Background Introduction:
The rise of the MINI-ITX PC architecture pushed our traditional desktop computers into a corner, moving them from the office to the living room and even onto the desk. As an engineering enthusiast, I was eager to build my own ITX system. The opportunity came when my wife’s computer suddenly crashed. After checking, it turned out the hard drive had failed, so we decided to rebuild the system. She mentioned that the old machine wasn’t running smoothly, with frequent blue screens due to hardware incompatibility. It was time for a new build, with specific requirements in mind:
1. Performance should stay mainstream, with a dedicated graphics card to ensure smooth gaming on Steam;
2. The chassis needed to be as compact as possible for easy transport, since we might need to move it soon;
3. Budget was tight, and we wanted to reuse as much of the old hardware as possible. Prebuilt options like the Alienware Alpha were not considered.
It seemed like the perfect chance to build an ITX system after all.
Hardware Selection:
1. Chassis Choice
There are many ITX chassis on the market, but after considering size, price, and performance needs, there weren’t many great options. I evaluated several models:
Yinxin ML09: This slim 7L chassis is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag, but it requires an SFX power supply, which meant adding another one—increasing costs. Plus, only low-profile graphics cards could fit, limiting upgrade potential. The cooling was also an issue, so I passed on this option.
Yinxin SG13: A slightly larger 11L model, more affordable, but still had heat issues. It required a water-cooling setup or special power supplies, which added complexity and cost. Some users reported poor build quality, so I didn’t go with it either.
Lian Li Q34: This 18L chassis was a bit bulky, but it offered excellent internal space and layout. It allowed for full-sized tower coolers and had a layered design to separate heat sources. The build quality was top-notch, and it could accommodate a standard ATX power supply without needing to replace it. Despite the higher price, it felt like the best choice for stability and future upgrades.
After weighing all the options, I went with the Lian Li Q34 for its balance of size, cooling, and build quality.
2. System Architecture
Initially, I considered using Intel's 4th-gen Haswell architecture with a B85 motherboard, paired with a GTX 1050 Ti. But my wife thought it was too outdated. She wanted some room for future upgrades, so we increased the budget to 4000 RMB.
We opted for the 7th-gen i5 7500 with a B150 motherboard, allowing for DDR4 memory. The budget was tight, so I chose the lowest-cost options where possible, while still keeping performance solid.
3. Other Hardware Choices
RAM: I had to go with 8GB DDR4, as prices kept rising. It was the minimum needed for smooth operation.
SSD: Since this was for my wife, I insisted on an SSD to give her a noticeable performance boost right away.
GPU: The budget limited me to a GTX 1050, but I eventually upgraded to a GTX 1060, as it was more cost-effective in the long run. Even though it pushed the budget, it made the system future-proof.
The final configuration was a balanced mix of performance, affordability, and upgradability.
Purchase and Assembly
Chassis: The Lian Li Q34 arrived, and although it was bigger than expected, it was still manageable. Its thick construction and precise assembly made it feel high-quality. The side panels opened easily with just a few clicks, making installation simple.
Motherboard: The ASRock B150 ITX board was small but powerful. It was my first time working with an ITX board, and it felt very different from a full-size motherboard.
CPU: I bought a boxed i5 7500 from Taobao, choosing a “flick†version for reliability and better pricing.
Cooling: I used a tower cooler, the Kyushu Fengshen Xuan Bing 400, which provided good cooling for the CPU.
Memory and Storage: I picked A-DATA 8GB DDR4 and a small SSD for speed, along with a 1TB 3.5-inch HDD for storage. The old hard drive was repurposed for backup.
GPU: I went with a short-length GTX 1060 OC 3G, which fit perfectly in the Q34.
Power Supply: I reused the old 450W ATX power supply, which worked well with the new build.
Fans: I installed a couple of case fans, but the mounting holes were too big, so I used temporary washers until I could get the right ones.
All components were neatly arranged inside the chassis. After connecting everything, the system booted up without any issues. Even though it was my first time building an ITX system, the process was smooth and satisfying.
Now, the Q34 sits next to my desk, taking up minimal space. Compared to the Alienware Alpha, it feels more powerful and versatile. Building an ITX system has been a fun and rewarding experience, and I’m already thinking about what I’ll do next—maybe a smaller A4-sized build!
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