Rebuild PC Into Small Format

Ljamezb on 21/12/2016 - 20:49
Last edited 21/12/2016 - 21:19 by 1 other user

Hello fellow bargain hunters, need some advice on a PC rebuild. Currently have a tower with an older model AMD CPU (Phenom II X4 955 with Asus M4A87TD-USB3 MOBO) and looking to update to a newer Intel and interested in a small format.

I've checked the whirlpool build FAQ and I've gone for this combination

CPU: Intel i5 6400
Mobo: ASRock H170M-ac (inbuilt wifi)
Case: Silverstone Sugo series sg13
RAM: 2x8gb (reuse existing)
PSU: 550w ATX size (reuse existing)
GPU: ATI HD 6850 OC 1gb (reuse existing - older model)

I'm pretty sure all parts will fit in terms of size, and whirlpool recommends undervolting the CPU.

Does anyone have any comments re: swapping out parts or heating issues? Mostly using for CAD, Adobe cc, very light gaming

Cheers!

• 

  SydStrand on 21/12/2016 - 21:47

  +2

  I'd wait a month or so till Kaby Lake comes out. Even if it's not worth the $, there will be discounted Skylake CPUs. I have the same case, and heating shouldn't be an issue with your uses. Just check the GPU dimensions will fit, it's a tight fitting case.

  • 

    jamezb on 22/12/2016 - 00:30

    Do you have a CPU HSF? Was it worth adding it?

    • 

      nushydude on 22/12/2016 - 09:47

      For a CPU that would run at stock, stock cooler would suffice in that case.

      If you buy a CPU that can be overclocked, get a 120mm AIO water cooler, as a large HSF wouldn't fit in the case.

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  scrimshaw on 21/12/2016 - 21:49

  +1

  The Phanteks Enthoo is slightly larger than the Sugo and will give you more breathing room internally.

  (size: 230 wide x 375 tall x 395 deep as opposed to 222mm wide, 181mm tall and 285mm deep)

  It can take two 3.5" drives and a single 2.5" drive
  The Sugo is the reverse — it can take a single 3.5" drive or two 2.5" drives

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  Kangal on 21/12/2016 - 22:01

  +1

  The biggest issue I see is your PSU.
  Without specifics, you won't know how it will fit into the SG13, if at all.

  But while you're on the route to upgrade….I would get the Core i5-6500 instead.
  It's slightly more expensive, but much more powerful, so better value for money.
  And allows you a nice upgrade path in the future.

  Or you could wait for AMD's RyZen CPU's, but that would require a different AM4+ motherboard.

  Also the HD 6850 is a decent gpu for eSports, but its becoming very outdated.
  Updating this would be wise;
  RX 460 < GTX 1050Ti < RX 470 < GTX 1060 (3GB) < RX 480 (8GB) < GTX 1070 < GTX 1080.

  My best advice would be to go to your local PC store.
  If you're sold on the SG13 case buy it, and bring it along. And bring your current system too.
  And ask for their advice. Sure some of them might try to slime you out of your hard-earned cash.
  But there's usually staff there that actually wants to help you, because for some of them, its a passion.

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  Diji1 on 21/12/2016 - 22:46

  Updating this would be wise

  Why? He said he's a casual gamer.

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  BlazinPast on 21/12/2016 - 23:51

  +1

  I'm going for a small build too and the best cases that are most recommended are the Fractal Design Node 202 or the RVZ202/ML08. They come with dust filters too and can fit almost all GPUs. ML08 comes with a handle which can be useful.