Maximum Upgrade, Minimum PC

Maximum Upgrade, Minimum PC - 8700G build in 4.4L InWin Chopin Max
▷ MY STORE - shirts, pint glasses & hoodies: paulshardware.net
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My sister needed a PC upgrade since she was still using a Sandy Bridge intel 2500K. I decided to build her a super-tiny 4.4L SFF Gaming PC based on the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G with its Radeon 780M iGPU (well for light gaming anyway). We built super small form factor in the InWin Chopin Max thanks to not needing room for a GPU upgrade. This is definitely the smallest and the best Mini ITX PC I've ever assembled. The build was a lot of fun, and the upgrade difference vs her old PC was huge!
► PARTS LIST
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8c/16t w/ Radeon 780M iGPU - geni.us/BjiWV
CPU Cooler: ID-COOLING IS-47-XT - geni.us/oyAj5bb
Motherboard: AsRock A620i Lightning WiFi - geni.us/OTpefN
Other Motherboard: Gigabyte A620i AX - geni.us/iDb5
Memory: G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 - geni.us/bwJZ
SSDs:
Kioxia 1TB BG4 M.2 2230 - geni.us/BqVoD5q
Intel 2TB 660p Series M.2 2280 - geni.us/a20xy
Case / PSU: InWin Chopin MAX - geni.us/rulF237
► TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro - Teeny Tiny PC Build w/Ryzen 8700G
1:06 Parts Overview - CPU, Cooler, Motherboard, RAM, SSDs
3:56 Closer Look - InWin Chopin Max 4.4L Case + 200W PSU
7:09 Motherboard Setup: CPU/Cooler installation
10:09 Motherboard Setup: SSD/RAM installation
11:44 Installing Motherboard Assembly Into Case, Cabling
13:23 Powering On! BIOS Flashback and System Setup
14:48 Notes on the build, and a USB video out upgrade
16:51 temps, power draw, a bit of testing…
18:47 Delivering the PC to my sister - it’s HOW MUCH FASTER?
Please note that links above may be affiliate links -- clicking them earns me a small commission if you make a purchase and helps support my KZbin channel. Thank you!
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Paul's Hardware
P.O. Box 4325
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
► Edited by Joe Aguilar - ShaostylePostProductions
/ joe_editing
Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
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[@travistuckerSB]

This was a great change of pace from the ubiquitous gaming builds and a great example for the normals that do also use computers.

[@robertt9342]

A person using the term “normals” that way is a great ways to demonstrate one is not.

[@pptemplar5840]

​@@robertt9342I mean it's true tho. This guy has a regular viewerbase, I seriously doubt most people watching this intend to build anything similar to this. We aren't "Normals" 98% of people watching this are PC hardware porn addicts.

[@tapts503]

My first PC I ever built in 2014 was with the 7850k APU and no graphics card. It was the gateway to a whole new world.

[@rstewart2702]

I built a new machine (first time in 20 years!) with a Ryzen 5 7600X and an Asrock B650M Pro RS motherboard. It also has (somewhat anemic) iGPU and I have been quite impressed that OBS recording (at 1080p resolution) has worked out well. The beauty of the desktop custom-built universe is that it is still possible to mix and match the parts you need for your particular situation, and still have room to expand and grow. I am still researching where to go next regarding discrete graphics hardware, but the iGPU is meeting my basic needs, including AMD’s video codecs used quite well in OBS!

[@НААТ]

​@@rstewart2702how ur liking the 7600x? I'm upgrading from my amd fx 6350 and GTX 960 to a 7600x aswell with a 7900XT

[@JuiceboxDesmond]

I built my good friend a music production PC a couple weeks ago with a 5700G. I quite like building without a graphics card honestly

[@nevinkuser9892]

Don't we all. I built one of these two years ago and it was very powerful.

[@stuffwhy3501]

Incredible. I just put a system in that case this afternoon and here it is in a video. That’s fun. It’s a fave

[@erich.1355]

Gretchen and Paul have the same joyful smirk and earnest eyes, funny how nature do that... XD Cheers to both~!

