View Full Version : I finally surrender
OK. The time has come to downsize my computer. I have looked at Soltek, Shuttle, and Abit. Here are my basic requirements:
Silver or black
Intel chipset
SATA (Raid not required)
USB2
Hyper threading
Dual channel RAM
800MHz FSB
Rear panel SP/DIF out connection
No overclocking requirement
SILENT.
Smart looking
Must be able to accommodate a 9800 Pro wirh a VGA Arctic silencer fitted
The items above are must haves.
Preferences:
Matching fascias (preferably, a flap in front like the Soltek)
Preferably, 2 external 5¼" bays and 1 x 3½"
If it is guaranteed to be able to boot from a USB floppy, the 3½" bay requirement is relaxed.
Thank you.
Will any of them be able to hold a 9800 with the Arctic Cooler fitted?.
Big Adam
26-02-2004, 11:30
Originally posted by Alan
OK. The time has come to downsize my computer.
And you've spent sooooo long refining your big beastie! :(
Anyway, welcome to the small side. I reckon that's a pretty tough spec for a FlexATX system unless you consider taking a flex mobo and building your own case. We all know that by silent you mean SILENT and not just quiet! :D
You considered MATX in a compact case? An Asus P4P800-VM would appear to suit your needs perfectly. Would give you the flexibility of a bigger (and quieter) PSU. Of course, if you've no need for the PCI slots...................
jon bda - the Abit Digi Dice does 'cos it can take an Abit otes card and has a spare slot.
B.A. True, it doesn't have to be as small as a shuttle but it does have to be a lot shorter than the 110 and a lot shallower. I think that most cases that could take a micro-atx board (whether tower or desktop) would transgress in at least one of those dimensions. e.g. our mutual CM 600 wouldn't do.
But I'm open to specific options!
Big Adam
26-02-2004, 12:07
Any chance you could cut your 5.25 requirement down to just one?
Cos then the rather lovely Strata 260M would suit your requirements perfectly (he said trying not to be biased).
OK B.A. I've looked. It is a real option though it might be too wide for current location - so two questions.
How quiet is it?
Would it detect a USB floppy drive as a genuine Drive 'A' so you can install SATA drivers during Windows installation?
Big Adam
26-02-2004, 12:59
I've no idea what the 'Quiet' 200W PSU sounds like as I have the 390M model case which takes an ATX PSU (which I've fitted with a Silenx)
I've spoken with Rod of Stands Unique (who manufacture the Strata) and he recommends SeaSonic units. Not sure if it is these ones in the 260M range.
I couldn't say for sure whether the Asus would detect a USB drive as a genuine a: during boot but if you only need this for installation of your SATA drivers, I'd simply take the lid off to temporarily plug in an internal flopy drive (assuming you still own one :) )
With regard to the floppy, I'd already thought of that option and I suppose if you are doing it once - it's no big deal.
As for Rod's comment about SeaSonic units, if he is recommending it, it would be quite cynical of him if that is not the unit fitted to the 260 - no?
Does the 260 model take full height graphics card? - rather important that one!
Although your 390 allows full size ATX PSUs and more drive space, it is taller - and IMO, negates some of the benefits.
In the 260 photo, what is the point of all those rivet like dots on the top - in the picture at least, it looks quite bowfing and is the one reservation I have about its looks. That is, it doesn't spoil the overall look but I would rather they weren't there.
Adam, what's the web address for Stands Unique? I've lost your original post on these cases? Ta!
I'm in a similar position. Going for the 260M would be much nicer, but I'm afraid that the 200W mATX PSU isn't gonna be enough juice for the planned system....and I'd prefer to have more than one HDD in there in the future.
I also have a spare ATX PSU laying around, so I could put that to good use in a 390M.
BA, how does the drive bezel fit onto an optical drive? Would I be able to install a Pioneer 106 with it?
Big Adam
26-02-2004, 14:35
Originally posted by Alan
As for Rod's comment about SeaSonic units, if he is recommending it, it would be quite cynical of him if that is not the unit fitted to the 260 - no?
Stands Unique do not supply the Strata's with PSUs as standard. If you ask them to fit a PSU, you'll find it is a SeaSonic. I'm not sure if Kustom are adding the PSUs themselves or they have an arrangement with SU.
Originally posted by Alan
Does the 260 model take full height graphics card? - rather important that one!
Yes
Originally posted by Alan
Although your 390 allows full size ATX PSUs and more drive space, it is taller - and IMO, negates some of the benefits.
Horses for courses. I needed a nice deep case that my huuge Pioneer receiver could sit on TOP of in the short term (it'll be in a rack in the long term) There was also the factor that silencing an atx psu (or obtaining a silent one) is far easier than doing the same with a matx version.
Originally posted by Alan
In the 260 photo, what is the point of all those rivet like dots on the top - in the picture at least, it looks quite bowfing and is the one reservation I have about its looks. That is, it doesn't spoil the overall look but I would rather they weren't there.
They're not rivets. They are little allen-key-type hex-bolts which screw down into the side panels to hold the lid in place. I agree that 10 (in the case of the 390M) is overkill but I think they look kinda cool.
