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Full Size Desktop (FSD) vs Small Form Factor (SFF)
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What do YOU miss in SFF compared to FSD ?
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐤
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What do YOU miss in SFF compared to FSD ?
For me, nothing. I have three SFF Lenovos and an old HP SFF, and it's really easy to open them and work on things in there. If you happened to want to use a 3.5" HDD, you'd have a problem, but getting an external enclosure and plugging it into a USB port would fix that. And I use a good external optical drive with all four of my machines, if and when I need to use an optical disk -- which is increasingly seldom nowadays.
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz 32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
OS11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi7-9700 @ 3.00GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Graphics Card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek HD Audio Monitor(s) DisplaysLG E2442 Screen Resolution1920x1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB NVMe SSD, 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
250GB NVMe SSD (OS and programs), 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
500GB NVMe SSD (Data) CaseLenovo SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome, sometimes Firefox AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium & Defender (working together beautifully!)
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz 32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
Operating System11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi5-8400 @ 2.80GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Graphics card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek High Definition Audio onboard Monitor(s) DisplaysLG FULL HD (1920x1080@59Hz) Screen Resolution1920 x 1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS NVMe; 1 x Samsung 980 NVMe SSD CaseLenovo Think Centre SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium and MS Defender, beautiful together
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I have 7 FS [most with older versions of Windows] and 1 USFF desktops and will be getting an other older USFF later this month when I take it out of service for a client. Only downside I've had is in getting low-profile add-in cards for the smaller case.
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz 12GB
OSWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typeLaptop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 3400 CPUIntel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz Memory12GB Hard Drives256GB SSD NVMe M.2
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz 16GB Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA a...
Operating SystemWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 5890 CPUIntel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz Memory16GB Graphics card(s)Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter Monitor(s) Displays24" Dell Hard Drives512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD BrowserFirefox, Edge AntivirusWindows Defender/Microsoft Security
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐤
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Only downside I've had is in getting low-profile add-in cards for the smaller case.
Yeah, I’ve bumped into that annoyance too, but persistence has so far always paid off.
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz 32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
OS11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi7-9700 @ 3.00GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Graphics Card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek HD Audio Monitor(s) DisplaysLG E2442 Screen Resolution1920x1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB NVMe SSD, 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
250GB NVMe SSD (OS and programs), 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
500GB NVMe SSD (Data) CaseLenovo SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome, sometimes Firefox AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium & Defender (working together beautifully!)
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz 32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
Operating System11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi5-8400 @ 2.80GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Graphics card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek High Definition Audio onboard Monitor(s) DisplaysLG FULL HD (1920x1080@59Hz) Screen Resolution1920 x 1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS NVMe; 1 x Samsung 980 NVMe SSD CaseLenovo Think Centre SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium and MS Defender, beautiful together
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For me... while SFF PCs are nice and unobtrusive, they're too small to work on, and have too many limitations when upgrading. I think (volume wise), I could fit 8 SFF PC's in my computer case. 24" x 24" x 10".
And maybe 24 NUCs, or a 90-100 lb. dog.
Last edited: Jan 12, 2023
Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8737 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2 AMD Ryzen 7 3700X G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW) EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
OSWin 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8737 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelBuilt by Ghot® [May 2020] CPUAMD Ryzen 7 3700X MotherboardAsus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302) MemoryG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW) Graphics Card(s)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR) Sound CardRealtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A Monitor(s) DisplaysDell U3011 30" Screen Resolution2560 x 1600 Hard Drives2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner PSUPC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V CaseCooler Master ATCS 840 Tower CoolingCM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull) KeyboardDucky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED MouseLogitech Optical M-100 Internet Speed300/300 BrowserFirefox (latest) AntivirusBitdefender Total Security Other InfoSpeakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3 AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz) TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800) EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
Operating SystemWindows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelBuilt by Ghot® (not in use) CPUAMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz) MotherboardASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition MemoryTWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800) Graphics card(s)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC Sound CardOnboard Monitor(s) DisplaysViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT) Screen Resolutionup to 2048 x 1536 Hard DrivesWD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner PSUPC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V CaseGeneric Beige case, 80mm fans CoolingZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler KeyboardLogitech Classic Keybooard 200 MouseLogitech Optical M-BT96a Internet Speed300/300 BrowserFirefox 3.x ?? AntivirusSymantec (Norton) Other InfoStill assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
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Does the card below fit in a SFF?