[@disguiseddv8ant486]

RDNA microarchitecture.

[@Kelekona_808]

I approve of how Paul supports his sister with PCs. I do the same for my fam!

[@Little_Cr0w]

Watching this video on my Chopin with a 3400G in it, had it 4+ years and great to see it getting some love. Bought the ASRock DeskMini vesa mount to attach it to the back of a monitor and replaced the PSU fan with a Noctua to eliminate some slightly annoying noise. Fitted a Noctua Low profile Cooler for the CPU and it really is a great general work machine that's served me fantastically well

[@robertaguirre8973]

I also have an identical rig since 2020. It serves as my always on plex server. love it. I also changed the PSU fan. 😁

[@mrTeamanlol]

I had the same config for a while except for the mount. It was fine, but I bought a mac mini since then, which is even smaller, looks even better, quieter and performs better for my tasks (damn windows machines cannot build applications for ios, only macs :( )

[@soupwizard]

Thanks, a friend of mine is looking to build a small pc with decent graphics - he'll be doing basic video and photo editing, some software development for fun, so a tiny machine like this is perfect for his needs because it can sit hidden on the back corner of his desk and just do work.

[@Little_Cr0w]

Original version of this case you could buy a VESA mount and attach it to the back of your monitor, Ideal for getting it off the desk entirely - Real shame they've removed that ability

[@waterandsteel4713]

I think that is the best cable management in a small form that I have seen. I really like that case.

[@phizix5023]

Love the Chopin. I've done multiple builds in them. One with a 3400G a few years back and recently just built a pc for my mom for the holidays with the Chopin Max and a 5600G. It's been perfect.

[@mr.guillotine3766]

Man, for whatever reason I really love those small pc builds. Great video!

[@mauricus6670]

You are a very generous and kind brother

[@Riga_Style]

Thank you very much, I try to give advice to everyone 🙂👍

[@ghomerhust]

@@Riga_Style they weren't talking to you............

[@SabeTheApple]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂​@@ghomerhust

[@KryptonicHD]

I loved the whole thing! Funny enough I just gifted my brother a PC from spare parts I had that I just couldn't let go of! He got an i7 2700k ,32gbs RAM, Asus Strix 980ti, along with a 1TB ssd! Nothing crazy, but I finally managed to bring him back to PC gaming!

[@LionWithTheLamb]

My friend was gave a similar computer recently. i7 2600K, 16GB DDR3-1600, EVGA GTX 980, and a 240GB SSD

[@MrSamadolfo]

🙂 yes thats great, im rebuilding my Core 2 Quad and i7-870, the core 2 quad doesnt launch Cyberpunk but I was surprised that the 870 can run it just fine at low settings, the motherboard doesn't like my RX cards so if u try this u have to stick with Invidia, go green or stay home 😄

[@KryptonicHD]

@@LionWithTheLamb It's a solid PC overall! I tested Pal World and Helldivers on it and it ran 60fps with some tweaks but definitely not on the "lowest"! I think a decent cooler and MORE WAM (RAM) on an older system makes a huge difference!

[@keifbry]

Thank you for the build and introduction to the inWin case. I need to build a small system for my wife. This is perfect. I have been looking at the mini PCs, but this offers an actual upgrade path while still being small.

[@ferdgerbeler8494]

Can be pretty cramped to work in, hemostats for plugging in the front panel connectors is vital if ya got sausage fingers, and handy for lots of things down in that tiny little space.

[@aaron57422]

An excellent build, possibly got extra credit because Chopin is my favorite "classical" (technically "romantic" I think) composer.

[@ryangardinerusa2753]

I have finally found my inspiration for a small form factor pc for my wife’s needs. She might not be happy about the price tag. So, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. 😂 Excellent build, my friend!🤙 And it’s great how you take care of your sister. Major kudos.

