My current PC is a month from being a decade old at this point, and I feel it's time for an upgrade: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VKWLQ7

I want to build a smaller PC. I'm way over the tower form factor, and I want to build a smaller form factor. Ideally, it should be able to fit inside this box: https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-medium-flat-rate-box-1-P_O_FRB1

Here's a sketch of what I have planned so far:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
  • Motherboard: ?????
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Storage 250GB SATA SSD
  • Video Card: Basically reusing my ancient GPU
  • Case: ?????
  • Power Supply: ?????
  • Wireless Network Adapter: Some random USB wireless adapter that I'm using now since the wireless adapter I originally had no longer works

I'm hitting a few roadblocks:

I don't really know what type of mobo to look for other than its form factor (mini-ITX) and that it should have a video port. And it should be able to accept 2.5'' SSDs since some of them apparently don't?

The case is a massive headache for me. It seems like for smaller form factor builds, you have to build your PC completely around the case. The open cases like these two are pretty cool:

  • https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-05K1-00003

  • https://xworks.store/products/x32-small-form-factor-open-air-case

They're also fucking $150+. The tower case I'm using now was 40 bucks in 2013 money, so around $50 in today's money. Those cases also require smaller PSUs, so I can't reuse my current PSU. And I don't think those cases or most smaller form factor cases like HDDs, which isn't a deal breaker for me, but it's more things to plan out and buy if I can't just reuse a 1TB HDD.

I'm honestly thinking about just buying paper stationaries like these:

  • https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stackable-Paper-Tray-Desk-Organizer-4-Tier-Metal-Mesh-Letter-Organizers-Business-Home-School-Stores-More-Organize-Files-Folders-Letters-Paper-Binders/230405212

  • https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honey-Can-Do-3-Tier-Steel-Mesh-Desk-Organizer-Silver/41981373

and just stacking the parts on top. I would also need to get a riser cable, but the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G has integrated graphics, so I wouldn't even need to bother with the ancient graphics card or the riser cable? Plus, they're not going to fit inside the USPS box.

If I have to get a smaller PSU, I have no idea about wattage requirements. Honestly, I just winged it a decade ago, and everything seemed to have worked out. I guess I could always fall back on "whatever the wattage of the current PSU is."

I think that should do it. I just have a whole bunch of questions and what-ifs because I don't have a complete picture of what the PC should look like.

  • Maoo [none/use name]
    ·
    8 months ago

    Consider buying a used enterprise SFF PC if you don't need to do long-term upgrades of parts. You can get a Dell, Lenovo, or HP SFF PC on eBay with nearly everything you've listed for about $150. At that price point you'll get:

    • A nice form factor with high-quality parts.
    • 8th gen Intel or comparable Ryzen.
    • 8 G RAM.
    • At least one nvme slot, at least two 2.5" bays, and at least one 3.5" bay.
    • Low-profile PCIe expansion options, including GPUs.
    • Depending on the model, a M.2 slot for a wifi card (it might even be included).

    This is an extremely good deal. Getting up to 16 G RAM and a wifi card will probably run you $20 or so.

    The main downsides are that you'd need a low-profile GPU and some of the components, like the power supply, will be proprietary and not particularly flexible - upgrading individual components over time probably won't be worth the trouble. You'll want to pick your GPU carefully to make sure it's the right dimensions and it can be used and powered by the single PCIe slot that has enough lanes. But also it's $150 base. By the time you really need or want a new computer it'll probably be 5-10 years later and you can just drop another $150 for a 5-10 years newer SFF PC.