First Mini-ITX PC

S

sunny87

Geek Trainee
Ok I've got interested in mini-ITX PC as there getting quicker and more flexible as time goes on.
Basically what I'm after is a cheap way to the following things...

I need to use it on a HD TV most of the time.
I need to install a recommend Linux OS
I need it to have at least 1GBDDR RAM
I need to save as much space as possible
I also would like a fast and good sized HDD
And I need to build in wireless. (Like a Lappy)

Ok first of I'm living in the UK so I need a really good website to buy from at good prices and second I have only small knowledge of these I know they have mini psu's for them,
Also I’ve been looking at Slackware to install would anyone recommend anything different?
Basically I need to use it for running small games 2d and some 3d (maybe) really basic anyway, and I need like a C++ type thing for Linux as I’m going to make games on it plus any compatible controllers would be kool wireless controllers would be a bonus.

Can anyone help me? Thanks.
 
I wouldnt reccomend mini-ITX unless you REALLY need the space, you will get alot more for your money with standard sized components!

I would reccomend Ubuntu, its simple to use and setup and (after running automatix) it can do just about everything (if not everything) a user needs (Multimedia codec's [mp3, dvd etc], msn client (similar to official client), office suite, wireless manager etc)

There is a link in my signiture (points to a thread on hwf) where you can request Linux CD's to be send to you (for whatever reason, your on a slow connection, your capped to so many GB a month etc).

sunny87 said:
I need to use it on a HD TV most of the time.
>>>> Does your TV have a VGA socket?

I need to install a recommend Linux OS
>>>> see above

I need it to have at least 1GBDDR RAM
>>>> not too hard, cheep and cherfull or major brand?

I need to save as much space as possible
>>>> you could just use longer cables :P {and have the machine away from the desk)

I also would like a fast and good sized HDD
>>>> get a SATA drive, how many GB's? (100, 200, 300, 400, 500???) or how much do you want to spend on your hdd)

And I need to build in wireless. (Like a Lappy)
>>>> a PCI wireless card is about £15

Ok first of I'm living in the UK so I need a really good website to buy from at good prices
>>>> i would reccomend Micro Direct Ltd - Quality Computer Components

any compatible controllers would be kool wireless controllers would be a bonus
>>>> you can get usb adapters which allow you to use PS2, Gamecube, Xbox etc controllers
Click to expand...



good luck!
 
Thanks for you're help mate, I need to have at least 160GB HDD, money is no problem I'm downloading Ubuntu know, so I'll try that out on my test machine is it compatible with emulators’ for SNES ect? Thanks for that website as well really kool:D

so the Mini-ITX uses standard DDR RAM 184 pin? if so that's cool I'll get 1GB crosshair.

Oh any my PC has nearly every connection known to man kind lol
RGB, SCART, HDMI, component.

If I'm going to be doing basic programming onto it making like 2d SNES games it should be fine.
Also I have a SNES dev cart this one...SUPER-FLASH 64M from ToToTEK Multi Media Co.


edit:spelling

I was wondering about drivers but I'll just get a copy of windows if I have any problems.

Thanks for you help I know I'm a pain lol.
 
so the Mini-ITX uses standard DDR RAM 184 pin? if so that's cool I'll get 1GB crosshair.
Click to expand...

The RAM you need depends on the motherboard you buy, check the specificatiosn before you buy your ram (have you chosen a board yet?)

ZSNES Home Page - About ZSNES >> i use zsnes to play mario on a 650Mhz laptop with 512MB RAM, works a treat.

It is possible to use the drivers which come on the cd (for hardware) on linux, i've never done it tho (everything works :D)
 
If you are going down the ITX route you'll probably want a VIA processor (arrggh ;) ) You won't need to use a fan with the VIA processor, so it'll keep the noise down.

Zsnes on ubuntu is as simple to install as typing:

Code: 
sudo apt-get install zsnes

Once you've set up the universe and multiverse repositories that is. See 'Getting the most from ubuntu' in the Linux forum
 
megamaced said:
If you are going down the ITX route you'll probably want a VIA processor (arrggh ;) ) You won't need to use a fan with the VIA processor, so it'll keep the noise down.

Zsnes on ubuntu is as simple to install as typing:

Code: 
sudo apt-get install zsnes

Once you've set up the universe and multiverse repositories that is. See 'Getting the most from ubuntu' in the Linux forum
Click to expand...

I was thinking of going with this little thing LinITX.com - VIA EPIA N10000E Nano-ITX Mainboard


Or alternatively

LinITX.com - VIA EPIA EK10000G Mainboard

the nano is alot of money for what it is.
 
Ok If I build the one I want it comes to £513.02 and that's with the following...

VIA EPIA N10000E Nano-ITX Mainboard

Panasonic UJ-845 with Black Bezel - Slot Loading DVD-RW & CD-RW

Fujitsu 100GB 2.5" 5400 SATA - MHV2100BH

KC3000 Mini-ITX Case

Slim CD IDE Adapter

Kingston 1GB PC3200 DDR SODIMM

And the power is built into the case or if I buy a pre-built system it comes to £366.82

And features the following...

Morex 3688 chassis in Black with 60w Power Supply

EPIA M2 12000 motherboard running at 1.2GHz

Kingston 512MB RAM

Seagate 80GB 5400rpm 2.5" Hard Drive

Slim CD adaptor and IDE cable

2.5" IDE hard drive cable

I think I might go with option 2 as I’m not to worried about writing DVD’s on the system and I can always update the RAM at a latter date.
 
60w power supply.... dam that sounds sweet (it doesnt seem right, im on 400w!)

[ot]
i need to look into something silent, fan noise is staring to annoy me at night (bittorent never stops.... ), was looking at converting a winterm to linux the other week
[/ot]
 
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