Pre-Built or Build My Own Small Form Factor PC for around $3.5k

Moostyle on 25/04/2022 - 10:38

I've been looking at SFF computers for a while now as I need to replace my aging gaming laptop since it keeps turning off - smells like burnt plastic when it switches off randomly and is hot to touch.

Quite a few friends said it's cheaper to build my own but I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to this - I can add/remove parts if that counts.

Looking for suggestions/advice on whether to buy a prebuilt or attempt to build my own or just get a custom pc built.I don't have a lot of desk space so have been looking at the small form factor PC's.

One I posted earlier https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/696449 the seller got back to me and said that the case measures 200x550x500 so that's too large.

I like this one https://www.mwave.com.au/cpc/configure/intel-nuc-i9-11th-gen… but swapping to the following parts brings it to $3613.99
- Crucial Ballistix 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR4 3200MHz SODIMM Memory - Black
- Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3 M.2 (2280) 3-Bit V-NAND SSD - MZ-V7S2T0BW
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Turbo 10GB Video Card - Rev 2.0 LHR

For the build my own option I like this $369 case https://www.pccasegear.com/products/56065/cooler-master-nr20… but still seems expensive if I buy the parts separately.

Any suggestions

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • oscargamer on 25/04/2022 - 10:48
    -2

    IMO, if you are building a mini itx, then don't use a water cooler..

    I've built 2 itx's in the last year, and believe you should have as much free air volume as possible, in the case of your choice .

    I built one with the thermaltake V1 core with it's large slow case fan included and another with no case fans at all (had an apu not a gpu)

  • GordonD on 25/04/2022 - 10:53
    +2

    Have you thought about getting your existing laptop fixed? If its doing the job, just overheating, it might be as simple as cleaning the dust out and replacing the fan.

    Or do you want an excuse/reason/whatever to buy a new computer?

    • Moostyle on 25/04/2022 - 12:01

      Yeah googled how to fix the fan in the PH317-52 (I bought refurbished) but the screws won't come out as some of them are grinded away. I already had a difficult time with replacing the additional HDD with an SSD.

      Well the desktop will be gaming for me and raw photo editing for my wife. That's the main reason I'm looking at the high-end components. We looked at getting her an iMac or Macbook but too expensive for separate computers.

      Plus trying to future proof for mobility reasons

  • garetz on 25/04/2022 - 11:37

    Sff builds can be cheap but usually cost more than their full size counterparts. It can get pretty expensive too if you go for a top end case and high end components.

    The first time you need to do is ask yourself what you are going to use the pc for.

    Intel or Amd ?

    Then look for peoples sff user builds pcs on https://pcpartpicker.com/

    The Cooler Master NR200P Max comes with the case / power supply / cpu cooler, so thats a good start. Also make sure the gpu dimensions fit the case.

    https://pcpartpicker.com/b/3Zk6Mp is a good build for you, change it to a 12900k cpu and a 3080 gpu and should be within your budget

    • Alva10 on 25/04/2022 - 11:53

      Agree, itx motherboards is still very expensive for 12 Gen, that's one to consider. big difference if you compare to a M-ATX size.

      NR200P is a popular option and saves you time and money to buy separate parts. It probably at least $180 for the PSU and another $150 for the AIO. I built an SSUPD recently which also fits a 3080, but you will be paying a premium for that too.

      Building it yourself will most likely be much cheaper compared to prebuilt, especially if you have the time to wait for sales/promo.

    • Axelstrife on 25/04/2022 - 11:57

      At least link him to AU parts picker https://au.pcpartpicker.com/ pointless showing him USD prices.

      • Moostyle on 25/04/2022 - 12:08

        Is it easy to build your own though? I have no experience in this at all.
        This bloke makes it look so easy as well: https://christopherflannigan.com/cooler-master-nr200p-max-pc…

        • Xyzzy on 25/04/2022 - 12:49

          Not too hard. But if something doesn't work can be tricky to diagnose. You can pick your own parts and then pay a service fee to have it assembled and tested if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. eg pccasegear charge $250.

  • randomusername2017 on 25/04/2022 - 13:11

    Can you build Lego?

    SFF as a first build..probably not, might find it easier & cheaper going up to matx, not that much more desktop realestate.

  • Almundo Oz on 25/04/2022 - 13:37

    Check out R/sffpc on reddit.

    Nothing wrong with watercooling. Just up to people's personal preferences.

  • ayaka on 25/04/2022 - 14:10

    It took me a month researching pc parts on and off. Watched countless YouTube videos and read articles to understand. It can be useful if you value that knowledge instead of being 'clueless'. However if that's best left to someone else to do, you couldn't care less about knowing about it, then just get a prebuilt, the time you spend on knowing which parts to buy will be worth more than the difference. Opportunity cost

    But it feels freaking good to know you built the pc that is looking like a beaut 👌

  • Moostyle on 26/04/2022 - 21:05

    Think I'm going to wait and hopefully prices will drop further.

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