Big.Cat.LaFlare
Description
Update 9/19/18 While gaming, the psu failed and shut down the computer. I drove down to my local bestbuy and purchased a Corsair CX650M. Note the CX650M has the same dimensions as the stock psu that comes with this case, for an easy swap. With some light modding, I may be able to salvage the shroud to hide those cables. I knew this day would come, I didn't think so soon. Anyway, I didn't want to bother Inwin for a possible warranty. I feel much safer with this current setup. Also, took out the 860Evo and replaced it with an ADATA XPG SX8200 480GB. Took full advantage of the MB's dual m.2 slots and eliminated the need for more sata cables. The 860 went back to the PS4 where it feels more at home.
First time builder. I have always been about desktop replacement laptops and Playstation since highschool. I've had a 17' Sony VAIO and a 17" Samsung Chronos Series 7. Both, have lasted me over 6 years, the sony struggled a bit. I bought the Samsung back in 2012 with a i7-3615QM paired with Nvidia GTX650M. At that time I could play cs:go at 720p averaging 60fps, not bad, but I gamed mostly on Playstation. Fast forward 2018, It was about time I close my 6yo laptop, put away my ps4 and pony up some dough for a real computer.
This rig was built primarily for gaming, light photo/video editing, and a million chrome tabs simultaneously. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into in the beginning, but with pcpartpicker and reddit/buildapc at my disposal, I was confident this would result in success. It did, with the help of patience, proper planning, resolve and a **** TON OF F BOMBS! I got over confident going with an mITX case. I underestimated the difficulty of building in such tight places with very delicate and tiny hardware. End result, however, was a major success and a giant learning process.
After browsing many builds here, Spawn01's mITX build gave heavy influence on my theme. I liked how simple, clean, compact, and the uniformity of all the parts together. I honestly think InWin's A1 is also influenced by this build as well. I choose parts based on a balance of performance and aesthetics. My idea was to make this look like Shibuya crossing in Japan at night. Just a barrage of LED branding and signage packed in such a tight form factor. This obviously wasn't going to be cheap, but thats the perk of being an adult with a large amount of disposable income ;P
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Excuse me if sound like a n00b, i am. Let me know what you think, especially if you have an opinion on the cooling for the cpu or overclocking tips. I'm still learning and welcome all comments. Thanks again.
UserBenchmarks: Game 125%, Desk 150%, Work 126%
| Model | Bench | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8700K | 106.2% |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 1080 | 136.4% |
| SSD | Adata XPG SX8200 NVMe PCIe M.2 240GB | 249% |
| SSD | Adata XPG SX8200 NVMe PCIe M.2 480GB | 318.9% |
| RAM | Corsair CMW16GX4M2D3000C16 2x8GB | 90.3% |
| MBD | Asus ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING |
Part Reviews
CPU
This thing is AMAZING! I feel as though i should have went with its locked version. Given the air cooler and form factor of the case, i cannot overclock this chip without temps getting out of hand. But It does everything I ask of it, seamlessly and unquestioned. Im not huge on overclocking and lean more towards longevity, so stock speed will suffice for now, and its nice to know the potential of this chip if I move to a larger case.
CPU Cooler
I got this on sale for 25 bucks as a trial run. Im waiting for cryorig to release the H7 Ultra RGB. It does the job for stock speeds. Keeps the cpu at 31c on idle and I've only seen it hit 75c underload once. Seeing how temps are currently, Im beginning to think H60 2018 is a better route to go. Up for debate.
Motherboard
Got this because it had all the features I needed for an rgb party. Bios was super easy to navigate. Overclocking options just clicks away. And it was the most visually pleasing as well. Plus, allows me to utilize the front panel usb3.1 ports on my case ;) No complaints.
Memory
Does what it says, says what it does. It's RAM and shes reallllllyy preeettttyy.
Video Card
This was my crown jewel up until recent days. I got this guy for 535.00 just before the crypto-currency spikes. Those were some dark days. Anyways, I got this card for gaming at 1440p and multimedia in 4k. It does just that and stays surprisingly cool inside such a small form factor case. The LEDS and aesthetics were a huge selling point when it came down to this and the ROG Strix card. I play mostly FPS games. CS:GO, COD, PUBG, Fortnite, and Overwatch all at max settings at 1440p and she never skips a beat.
Case
When I saw the A1 it was everything I was looking for without the need for heavy modifications or alterations. It fits a full size GPU, awesome setup for RGB's, a really cool easy to snap on and off tempered glass side panel. Downside was the heavy price tag and mandatory psu. Although, the tailored cables do help keep it looking very tidy inside, so that almost neutrals it out. Overall, extremely pleased with its size and look.
Case Fan
These are very quiet and move a lot of air. I think they are the best looking RGB fans available. Im very pleased. The LED's on these in combo with the RAM really bring everything together via Corsair's iCUE programming.
Monitor
This panel fit all my needs and criteria. I wanted G-sync to take full advantage of my GPU and 1440p was my limit for gaming. I got an A08 model from bestbuy and had no issues. Works wonderfully, no screen tearing, burning or dead pixels. Colors are vibrant after calibration settings found on reddit. I couldn't be happier.
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