[@paulshardware]

Thank you! An easy way to shave off $100 is to go for the 8600G if you're ok with a 6-core

[@ryangardinerusa2753]

@@paulshardware Much obliged! 🤙

[@ryangardinerusa2753]

@@paulshardware You gotta tell me your procedure for the BIOS bro. I’ve done the flashback per procedure on the ASRock website several times, in several different ways. It just won’t flash. 🤦‍♂️ Edit: I went with 8700G, because I got $50 discount from Newegg. Same motherboard, cooler as you. And no real help from ASRock customer support. 😡

[@wyntje83]

you're a kind brother, I love to see a fit for purpose build that achieves solid performance for its application without overspending on flair and powerful hardware that won't see daily use. your sister seems like chill person too :)

[@ryankorte8601]

I am getting ready to build my Sister a small form factor PC as well! General use and maybe some retro gaming. Considered using a integrated graphics solution. Perfect timing with this video!!!

[@markalot]

Love it. I have this build but with a 5700G meant for mostly non gameplay. I love the fact the latest Ryzen 8700G can actually run AAA games at all.

[@itsdeonlol]

This mini build is cool! I hope your sister enjoys her new PC!

[@TECHiSuppose]

A neat little build! Nice to see it is very quiet. Sound profile is the main reason I tend to go with standard sized components.

[@mystic_guardian]

This is my favourite case and nearly the exact rebuild I have planned this year! Glad it's getting the attention it deserves. The old revisions actually did have a bulge in the mesh but the central bracket accommodated thicker rear drives (even optical drives) which was adjusted to improve CPU clearance.

[@Pembroke.]

Congratulations Gretchen🎉🎉

[@JamieStuff]

I'm running a 7940HS system, and the iGPU is amazing for integrated graphics. It works great for 1080p gaming!

[@braydennturner]

Awesome build and video, keep up the great work!

[@Ladioz]

I wish I had a friend like Paul. Genuinely a nice person

[@01ai01]

Nice job Paul, now she's all set for another decade of computing.

[@satchell78]

Awesome build Thanks Paul and Joe!

[@uss_04]

For a second I read it as “Maximum PC” :(

[@TheRossMadness]

RIP. The magazine and No BS podcast used to be incredible

[@rrsd700]

My favorite magazine to read while poopin before iPhones!😢

[@RetroTinkerer]

​@@TheRossMadnesswasn't also "Minimum BS" written just bellows "Maximum PC"?

[@flow221]

Same. Loved that mag back in the day.

[@ers-tj4to]

Watched Paul doing his how-to pc builds back in the Newegg days. He and Linus were the ones who inspired me to build pcs.

[@user-cg7wg8jq7z]

The InWin Chopin case is very good. I use them to help my mother and elders assemble computers.

[@SabeTheApple]

That scene with your sister was very beautiful. Enjoyed seeing how happy it made her. 😢

[@markdattage1996]

Always good to help family!! Way to be a great Brother!!!

[@Finlander89]

I made a daily driver build for my parents in the Chopin a few years ago and I gotta say it was very easy to build, looks great and was decent value with the included PSU. FYI, if someone wants to save a buck, the Wraith Stealth w/o the plastic shroud fits in the case with 1mm or less to spare :)

[@Dan-Simms]

So sweet, it's such a massive upgrade, even without a graphics card. Awesome mini little machine.

[@intrepidskycomputing]

Did a similar build back in January for my mother-in-law, jumping from a i7-2700 to a i5-12400K. Mainly as I has an AsRock Z690M-ITX/ax motherboard ready for a different build (a silent build in a Streacom DB4 which has some very unusual limitations with VRM heatsinks), and her previous computer started having power problems, in that it just wouldn't turn on. The main difference between the Max and Pro versions of the Chopin is that the motherboard tray was moved, sacrificing space for larger 2.5" drives (i.e. 2.5" HDDs over 9.5mm thick) for greater CPU cooler clearance. It's designed to take the stock Intel and AMD coolers, which the Pro can't do. That and the USB 3 Gen 2 socket on the side panel, which was added for the Max. It's a great little case for desktop use, though the cables provided are a bit too long, especially the USB 3.0 header cable

[@PattyB-wx1ub]

Still rocking the Chopin with the 5600g finally looks an apu worth upgrade, thanks Paul. Sweet build

[@Zelement911onrs]

This is such a handsome little case! Also love to see these purpose built PCs for family and friends.

