ITX Build Check - Dan A4 H2O AM5

ar7ist on 22/03/2024 - 16:55
Last edited 22/03/2024 - 16:58

Don't see any ITX deals here so I decided to finally custom build my own PC. This is the build that I am going for:

PCPartPicker Part List: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/kDDKL9

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($587.77 @ JW Computers)
  • CPU Cooler: Phanteks Glacier One 240MP 60.51 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($179.00) [linked]
  • Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard ($549.00 @ Scorptec)
  • Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($179.00 @ Scorptec)
  • Storage: Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($232.01 @ Amazon Australia)
  • Video Card: Asus DUAL GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB Video Card ($859.00 @ MSY Technology)
  • Case: Lian Li A4-H20 A4 Mini ITX Desktop Case ($225.00 @ Scorptec)
  • Power Supply: Corsair SF750 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($245.00)
    Total: $3055.78

Few questions for the ITX community

  • This computer will be used for work (coding and running huge applications) and personal use (video editing 4K + gaming MMO/RPG, eSports). Do I have the right idea with the components?
  • Which CPU cooler would you recommend. I'm keen on routing it under the SFX PSU. Have short listed to the following that are available and within budget (picture linked from my research): be quiet! PURE LOOP 2, Phanteks Glacier One 240MP, Fractal Design Lumen S24 V2
  • In terms of the MB, there's a lot of discussion online on which one is best and the flaws etc. Shortlisted to the following and hoping to get advice on which MB should be best: MSI MPG B650I EDGE (cheapest), ASRock B650I Lightning, Gigabyte B650I AORUS ULTRA, Asus ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING
  • For storage, I'm atm only keen on getting one NVMe. I'll have massive library of videos so the drive that I am going for, is SN850X right for the purpose?
Computing Computer Desktop Computer Mini ITX

Comments

  • Ryanek on 22/03/2024 - 17:13
    +2

    Here's a cool site comparing ITX sizes

    I prefer the Meshlicious for the vertical form factor myself.

    • ar7ist on 22/03/2024 - 17:32

      Never knew about this website. thanks.

  • 2-1 on 22/03/2024 - 17:20
    +1

    Looks good. I have the Dan A4 H2O as well with Ryzen 7600 and a 7900XTX.

    I don't see any issues with your component choices - if you are going to game at 4k then maybe the 4070 ti super might be the way to go for the 16gb but its not critical if budget is an issue.

    For cooling I used the NZXT Kraken z63 AIO and put one loop under the SF750 PSU and one loop over the top

    I have the MSI B650i Edge because this time last year it was the only board that wasn't $500+ that I could get my hands on. I think if the ASRock or Strix is within $100 you should get those.

    NVME looks good.

    • ar7ist on 22/03/2024 - 17:31

      Did you have any CMOS issues with MSI MB? Because the MB has CMOS button at the back, some people complain that the box was too tight and the CMOS button must've been pressed in its box because of which everytime they turn off power, it resets the BIOS settings.

      • 2-1 on 22/03/2024 - 18:16

        Yeah it's happened twice where I hit the CMOS button by accident in the first 6 months - but it hasn't happened in a long time as I'm more aware that it's there and so I'm more careful when I need to turn off the power. I have a picture of my bios settings so I can easily reconfigure if an accident happens. I don't think the poorly placed "clear CMOS" button is enough of a deal breaker for me to recommend another MB unless it was the same price.

      • Hellfire on 22/03/2024 - 21:11
        +1

        The box has been redesigned so that the button isn't pressed in transit.

    • ar7ist on 23/03/2024 - 11:59

      Who did you go with for buying your PC parts?
      I have two options

      • 20 mins away Centre Com - the store has terrible reviews for warranty and returns. It just may be the store thats close to me in Melbourne
      • 1.5 hours away Scorptec
  • heyhihello on 22/03/2024 - 17:30
    +2

    Should be fine for everything you're doing, if you're going to be using it more for work with CPU intensive applications you might want to consider a 7950x3D, but if its mostly for gaming the 7800x3D is good enough

    Having built in the A4-H20, the AIO's you listed should be ok, but I'd definitely do some cable management before screwing in the motherboard. I put a NZXT Kraken x52 in there and had to route it over the top of the PSU as the tubing isn't long enough to route under.

    For motherboards, depends on what you're prioritizing mostly. The Asus is definitely the best specs wise but also pretty expensive (You can get it through Amazon UK for $430ish if you're willing to wait for shipping and are fine with dealing with an international warranty), the MSI's probably the best option amongst the rest, but it isn't exactly future proof if you're planning to upgrade to PCIe 5.0 later on.

