Help me build a smol PC
Help me build a smol PC
My current PC is a month from being a decade old at this point, and I feel it's time for an upgrade: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VKWLQ7
I want to build a smaller PC. I'm way over the tower form factor, and I want to build a smaller form factor. Ideally, it should be able to fit inside this box: https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-medium-flat-rate-box-1-P_O_FRB1
Here's a sketch of what I have planned so far:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- Motherboard: ?????
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage 250GB SATA SSD
- Video Card: Basically reusing my ancient GPU
- Case: ?????
- Power Supply: ?????
- Wireless Network Adapter: Some random USB wireless adapter that I'm using now since the wireless adapter I originally had no longer works
I'm hitting a few roadblocks:
I don't really know what type of mobo to look for other than its form factor (mini-ITX) and that it should have a video port. And it should be able to accept 2.5'' SSDs since some of them apparently don't?
The case is a massive headache for me. It seems like for smaller form factor builds, you have to build your PC completely around the case. The open cases like these two are pretty cool:
They're also fucking $150+. The tower case I'm using now was 40 bucks in 2013 money, so around $50 in today's money. Those cases also require smaller PSUs, so I can't reuse my current PSU. And I don't think those cases or most smaller form factor cases like HDDs, which isn't a deal breaker for me, but it's more things to plan out and buy if I can't just reuse a 1TB HDD.
I'm honestly thinking about just buying paper stationaries like these:
and just stacking the parts on top. I would also need to get a riser cable, but the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G has integrated graphics, so I wouldn't even need to bother with the ancient graphics card or the riser cable? Plus, they're not going to fit inside the USPS box.
If I have to get a smaller PSU, I have no idea about wattage requirements. Honestly, I just winged it a decade ago, and everything seemed to have worked out. I guess I could always fall back on "whatever the wattage of the current PSU is."
I think that should do it. I just have a whole bunch of questions and what-ifs because I don't have a complete picture of what the PC should look like.
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In regards to the CPU, as long as it outperforms the GPU I have right now, it should be good. I don't really play videogames anymore, and when I did, my current GPU was good enough. A couple of people floated around the idea of getting a Thinkcentre, but the Thinkcentre micro form factor doesn't seem to be able to hold more than one storage drive. Maybe I just need to buy some HDD docking station like one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Lay-Flat-Docking-EC-DFLT/dp/B00LS5NFQ2.
I'm starting to realize my reliance on my 1TB HDD is another roadblock.
If gaming isn't a goal then I would just buy one of the many mini PCs on the market with integrated graphics rather than fighting the uphill battle that is making a small form factor PC. Pretty much just go to newegg or a similar site and start narrowing down the tags on the left side.
I can try and find one for you if you answer a few questions:
- What is your budget?
- What tasks/programs will you use your PC for?
- Would you consider using a refurbished PC or would you prefer new?
As for the drive, an easy solution is an external drive bay like this (amazon link).
Also, Black Friday is coming up so there should be some pretty good deals during the next two weeks.
A 5600G built in graphics will probably outdo the gpu you have in your linked PC part picker build.
As for mobo, I'm not sure what model names are for sff mobo. Just make sure it has an AM4 CPU slot (or whatever matches the CPU you decide on). As well as at least one PCIe slot, ideally PCIe 4.0 for future proofing. An optional feature that is convenient to have is at least one M.2 slot as well.
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Type Item Price CPU AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor $40.00 CPU Cooler AMD Wraith Prism 2800 CFM CPU Cooler - Motherboard ASRock B550M-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard $129.99 @ Amazon Memory GeIL EVO POTENZA 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory $20.00 Case Cooler Master MasterBox NR200 Mini ITX Desktop Case $81.99 @ Amazon Power Supply Corsair SF450 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply $60.00 Total $331.98 Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-15 14:55 EST-0500 No GPU included yet, as I don't know your budget. Storage can be your old 120GB 2.5" drive. The case comes with two case fans preinstalled which should probably be enough. You could add one extra top 120mm fan but the two included would be enough.
Some GPU ideas:
- 6650 XT on Amazon for $230
- MSI GTX 1650 G6 if your budget is very low.
But honestly, if your GPU budget is lower than $230, you're better off looking on your local Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace for a used 6600 XT or 5700/5700 XT, etc.