[@stevencoad9224]

It *is* fun to see a build like this. I’ve recently been pushing really slim client pcs (like the ones from the servethehome tinyminimicro project) for general use boxes for relatives that don’t want a laptop but don’t game. This is almost as small, but fixes one of the pet peeves I have with the thin clients - no external power brick!

[@POVwithRC]

'Fairly dense but still spreadable" 🥵

[@Riga_Style]

It looks like you have a very, very high temperature, you are just red, check your coolers 😅😅😅👍👍👍

[@gtijason7853]

That's going to be an awful mount, come on Paul . . . You're better than this

[@parisloop6855]

Sweet, I've missed these NeweggTV videos!

[@Bob_Smith19]

Been looking a small case to build a modded Minecraft PC for my kids. The mini-PCs can run the heavy packs no problem but they are noisy beyond belief. This looks like the perfect option for only a little bit more. And it’s repairable/upgradable.

[@unclerubo]

And if she ever needs some more high speed storage, she can even put a NVMe SSD on a M.2 to PCIe card, remove the rear bracket and off she goes...

[@nathanhoffman20000]

That's a cool build. Making a computer invisible (or as near as possible) has tons of aesthetic application.

[@SpeedmanRC]

I've had a 4750G and now a 8700G in that case but is the one before the type C...both are just crazy good for the size and upgradeability.

[@TheGreenReaper]

Yeah, TBH my MB backplate and dock have USB-C now as well as the two on the back of the MB so I have rarely used the one on front, but it's great to have it.

[@Ladioz]

I had a 780 TI and a i7 3770 back in 2014. For me, it was the best PC I could ever dream of. It played everything

[@Gavrev]

That's a really cute InWin case. Overall a lovely build and really nice to see such a prosaic build. It's a pretty different experience when you aren't dealing with a GPU isn't it? An absolute dearth of case fans makes for such a tidy experience too!

[@b6s4shelter]

I built a 5600G in the Chopin Pro a couple years back. Great build Paul.

[@christiankappel1194]

Currently building an ITX system for the first time in the CM NR200P. Loving the challenge to squeeze everything in! I'll be squeezing a 7800XT in though too make it a tiny but powerful system. Great videos recently!

[@vtnwesley]

The case is lovely and one of my favorite Mini ITX cases. I wish they'd make a version with enough room for a 1 or 2 slot low profile GPU.

[@Tpazmachine]

I absolutely love this. Simple, straightforward and made for "normal" use, say for example the family PC. Edit: Also thanks for offering alternative purchasing options depending on needs and alternatives to expand depending on choice!

[@Hjorth87]

I love small form factors. More please!

[@Zordonzig]

Oh man! The Newegg special NZXT Phantom case! That was the case I chose for my first ever build. I think I remember Paul doing the video for it on Newegg as well.

[@ahliiing6943]

Thanks for building this pc, been thinking of building another ITX system for work. i forget that integrated gpu chips are also available, here i am going to consider my upcoming build again

[@Duckferd]

I have one with a A520i AC and 5600g, and it's been a very reliable mini PC for non-gaming use and was super cheap. Media consumption, browsing, coding and CAD via Fusion 360.

[@nolan71]

This was a lot of fun! Your kindness never ceases to amaze me :)

[@richardfarmer6570]

Nice little build. I have a DeskMini X300 that I am using an ID Cooling IS-40 X and I was actually surprised on how well it works. I have one of the new 5500GT and it cools it really well. I only use this for a HTPC/Plex server but it works really well.

[@Chef_-xv7ms]

Wow Paul it was a really good build for it's purpose and it's very kind of you to build your Sister 😍

[@Thatswutshesaid9023]

This looks like an amazing at home media (youtube/twitch consumption for example) pc that doesn't require too much for the bare minimum day-to-day use most people have.

[@tonyd7164]

I built almost the exact same build. Used the asrock b650 board and the id cooling is55. I play COD with no problem. Used the china A09 3.8 L case. Went with the seasonic 300 watt power supply. I’ve seen up to 207 watts of draw while gaming on my kilowatt.

