Have new mini-itx case, should I go with mini-itx mobo for new build or just get different/bigger case & mobo?

alpharalpha

Weaksauce
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Space isn't an issue; I have a spare Mini-itx case from a htpc build still new in box; is good case, can support large GPU, lots of cooling etc. I know prices are higher for the mini-itx. Would it be worth it to go with a mini-itx mobo or better to just get larger case and get micro or larger board (figuring $75 for case) Won't need extra slots, is going to child's new gaming pc, so just the GPU Slot.
 
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From the pictures, that case doesn't look too small, so you can probably use a regular power supply, CPU cooler and GPU; the only special piece you would need is the itx motherboard. Those can be a little bit more expensive, but usually not enough to cover a case, and sometimes similar featured boards cost about the same.

It would be different if this was a smaller itx case where everything is size constrained and there's a small size premium everywhere.
 
From the pictures, that case doesn't look too small, so you can probably use a regular power supply, CPU cooler and GPU; the only special piece you would need is the itx motherboard. Those can be a little bit more expensive, but usually not enough to cover a case, and sometimes similar featured boards cost about the same.

It would be different if this was a smaller itx case where everything is size constrained and there's a small size premium everywhere.
Yes, it takes a regular power supply; I already did a build using this case for my htpc and for an itx it's pretty roomy. I used an Asus Rog Strix itx board for the internal spdif compatibility with my home theatre. Is the only build I've done in a long time so didn't know if there were any performance improvements using a larger board (GPU takes 2 slots so i just attached the spdif out to one of the back 80mm fan grills.)
 
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I wouldn't expect any performance differences between an itx board and a larger board, as long as the cooling and power delivery is there. With a roomy itx case, you're really just missing out on expansion slots, which isn't a big deal for most people anymore.
 
I don't really consider that case able to accommodate a "large GPU." You have to actually look at the max GPU dimensions, but a lot of things won't fit (looks like 255mm...most modern mid range GPUs are in the 280-320mm range). Pretty much anything with 3 fans is out.

Unless you are running a setup that requires multiple PCIe devices or more than 2 m.2 drives, ITX is fine.
 
I don't really consider that case able to accommodate a "large GPU." You have to actually look at the max GPU dimensions, but a lot of things won't fit (looks like 255mm...most modern mid range GPUs are in the 280-320mm range). Pretty much anything with 3 fans is out.

Unless you are running a setup that requires multiple PCIe devices or more than 2 m.2 drives, ITX is fine.
Yeah I had to pass up an EVGA 3060ti when I came up on the waitlist--didn't know it was a 3 fan--technically it would've fit, but I know what you mean. Child doesn't play intensive games, really it's the i5-2320 that's the bottleneck on the old dell xps. Lol, couldn't put a Turing GPU in it due to uefi, or lack thereof so had to go with Pascal, this right before the shortage, the 2 fan MSI Gaming X 1050ti is sufficient, mainly need newer processor for those physics based games that rely on single cpu speed; is more of a tinkerer than fast gameplayer. Thought that xps was future proof, if was 2012 instead of 11 would've had uefi boot and there would've been a 1650 super for same price. I do think I might got one of the last Newegg 1050ti for $130 (with $20 rebate that I actually received.)
 
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