Building the Best $2000 Mini-ITX Gaming PC Possible

[@EnigmasityGG]

I have been running essentially the same exact system for about 8 months now. So, in case any of you are trying to recreate this build, I have the following tips for you: - I‘d suggest swapping out the AIO fans to something a bit more premium. I am using two Be Quiet Silent Wings Pro 4 in the high speed setting. The original Cooler Master fans can be a bit whiny and one of my fans actually had a slight wobble on its motor, which created additional noise - add some 120 mm slim fans to the bottom as intake. Helped dropping my GPU temps to below 68 C at all times - create some custom fan curves, as the standard fan curves on motherboards are way to aggressive for the otherwise fantastic cooling potential of this case

[@itsjustsomeguy.]

I love ITX case pricing. I need to spend $150 more on something a quarter of the size, quarter the materials, and a quarter of the airflow.

[@daniels4338]

They're the barefoot shoes of the diy pc world

[@POVwithRC]

You already know why though, and you do not actually love the pricing as it sits. Snark harder tho fr fr. Reason: Low volume. Niche uptake. High tooling costs. ITX cases would be a lot cheaper if they moved ATX volume.

[@Sheltur_0311]

its an economies of scale thing, new outlines/molds, new hardware/mounts, riser cables, not alot of people buying it etc

[@FLOODOFSINS]

When you buy yourself a mail order bride that's a foot shorter, don't expect to spend any less on the diamond.

[@Wetshoelaze]

I know they cram a lot more stuff into itx boards but I feel like I’m getting shortchanged with a smaller board compared to matx/atx. I lose two memory slots and maybe a pcie slot but I have to pay more?

[@Zalionn]

If you want to keep those $300 savings and still go for a small build you can just build in the Sama IM01 case ($59.92). This case is barely bigger than the NR200 and it allows for micro-atx motherboards, full ATX power supplies, big air coolers, and inverted builds. Edit: Also allows for easy inverted builds.

[@jak3zera]

I have one of the clones of the Sama IM01 (Pichau HX100) with a 5800X3D, RX 6800, ATX non-modular PSU, B450 m-atx and thermalright pa120. All that with the inverted layout (to avoid dust buildup on the bottom of the PC where its harder to clean without moving it) and I couldnt be happier with the case choice

[@uss_04]

Love me some ITX builds. A challenge to build it but they sure look nice

[@ChrisM541]

They're interesting but not so much a challenge, even in the past (when HDD's had to be used) - you've already committed to small form factor. The only minor consideration is the GPU (on size and performance), but manufacturers already have you covered here. The other consideration is in the CPU+CPU cooler, and there's plenty low profile coolers out there. The big plus today is that you don't need HDD's - the size saving here is significant. Other than that, keep the inside tidy for airflow. Mini ITX is much more of a challenge! But remember, manufacturers have been supplying the 'HTPC build' for years (thus lots of component choices), a build you'd normally keep under your TV in the living room...so needs to be quiet. I've build a fair few over the years. Still, always good to see what can be done today.

[@wherearemytesticles]

I feel like they are so overrated compared to mATX. There is some really compact mATX cases out there and the components are much cheaper.

[@Nespalvotas]

This particular unit (NR200P MAX) is one of the easiest to build in. You just have to make sure that your GPU fits.

[@i3l4ckskillzz79]

And run hot

[@adamsteinbacher2629]

I love my NR200 build. Worth noting that the NR200 (Non-P or Max) can be had for much less (mine was $20 after sale and rebate). Fits a 280mm AIO just fine and a 4080 FE.

[@thorgen_ironside5279]

ITX builds are always interesting :) Good content Paul!

[@ShinobiGambu]

That's a nice ITX Build. Great job, Paul.

[@Woodzta]

I built in the good old SG13 since the NR200P would be too big for my TV stand (It's a HTPC/emulation build). The build costed around £900 but I did get a couple of good deals. It has a 12100, ROG Strix B660-I - this DDR5 board only costed me £160 at the time. I put in a used 3060 Ti and an SP750 since the SF750 was considerably more expensive. It runs RPCS3 and everything else like a dream and I can watch whatever I like.

[@mundaneeve]

I wasnt sure how i felt about the case at the beginning but I actually love it! I like that it wont take up much space. Great build!

[@dennissmith1435]

Thank you Paul for showcasing builds with AMD GPUs.

