Mini-ITX machine suggestions
Forum: Hardware Talk
Topic: Mini-ITX machine suggestions
started by: brianez21
Posted by brianez21 on Sep. 19 2005,20:20
Hi everybody!I've been a big fan of DSL since I first saw version 0.8 (it's on my little 128MB SD card
). Anyway, I am thinking of getting a mini-ITX machine to run it on. (You know, because they're awesome!)I want to put it together myself & I thought some of you would be able to give me some help. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
I can get a monitor/keyboard/mouse/RAM/pen-drive, and I'm making the case myself (hehe)...
Here is my cart so far:
- EPIA-800 PLE133 800MHz CPU Include ITX Motherboard CPU Combo
- PW 60A, 120W fanless, cool power for EPIA-5000, VIA EPIA-V, EPIA-800, dc dc power supply
- AC power adapter, 12V, 5A Switching Power Adaptor 110/200V
I selected the EPIA-800 because it has TV-out and it's cheap for 800Mhz. I'm trying to stay under $200 ($217 incl. US shipping).
Do you think I'll need anything else?
Posted by howard__ on Nov. 08 2005,03:48
How did your system turn out?I'm looking at the mini-ITX 800 Mhz fanless as well with the CompactFlash to IDE converter for the main system "disk".
I'll admit to some confusion on what powersupply to get. Since I'm doing a custom case, it looks like I need PW-60A (for ~$46) and ?AC Power Adapter? (for ~$25-$39): total $71 to $85 or one of the MOREX 3688 Mini-ITX Cases for $85 (and gut the case into my case).
Does this sound reasonable? What's the story on parts needed when building your own case?
Posted by faroutscience on Nov. 08 2005,14:34
Why not just use the Morex case?I have an M-10000, Morex case, Sony CDRW/DVD, and a 40GB Hitachi Travelstar as my only computer.
It did cost more than $200 but it is bulletproof running linux.
Jeff
Posted by howard__ on Nov. 11 2005,02:51
Good question.I have a Philco 90 reproduction case that I want to turn into my entertainment system. Frankly, the inside of the case is huge -- I could fit a full sized ATX motherboard inside, but I want to go fanless and make it a media system.
Part of the trick is the 4 knobs on the front ... I want to attach shaft encoders and have them control the volume, on-off, chapter selection (for DVD) or next/previous song (if MP3s). Of course, if anyone has suggestions on the shaft encorders, I'm listening
So, the things I still don't know how to do are:
1. Power: what parts to buy (or buy the case and gut it?)
2. Shaft Encoders: I don't expect to be so wildly lucky to find someone who knows the answer to this.
Thanks for the response.
Posted by AwPhuch on Nov. 11 2005,20:46
| Quote (faroutscience @ Nov. 08 2005,09:34) |
| Why not just use the Morex case? I have an M-10000, Morex case, Sony CDRW/DVD, and a 40GB Hitachi Travelstar as my only computer. It did cost more than $200 but it is bulletproof running linux. Jeff |
Got some photos..howtos..blah blah blah?!?!
Brian
AwPhuch
Posted by faroutscience on Nov. 12 2005,01:19
I'll try to get some inside pics this weekend and post them here. It is packed in pretty tight but runs very cool.Jeff
Posted by brianez21 on Nov. 22 2005,21:45
Hi everybody!I decided on going for the EPIA M10k because of it's support for DDR266 and Firewire (mount my external HDD under DSL).
You can find pictures of it on < my webpage >. I will be posting a how-to on it shortly. I'm going to build a plexiglass case for it similar to < John's little mini >.
I noticed the Damm small machine is out - but I can't find a standalone nano-ITX board for sale! Whats with that?
| Quote |
| Why not just use the Morex case? I have an M-10000, Morex case, Sony CDRW/DVD, and a 40GB Hitachi Travelstar as my only computer. |
No way I'm buying a case - making my own is too much fun! No CDROM for me - a 300GB external drive (burnt a huge hole in my wallet) holds all my ISO's and backups... Thanks goodness for loopback devices!! I've never owned a desktop computer - just 2 laptops - and only 1 at a time .. this is my first "desktop PC".| Quote |
It did cost more than $200 but it is bulletproof running linux. Jeff |
So much for me staying under $200!! My new budget is $350.
And bulletproof? What kind of case did you use!! LOL.
Posted by brianez21 on Nov. 22 2005,21:57
I don't get it ...the < Barebones computer > is 1.0Ghz fanless!! HOW??? I wish I had seen this before I got my 1.0Ghz Nehemiah + fan!
Posted by howard__ on Nov. 24 2005,19:50
It looks like the 1Ghz fanless in the barebones system is using the case for heat dissipation. Since you're going with your own case ...
Posted by brianez21 on Nov. 26 2005,20:40
I'm building the machine today and tomorrow so I'll post some pictures of it. If this project comes out good I plan on building a second one, but using a fanless EPIA 5000 or EPIA ML6000.I'm also glad to see DSL 2.0 is out
this distro has some real speed behind it!
Posted by brianez21 on Dec. 29 2005,19:44
Has anybody seen the pictures at < http://nez.bri1.com/miniitx1 > ??I <3 my mini itx machine!
Posted by jtiger on Jan. 19 2006,03:37
It looks great, man! very nice machine--I like the plexiglasstop! How much did it cost in the end?
Posted by brianez21 on Jan. 19 2006,20:14
The mainboard/PSU was $210RAM was $40
The hard drive was free (taken from a dead computer)
The case components cost about $30, don't remember exactly
Posted by Electronhauler on Feb. 03 2006,08:08
If you need a low cost DSL Mini-ITX System I have been putting some machines on Ebay. Some are complete working DSL boxes, some are barebones. The bidding has been well below $200 (incl. Shipping) There will be 4 more going up over the next 2 or 3 weeks. I hope the moderator does not regard this as spam as I would like the boxes to go to DSL enthusiasts.I am building a Freevo Mini ITX System for myself and have been using DSL for a few months. The only issue I have come across is that USB Wireless NIC's are difficult to get working... I have not succeeded yet!
Posted by Dickinson01 on Feb. 04 2006,16:06
howdy yall...... Wait a minate, WTF?!?!
Posted by doobit on Feb. 04 2006,23:23
hmm, many instances of a meaningless phrase....