Best configuration for a simple small factor

[kataleen]

Hi guys,

I have to admit I’m fairly new to the small factor PCs scene. I’ve been building my own rigs for a while, but never dwelved into the SFFs. I guess this forum is a good place to start, since I see a lot of helpful posts. Here’s my question:
I’d like to build a very small pc that:
- could run a windows 7 or XP (in the future I might switch it to Linux, but for now I have some stuff that requires win)
- can accomodate 2 internal 3.5 hard drives (I’m fine with only one if that’s the case)
- has a simple look (as little buttons as possible, maybe a display on the front)
- has Gigabit LAN
- is among the smallest possible minding the configuration above
- can run very quietly
- does NOT need to play any video or games or anything for that matter, mainly, I plan to use it as NAS for starters and some simple non CPU-intensive apps.

These are the major criteria for me. I would really appreciate some suggestions, not necessary exact configurations, but more same product ranges and I wll do the work from there. As I said, I am new to this and what I am looking for is some guidance.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but what I’m probably looking for is: a case, a motherboard and some memory.

Thanks a lot!
Kat

[CMB]

Is it height or footprint that's more important ? Does it need much in the way of slots for expansion ? Price ?
2 drives should not be a problem, but you don't mention optical drive.
Size really depends on the case you match the board to, and the layout of the case in regards to ps position/drive layout.
There's a thread here on mini itx you might look at.
http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?t=465474

[kataleen]

CMB thanks for your reply.
In the meanwhile I did some more research and I am leaning towards an Intel Atom 330 motherboard. Possible choices so far are:
- Intel D945GCLF2 Dual Core 1.6Ghz ATOM Mainboard
- Jetway JNC91-330-LF 1.6GHz Dual Core ATOM Mainboard
- ASRock Atom A330GC mini-ITX Mainboard

Can you give me some pros/cons on these motherboards?

For now, height or footprint are not very important. I'd like some suggestions on very small cases that could accomodate one of the abover motherboards and two regular hard drives. I can live with a small external power supply.

As for optical drive, good question. How would I go about installing the OS without the optical drive? I don't think I'd need one for anything else. Are there other usual methods to install windows besides cd/dvd? I heard some roumors that Win 7 might be installed from an USB flash drive. I'll need to check that out but for now I will assume that I don't need one.

No need for expansion slots. Mainly, this pc will be used as NAS and other small things.

Price, as low as possible. The motherboard will probably be somewhere around $120 if I'm correct.

Thanks!

[Mjölnir]

SFF boxes don't acommodate for more than one HDD. However, if you don't need an optical drive in there, you can replace the optical drive with a hard drive, using some 3½" to 5¼" brackets and mounting the hard drive in the 5¼" bay after you finish installing the OS (or just use an external optical drive).

If you're looking at running Windows 7, I don't think the Atom CPU's are the way to go. Not enough power. If I was to do the same thing, I'd be looking at something like a Shuttle Barebone system capable of running an Intel i7 or a Core 2 Duo. The current units will have integrated/onboard Gigabit LAN adaptors. It costs a little more than running an Atom, but you get significantly more power out of it.

http://us.shuttle.com/Models.aspx

[kataleen]

I found many situations where people are running Windows 7 on dual core Atoms and even on single core Atoms. If XP runs ok on these, then Win 7 will most certainly work since it's much more lightweight.
I'm fine with XP too.

[CMB]

I have a netbook running winxp and it is really not that bad .Perhaps go to a local bestbuy/officemax etc and play around with a netbook and see if it feels enough for you.Those boards are pretty similar to a netbook, except the cpu is a bit better.And the screen resolution is not very high on the netbooks.
Most in the store have a 270 atom.
Otherwise the zotac you can put a better cpu and the graphics are better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813500022
Not sure how you are going to use external ps.Better to get a case with a ps from a reputable case mfr where you know the ps is good.

[kataleen]

Looking at the tech specs for this one: http://us.shuttle.com/X2700.aspx

It's exactly what I need, except the optical drive, which I would replace with a second hard drive and the included drive which I don't need.

The case is absolutely gorgeous.

Oh, yeah...I also don't "need" that price. I'd like to keep it under $300 if possible.

Kat

[Mjölnir]

I found many situations where people are running Windows 7 on dual core Atoms and even on single core Atoms. If XP runs ok on these, then Win 7 will most certainly work since it's much more lightweight.
I'm fine with XP too.

Windows 7 isn't more lightweight than Win XP. Are you sure you don't mean Vista rather than XP? I see what you mean with the Win7 on Atom PC's. It'd most likely be cooler and quieter too.

[CMB]

Look in the barebones for some atom barebones. Probably only way to keep under 300.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

[kataleen]

I already have win 7 on a couple of old laptops. I took part in the MS Win 7 install fair.
It's runs very smoothly and many times faster and more responsive than XP. Of course, those are fresh installs, but the XP I am comparing to is quite fresh too.
I didn't mean Vista. I don't have that word in my vocabulary
XP is of course the work horse nowadays, but by the looks of it, Win 7 is very promising.

[kataleen]

I finally decided to buy an Intel D945GCLF2D MINI-ITX Atom 330. Looks just right for what I need.
Now for the case, what do you guys think about this one?

http://www.clubmac.com/clubmac/shop/..._id=CWBBIZRATE

Are there adapters to transform a slin 5.25 bay into a regular 3.5 hard drive bay?

Also, what do you think a normal power consumption would be for ... say...2 x 1TB hard drives + processor? Would 80W be enough?

Thanks

[Mjölnir]

I finally decided to buy an Intel D945GCLF2D MINI-ITX Atom 330. Looks just right for what I need.
Now for the case, what do you guys think about this one?

http://www.clubmac.com/clubmac/shop/..._id=CWBBIZRATE

Are there adapters to transform a slin 5.25 bay into a regular 3.5 hard drive bay?

Also, what do you think a normal power consumption would be for ... say...2 x 1TB hard drives + processor? Would 80W be enough?

Thanks

These are the sorts of adaptor you'd be looking for. Pretty much every computer shop should have some.


As for power, those Atoms are pretty low consumption, so if 80W is what's supplied with that unit, that should be fine.

[CMB]

That case shows this as the 80w power.
http://www.clubmac.com/clubmac/shop/...&img=4&count=7
Not sure what you do with it, the mobo needs a 2x2 and a 2x10 or 2x12
http://download.intel.com/support/mo...4080402_en.pdf

EDIT
I guess the ps is in there, just didn't see it in the pics, and it runs off that power block
http://www.istarusa.com/rackmount_ch...i-itx/s-3.aspx
There is a short list of mobo compatibilies there, might double check if the backplane layout is a problem

[kataleen]

Hey guys,

I just bought the Intel D945GCLF2 Dual Core 1.6Ghz ATOM Mainboard and borrowed a mini itx case from one of my pals.
Installed windows 7. It runs like a breeze. Maybe a little too much hdd activity when I'm working with it, but overall very satisfied.
I will probably change the case soon, since I don't like cube cases very much and this one in particular is not very well thought.

Thanks for all your help!
Kat

[Mjölnir]

Good to hear