7-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card - 5Gbps - Standard and Low-Profile Design - TAA
www.startech.com
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If you are referring to off-the-shelf PCs, there's really nothing to talk about when it comes to form factor. It's all about price vs performance no matter what the form is.
But if you are a builder and like to do upgrades a lot, there is nothing to miss about SFF. FSD is always the way to go.
Windows 11 Pro AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 32GB DDR5 CL30 Kingston Fury ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Edition 16GB
OSWindows 11 Pro Computer typePC/Desktop CPUAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D MotherboardMSI PRO B850-P Wifi Memory32GB DDR5 CL30 Kingston Fury Graphics Card(s)ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Edition 16GB Monitor(s) DisplaysLG Ultrawide 34" + LG 27" 1080p Screen Resolution3440x1440 Hard DrivesMain Boot Drive : 512GB Adata XPG RGB Gen3x4 NVMe M.2 SSD PSUEVGA 750 Watts 80+ Gold CaseDeepcool Genome II CoolingThermalright Burst Assassin 120 Internet Speed1Gbps BrowserChrome Antivirus"Moderna"
Windows 11 Pro i7-4790K 16GB Corsair Vengeance Pro MSI R9 290
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro Computer typePC/Desktop CPUi7-4790K MotherboardASRock Xtreme6 Z97 Memory16GB Corsair Vengeance Pro Graphics card(s)MSI R9 290 Monitor(s) DisplaysLG Ultrawide 34" Screen Resolution3440x1440 Hard Drives500GB Adata SSD (OS Only) PSUThermaltake 475 Watts 80 Bronze CaseThermaltake Commander I Snow Edition CoolingDeep Cool Archer Air Cooler KeyboardArmageddon MKA-5R RGB-Hornet MouseLogitech G402 Internet Speed1Gbps BrowserChrome AntivirusModerna :)
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I'll say No, appears the bracket is too wide. An example:
4 Port USB 2.0 PCIe Card - Low Profile
www.startech.com
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz 12GB
OSWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typeLaptop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 3400 CPUIntel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz Memory12GB Hard Drives256GB SSD NVMe M.2
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz 16GB Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA a...
Operating SystemWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 5890 CPUIntel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz Memory16GB Graphics card(s)Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter Monitor(s) Displays24" Dell Hard Drives512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD BrowserFirefox, Edge AntivirusWindows Defender/Microsoft Security
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐤
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Lots of cards come with two metal brackets - interchangeable - and if this has the short bracket included, you’re good to go.
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz 32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
OS11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi7-9700 @ 3.00GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Graphics Card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek HD Audio Monitor(s) DisplaysLG E2442 Screen Resolution1920x1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB NVMe SSD, 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
250GB NVMe SSD (OS and programs), 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
500GB NVMe SSD (Data) CaseLenovo SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome, sometimes Firefox AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium & Defender (working together beautifully!)
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz 32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
Operating System11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi5-8400 @ 2.80GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Graphics card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek High Definition Audio onboard Monitor(s) DisplaysLG FULL HD (1920x1080@59Hz) Screen Resolution1920 x 1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS NVMe; 1 x Samsung 980 NVMe SSD CaseLenovo Think Centre SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium and MS Defender, beautiful together
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Lots of cards come with two metal brackets - interchangeable - and if this has the short bracket included, you’re good to go.
Is the Low-Profile Bracket below the short bracket you meant?
Is there always an extra SATA Power connector inside an SFF?
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐤
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Is the Low-Profile Bracket below the short bracket you meant?
Is there always an extra SATA Power connector inside an SFF?
Yep, that's it.
Always is a powerful word. I'd say
normally .
Last edited: Jan 12, 2023
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz 32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
OS11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi7-9700 @ 3.00GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Graphics Card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek HD Audio Monitor(s) DisplaysLG E2442 Screen Resolution1920x1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB NVMe SSD, 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
250GB NVMe SSD (OS and programs), 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
500GB NVMe SSD (Data) CaseLenovo SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome, sometimes Firefox AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium & Defender (working together beautifully!)
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz 32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
Operating System11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi5-8400 @ 2.80GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Graphics card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek High Definition Audio onboard Monitor(s) DisplaysLG FULL HD (1920x1080@59Hz) Screen Resolution1920 x 1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS NVMe; 1 x Samsung 980 NVMe SSD CaseLenovo Think Centre SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium and MS Defender, beautiful together
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What do YOU miss in SFF compared to FSD ?
