Description

Using it with SteamOS, paired with a Steam Controller, in the living room.

Part Reviews

CPU

Intel Core i3-4160 3.6 GHz Dual-Core OEM/Tray Processor

For what I was expecting and what I was upgrading from (a Celeron G1840), this thing is amazing.

CPU Cooler

Noctua NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler

For the size and noise levels, I think it'll be hard to beat. Just to get this off my chest, this thing is not meant to be compared to tower coolers. So stop it.

Motherboard

ECS H81H3-I/HDMI (V1.0) Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard

A very basic mobo with basic features. No onboard USB 3.0 headers. Had to use an adapter so the USB 3.0 ports on the side of the case can be used as USB 2.0. A single large capacitor sits in the way of the NH-L9i. Can be bent out of the way.

Later Edit: Turns out there is a DVI version of this mobo that is identical but features onboard USB 3.0 headers. http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Product/Product_Detail.aspx?DetailID=1519&CategoryID=1&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=172&LanID=0

Memory

Mushkin Silverline 4 GB (1 x 4 GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

RAM. It didn't fail??? Nothing to write home about.

Storage

PNY CS1311 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive

Just your average SSD. It works great.

Video Card

MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2 GB Low Profile Video Card

Decent video card. Was meant to play light 3D and 2D games. Had to remove the fans in order to install because the space next to the PSU is extremely tight.

Case

Silverstone ML05B HTPC Case

Good looking case. Blends in on an entertainment center. Mirror on the front can be slightly distracting at times. Wire management is tough.

Power Supply

Apex 250 W SFX Power Supply

Gets the job done. Inaudible.

Case Fan

Noctua NF-R8 redux-1800 31.37 CFM 80 mm Fan

Amazing little fan. Whisper quiet and moves a great deal of air.

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Comments

  • 47 months ago
  • 9 points

RIP capacitor

  • 35 months ago
  • 1 point

I know right!? xD

  • 47 months ago
  • 3 points
An Apex PSU...? Meep... I would recommend a Silverstone 300w or their 450w.
Otherwise, I like most of your parts. Nice work despite the setbacks you had to face with. +1
  • 47 months ago
  • 3 points

Apex is leftover from when this was meant to be an extremely low cost build meant solely for using in-home streaming.

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points
Very understandable for keeping a tight budget. No issue there.
I should of clarified, eventually to snatch a new PSU down the road since there are better PSUs out there. Since you have it gaming too, thought it be best to see an upgrade with the PSU when able. It's still an awesome build! I love the tight, compact gaming rigs.
I'm trying to modify my little case further this year when I get the right saw to cut metal. If I am using the term incorrectly, my apology.
  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

I will probably grab the Silverstone 300w you linked, for some reassurance. Thanks for that suggestion.

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point
Sounds great. That one will be good to have! I was not too concern on wattage but just the quality really. Whenever money is available since we all have a budget. Enjoy your awesome mini Steam rig!
  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

At the price of that Silverstone 300W ($50) you might as well get the Seasonic-made XFX Pro 550W for $55.

  • 45 months ago
  • 1 point

If your not familiar with efficiency levels, The wattage stated pulls out the same wattage from your home. based on effeicency levels, it pulls the wattage /.9 or something like that. It depends on the 80+. it goes 80+, 80+ bronze, 80+ silver (not used anymore), 80+ gold, etc.

  • 45 months ago
  • 3 points

Man, you are critical on your reviews...

+1 for your build anyways

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Temps of gpu?

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Using SteamOS I don't know how to check temperatures of anything. Zero experience with Linux.

  • 46 months ago
  • 2 points

*face palm damn I forgot! Soz

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

ohh man, on this cpu you dont need such powerfull cooler

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

With the 750ti not having the fans attached and no exhaust fan, the cooler helps offset the higher internal temps. And I find the NH-L9i pretty sexy looking ;)

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

So I am thinking about using the same GPU as you are. Do you like it so far ? Gives you great performance ? Very nice build btw, I'm on the verge of building one myselft with the same case.

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

I can't say great performance because no 750ti will give "great" performance, unless you mean performance-per-watt. But for the money and the TDP, it can't be beat. If you can afford to go with a 950, go with it. But this was the most powerful GPU I could find that would fit in this case. No LP 950s at the time of build.

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

Mine came with the USB 3.0 header. Did I get a gem or something?

  • 46 months ago
  • 2 points

You got something, that's for sure. This exact mobo does not feature 3.0 headers. The
H81H3-I/DVI (V1.0) comes with onboard headers, but not the HDMI version. Didn't know this beforehand or I would have gotten it instead. Definitely updating my review on it now.

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

Had to go look at mine. Box says HDMI but the board is dvi. Never noticed that since I don't use integrated graphics. Not disappointed at all, lol.

  • 43 months ago
  • 1 point

Why is the PSU rated 2 stars?

  • 43 months ago
  • 2 points

He's critical I guess?