I really need to get my 390M fully configured and post a decent review with some nice piccies. It's been sitting in bits in my study for ages........maybe this weekend.......:(
Big Adam
26-02-2004, 14:49
Originally posted by Proplus
BA, how does the drive bezel fit onto an optical drive? Would I be able to install a Pioneer 106 with it?
The bezel sticks onto the drive tray using industrial double sided tape much like a standard 'stealth'.
You may be interested to know that Rod offers a custom etch service of the bezel so you can have the words "Proplus Rocks" (for example) or even a graphic instead of the standard "STRATA".
To quote Rod:
"all we need is a vector based file such as 'wmf' or 'eps'
or even a 'dxf' or 'dwg'. We use CorelDraw here so a 'cdr' file is fine too. With this coordinate based file the digital engraver will remove, with it's 15,000rpm high speed router, material from the rear of the 6mm acrylic drawer cover.
It's worth mentioning that a font is a vector file, any typical windows fonts will be engraved with an outline. I can create a single line font from a windows font by using a program this end as small text 'outlined' can look messy.
The 'one-off' cost for setting up a custom badge is £15.00 to cover time on making the graphic work properly and to cover test pieces. Once the file is created there is no extra charge for using the graphic on any future Strata enclosures ordered.
I'm pretty sure Kustom could sort out this for you rather than it being a post-sale add-on.
If you look here (http://forums.kustompcs.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&postid=124977#post124977) you will see my existing PC in its new home. I can't hear it at all and it doesn't look so bad - and big - and I'm now having 2nd thoughts about downsizing:D
The Abit Digi Dice spec. is perfect for my needs and would fit in the space to the right of the monitor shelf (where the Logitech mouse base is sitting or to the left of the monitor with the monitor moved over to the right a bit... but, it does look a bit like a micro wave oven and the fact that the front fascia is plastic (both the door and the drive fascia)... is putting me off. And it can't be as quiet as my current machine?
Then I looked at the Strata - particularly the 260M but it is too wide to fit at the end of the monitor shelf (where the mouse charger is) though I love its pure simplicity and absence of fussy detail. It would, at a pinch, go on the monitor shelf at the extreme left with the monitor moved right a bit but I need a Card Reader - it is a must have and do they make external ones?
So, I'm seriously looking but not quite so urgently.:rolleyes:
You just wanna show off your new desk again!!! ;)
Couldn't you put the Strata 260M on the top left next to the TFT, and move the mobile phone caddy?
Alan, have you looked at the Biostar iDEQ? Other than the 2x5.25" drives, which most SFFs don't have anyway, it's perfect for ya.
ProPlus - Yes :p and yes, I mentioned that location in my post. It would have to be the 260M in that case as part of it would hang over the shelf.
KingNic - the Biostar was my first thought but it hasn't got an 800MHz fsb, or DDR400, or dual channel, or SATA. The last, especially, is a killer.
Originally posted by Alan
KingNic - the Biostar was my first thought but it hasn't got an 800MHz fsb, or DDR400, or dual channel, or SATA. The last, especially, is a killer.
Looking at the specs for the Biostar iDEQ 200T it say's the following :-
Intel Pentium 4 800Mhz FSB
Intel 865G + ICH5R
Two DDR400 slots
Dual channel memory architecture
Intel SATA RAID
http://www.biostar.com.tw/ideq.html
Personally, I think the only edge that Shuttle's XPC's have over the iDEQs is the replaceable components. The PSU, casing, facias and a few other bits and pieces can all be easily replaced a shuttle, iDEQ's don't have any replacements available. If replacements were made for iDEQs then Shuttle is in major trouble...
Alan, have a look at the new SFF bought out by Abit, can't recall the name, but I remember doing a news post for my site on it a few weeks back. It might be what you are looking for.
Thanks for that Taz, I was looking at this one (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Barebone_Systems.html)
ProPlus, do you mean the Digi-Dice? Its specification is perfect for me but I made some comments about it in a previous post. If its not the Digi-Dice, could I have a link?
Big Adam
27-02-2004, 14:13
*Drum Role Please*
Alan, I think I've just found your perfect barebones. It meets every single one of your requirements and more!
Presenting the Asus T2-P. IMHO it look tasty-mungous!
