Which is the Midgetest Midget-form-factor computer that uses desktop parts?
Any suggestions for a very Midget computer that uses desktop parts (not laptop parts)? I don't mind if it has some laptop parts but I want a desktop hard drive, since desktop HDs are much faster.
Public Comments
- Mini-ITX allows you to use full size components. Check out http://www.logicsupply.com for some toys. Also, Shuttle makes Midget form factor computers that also allow you to use a full CPU and not something integrated so you have a more powerful PC.
- got any hands on experience with this kind of thing? I have a Biostar iDEQ 200N, a similar rig but without the cool handle. Is it reliable with a lot of hot parts packed into a Midget form factor? Heat can be an issue, but they're engineered with special heat sinks and cooling to address it. Running a hot video card can be the biggest problem -- you want a card with good cooling. Is it loud? Generally these things are designed for use as home media PCs, so most of them are quiet. I can't hear my Biostar over anything else in the room. :-) Is there any accelerated way to hook it into and out of home and work situation (i.e. a docking station). I'm thinking about this as a daily use machine. Sure. Just get all USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and put them on a hub. Then you just have to connect the USB cable, monitor, and speaker cord when swap it around. (You could even go USB audio, but yuck.) We use them almost exclusively for our LAN parties these days. Most have cooling solutions designed for Midget spaces, whether it be heat pipes (Shuttle) or heavily ventilated cases. We've successfully run them for extended periods with Radeon 9800 Pros and Audigy2's, + 3.0GHz P4's, with no heat issues. In fact, I have an Athlon 64 cube here, and it does run a bit warmer, but the fan chugs along and keeps it cool. Plus, all of these have aluminum cases that bleed heat a bit more efficiently