    • ar7ist on 22/03/2024 - 18:18

      Good recommendation on buying the Asus MB from Amazon. For warranty, wouldn't I just contact Amazon if there's any issues?

      • heyhihello on 22/03/2024 - 19:25

        Yeah but cause it's international you won't be able to replace, only refund

        • ar7ist on 23/03/2024 - 11:59

          Who did you go with for buying your PC parts?
          I have two options

          • 20 mins away Centre Com - the store has terrible reviews for warranty and returns. It just may be the store thats close to me in Melbourne
          • 1.5 hours away Scorptec
          • heyhihello on 23/03/2024 - 15:40

            @ar7ist: Not sure about Melbourne, but the Scorptec in Sydney has been pretty good for returns when I've needed them. Haven't done any returns through Centrecom

  • Guerilla89 on 22/03/2024 - 21:18
    +1

    I like using this website to find a balanced build, just make adjustments where you know you'll need it: https://www.logicalincrements.com/

  • gazer on 23/03/2024 - 01:02
    +1

    Nice work mate - looks pretty good!

    I built my first pc a few months back in the same case and with very similar/same components! Except I saved some money and went for the 7600 (as not playing high frame rate FPS games, so am unlikely to be CPU limited…and not doing intensive productivity work). If your huge apps are cpu intensive and want to stay AMD, consider 7950x3d as suggested already.

    I got the Deepcool LS520SE AIO - which is pretty good (seems a fairly popular choice in this case), and you can sometimes get on sale Amazon for about $130. Originally I routed the tubes over the PSU for looks, but wasn’t happy with the tight turn into the rad - so went under and actually between the PSU and front panel (saw in a build on PCPP). Not that I needed to, as the 4070 short length gives plenty of space on the back side…. Future proofing for a full length 4080 or 50 series haha.

    Also tossed up MSI edge vs b650e-i. I got the latter for about $100 more mainly for pci-e 5 upgrade, optical audio out and a couple more ports (and black stealthiness). Have you seen Machines and More mobo comparison vid of the boards you’ve mentioned? He lands on either of the above.

    I got gskill flare 6000, but CL32 - you should be able to get for about $150.

    All up my build cost under $2400….but that was getting parts during sales, using discounted gift cards etc! With a better CPU I reckon you could still save a $200-300 on your build if you wanted to, without scrounging on quality!

    Hope that helps, have fun with it!

    • ar7ist on 23/03/2024 - 12:02

      Do you reckon that the AIO would fit if you had a longer card in there? Wouldn't the tubing come in the way and put pressure on the GPU?

      Great recommendation with Machines and More. I looked at more of his videos that definitely helped my build. Asus B650E-I is just more future proof and would have to order it online from Amazon UK to get a better price. Only a $100 difference from MSI 650I.

      Who did you go with for buying your PC parts?
      I have two options

      • 20 mins away Centre Com - the store has terrible reviews for warranty and returns. It just may be the store thats close to me in Melbourne
      • 1.5 hours away Scorptec
      • gazer on 23/03/2024 - 16:59

        Nah with longer max length GPU tubes are actually out of the way in between the PSU and front panel!

        I bought from a mix - computer alliance, PLE and JW (all through eBay), and amazon… to use discounted gift cards. My closest physical store is umart but prices weren’t quite as good.

    • ldd-mn on 23/03/2024 - 21:46

      Why recommend the 7950X3D though? It's slower than the 7950X due to lower clock speeds, it costs more, and I don't think they have fixed the core parking issue with the dual CCDs. This means it could be slower than the 7800X3D in game if it runs on the wrong cores.

      • gazer on 25/03/2024 - 16:24

        You're right - I did mean the non-3D cache versions! ie. 7900 or 7950X…

    • ar7ist on 23/03/2024 - 12:05

      I'm not bothered by the PCCG logo as the header can come off making the pump block shorter.

      LT520 pump block won't fit. So basically deciding b/w these three, any thoughts?

      • Phanteks Glacier One 240MP 60.51 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
      • EK Nucleus AIO CR240 Dark 72 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
      • Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240 Atmos 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
        • ar7ist on 23/03/2024 - 13:24

          Ah that makes sense now with the LT520.

          Have you had experience buying from Centre Com or Scorptec. I only have these two closeby in Melbourne but the reviews are scary when it comes to Warranty/Returns.

        • gazer on 23/03/2024 - 16:40

          That’s why there’s the 520SE…. Shorter.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join