Mobo options for Micro ITX build

[i6pwr]

I want to build a desktop for my son and want to use a small, portable case like the Lian Li TU150 Mini Tower and was looking at two possibilities.

Either:

https://www.newegg.com/msi-mag-b550m-mortar-wifi/p/N82E16813144327

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-b55...cro atx-_-13-145-213-_-Product&quicklink=true

These two aren't set in stone, I do like the idea of Wi-Fi if they work well enough.

The build won't be for hardcore gaming or much, if any, OC'ng. Mainly a capable machine, easy to move around, tote to a buddies house, and function well for schoolwork. I like the fact it has a smaller footprint and a top handle, albeit cramped.

I would like to use a M.2 drive and at least one, maybe two separate SSD drives. I will likely for now use my 980Ti in this build. Also considered a laptop but would at least need to have a 2060 and 16 GB Ram. The price point of the laptop really encroaches on this desktop build so looking for any opinions and criticism.

Are these boards decent for a Micro-ITX build? Should I go ATX with the HAF XB EVO? I wish the HAF had a top handle but not a deal breaker.

 

[Zerileous]

What CPU do you plan to use?This former will impact motherboard choice as more powerful CPUs require more power delivery, while both CPU and GPU will impact the cooling capacity of the case.

Thankfully both of the mobo options you selected have selected should be okay for mild productivity work with the Gigabyte board supporting up to 12c CPUs and the MSI easily handling 16 core CPUs (source: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1137619-motherboard-vrm-tier-list-v2-currently-amd-only/). Of course in a small enclosure with most likely compromised cooling, you may not want to run any motherboard at it's limit, and additionally push the cooling capacity of the enclosure that far. Either will fine for a 6 or 8 core Ryzen. Asking a kid to find a wired Ethernet at his friend's house seems like a stretch to me, the router / modem could be in a very awkward place or not in the room where they want to hang out. Since there won't be expansion slots and a USB dongle is easily lost by a teenager, I would get the wifi board.

The HAF has much better cooling, but it wastes a lot of space supporting 5.25" and 3.5" drives, so unless you want a ton of storage (not what I have in mind as a good time for a teenager to be carrying around a bunch of spinners to his friend's house). The HAF is much larger and almost twice as heavy nearing 20#. I don't really see it as a portable case in the same league as the Lian Li.

Cooling wise the Lian Li has room for a larger tower cooler as well as intake fans on the bottom to help supply fresh air to the GPU. Where it is weak is in the choked off front panel and single rear fan to exhaust, so the CPU will be fed almost exclusively air that has been warmed by the GPU already. Things might be getting warm with the 980Ti (should be okay, you might see higher temps though) but I think the 2060 would be fine. I would probably intake air through the bottom and then exhaust through the PSU, front and rear fans.

 

[i6pwr]

What CPU do you plan to use?

Sorry, was considering the 3600X, leaving the option open later to possibly go with the 5600X.

Given the current battle between manufacturers, my options are open for Intel, but I feel the MSI Mag/3600X combo should keep this rig going for sometime. It's easy to get caught up in the benchmarks, but this will primarily be for a 1080P, single monitor setup. Also needing to couple on occasion a 2nd monitor with zoom calls for school. However 95% will be single monitor with video conferencing on the single monitor.

 

[Blaylock]

Either of those boards would work fine. In fact you could even look at a X470/B450 board. The ASUS ROG Strix B450i gaming is a great board as well.

 

[Ben333]

Just so you know, neither of those motherboards will fit in a Mini ITX case, and the Lian Li TU150 is mini-itx. It has one extra slot (technically, two extra) for a total of 3, however Micro ATX is a 4 slot setup.

ATX - 7 Slot beast
Micro ATX - 4 slots
Mini ITX - 1 slot (but in cases it is commonly 2 slots in-order for GPU compatibility)

Here is a $200 B550 ITX board: https://www.newegg.com/msi-mpg-b550i-gaming-edge-wifi/p/N82E16813144323

Here is a budget offering, b450 for $130: https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-b450-i-aorus-pro-wifi/p/N82E16813145086

 

[i6pwr]

Just so you know, neither of those motherboards will fit in a Mini ITX case, and the Lian Li TU150 is mini-itx. It has one extra slot (technically, two extra) for a total of 3, however Micro ATX is a 4 slot setup.

ATX - 7 Slot beast
Micro ATX - 4 slots
Mini ITX - 1 slot (but in cases it is commonly 2 slots in-order for GPU compatibility)

Here is a $200 B550 ITX board: https://www.newegg.com/msi-mpg-b550i-gaming-edge-wifi/p/N82E16813144323

Here is a budget offering, b450 for $130: https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-b450-i-aorus-pro-wifi/p/N82E16813145086

Well, looks like I goofed on my end , thanks for the heads up.

Along with what you mentioned, this also crossed my mind as it was also mentioned earlier.

https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b550-i-gaming/p/N82E16813119322

 

[Woomack]

Well, looks like I goofed on my end , thanks for the heads up.

Along with what you mentioned, this also crossed my mind as it was also mentioned earlier.

https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b550-i-gaming/p/N82E16813119322

This motherboard is the best for memory overclocking and also has a strong power section. It beats much more expensive motherboards, including higher ROG series, and I'm actually using it for memory tests and reviews. Even if you won't play with overclocking then it offers good compatibility with various devices and since it's a higher series mobo and popular, then ASUS will provide support for longer.
It costs some more than other listed B550 ITX motherboards but it's worth it.

 

[i6pwr]

It costs some more than other listed B550 ITX motherboards but it's worth it.

I'm with you, I just wish for the asking price it included Wi-Fi.

 

[Blaylock]

I'm with you, I just wish for the asking price it included Wi-Fi.

The board I suggested will serve all your purposes, is the same cost, and includes Wi-Fi.

ASUS ROG Strix B450i gaming

 

[EarthDog]

I'm with you, I just wish for the asking price it included Wi-Fi.

It does include Wi-Fi (the Asus B550-I Gaming you linked).

The B450 variants will get 5000 series support but, IIRC, not all do(?)... so if you plan on going 5000 series at some point, stick to B550 or be sure the B450 board will support it.

 

[i6pwr]

It does include Wi-Fi (the Asus B550-I Gaming you linked).

The B450 variants will get 5000 series support but, IIRC, not all do(?)... so if you plan on going 5000 series at some point, stick to B550 or be sure the B450 board will support it.

Ok, was going by the item description, I see now.

 

[Ben333]

You can always adapt M.2 for wifi, or use USB3. Wifi should not be what makes or breaks a board. But with only one conventional slot, in reality NO free slots because obviously the GPU goes there, I sort of understand.

I'd always go for a board with a stronger power delivery, especially if the price is right.