I guess I use a mixture of both. For my main desktop machine that I game on, I use a typical mid-tower size case and ATX motherboard to run a video card and shove in big coolers, multiple drives, etc.
however, for secondary machines/test machines, I have a couple of Intel Nuc's, a BeeLink mini PC that I run Windows 11 (pretty much a knockoff nuc), and my M1 mac is a mac mini. I love these super small little PC boxes as I never feel the need really to upgrade them, and they are cheap enough that when i outgrow them, it's not costly to replace them with something that meets my needs.
Windows 11 Pro Intel Core i5-8279u 32GB DDR4 2666Mhz Intel Iris Plus 655
OSWindows 11 Pro Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelBeelink SEI8 CPUIntel Core i5-8279u MotherboardAZW SEI Memory32GB DDR4 2666Mhz Graphics Card(s)Intel Iris Plus 655 Sound CardIntel SST Monitor(s) DisplaysAsus ProArt PA278QV Screen Resolution2560x1440 Hard Drives512GB NVMe PSUNA CaseNA CoolingNA KeyboardNA MouseNA Internet Speed500/50 BrowserEdge AntivirusDefender Other InfoMini PC used for testing Windows 11.
Windows 10 Pro Ryzen 9 5900x 64GB DDR4-3600 EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
Operating SystemWindows 10 Pro Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelCustom CPURyzen 9 5900x MotherboardAsus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming Memory64GB DDR4-3600 Graphics card(s)EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra Sound CardOnboard Monitor(s) DisplaysASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD Screen Resolution2560x1440 Hard Drives2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD PSUSeasonic Focus 850 CaseFractal Meshify S2 in White CoolingDark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans KeyboardCorsiar K65 RGB Lux MouseLogitech G9 Laser Mouse Internet Speed500/50 BrowserChrome AntivirusDefender.
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Is there always an extra SATA Power connector inside an SFF?
I have seen a MicroSFF/UltraSFF that used the same motherboard design and power adapter as in Notebooks. It's difficult to determine from some seller's description what is available.
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz 12GB
OSWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typeLaptop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 3400 CPUIntel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz Memory12GB Hard Drives256GB SSD NVMe M.2
Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz 16GB Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA a...
Operating SystemWin11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelDell Vostro 5890 CPUIntel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz Memory16GB Graphics card(s)Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter Monitor(s) Displays24" Dell Hard Drives512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD BrowserFirefox, Edge AntivirusWindows Defender/Microsoft Security
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐤
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It's difficult to determine from some seller's description what is available.
Agreed. Even when they post what
they call specs, one of my main gripes is that they leave at least half a dozen legitimate questions unanswered.
[I even find in the general shops (not to mention any names, but Staples and Best Buy come to mind) the computer sales staff can't answer simple questions like "Can I add a second SSD?" or "How many memory slots are there?"]
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz 32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
OS11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi7-9700 @ 3.00GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GBDDR4 @ 2666MHz Graphics Card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek HD Audio Monitor(s) DisplaysLG E2442 Screen Resolution1920x1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB NVMe SSD, 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
250GB NVMe SSD (OS and programs), 1 x WD_BLACK SN770
500GB NVMe SSD (Data) CaseLenovo SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome, sometimes Firefox AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium & Defender (working together beautifully!)
11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz 32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard
Operating System11 Pro 24H2 26100.2454 Computer typePC/Desktop Manufacturer/ModelLenovo ThinkCentre M920S SFF CPUi5-8400 @ 2.80GHz MotherboardLenovo 3132 Memory32GB DDR4 @ 2600MHz Graphics card(s)Intel HD 630 Graphics onboard Sound CardRealtek High Definition Audio onboard Monitor(s) DisplaysLG FULL HD (1920x1080@59Hz) Screen Resolution1920 x 1080 Hard Drives1 x Samsung 970 EVO PLUS NVMe; 1 x Samsung 980 NVMe SSD CaseLenovo Think Centre SFF KeyboardCherry Stream TKL JK-8600US-2 Wired MouseLogiTech M510 wireless Internet SpeedFast (for fixed wireless!) BrowserChrome AntivirusMalwarebytes Premium and MS Defender, beautiful together