Opinions on this system GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 +

[pectin232]

I was thinking of building a new system using this:

Intel i7 860
GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
LIAN LI PC-Q08A Silver Aluminum Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case
8GB Memory
2TB Western Digital Black Caviar or the Samsung F3... cheaper

Can you use the i7 920 in this mobo? I know in theory it can but not sure if it will cause problems for the mobo. Overclocking? Thanks

[faugusztin]

No, i7 920 is Socket 1366, while the board is Socket 1156. Also be aware that 8GB memory means 4x2GB, so you will have to increase the memory controller voltage (Vtt). I'm not sure even i7 860 is OK, as max TDP for power curcuitry on this board is 73W.

[JamieG]

The Gigabyte motherboard only has two memory slots, so you will need a 2 x 4Gb RAM kit.

Since the i7 860 is a does not have an integrated GPU, you will also need a discrete graphics card.

Otherwise, read some of the reviews on the web about this motherboard. From memory, I think the motherboard is ok for overclocking but not spectacular. Having a discrete graphics card is also likely to limit what CPU cooler you can go with, as the CPU socket is very close to the PCI-e graphics socket.

[pectin232]

I know what you mean. I have several regular ATX size mobos with quad cores.. kinda getting sick of the large size when we move... that was why I was thinking of making things smaller. Can that use this Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz which is a 1156? what CPU Cooler can I use in this if paired with a 5770 GPU?

[Jadukey]

in my opinion gigabyte has good quality, stable motherboards

for low profile CPU cooler I have been looking at Scythe Big Shuriken: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835185129

Also SG05 case is slightly smaller than PC-Q08, but won't fit an ATX PSU (it comes with its own SFX PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811163149

If you're on the fence about whether mITX is worth the trouble, here's a mATX case I saw recommended by Mike C in another thread: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811146065

consider a 60g SSD for OS drive

[ilovejedd]

Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000 wouldn't work if you want to use a discrete GPU. It's too wide and blocks the PCIe x16 slot. Scythe Shuriken SCSK-1100 seems like it would work, though.

[Jadukey]

Hmm, you're right, Scythe Suriken will fit with a PCIE card as will Prolimatech Samuel 17 and Thermalright AXP 140. I think AXP may have height issues?? This thread shows pictures of these three CPU coolers on what look like various H55 itx boards: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/sho ... ost4474183