[Help] Need help with a mini-itx build

[tigerali]

Hi guys,

I've been thinking of building a desktop Hackintosh to compliment my Apple laptop for a long time. I'd like a machine capable of playing some computer games and this year's BTS "promotion," has pushed me over the edge. I'm building a small (mini-ITX) machine based on Lifehacker's guide but with a few changes:

[*]Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 Motherboard
[*]Intel Core i7-870 2.93GHz
[*]OCZ 8 GB DDR3 1333 (2 x 4 GB)
[*]Western Digital 1TB SATA III 7200 RPM 32MB Cache Desktop Hard Drive (I may change this to a larger drive but maybe not)
[*]SilverStone SG05BB-450 ALL Black Plastic/SECC Mini-ITX Computer Case with SFX 450W 80+ Bronze Certified/Single +12V rail Power Supply
[*]Sony Optiarc 8X SATA DVD+/-RW Slim Drive
[*]StarTech.com MCSATAADAP Micro SATA to SATA Adapter Cable with Power
[*]OCZ Agility 120GB SSD
[*]This ASUS bluetooth adaptor http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032EYZ34/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20 which is listed on tonymac's Sandy Bridge build.
[*]Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, Magic trackpad (I have a USB mouse I'll hook up for gaming).

I guess I have four questions:
Does the Bluetooth adapter allow for wake from sleep?

There's no graphics card listed - I really want a decent radeon card to put in there, especially for Skyrim, but I'm not sure if it would be too long (or too hot) for the case.

Are there any good looking mini-ITX cases? I saw a really nice one, The Psile http://www.psile.com/media/m370.jpg but it isn't available in the U.S. This isn't a huge deal, because I'm considering installing a small basket under my desk and putting the machine there, but I would like to have something that looks good. Anything with a lot of USB ports especially in the front would be awesome.

Any reports on the Lion GM working?

EDIT: I guess I have a fifth question: I really like the built in SD card readers on the iMacs. I know I could probably get a built in one for a tower Hackintosh by sticking it into an unused drive slot. Is there anyway I could so something similar for this mini machine?

Any other tips or tricks?

Thanks a lot!

 

[SMHI]

Why not Sandy Bridge mini-itx system?
Get 1600 MHz memory. It do not cost much more but the memory run in 1600 MHz and give a performance boost.
SSD for system and games. HDD for storage? If storage, get a 5400rpm. Western Digital 3TB disk that I have is silent.

Graphics card: I would recommend a card that supports DirectX11, latest OpenGL and has a Displayport.

Not to hot... Then max 100W I would say. I have a GeForce GT430 and it is passive cooled. It is a card at 60W.
Max GeForce 450 at 108W
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeForce_400_Series

Max Radeon HD 6770 also at 108W
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison ... .29_series

Maybe Radeon 6750 at 86W?

Skyrim... What settings to people today play with? Is it enormous resolutions like 1600x1200 or is it oldy 1024x768 like?

GeForce GT430 runs Duke Nukem Forever with no problem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG96NJ2hnZU


It feels like your pick is between 6750 or 6770. Search and find out more.

 

[calijoe]

Which boards would be recommended for a sandybridge mini-itx? I am working on the same thing at the moment. Thanks!

 

[SMHI]

The only mini-ITX board with socket 1155 and a DSDT file is Gigabyte GA-H67N-USB3-B3.

 

[ModBot]

Moved to the correct forum, Installation Support.