Mini-ITX vs Micro-ATX for flying with a PC (RTX 3090) — need advice

Posted by -Raxx@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 16 comments

Hey everyone, looking for some advice. I’ve recently started uni and I’ve been flying back and forth between home and uni about 2–3 times a year. I currently have a full ATX PC, but it’s way too big and impractical to travel with, so I’m thinking of building a smaller form factor PC. I already have an RTX 3090, and I’ll probably sell/reuse what I can and buy the rest of the parts again around it. I’m stuck between Mini-ITX vs Micro-ATX: * Mini-ITX sounds ideal for portability, but I’ve heard builds can be tricky, especially with thermals and airflow * I’m also worried the 3090 might be too big / too hot for an ITX case * Micro-ATX seems easier to cool and build in, but I’m not sure if it’s still realistically flyable or just “smaller than ATX” So I’m wondering: * Is Mini-ITX actually practical with a 3090? * Are the heating/noise issues overblown or real? * Would Micro-ATX be a smarter compromise? * Has anyone here flown with a Micro-ATX build before?

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16 Comments

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aragorn18@reddit

If this is just a gaming PC I would sell your 3090 and buy a 5070. The 3090 is still in high demand as an AI GPU and you could probably cover the cost of the 5070. With the newer GPU you get a much smaller card, lower power draw, and access to newer DLSS features. Then you could build a quite small ITX PC.

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dirtydragondan@reddit

\+1 agree with this. Also, if picking what mobo, what else might the PC be used for - do you NEED other PCIe slots?? Thats a big one to pick for mITX v mATX, since all you get on the ITX is ONE 1x16 for GPU. and so if you have any required peripherals, then its not a best use case option. Really this is about portability, and so I think ITX is the way, and sure there are some extra cost/space+routing considerations, but the premium parameter here is convenience for travel, so thats the way to go in my view I also rock a 2x fan 5070 (MSI shadow) and its great, and small enough to fit in a limited space case. Its nice having a 'cute' PC+ case. I have used 2 silverstone sugo models, but there are a ton of good cases out there and lots of YT channels with vids devoted to tests and builds.

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

No, I dont see needing other PCIe slots. As you said, it is really about portability for me at the end of the day, quick and convenient to travel with, doesnt take up too much space, can run basically like a pc with a bigger case, thats all im really looking for. I havent built a SFF pc before so just wanted to get some thouhgts on it before i went ahead and tried to put it together, thanks for the help

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dirtydragondan@reddit

you are most welcome SFF builds are kind of challenge fun, and it mostly is just about some planning, practice and picking the order of items going in, so you can route cables well. zip ties will be your friend, great for lashing the cabling to where you need, and also out of way of any fan blades. Its not really that hard, its just that its not 'ATX big case style where it all fits without trying' . Have a decent cooler that uses the headspace you get, and get some fans in there, and thermals dont have to be an issue at all.

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

Ive mostly just been having trouble deciding on a case. My budget isnt too high for the case as im upgrading my cpu at the same time. Took a look around ebay, there are cheaper options but im finding it tricky to find the right one where I wouldnt run into problems with during the build. Are there any known cheaper cases you might know of?

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dirtydragondan@reddit

there are so many ways to consider and pick for a SFF case. if cost is the issue, that can knock out some of the big names and premium designs, but I think , rather than give a list, i would suggest, look up some SFF case videos on youtube, and the one suggestion as a starting point is the NR200. its even got its own sub r/NR200

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CMDR-LT-ATLAS@reddit

Don't sell your 3090, it uses a 8 pin over the nasty 12vhpwr cables that 5070s use and causes all 4090/480/5090s to burn up.

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

thanks, I do plan on mainly gaming on it and I was considering on doing what uve suggested as well. Just wasnt sure if i wanted to go through the hassle of selling it in the first place if I could fit it, but selling it for a 5070 is definitely a strong option. Thanks again for the help

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aragorn18@reddit

If your goal is having a small PC you can fly with, the 3090 is going to give you all sorts of headaches. It's physically huge, so you need a big case, it runs really hot so you need extra space for airflow, and it draws a lot of power so you need a big PSU.

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FrequentWay@reddit

There are mini-Pcs with a dedicated GPU which would save you more mobility or you can embrace the gaming laptops. [https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-g1-pro](https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-g1-pro)

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Air-Flo@reddit

Sounds like you need a laptop or wait for the Steam Machine. Or just be realistic leave the PC in the location you spend the most time and get a laptop for travel. Travelling with a PC multiple times a year sounds like a nightmare. All that rattling can't be good for the components, screws, and connectors.

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

Thats what I initially assumed at first. However I came to find out that a lot of people who travel often have SFF builds to take on flights as carry-ons. I have a laptop but it wont run anything more than esport titles. thought id explore this option anyway

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Agedcrib@reddit

If you put the time and effort in a mini-ITX will be far more practical than a micro atx. This fits a GPU up to 322mm and reviews are great - it’s a widely accepted as one of the best itx cases https://www.overclockers.co.uk/fractal-design-terra-mini-itx-case-graphite-ca-0ay-fd.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17338850347&gbraid=0AAAAABRAesHGwVqmF9nNi5W0sEgBOJp-y&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhOfLBhCCARIsAJPiopP56gGeFL8TUDjt3YSZrM93P1tfvpJl8TreBPgqpCgVsr3UrqmHcZQaAiN5EALw_wcB

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

Thanks! ive had my eye out for this case as well. I will probably be upgrading my cpu at the same time so my budget isnt looking great, would you know any cheaper alternatives for this form factor.

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Agedcrib@reddit

How long is your graphics card?

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-Raxx@reddit (OP)

336mm roughly