First Build - mATX board/case suggestions with i7 2600K

[dkla]

Hi everybody. I'm ready to take the plunge and make my first CustoMac build... thanks for all the advice here online!!

So I'd like to go with an Intel i7 2600K CPU but I think I'll put it in a mATX board (instead of Mini-ITX) due to potential heat issues. Given my CPU and mobo decisions, I have a few spec questions:

1) is the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 still the mobo of choice in the mATX form factor? It has been a few months so I was wondering if something better/faster/cheaper has come along.

2) I'd like a smaller case than the one offered in the CustoMac Budget spec. Something I could put on my desk instead of under it. I was thinking of the Apevia QPack 2 line of cases (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144144) which would fit an mATX board yet still be semi-portable... any other good suggestions? Are there any cases that have the USB3 and SATA6 ports on the front?

3) Is it really okay to use the on-board graphics of the i7-2600K or should I get a separate graphics board? (especially in a smaller case)?

Thanks again for all the advice here. I will post my final spec and steps once it's finished. Happy New Year!

 

[Stork]

If you going to use a i7-2600K, then I'd go for a more robust GA-Z68 mobo, like the GA-Z68MX-UD2H. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3854

There are lots of Z68MX-UD2H mobo's based systems written up in the User Builds forum section. I'd go reading there. You can search using "Z68MX" in the titles. I found 16 User Builds descriptions with this search:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/search.ph...&sd=d&sr=topics&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

I'm using HD 3000 Integrated Graphics successfully.

As for cases, search the web for reviews. I recommend a case that has recognized good air flow/cooling capability.

 

[dkla]

If you going to use a i7-2600K, then I'd go for a more robust GA-Z68 mobo, like the GA-Z68MX-UD2H. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3854

Thanks for the tip on the mobo -- I guess it's worth the extra $30 to get the better mATX board...


Still looking for suggestions on a good SFF computer case -- I saw someone with a similar system using the Thermaltake Armor A30 case, but that's getting a bit pricey...