Need advice about heatsink/case for i3 itx workstation

sarabiyo · Post by **sarabiyo** » Sat May 22, 2010 5:25 am

Hi, new SPCR's user here

I'm planning to build a (truely) silent workstation around those components :

MB : Zotac H55
CPU : i3-530
RAM : 2*2 gb DDR3 (gskill/corsair/crucial/whatever)
SSD : Corsair M225 (reused)
PSU : Pico PSU 150W
No HDD, no VGA card, no optical drive, no O/C

My main concern is about compatibility between heatsink and case. Considering the SG05 with psu removed, can I fit something like an Orochi (just joking ... or not), an HR-01+, Megahelms ? Cutting the top side of the case doesn't really bother me, but is it a good solution ? I know a smaller heatsink could work, but I want to only use 500rpm fan.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

EDIT : Any advice on an other case is welcome.

JamieG · Post by **JamieG** » Sat May 22, 2010 4:23 pm

Go for a Lian Li Q07 case instead.

No PSU to remove, so it will be cheaper too. A HR-01+ fits in my Q07 with no problems. (See link in my sig for some low quality pics).

Add a reasonably sized full tower heatsink with a low rpm fan and you will be fine. A Thermalright HR-01+ with socket 1156 bolt through kit, Coolermaster Hyper 212+, Xigmatek S1283 with socket 1156 bolt through kit or even a Prolimatech Megahalems Rev B (bit overkill this last one) would all be great choices.

sarabiyo · Post by **sarabiyo** » Sat May 22, 2010 4:52 pm

Thanks for your answer.

Your setup is quite interesting ! Using a 1156 matx MB could reduce by ~40â‚¬ the cost. Beside that, it's great news for the heatsink clearance

ilovejedd · Post by **ilovejedd** » Sat May 22, 2010 4:57 pm

sarabiyo wrote:Thanks for your answer.

Your setup is quite interesting ! Using a 1156 matx MB could reduce by ~40â‚¬ the cost. Beside that, it's great news for the heatsink clearance

By the way, why not an ECS-H55H-I Mini-ITX motherboard? It's cheaper than the Zotac.

sarabiyo · Post by **sarabiyo** » Sat May 22, 2010 5:09 pm

Not really available in France. I may try in Germany. Its clearly enough for my need.

JamieG · Post by **JamieG** » Sun May 23, 2010 3:22 pm

sarabiyo wrote:Your setup is quite interesting ! Using a 1156 matx MB could reduce by ~40â‚¬ the cost. Beside that, it's great news for the heatsink clearance

The mATX motherboard I used in my build is under-size - 194mm x 244mm. A normal mATX motherboard is 244mm x 244mm, which would not fit in the Q07. From the 1156 mATX motherboards I've seen, they all look full size to me. Unfortunately, it looks like you will be stuck using a mini-ITX motherboard for the Q07.

sarabiyo · Post by **sarabiyo** » Mon May 24, 2010 5:50 am

Another question : PicoPSU 150W + adapter cost around 100â‚¬ for me with shipping (UK or USA). I can have an EF14 psu from mcubed at the same price, directly in France. Is it a safer way to go, or should I get a regular PicoPSU ?

EDIT : I decided myself to go with picopsu