Small form factor builds: worth the hassle?

[Crow69]

Small form factor PCs, often built around mini ITX motherboards, pack powerful hardware into tiny cases. Some are barely bigger than a shoebox, yet they can hold a high end processor and a full size graphics card. They look great on a desk, take up little space and are easy to carry to a friend's house. But anyone who has built one knows they can be a challenge

The difficulties are well known. Space is tight, so cable management becomes a puzzle. Cooling needs careful planning, since hot components are packed close together. Parts like SFX power supplies, low profile coolers and ITX motherboards can cost more than their full size equivalents. Some cases need parts installed in a specific order, and getting it wrong means starting again

Popular cases include the Cooler Master NR200, the Fractal Ridge and the Lian Li A4-H2O, along with many tiny cases from smaller makers. Some people go even smaller, with builds that hold a graphics card sideways or use external power supplies. The community around these builds is enthusiastic and very helpful, with lots of guides and part compatibility lists

I built my first small form factor PC last winter in an NR200. It took three times longer than a normal build, and I cut my finger twice on sharp metal edges. But it now sits neatly on my desk, runs quietly and looks fantastic. I would do it again, but I would plan more carefully

Are small form factor builds worth the hassle? And what would you recommend to someone trying one for the first time?