[@cometchaser2117]

ITX all the way. Higher wife approval factor. 😂

[@chunknorris01]

So far you are in the lead! Hope you raise all possible for the charity. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

[@T.K.9]

Low key wanna try this case lol. Love that the cooler and psu is Included. Cause usually, you only end up with the 750w corsair plat which is not cheap too.

[@christinaedwards5084]

It’s a great case. Especially if you loathe light up unicorn puke. I re-did a lot of the pre-wiring.

[@JamieR]

Love what you and Kyle are doing for the kids! ❤🎉 It makes me happy to think of the amount of joy this pc will give a tiny person! Building in the max in a few days myself. Has to be my favourite case, and having triple slot vs the original 2 is a big change.

[@nabiljemel2838]

I have used the same case for my build, with a ryzen 9 7900 asus gforce 4070 ti tuf and asus stirx mother board, I repleced the AIO fans with Noctua ones and I have added two additional slim fans below the graphic cards. The case is a headache for buidling, specially for connecting fan cables... the space is so tight and any misatke can lead to a lot of rework... the case is not deep enough to accomodate most of 4080 but honesty these cards got riducously huge. Once built this is a master piece, it runs really quite and cool, i find it amazing how much power you can pack in such small form factor. The other main issue I had is that the strix mother board comes with a single cpu and a single chssis fun connection, I wish they diteched the led strip connections for more fan headers, or better off come with a universal connection that can be used for both fans and addressable RGB.

[@michaelthompson9798]

I love ALL my ITX and SFF ITX builds 🥰💪🤩👍! As an NR200 (non-P) owner, I can attest as the cooling effectiveness of this case, even with a Ryzen 9 5900x and RTX3080Ti setup …. even with a 280mm AIO for the cpu and the standard fan cooler for the GPU 🤯🤩. Cooler Master, I agree, should release an updated model with USB-C front panel connector on the case.

[@3thikz]

Fair warning for anyone building one for themselves, Gigabyte boards are notorious for having VRM whine

[@jhonwayne1003]

I bought all this last week case will be here tomorrow and all put together then! Thanks Paul!

[@TheThenewdiabolic]

Would recommend the 7900xt. Just upgraded to it from a 2080 super last week and everything running buttery smooth. Was gaming on lower settings at 4k/1440p and now running all 4k.

[@joelman1989]

I’m doing my first PC build with a 2k budget and it will be in the NR200. I’ve got everything but the graphics card. Your video came at the perfect time before I start building

[@Chum_Kiu]

Post-it screen captures are the future of in video graphics. Love the ITX build!

[@adil1815]

This CPU + GPU combo is so satisfying to see in any build.

[@FlareSlayer]

6950XT is great with the 7800X3D

[@outrage20]

lol amd combo is terrible.

[@pill-poppingnarcissist]

@@BlockButton I've used AMD and Nvidia and I can say without any biases that Nvidia is better in so many ways. But if you're an AMD fanboy and all you care about is price, then go with the cheap trash that AMD pumps out. There's a reason Nvidia is more expensive, because it's a better product and people are willing to pay more for it. Their drivers and software are unstable and not good for gamers. Big tech youtubers won't tell you this because they are being paid by sponsors/aren't actual gamers (like me). I have built many computers with every brand, my last build was 4090 + 13900k and I haven't looked back.

[@snoflahke6575]

TY for your fundraising and for your giveaways and for your youtube channel. God Bless you and your family.

[@MrMcGreed]

16:59 - "we're either almost done, or we still have a lot of work to do" 😂😅 - sounds like my life! Thanks for another great video Paul and Joe ❤

[@michaelthompson9798]

ITX has been my go to form factor for over a decade now a I’m happy to pay a small premium for this for factor as I love having more desk space with a tiny case than no desk space with a massive pc case that offers no benefit to users other than data hoarders or steamers etc who need massive amounts of storage ….. but then again most storage needs can be satisfied with a high capacity small sized NAS or storage server.

[@berndkemmereit8252]

Great to see Mini ITX. As we moved and my PC is now in the living room, I'm looking for something small.

[@suphyco]

Honestly I love this small for factor build duo it having such amazing specs for its size. I cant wait to try and participate in the giveaway and also love what you guys are doing with for the kids and the hospitals!!

[@TheLordNugget]

Well, I just built a new AM5 pc in a full size case. More my style as I like open loop systems. Next build will be a steampunk theme full size build again. I ran an ITX pc while in the corps, but if I ever do that again it will be highly dependent on the case and the purpose of it. I mean, technically I'm going to be working on an ITX rig but it's a NAS so I don't count it.

