[UPDATE 1] April 30, 2018 - Parts list changed. Previous parts still there is anyone wanted to do their own thing. Reasoning is in a post below.
Hello all,
I lurk around here from time to time and I really like seeing the way people push so much into small builds, so I thought I'd try my own hand at one. I've built systems before, but this will be my first small form factor one. I intend this to be used mostly for emulation and some modern gaming, nothing high end or ground-breaking. Without further wasting time I'll get to the point.
[UPDATED 04/30/18]
Here are the current specs:
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There are some problems that I am running into currently:
I mount the motherboard upside down into the top of the PS2 case. (Originally the mobo would have been mounted on a 3D printed plate or spacers using the original PS2 screw points.)
I'm going to cut additional holes into the side of the PS2 for addional airflow, similar to the original Xbox One. While the 1060 would be nice to have, it's not a requirement, emulation relies mostly on the CPU and the 1050ti can handle most games Med/High 1080p. Currently the price jump from 1050ti to 1060 doesn't seem to be worth it, however if I use the HDPlex 160 now it will save me from having problems if I upgrade later. DVD drive isn't required, but I want to work with it until it is 100% not an option. I am trying to keep this build as close to the original case as possible, obviously I'm going to have to cut out the back for the mobo, but other than that I'm trying not to butcher the case.
I will be using a PCIe ribbon cable to move the GPU where its needed.
Questions, comments, and concerns?
I haven't ordered the parts yet as I would like a few more sets of eyes to look things over to see if I missed anything or if there is something that can be done better.
Hello all,
I lurk around here from time to time and I really like seeing the way people push so much into small builds, so I thought I'd try my own hand at one. I've built systems before, but this will be my first small form factor one. I intend this to be used mostly for emulation and some modern gaming, nothing high end or ground-breaking. Without further wasting time I'll get to the point.
[UPDATED 04/30/18]
Here are the current specs:
- HDPlex 160w PSU (Using a HP 230w Power Brick rated at 19.5v *I hope this is compatible)
- Intel Core i5-7500
- Noctua NH-L9I Cooler
- 8GB(2x4GB) Kingston HyperX Fury 2133MHz DDR4 RAM
- Zotac GTX1060 3GB Mini
- WD 1TB 7200RPM 2.5" HDD
- Samsung 860 EVO 250GB SSD
- MSI Gaming Intel B250 LGA 1151 DDR4 HDMI mini-ITX Motherboard (B250I GAMING PRO AC)
- LG Electronics Slim DVD Super Multi Optical Drive
i7-7700 (not the K series)MSI Mini ITX Motherboard H110I Pro ACPicoPSU 160xt (The HDPlex 160 is just slightly too tall)EVGA GTX 1050TiPossibility to be swapped for a GTX 1060
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz C15Zalman CPU Fan Cooling CNPS2XPossibility to be swapped for the Thermolab ITX30 Slim and Quiet CPU Cooler *
1x Samsung 850 EVO 500GB (MZ-75E500B/AM)1x Seagate 2TB FireCuda Gaming SSHD (ST2000LX001)
_______________________
There are some problems that I am running into currently:
- Vertical space is at a premium, as such I am limited to that Zalaman CPU cooler.
- The DVD drive looks like it will conflict with the mobo and ram slots.
-I would really like the DVD drive to stay in the build, but on paper it may have to be cut
- With such a weak cooler I may have to add an additional intake fan.
- If I wanted to use a GTX 1060 the Pico 160xt will not be compatible with it (I read in a post around here that someone had issues with it due to the rails not being able to take the load the card needed or something.)
I mount the motherboard upside down into the top of the PS2 case. (Originally the mobo would have been mounted on a 3D printed plate or spacers using the original PS2 screw points.)
- I would have room for a larger cooler like the Thermolab ITX30.
- I'd also potentially have room to fit the DVD drive?
- I may not need an additional intake fan, but I'd still have one for better airflow.
- I could fit the HDPlex 160w and thus use the GTX 1060.
I'm going to cut additional holes into the side of the PS2 for addional airflow, similar to the original Xbox One. While the 1060 would be nice to have, it's not a requirement, emulation relies mostly on the CPU and the 1050ti can handle most games Med/High 1080p. Currently the price jump from 1050ti to 1060 doesn't seem to be worth it, however if I use the HDPlex 160 now it will save me from having problems if I upgrade later. DVD drive isn't required, but I want to work with it until it is 100% not an option. I am trying to keep this build as close to the original case as possible, obviously I'm going to have to cut out the back for the mobo, but other than that I'm trying not to butcher the case.
I will be using a PCIe ribbon cable to move the GPU where its needed.
Questions, comments, and concerns?
I haven't ordered the parts yet as I would like a few more sets of eyes to look things over to see if I missed anything or if there is something that can be done better.
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