[@Gnomleif]

"Do you ever build a PC that doesn't need a graphics card?" Yeah, got a jack-of-all-trades backup/media server that I built because my boss gave me an old AsRock Rack ITX server board. It's tucked away at the bottom of my shelf, and since everything is done remotely it doesn't need a graphics card. On a completely unrelated note I'd give you double the upvotes for the dog if I could. It looked lovely.

[@flocko60]

FANTASTIC build . Pretty darn powerful system in a small package . By todays standards , this is a pretty reasonably priced build .

[@Ste_Va]

I have an old alienware alpha as a living room machine atm but ive wanted to do something in this case whenever the next round of AMD apus came out and this definitely looks like it would be a fun project!

[@Tom-sd2vi]

Interesting build, I might use it as an inspiration for the build I'm doing for my neighbors.

[@michaelluong6484]

This is exactly what I've been looking for!

[@pcbuilderlover4271]

I bet you are her favorite brother. She looked so happy, nice job!

[@csjpokey]

Love Paul's videos. Soon as I get notified I pop it open and instantly click the thumbs up because I know im going to enjoy it.

[@tourist6290]

Neat little system. I like how quiet it seems to be.

[@imfromzwolle]

Built a system for a friend about a year ago in the older 150 watt version of this case. Fantastic small case to build in.

[@justinspoerle1739]

Thats a sweet case. Adding to my never ending wishlist.

[@KiltedCritic]

While not applicable in this build due to the case size, other folk may wish to check in their own market the price difference between buying an 8700G against getting a 7600 CPU and RX 6600 GFX card. As you may find it's the same price, for much better performance when calling upon graphics card use.

[@usnaccountant]

I've been following your content for quite some time and these are the kinds of builds that are probably more suited for my needs. I permanently work from home and have a system I built during the pandemic with a discreet graphics card but I don't do much gaming. I do a lot of videos for work such as tutorials on ERP systems and was wondering if something like this build would be sufficient for my kind of work.

[@gasracing5000]

Front panel conectors in a block!!! 😮

[@williamsouthworth5275]

I like it! looks good! Merry Xmas!

[@jeremybarber2837]

Super great little rig! If I didn’t have a second hand Dell 3260 I would totally have built this little NUC-ish system.

[@richardsm]

Your sister's dog is adorable :)

[@lexman7002]

Love it!! Awesome video!!

[@SimonZerafa]

@paulshardware I believe that BIOS Flashback is a standard/included feature with AM5 platforms. If a mainboard doesnt support it then they went to some effort to disable it for whatever bizarre reason 🙂

[@josecorrales7195]

Im glad brands like ID cooling are around with low prices and good performance for what it is

[@Garth2011]

Most system builds I have done in the past 15 years or so rarely included a graphics card. Mainly because of the CPU graphics capabilities on the Intel CPU's. They are way better than the integrated graphics of the 1990's or ever since the "Sandy Bridge" era graphics and forward. Those who want a graphics card I just tell them to get what they want and I'll install it and the drivers for them. Unless they are gaming or doing intensive video work, the on CPU graphics are just fine for most.

[@thomasmichaelschwarz9741]

I built already 3 AMD AGPU systems in this case. First one was in the first generation which had a problem to fit the AMD cooler. But taking off the shroud of the cooler fixed that. The max versions I fitted with a Noctua cooler which has foam parts building a chimney . Those systems are perfect if used for simple tasks like email and internet browsing. Still have one empty case left... maybe I build another one...I love that case... 😊

[@TheGreenReaper]

I use the NA-FD1 too! You can get free bolt extensions to fit a 25mm fan if you ask Noctua nicely with an invoice for the FD1. I eventually went with a 140mm iPPC 2000 resting atop the mesh that cools the RAM and other components by 15C as well. You have to deal with the wire pushing the side up a bit but I already had that for ARGB.