[@Hydration-yq7hu]

I have these exact core components. 7800X3D, 7900XT, and 32GB 6000MT/s CL30. Only difference is I went full ATX and boy is it big, but cheaper actually. Closing thought saying the bigger size is cheaper is actually true because I pieced mine together for just over $1700. SUPER solid components. I would definitely recommend this combo for anybody who's got a bit of experience, or wants to upgrade their system.

[@natemills6220]

Do you think you'd ever consider doing a live stream charity event that also was somewhere in California that allowed people to attend in person as well? Could be something casual where people could chat and socialize around while y'all streamed

[@AlterRisk]

Ahh... ITX build. would love to change my build from an ATX mid tower build to at least an mATX build I need the desk space.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Just built my grandson a mini-itx system, first time in 15years so a little struggle! Used an Asus board with rear nvme socket, doesn't fit a nano torrent!

[@phoenix0153]

Thats a great idea for a pc build: for the price of a 4090... especially with all the drama going on with China and the scalper situation.

[@leorocha7418]

I love your work very much. This setup is without a shadow of a doubt a dream...Here in Brazil it would be impossible to set up, since it would cost R$20,000.00 and the minimum wage is R$1,300.00. But I loved watching the montage. Success to you!

[@waitandhope]

Awwww

[@lucasrem]

local products are the best, Parquai Chips ?

[@greenman8]

@ 16:30 ish, speaking of those manufacturer plastic clips- the tension screw holds the Cooler to the CPU, I had the clips of those break, using factory AMD cooler, on my 2nd PC, a Phenom2. Luckily the CPU shut down during POST- and my solution was to lay my PC on its side and let gravity hold the cooler down, until I found a replacement clip at FRY's Electronics (This was before 2010) Ever since then one of the features I look for in an AIO is having a 4 post hold down (not a stirrup using tension)

[@Icedxylophone]

I kinda fell in love with that motherboard, very nice build!

[@JustNotIt9927]

The RTX 4090 here in Canada goes for around $2300, and that's the cheapest model available. I recently built my own system, with the 7800X3D and 7900 XTX, for a total of $2500, and that includes all the components. Yes, the 4090 is faster than the 7900 XTX, but it's really not a huge difference, especially when you can build an entire 7900xtx SYSTEM for just 200-300 more than the price of a single 4090.

[@RussellMania8086]

I was not familiar with that case, but it looked really badass to me. I will definitely be looking out for a v2

[@FeuerToifel]

nice build. at first i thought all those adapters and dongles are a bad thing. but thinking about it further, it brings all those sometimes huge connectors away from the board so the overall looks at the board is cleaner.

[@Zardnokalicious]

My wife has been jealous of my tiny ITX system using the CM NR200P Max and we are looking to build her a new system almost identical to this system here using her very own CM NR200P Max. Only difference was Gigabyte card and Samsung drives.

[@rickgeller6043]

This was quite a big build for such a small case. I'm liking it.

[@airman_85uk]

I would either go ITX to strap it under my sit-stand desk or have a rack mounted gaming pc on top of my rack mounted NAS :D Great build!

[@RS3NDIT]

I actually have my build in a totally unnecessary H710i and when I upgrade my mobo/CPU/RAM in a year or two to match the red devil 7900 XTX I just got, I'm HEAVILY considering moving to an ITX case. It'll be more of a challenge than fitting the system into a massive case like the one I have but the compact layout and the portability are massively appealing to me.

[@mypeeps1965]

Motherboard is $260 om Amazon new and $221 used through Amazon warehouse.

[@rubilacxe033]

quick tip to anyone planing to build in this case. mount everything first on the motherboard. remove all fans, coolers and power supply/storage. order goes: first motherboard, then power, then cooling, then storage and lastly gpu. was easy building with a custom loop inside.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

Ddr5? 4090s? I am so far behind. My Ryzen 3950x+Rtx 2080ti still seem WAY too powerful. I have 8 machines in hyper v. 2 doman controllers running server 2022, and 6 client machines for my wifes business. Her employees can vpn into the vNetwork to run their accounting software remotely. All of this runs at startup, and it doesn't hinder any of my gaming, streaming, video editing, or music creation. I have tried to max out my cpu to no avail. Consumers could never use anything faster than what was available two years ago. Not unless everyone decides to start folding@home to cure cancer. I am actually dumbfounded as to why anyone would need this much power.

