After 15+ years of dealing with Microsoft professionally, I’m so done with it. So my next build will be a dedicated Linux box for some gaming but also 3D design for printing (FreeCAD?) and of course Cura for prepping the designs for printing. I’m ready to pull the trigger and want to check with Linux folks before I do in case there are any glaring compatibility issue or shortcoming I’m overlooking. I’ve already purchased some parts, marked as $0.00 below.
NOTE: I picked AM5 because I don’t upgrade often, but would like the option to stay with the platform when CPU prices drop, for example. But I’m open to suggestions!
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor | $224.42 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte B650I AORUS ULTRA Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard | $259.99 @ Amazon |
| Memory | G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory | $97.99 @ Newegg |
| Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Storage | Western Digital Black SN850X 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Video Card | XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card | $329.99 @ Amazon |
| Case | Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX Desktop Case | $0.00 |
| Power Supply | Cooler Master V850 SFX GOLD 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total | $912.39 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-08-15 21:19 EDT-0400 |
While I like the aesthetics of a mini-itx case, it is a mfer to work with.
I’m wary that the graphics card might not fit the case. Or worse, barely fits and thus not get good airflow.
So you might want to move up to a MicroATX case instead.
This one is supposed to be cinch to build in, but we’ll see as this will be my first itx build. I’m up for the challenge I think.
This case went down to ;35$ still not bad at 65$
Cooler Master NR200P White SFF Small Form Factor Mini-ITX Case, Tempered Glass or Vented Panel, Vertical Mounting GPU, PCI Riser Cable, Triple-Slot GPU, Tool-Free (MCB-NR200P-WGNN-S00) https://a.co/d/i3FiDm1
I contemplated that one. But the vibe of the Terra won be over. And yes, I paid a “pretty” tax as a result. But I’m in the midst of remodeling my office and it’ll fit very nicely with the overall decor.
Can’t blame you my last 4 build were fractal
NR200P is such a nice case to work with
Hmm.
As long as you can get good airflow and your hands don’t feel cramped after working with it, sure, that looks like a winner. Price is right too.
I agree. I built my first mini itx case for my living room PC and while I look at it now and thought it was fun, it was a headache to put together at the time. I bought a Fractal Design Ridge and if you wanted to change something, you essentially have to take the whole thing apart. I love how it looks though.
I’m a little conflicted if I like mini ITX or micro ATX better. I used a micro ATX for my media server and thought it was a little too roomy for my needs but is SO much easier to build with.
My gripe is that I wish they made more cases like the Thermaltake V21 but more aesthetically pleasing like Fractal Design. I like how the gpu and mobo sits without needing a pci extension or riser.