Under the Fractal Design Define Nano’s get a modular power supply. Solely for the sake of aesthetics. The lower part of the body is no hiding. The extra pile of wires, unused when assembling a PC, we do not need. It looks ugly.
Fractal Design Define Nano S
Series Define traditionally positioned as a noiseless device. Therefore, the walls of the Nano S is equipped with sound insulation. Testing showed that problems with the cooling of the components this model no. So, we are dealing with the perfect product?
Window — plastic. Again, this is bad, cheap and ugly. Power supply Corsair HX850i (180 mm) and blocked the window for laying cables. You can collect, but I want to be beautiful! So I replaced in the test stand of the American “feeder” to the other modular model — HIGGS Aerocool 650 watts. The cabling difficulties are not encountered. Both the drive secured to the chassis.
On the bottom provided a movable plate. To it are fastened pump and reservoir. Generally Define Nano’s can accommodate two 480 mm of radiator (top and front). One 120 mm bottom and back. Default front blowing has a 140-mm “windlifter” in the locked frequency of 1000 Rev/min. the Height of both, “Carlson”, working on blowing and blowing, respectively, is adjustable. As you can see, in terms of cooling efficiency Define Nano S is not inferior to the more expensive NZXT Manta.
Dust filters provided at the front and bottom.
At all three Tower and very similar. Models only Phanteks and NZXT are larger. Write this in plus Define Nano S.
Rating Fractal Design Define Nano’s: 8.9/10
Pro:
- Insulation;
- Good cooling system components;
- Adequate price;
- Smaller than other Tower’ov-in test;
- Possibility to install several radiators, water cooling system;
- Dust filters;
Contra:
- Cheap plastic window;
- 180 mm power supply unit is not suitable to assemble the system and hide all the wires;
- There is no section that covers the power supply wires.
More pictures Fractal Design Define Nano’s located in the same gallery.
Advanced Assembly — ~100 000
What kind of power supply need a gaming computer
Advanced Assembly illustrates what I said in the beginning of the article. A budget allows you to invest in a powerful platform. Of course, I’m talking about the CPU Core i7-6700K and an ASUS motherboard Z170I PRO GAMING. Ligament enough that after three or four years to replace the GeForce GTX 1070 at the top-end graphics card that will be relevant at the time.
Alternatives Z170I PRO GAMING? They have me. This ASRock Z170M-ITX/ac, and the Gigabyte GA-Z170N-WIFI and the MSI Gaming Z170I PRO AC. As you can see, it is possible to slightly save.
It is clear that for a system with a single graphics card, powerful power supply unit is not required in principle. However, for more expensive assemblies take a high quality “breadwinner” in the 600-650 watts. A decent reserve of power needed for two things: that the unit was quiet and average power efficiency is maximum.
NZXT Manta
As we just learned, the Manta design is similar to that just discussed Define Nano’s and Enthoo Evolv ITX. Ergonomics, time-tested. The power supply on the bottom. He completely closed the curtain so that you can take non-modular device. The appearance is not spoiled. Logo on visor lights rear there is a switch.
Drives “trousers” — a recognizable feature of CONTEMPORARY buildings. On the front panel to the removable plates are hung two 2.5-inch drive. Rear mounted 3.5-inch hard disk. Another HDD installed on the bottom. Design designed to hide the high wires.
Even the housing for 9000 roubles window — plastic. Scratched fairly easily. Major difference from these towers is the controller, which can connect up to eight fans. It is powered by a MOLEX connector, so the PSU will have to pull another cable. But the chassis is spacious, route the wires — no problem.
By default, the Manta has three 120-mm krylchatki. Two mounted on the front panel, another at the rear. Dust filters are located in the front and bottom.
Manta NZXT rating: 9/10
Pro:
- Possibility to install several radiators, water cooling system;
- Dust filters;
- Controller for 8 fans.
Contra:
- Cheap plastic window;
- The position (if someone is not satisfied).
More photos NZXT Manta is located in the same gallery.
Extreme build — 100 000 rubles
Core i7-6800K vs Core i7-6700K in games and not only
For the system unit with motherboard mini-ITX fastest graphics card that are sold in the Russian retail is the GeForce GTX 1080. It is not much faster GeForce GTX 1070, but the pay offer decent. Well, if I can. In principle, it makes sense to take ITS. The overclocked Core i7-6700K cope and supercooler, but “dropsy” looks spectacular. If desired, increase the array of memory up to 32 GB.
You can go even further and take the ASRock motherboards X99E-ITX/ac. This extreme platform LGA2011-v3. Her powerful shestiyadernik Core i7-6800K.
Manta is an excellent choice to build powerful custom systems. Chassis allows to install two-piece radiator with 140 mm fans. For example, a maintenance-free system Kraken X61 or X62 brand new. Similar size radiator will fit and the front. And on the back wall — single-section from 120-mm fan. One option is to take a Kraken X31 and attach it to the video card using the Kraken G10.
The housing design allows you to create fully. In terms of functionality Manta competes with the Enthoo Evolv ITX and Nano S. Define the two buildings is good friends with “callosity”. But “manta” roomier, though, and a certain restriction on the height of the CPU cooler. There are mods, which is mini-ITX mATX mother Board installed.
In conclusion
As you can see, the functionality of the modern motherboards mini-ITX is enough to build productive gaming computer. Comparing with the standard assemblies offered monthly in the “Computer of the month”, we see that in most cases the same money is quite possible to configure a compact desktop, not inferior in performance to their larger counterparts. What we wanted to prove.