[@omegaPhix]

For gaming? 4K 144Hz and you'd want at least a 7900XTX

[@LimitlessSpiders]

I got the MicroTitan PC on MicroPowerPC and I absolutely love it. Incredible build quality, and super powerful. Probably the best PC I've ever had.

[@DuncSargent]

I'd like to see a NO RGB build. Maybe a video of how to turn off all RGB (video card, motherboard, fans, memory). I want it dark at night! Thanks Paul! All hail Paul!

[@SciPunk215]

Once again no love for the uATX form factor? That's the sweet spot, imo.

[@everythingrc2324]

ITX are awesome, Its just tiny things are more expensive. Just like my kids 😂

[@JoeMaranophotography]

Im running an i5 13500 and RTX 4070ti in mine and its awesome! Think the highest ive seen the cpu go is like 60 degrees with Asus power limits and gpu is usually around 60 degrees or less. I have undervolted and increased gpu fanspeed to 48% though and have bottom fans as exhaust.

[@VictorVonDoomDoom]

Why skip over the process of finding where to connect the cables? That would have been extremely helpful. Love the channel though.

[@M_Chu]

Seeing these new gen builds are crazy! I'm still here with my nvidia1070 and intel i5-7600 haha.

[@tripp-hq]

Yes no RGB lol That build was awesome! I was looking into doing an ITX build next. I'm currently still on AM4 with 5000 series.

[@evileyeball]

To each their own but as someone with less Fine motor skill than most this is exactly why I chose to build in a Fractal Pop Air XL so I had MEGA Space to work in and didn't have to fenangle anything. Plus I refuse to build ANYTHING that doesn't have an internal optical drive in it and that case allows me to have one of those.

[@justatim8143]

For a ITX case it is well thought out except for the top which is exhaust and their top cover looks like it will not allow much air to go through. On all their filters they should have used a Fine mesh for better air flow.

[@tonistarks2874]

Thank u for this👍🏽I'm in the process of building my first my mini itx build, case is 🔥🔥

[@akraken9057]

i have that case and JUST bought a 7800x3d to put in it damn

[@kasper_429]

Love the case, but they need to do an updated version with the upgrades you mentioned (front panel USB-C, a better/easier mounting solution for the AIO block, etc.). They could easily add USB-C to the front (well, top) panel I/O by moving the power button to the front of the case where the outline logo is, and putting the USB-C port right there in the middle. It would keep that area nice and symmetrical, too. I would love to see them do a slightly larger version of this case (NR400P Max? Lol) that could fit MATX boards and full-width fans in the bottom, as well as including a 1000 watt PSU for people who would want to put a 4090 in there. 850W would be cutting it mighty close, not to mention the PSU isn't ATX 3.0/PCIe Gen 5, meaning no native 12VHPWR cable.

[@LapNgo-h9u]

My current computer is ITX, but since I used a Thermaltake Core V1, I only had to pay the ITX tax on the MB (offset by buying open box). It's cheap, takes ATX PSUs, and requires no riser cables. It is limited to 92mm CPU coolers, but Thermalright has a nice one under $20. The case is large for ITX, but you can save a lot by using it.

[@BeeWhere]

Great job, but I really don't have any interest in doing an itx build. For another $400 I'd upgrade my monitor

[@purplerunner1715]

Awesome hardware, best of luck to everyone in the draw.

[@thedude3986]

Just wanted to say, hi Paul. Thanks for all that you've brought your community. Ok, bye now.

[@MegaManNeo]

I have the NR200P myself, however, I have the Liquid Freezer II 240 in place for the AIO. Works really well albeit it's probably overkill for the 5600G I actually intended as stopgap for until the 5800X3D drops in price. Oh well, it's a nice case anyway and probably one of my favorite ITX cases in general.

[@asaddst.9926]

i wish i won those man need it for work a little bit 3d mostly programming rn i use msi gl63 8rc laptop which i bought when im in college 😁wish me luck love your build content

[@Friedbrain11]

I am one of those people that despises RGB crap. Heheheheh...PowerColor for the win!

[@JohnThunder]

Great build Paul! Really enjoy these videos! 👍 Imagine that, for the price of a RTX 4090 you can build a great gaming PC.

[@lucasrem]

who needs that RTX 4090 on older gen hardware ? 4 gaming HP notebooks, or this micro build by Paul, Gen 3 is fast too !

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Always a good day when Paul uploads a new video!

[@TheRHIM]

Love the Beard Paul! Reminds me of a young George Clooney!