[@jbucata]

I had the original Chopin. I had to take out the PSU because of noise, so I replaced it with a PicoPSU. The fan on the PSU wasn't actually that loud, but the big problem was there were tight curves around that outside shroud where the air got turbulent => noisy. So even if I'd doctored up that PSU fan it wouldn't have made much different. For this one to be so silent, it seems like they did something to the PSU cooling situation since the original or since the prior V2 (the "Pro").

[@bersig]

A couple years ago I built a similar system around the 3400G as a central component of the entertainment center in the living room. Still works. Very quiet. Very low power. Does everything I wanted it to do. Originally it was driving a standard HD display but since then I've switched that out for a 4k monitor without incident. Totally happy with the build. The computer geek in me wants to upgrade it to something similar to this video but I really can't justify it. The old system is still working 100%.

[@glanguish9390]

Get a used 5700g or even a new 5700GT (turbo vega 8) it performs about same as the 8500G

[@Smedleydog1]

your sister has a beautiful puppy dog. What a sweetie.

[@todddembsky8321]

Paul, this was EXCELLENT!! Love that you take care of family. This is why I watch you, and Jay, and Linus, and L1 .....

[@bonanzabrandon6877]

When I saw the thumbnail I was like "hey that looks like an InWin case"

[@brentw8365]

What a coincidence, I just rebuilt a 4350G build in the Chopin non-Max last weekend. On another note, someone modded a low profile dGPU into this case with case modding, and an external PSU.

[@MarsMan1]

Yea Sis! Go forth and Compute.

[@KillerKermie]

What an upgrade. Good to see it was the cables holding the screens back, I wonder how many people would immediately blame the graphics processors?

[@rynosraceroom66]

This was awesome ! That case is super cool also , love the look of it .

[@brandankankel5209]

This is such sn awesome build!

[@kizanko]

Your sister definitely is very content with the things she owns. I love that she didn't upgrade until she really needed to. I would have already changed probably 2 times in that time period but she made me learn I can wait lol ❤

[@TheCrustyCupcake]

Amazingly small build, im about to go back and watch the dual syst video, fiancé is really wanting more cameras around the place, time to build an NVR, was already planning a NAS. So this will be fun

[@sgottoboni]

Great for people that work at home. 👍

[@human-V-oid]

Just finished building my own pc with 7600 and no gpu. Coming from a headless laptop with a pentium 2020m, it is a hell of an upgrade. I am one of those normal people not concerned about gaming so I don't need a gpu. I love amd for putting an igpu in every 7000series ryzen.

[@areksoo]

I really like this case. I built my parents 2 pcs years ago in the old version of this case. I made low end systems since all they do is watch KZbin, but that was about 6 years ago... maybe it's time for an upgrade.

[@Dan-Simms]

Hopefully an AMD build in the AM4 socket? If so, just a simple and cheap used CPU like a 5600g, they go for around $100usd

[@ko_tech]

Great vid! I'm building my new ITX system using the same motherboard and RAM (5600 MHz version) and a Ryzen 5 7600. And I used the same case to build a new PC for my mom last month. Although, it's built on a AM4 platform with a Ryzen 4600G.

[@PsychoStreak]

I build some machines with no need for a GPU but I like to have the ability to add one.That case does look interesting though for a basic office machine or something to handle streaming. Definitely would opt for a board with more display outputs, as sometimes you just want DisplayPort. I built a mini-ITX machine that my friends were able to use at a con table to show more info about the group. It used a 5600G and was more than up to the task. We were able to use to watch movies in the hotel after con hours. All I really did was replace the wifi Antennas with ones from Amazon that had a magnetic base you could basically stick anywhere for better reception. Machine was small enough to fit into a duffel back with a portable monitor. I built an otherwise identical machine for myself and put 64GB of RAM an RX6700XT in that for a portable rig that could game and run VMs off the two 1TB SSDs I put in to go with the NMVE boot drive. That has wound up being my defacto primary machine.

[@philipp_rem]

The A620 has a 75C termal limit set in the BIOS. That’s why HWinfo marked it red.

[@robertlucke4964]

What a great brother you make me laugh when you put your head up next to the pc trying to hear noise from it lmao 😂thank you for sharing