Mini-ITX Game PC - August 2012

The Mini-ITX Game PC is a desktop computer that is small enough to be portable, but has better performance than a gaming notebook.

Please note: the PC Buyer’s Guide is compiled based on independent component tests performed by Hardware.Info. If no new, superior products are released that should replace one or more of the components, then the component(s) will remain the same as the previous month.

If you want to know more about how we compile our PC Buying guides, have a look at this article.

Configuration

Processor - Intel Core i5 3570K

Our previous CPU for the Game PC is still available, the Intel Core i5 2500K. It even has more overclocking potential than its successor, that we are now recommending, the Core i5 3570K.

Still, the third generation Core i processors are manufactured with a 22nm production process and are therefore much more energy-efficient than the previous generation Intel Core i processors. The performance without overclocking is somewhat better with the new processor.

As before we did not go for a processor with HyperThreading, because the i7 version is significantly more expensive and the extra virtual cores have no added benefit for gaming.

Specifications Test results

CPU cooler - Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev. B

The Mini-ITX Game PC can't have a cooler that's too high. Many common coolers won't fit, but a nice exception to that rule is th Big Shuriken 2 rev. B by Scythe. It has excellent cooling results and is very quiet. It has one more heatpipe than its predecessor and is slightly more expensive, but is an excellent choice.

Specifications Test results

Motherboard - ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe

For a gaming PC with K-series CPU you need a Z77 motherboard. The choice is more limited for the Mini-ITX format. ASRock has a good Z77 board, but the slightly more expensive ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe is superior in terms of integrated audio, power consumption, overclocking options and onboard features.

Specifications Test results

Memory module - G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 kit

While RAM is still very affordable, having more than 8 GB has little effect on the performance of your PC. That's why we leave it at that amount. However, if you enjoy spending money and want to plan ahead for the inevitable price increase when DDR4 arrives, then you can of course get 16 GB.

We recently tested 10 sets of overclock memory, and the G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 did very well. We were able to overclock it in excess of 2400 MHz, perfect for this Gaming PC.

Specifications Test results

Graphics card - Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition OC 2GB

The power supply in this PC can handle heavier graphics cards, but we don't have to overdo it. The likelihood that you will be gaming on multiple monitors at a LAN party is small, and this PC will already cost you quite a bit.

The AMD Radeon HD 7870 is able to run all current games on high settings in Full HD resolution, so you really don't need more than that.

The Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition OC with 2GB GDDR5 did very well in our round-up, and is good card for this PC.

Specifications Test results

Hard disk/SSD - Corsair Accelerator 30GB

A small SSD can noticeable improve the performance of a hard drive. The Corsair Accelerator 30 GB is an affordable option for accelerating frequently used files with the Smart Response technology that's integrated in the Intel Z77 Express chipset.

Specifications Test results

Hard disk/SSD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 2TB (SATA3)

Hard disks are still pricy, but the recently tested Seagate Barracuda 2TB performs better in every way compared to our traditional favourite pick, the Spinpoint F3 1TB from Samsung (now also called Seagate). The 2TB drive from Seagate has about the same price as the older 1TB from Samsung, so it's a no-brainer. This two-platter hard drive has quick load times and plenty of space for games.

Specifications Test results

Optical drive - Optiarc AD-7740H Black

The chassis does not have room for a full-size optical drive. As long as not all video games are available digitally, it makes sense to include one. Even slimline DVD burners are not expensive anymore, so we included the Sony/NEX Optiarc.

Specifications Test results

Case - SilverStone Sugo SST-SG07B 600W (USB 3.0)

There is a lot of choice among mini-ITX chassis. A good and affordable option is the Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced. You do need a separate power supply, but there is plenty of space for a full ATX PSU.

To keep the weight down and leave enough space for a CPU cooler, we picked the new USB 3.0 version of the SilverStone Sugo SG07 600W. It delivers 600 watts, and is 80 Plus Bronze certified. According to our test, it is one of the best cooling Mini-ITX chassis.

Specifications Test results

Keyboard - Corsair Vengeance K90

The Corsair Vengeance K90 has very durable mechanical keys that can withstand prolonged use, and dome switch keys for the peripheral (non-numeric/ letter) keys. The macro functions are useful for games. The 18 macro keys can be set directly on the keyboard with the dedicated macro record button.

The buttons M1 to M3 let you change the position of all keys at the same time. The Windows keys can be disabled and are located in the top-right corner. The blue backlight makes the keys visible in the dark, and has three brightness settings. It can also be disabled.

Specifications Test results

Mouse - Corsair Vengeance M90

In our recent review we wrote that "we can definitely recommend this mouse to the more demanding gamer, with its solid aluminium housing, many features, and reasonable £57 price tag." It earned the Hardware.Info Gold Award, and is the perfect mouse for the Gaming PC.

Specifications Test results

Mouse pad - Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control

Not only should you get a quality mouse for a gaming PC, but the mousepad matters as well. We recently tested a whole bunch of them, including the Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control. We can't get into specifics yet, but let's just say this one should be on your shopping list if you need a new mousepad.

Specifications Test results

Monitor - Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H

We recently tested 17 monitors that are aimed at gamers, with a variety of results. One of the stand-out screens was the Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H, a very fast monitor with excellent qualities that is ideal for gamers and reasonable priced. The S23B550V is a little cheaper and also very fast, but it is a budget model. If you tend to use your PC for more than just gaming, we recommend the more expensive model.

Some gamers don't want anything but a 3D monitor. Yes, it has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, but in our opinion most people will not notice the benefits of this. The extra software and accessories you need to buy to be able to enjoy 3D gaming aren't cheap, so a 3D monitor is not for everyone. Should you have enough money in your budget, then the BenQ XL2420T is the ultimate gaming monitor. Keep in mind that, in order to take advantage of the third dimension, you also need to separately buy the Nvidia 3D Vision 2 kit.

Specifications Test results

Headset - Creative Tactic 3D Sigma

The Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset was an excellent choice already, but the newer Tactic headsets are even better and fit more comfortably. The Sigma was too late for our recent comparison test, but it performs better even than its more affordable cousin Alpha. 3D sound is very convincing on both versions, while effects, speech, and music sound very nice as well on the Sigma.

Specifications Test results

Configuration overview		Price
Processors	Intel Core i5 3570K	£191.94
CPU coolers	Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev. B	£35.16
Motherboards	ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe	£149.75
Memory modules	G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 kit	£76.56
Graphics cards	Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition OC 2GB	£422.01
Hard disks/SSDs	Corsair Accelerator 30GB	£66.52
Hard disks/SSDs	Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 2TB (SATA3)	£133.09
Optical drives	Optiarc AD-7740H Black	-
Cases	SilverStone Sugo SST-SG07B 600W (USB 3.0)	£157.77
Keyboards	Corsair Vengeance K90	£108.20
Mice	Corsair Vengeance M90	£60.56
Mouse pads	Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control	£21.19
Monitors	Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H	£160.24
Headsets	Creative Tactic 3D Sigma	£67.84
Add as wish list	Average total price:	£1,650.83