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| Yours won't look like this. |
So, in case you didn't hear, Steam said that SteamOS will be available when the beta Steam Machines go out on Friday. So, in anticipation, we're going to build a nice little Mini-ITX build that will look really nice around your TV. It won't be as sleek as a console, but it will be better. Also, since it's a Linux based OS, we will be able to dual boot Windows with it, and run any non-Linux/Steam OS games through Windows. Let's get started.
CPU: AMD Athlon X4 760k
So for our CPU, we'll use an APU without it being an APU. The 760k has really good overclocking if you have a nice cooling unit, but you should be able to get up to 4.0GHz with stock cooling. That's a nice moderate overclock for a Mini-ITX build.
GPU: Sapphire R7 260X 2GB
So we'll use the R7 260X for a few reasons. This one is really small and it'll be able to use Mantle when it is available. Also, because well dual boot the system with Windows and SteamOS, it'll be able to play all the latest games and the older ones without issue (hopefully).
RAM: Patriot Signature 8GB 1333MHz
So we'll go with the cheapest single channel memory we can find. Why single channel for this build? Well, because the Mobo only has two RAM slots, so we want the ability to upgrade down the line. Buying a single channel will allow us to do that, and we won't have to buy a whole new pair of modules, spending more money at once.
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-FA88XN-WIFI mITX
So this is one of the two mITX AMD mobos on Newegg. But, that just means we get to save money compared to the Intel mITX builders. This one has built in Wifi, since we don't have a PCI slot to put in a network card. It's a good mobo for the price and helps our system be small, and affordable.
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB
What don't we know about this HDD? It's great for the price, so I suggest getting one for any system.
PSU: Corsair CX430M 80+ Bronze
We'll go with a semi-modular PSU for this build, because it's small. The semi-modular allows us to have better cable management, so that's always a good thing.
Case: Cooler Master N200 or Fractal Design Core 1000
So these two cases are mITX/mATX and allow this system to stay small. You could go with a smaller strictly mITX case, but you will have to find a different PSU. These cases allow a full ATX12V PSU and give us ample room for configurations. But, as always, cases are subjective and you should get what you like.
Total Price: $547.31 http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2iYdq
PCPartPicker didn't have the 760k, but it's just $10 more than the 750k. Oh well.
There you have it. My idea of an amazing mITX Steam Machine. This little system will be able to play anything you throw at it, with the except of maybe Star Citizen. I may even build it myself if I can get some more money.
Happy Gaming.
Game Recommendation: Borderlands 2
If you haven't played this game, you should. This is what modern RPGs should be. Pick from a variety of characters and set out to fight an evil corporation in order to bring a desolate planet to peace. Well, kinda. Meet awesome people on your journeys, kill crazy enemies, and use a bajillion weapons. Get this game at a reduced price by using my GameFanShop and help out the site.
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