SFF PCs

I have made up my mind that I want a small form factor PC.

I want a beast of a graphics card in it (so it needs to accomodate a big slot) but want it as small as possible and not vertical.

Any recommendations? Should I just build one?

It need it to have
multi card readers,
DVD burner,
HDMI or DVI out

I want to hook up wireless controllers to it and a nice remote controller.

I will hook it up to a jack that goes to my router. The computer will be part of an entertainment system and not typical computer setup.

I've had 2 Shuttle PCs and I can't say a single bad thing about them. Recommended.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Busyman™

I have made up my mind that I want a small form factor PC.

I want a beast of a graphics card in it (so it needs to accomodate a big slot)

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Don't overlook the fact that along with the physical space to mount the card you'll also need a power supply stout enough to run it...

I use a Shuttle now, and it's good (it was a barebone with components I picked myself otherwise, though). Have a look at the site, there are some interesting options.

The latest ones look pretty sweet.




However, for my next machine I'm going for something mATX, possibly using a SuGO or something like the Antec Aria. And I'll be selecting the components myself, since I prefer doing it that way.

Haven't decided on a motherboard yet, but I have a few ideas on that and other parts that will give me all the performance I want.

Shuttle parts are often proprietary, and while I don't know about the latest ones, in the past your chances of fitting a more recent mobo in an old model chassis have been nigh on non-existing.

Also keep in mind that high performance parts in a small chassis often produce a lot of noise, at least in my experience.

Last, if you can't balance the performance you want with what you have room for in an SFF-chassis, there's the option of building something in a regular chassis, as well as something using the mini itx-platform for your TV-needs.

In some cases putting two machines together instead of one comes out cheaper, depending on exactly what one has in mind, and the pricing of components, in your area.

Tbh, I don't a big chassis but in the old horizontal chassis format.

Now that I think about it, it doesn't have to really be SFF at all, just horizontal.

I am quite pressed for this.

I want to be able to run Vista Ultimate, play Crysis, play movies in HD, and possibly use as a DVR.

Thanks for the info guys.

Busy,
I've built three systems now into this Lian-li and it's been pretty good.
The comments about the PSU/vid card fit are accurate but I know that the modular Corsair power supply and an 8800 card will work.

Another desktop case to consider: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129014