[@HeadcrabZ0mbie]

Paul is absolutely rocking that beard, love it!

[@TheOriginalFaxon]

agreed, that beard is awesome.

[@Gavrev]

Although I've never owned a home brew ITX system I have had a soft spot for the fun of having lots of power in a small form factor. That said, wow that was hella fiddly! I was very concerned that it wasn't going to fit properly with that ITX PSU orientation..

[@azizirahmat2869]

The case is coming also with cpu cooler and power supply?

[@davekerby9020]

I enjoyed the rant/discussion of the cooler install, did a build recently using one and those connectors caused my choice of language to deteriorate rapidly...

[@TheBand1211]

Been thinking of transforming my old AM4 setup into a sff build to attach to my tv for solo campaign games instead of console. These just look so cool man.

[@1fires1]

Might do a Mini-ITX build now.

[@paulandrada7940]

Damn, I wish I had all that hardware! That mini case is ideal for my tiny space room!

[@jeremyschillinger917]

I love this build. I really want am itx for the PC in my room.

[@ibrokemykeyboard]

handsome little fella, well done.

[@RollingSherman505]

I love mini-ITX builds! Great job on this one, that case is pretty nice!

[@jhonwayne1003]

PC is built, dual 3.5 Nitro curved monitors! Running WoW and a few other games. The wifi 6 is crazy fast! The dual audio is insane, didn’t know it was even possible.

[@waitandhope]

The main weak point is lack of usb 3.2 front connector. It makes no sense not to have one.

[@atiratiki3072]

Thats a fantastic build i wanted to donate but it Christmas timing an on a budget i like supporting ya!!!

[@z3ntix]

Built my self a ITX build earlier this year. Normaly I use a few hours on a ATX build, but this time I spent almost a whole day 🤣Asus AP201 with 3d printed PSU bracket for Asus Loki 850w and 3d printed anti sag for GPU. Next project is making a template and 3d print or use acrylic sheet to hide the empty space right of motherboard. Almost 1,5cm clearance between PSU and GPU.

[@DaRealPielover1987]

I just built this today and one thing that tripped me up was the PSU Power Switch. It is located on the PSU (top side) and inaccessible from the outside of the case.

[@thizzypops]

Welp there is an issue with this build. I decided to build this system for myself for Chrismas. Something Paul misses in the video that he doesn't mention is the riser for the GPU that comes with the case is gen4 and you need a Gen 5 riser. Didn't realize that until the very end when trying to put the GPU in. Tack an extra 70 to the total

[@BansheeBunny]

3:46 This is one of the few ITX motherboards that support M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4, at $2k you should spend the extra $152.00 and get the Corsair MP700 Gen5. The two M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots support RAID0, hint, hint ,wink (pair of 4TB 990 PROs).

[@zeldajunkielol2]

With my build, I went with an R5 7600x, MSI B650i and MSI 4080 and got the mobo,ram and gpu used from Amazon so I saved a like $220 there. Amazon warehouse deals are great because of how good Amazon's return policy is.

[@usleadershipareliars]

The new Zero board would be perfect for itx

[@mytenore]

I have always used only ITX systems! I am always traveling, so only ITX)

[@trevorjones104]

Thank you! First reviewer that I have ever seen that covered what I really wanted to know about RGB ! That is "Does it have an Oh Ef Ef switch!" "Do I have to cut wires off this to avoid the RGB, or am I stuck with it?" Seriously! I fully expect to see RGB Butt Wipe selling at the store, as the hot sauce commercial says "I put that sh*t, on EVERYTHING!". And I really, would not mind seeing it never again...

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

The part of the build that is most mysterious to me is setting the pc up after assembling it. Are partitions still a thing? What settings in the bios do I need to concern myself with? Do I need to check my ram timings? Stuff like that.

[@subtanx]

Nice build!

[@rgs559]

Thank you, Paul! Just what I've been waiting for...👌

[@RenatsMC1]

Love ITX builds

[@The_Aztech]

My next built will be a mini iTx

[@Razear]

This machine is way more feasible for shipping purposes because God forbid you'll have to ship a mid or full-tower case full of components half way across the globe.

[@karieltheone]

Ha, this is exactly the same system I want to build. Slowly buying the parts one at a time.

[@JoshBoy2439]

Looks clean!

[@benfoster93]

Shout out to the UKCA mark on that dominator RAM kit. Brexit really was a thing that happened. And now everyone buying products will know we're a special little island

[@Ruiso7]

This case is so good. Love the build.