http://www.asus.com/products/desktop/t2-p/t2-b_l.jpg
Dimension (w)190 mm x (h)310 mm x (d)300 mm
CPU Support Intel Socket 478 Northwood/Prescott Up to P4 3.4+ Ghz
Memory Support PC1600/ PC 2100/ PC 2700 / PC 3200 up to 2GB
2 DIMM slots
Motherboard P4P8T (proprietary)
Intel 865G / ICH 5 Chipsets
FSB 800/533/400MHz
Graphics Graphics integrated 8MB (BIOS default) shared memory architecture
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI 1 x AGP 8x
Audio AC97 SW audio, 6 channel codec
S/PDIF audio output
Audio DJ play buttons
Audio CD
FM radio studio
LAN - 1 x 10/100 Mbps - 1 x Wireless 802.11b WiFi
(*Commercial DLX and Comsumer DLX ONLY)
Memory Card Reader Compact Flash Type I/II, Microdrive Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card Smart Media Card
Drive Bay 1 x 3.5 FDD
1 x 3.5 HDD (Hidden)
2 x 5.25 ODD
Front I/O - 2 x USB 2.0
- 2 x IEEE1394 (4pin, 6pin)
(*Commercial DLX and Comsumer DLX ONLY)
- S/PDIF-out, MIC, Head-phone
- 7-in-1 memory card reader
- Audio DJ play buttons
- Power button
- Power on & HDD LED indicators
Rear I/O - 4 x USB 2.0
- PS/2 KB, PS/2 Mouse
- VGA port (D-SUB)
- Game / MIDI port
- RJ-45 LAN Port (10/100Mbps)
- Line-in/out, Speaker out
- FM studio antenna
- 802.11b wireless antenna
(*Commercial DLX and Comsumer DLX ONLY)
- GIGA LAN (*Commercial DLX ONLY)
- TV TUNER (*Comsumer DLX ONLY)
Details here (http://www.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=T2-P&langs=01#)
If it ain't silent, you can Alanify (TM) it!
You can thank me later ;)
p.s. The spec above doesn't mention SATA but the website does.
p.p.s I think the bay covers are 'flip-downs' like my Asus Pundits. These look great. Think I might get one myself! ;)
p.p.p.s. Real life pics here (http://www.digit-life.com/news.html?102082#102082)
Alan, not the DigiDice, I'm referring to the new DigiMatrix:
http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.html?i=1963
Adam, deeelighted! Is it mATX, does the PSU block the CPU HSF (do I know WTF I'm talking about?) Where can I get it, can Graeme get it? I hope these come to the U.K.
Proplus,that is delightful. I would never have it as my main PC though, but as an HTPC only. By the time I'm flush enough to have a 2nd PC, maybe it will be commonly available.
Thanks to both of you for your great suggestions :D
Big Adam
27-02-2004, 20:57
Alan,
Now the bad news. It's a proprietry motherboard, which could mean some sort of weird arrangement. The mobo in my Pundit is L shaped! Being Asus, you are guaranteed it being a quality piece.
I would imagine that being so small, it's got a fairly crampt HSF/PSU arrangement. I'm trawling for internal shots as we speak. Using my Pundit for guidance again, this has a fairly standard CPU HS fitted with a 70mm fat exhaust directly out the side of the case via a cowling.
There are also two different flavours too, one being a 'deluxe' model.
There is one of the mainstream UK online retailers listing the Terminator 2 as being available in 4-7 days, with another stating them in stock and the price is unbelievable (in a good way). I can't imagine it being worth Kustom stocking them to be honest.
Continuing the search.........
Big Adam
27-02-2004, 21:15
Good News!!!! Loadsa Room!! Especially around the CPU (fitted with a TT HSF)
Take a look at the piccies here (http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album)
The cheap one I've found in the UK is the standard version.
EDIT: And an excellent review here (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=terminatort2p&page=1 ) but ignore the comment on the 333 bus limitation. The system fully supports an fsb of 400Mhz according to the Asus website.
The Pic doesnt work in your last post :( Click it and see.
Cheers
MjG
This Link (http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=56-110-012-03.JPG/56-110-012-02.JPG/56-110-012-05.JPG/56-110-012-06.JPG/56-110-012-09.JPG/56-110-012-10.JPG/56-110-012-08.JPG/56-110-012-07.JPG/56-110-012-12.JPG/56-110-012-11.JPG) might work a bit better ;)
That thing's huge! Go for iDEQ mate.
noggins12
28-02-2004, 16:23
I been waiting for something like this for some weeks, I didn't like the alternatives like Shuttle, since I couldn't add a removable hard disk caddy and a CDRW. But with the ASUS T2P you can, and you ever get FM tuner with it.
So I Just brought one and it's delicious! Small beautiful and all the space you need for all your optical drives. :)
Only £131.59!!! It's so much cheaper than the competition and it's better equiped. :D
noggins, can we get some piccies please and opinion on noise.
Next, I'm going to make a case for the Abit Digi Dice in terms of my original requirements at the top of this thread:
Silver or black OK but it doesn't have an aluminium fascia
Intel chipset OK
SATA (Raid not required) OK
USB2 OK
Hyper threading OK
Dual channel RAM OK
800MHz FSB OK
Rear panel SP/DIF out connection OK
No overclocking requirement
SILENT. Has potential but I don't know for sure.
Smart looking A matter of opinion. First time I saw it, I thought great! But...
Must be able to accommodate a 9800 Pro wirh a VGA Arctic silencer fitted - This it certainly does - and without losing the pci slot!!
One of the reservations I have of the Asus is that it is steel! This makes it great value for money, I agree. But I am not going to buy it from that company. And it doesn't tick all the boxes the way the Digi dice does, it's also getting a little bit away from my requirements size wise though it is still small.
Truth is folks, if I didn't have some doubts about it's front, the Digi Dice would be just what I was looking for. :rolleyes:
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