What full ATX PSU for a Mini iTX system ?

[Cov]

I'm going to build a Mini iTX system as follows:

PC case: Lian Li PC-Q07
Board: Zotac GeForce 8300 iTX
CPU: Intel Q9550S ... or ... E8400
RAM: 2 x 2 GB G.SKILL PC2-800 CL4 (F2-6400CL4D-4GBHK)
HDD: WD10EADS (Green Power) ... and/or ... OCZ Vertex SSD

That's it. No discrete graphics card, no ODD, nothing else

Question: What PSU to go for ?

1. Silverstone SST-ST35F Strider Series 350 W
2. Silverstone ST50EF-Plus SC (shorter cable for SFF)
3. Thermaltake Litepower 350W
4. Enermax Liberty ECO 400 W (modular)
5. Corsair VX 550 (modular)
6. Be Quiet (Pure Power) 300 W
7. or ... ?

[McPhee]

One question;

Why?

That Lian Li case is a lot bigger than you need, the PSU is the only component there that requires a case that big. You could go smaller with a mATX/mITX PSU or even smaller still with a 120W PicoPSU (which is more than enough for that lot).

Not trying to be rude or anything, it just seems like a lot of case for not a lot of component.

[aidanjt]

The Silverstone SG-05 comes with a 300W PSU with plenty of room for beefy components.

[Cov]

One question: Why?

You are absolutely right.

When I discovered for example these small Mini iTX PC cases:

1. M350
2. JCP MI-120
3. Coolermaster TC-100 A (the "A" version !!)

... I thought "WOW" ... that's what I want !!
But the cases not being too expensive, I changed my mind completely when I found how overpriced the Pico PSUs are.

So, there is an external transformer (220V to 12V) and ann internal little panel which stucks on top of the Molex connector for the motherboard's power socket.
From there goes a cable for the power supply of HDD / SSD / ODD.

These PSUs come in 60W, 105W and 150W and cost more than 100 Euro alone !!!
That's double the money I would pay for a good quality ATX PSU.

one word: that's rip-off !


The Silverstone SG-05

I have the Sugo 01 and am very happy, but that's for mATX.
The SG-05 is made of steel & plastic ... a Shuttle-style PC case.

Basically I always liked tower style PC cases.
And the PC-Q07 is one of only 2 Mini iTX towers I know of.

One is made of aluminium (Lian Li) , hence better material quality, and the other is made of steel and plastic (Morex).
The internal design of the Morex is better, but because of the Aluminium, I will wait for the PC-Q07.

It has been announced in January this year, but it still doesn't seem available ANYWHERE in Europe yet.

[McPhee]

These PSUs come in 60W, 105W and 150W and cost more than 100 Euro alone !!!

They come in 60W, 90W and 120W sizes (there's a 150W as well but no stock in the UK yet) and even the 120W version only costs around £30 (£60 with the AC adaptor). Not too bad when you consider that they are silent and more efficient than any reasonably priced 1U or ATX PSU.

Still, each to their own. The Lian Li is a very nice looking case.

[Cov]

... the 120W version only costs around £30 (£60 with the AC adaptor) ...

Link please !?

... The Lian Li is a very nice looking case.

This case had been anounced in January 2009 and now we're in May and there is no single sign that any retailer in Europe will be able to offer it.

Newegg in US had this case a few weeks ago but it's out of stock for a week now.
I guess there is something wrong with these cases. Either Lian Li has called them back or there is some other mysterious reason.

Besides this, I have been in contact with one of Lian Li's managers.
He promised me a raw model of the PC-Q07 for modding more than one month ago.
Only a couple of days ago I sent him a reminder and he replied that it's gonna take more time.

What's going on with them ?

Anyway, I have almost lost interest building a Mini iTX system because there's simply no case which is functional AND beautiful.
Only one attribute alone is not enough for me.

However, if I really find an attractive price for a Pico PSU (transformer & PSU-panel), then I'd go for one of those minimalistic cases like the M350.

[Cov]

The Silverstone SG-05 comes with a 300W PSU with plenty of room for beefy components.

Ah yeah, the SG-05.

Everybody seems to like this case ... I don't.
First of all, I don't like the slim DVD drive. Actually I could live without any.
Those few occasions where I need one, I'd just connect it via USB temporarily.

Then, I really hate the I/O sockets in the front panel being open, not behind a lid.
On the other side however, I do LOVE the big fan in the front !!
It even comes with a filter, ha.
And having a 300W PSU included (for THAT price !!), I should get one immediately.

Well, if the material wasnt steel & plastic but aluminium, and if I could modify the front panel ... I'd buy it today ... no matter the price.

Hell, there are a thousand of different PC cases out there, but only a hand full for Mini iTX FF.
Not only is the choice so tiny, but the availibilty seems to be a problem too. Meeh !

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The SG06 has a different front if this of any use:

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=17489

[McPhee]

Link please !?

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Produ...?ProductID=801

LinITX and Mini-ITX.com also have stock at reasonable prices.

[Cov]

The SG06 has a different front ...

Hey Cat 5th !! ... how are ya doing these days ? Long time no meet.

Yes, the SG06 is made of aluminium, but the front panel exposes the I/O sockets too (ugh !!!).
Besides this, the big fan in the front of the SG05 was what I liked the most.
Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

Something else comes to my mind now. I know of one company who does small projects like custom built panels.
I will contact them, enquiring if it's possible to re-create the front panel of the SG05 in aluminium ... but without DVD tray and I/O socket holes.

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Produ...?ProductID=801

LinITX and Mini-ITX.com also have stock at reasonable prices.

Thanks ... will explore whether they send abroad.