Compact/Mini computers?

[Demon-Seed]

Hey Guys
I am planning a new project hooking up pc to my tv but I need a compact or slim type of pc so it doesn't look bulky and ugly, you know something sleek that will blend in with my PVR/reciever... Just looking for some suggestsions on makes etc.. so far I know of the following... Shuttle and mini itx... it can be a desktop slim case but not sure who/what brand/models are available...tough looking on ebay/google etc if I dont know the name:) any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[knave]

I would go with a media center PC vs a small form factor like a shuttle.

Don't get me wrong, I have and LOVE my shuttle case...but if you are going to use it alonside media devices such as a PVR you want a HTPC case.

Check this one out:


Its the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC17.

Here are a few more examples from Toms Hardware Guide...

[Demon-Seed]

Hello,
Thanks for the link but I guess I should clarify..I already have a PVR with my digital cable, and I have an audio reciever that plays divx etc.. the computer I wish to hook up to my tv will be a gaming machine only, so I dont need it to be a complete theatre/media device. I just want to be able to hook it up to my LCD tv and audio to reciever. Looking to have the computer be compact to look or resemble a pvr box or component device.. you know so it flows with the decor and wife will be happy.

I guess I should mention I have considered a laptop however they can be expensive and lack upgradeability.... I am after something that will at least run N64 emulation. Ideally would like to run PC games and PSX too. I just dont know much about shuttles, mini itx (there expensive)...I guess I should mention i am in Canada in case anyone has links to stores or ideas..

Thanks for the link I will look into

Jim

[Hawk Daddy]

I've got a compaq evo, it's a pizza box style pc, about 1.5 ft deep and 1.25 ft wide.  black and silver.

1.3 ghz celeron
256 ram
12 or 13 gig HHD, I know that part sucks

Let me know if you'd be interested.  I'll post a pic if you would like.

Hawk

[Demon-Seed]

Hello
I dont think the cpu etc. is enough for full speed n64/psx emulation.? Not sure..if it would be or not. What type of system is required to run games like Mame - Mortal kombat, Killer instinct, and N64/PSX at full speed?
thx
Jim

[knave]

I am planning a new project hooking up pc to my tv but I need a compact or slim type of pc so it doesn't look bulky and ugly, you know something sleek that will blend in with my PVR/reciever...

I understand.  I was thinking that by the above statement you wanted a "media" looking case.  Not that you wanted to use it as a media pc, just that you wanted it to blend with your other media gear.  I'm thinking throw the parts of your choice in there and use it as a game box. No one will know that it is not a part of your entertainment system...and some of them come with remotes.

[Dervacumen]

I am planning a new project hooking up pc to my tv but I need a compact or slim type of pc so it doesn't look bulky and ugly, you know something sleek that will blend in with my PVR/reciever...

I understand.  I was thinking that by the above statement you wanted a "media" looking case.  Not that you wanted to use it as a media pc, just that you wanted it to blend with your other media gear.  I'm thinking throw the parts of your choice in there and use it as a game box. No one will know that it is not a part of your entertainment system...and some of them come with remotes.

That should be the plan.  There are several computer cases out now that are shaped to look like they are AV equipment, just like the picture above.  Doesn't matter what you put in it.  Antec has a couple of nice ones.

[SavannahLion]

I don't think I've ever seen a HTPC case that I actually liked.

There are a slew of people gutting old boxes, like VCRs, old game consoles, Disc players, etc. All in an effort to make something that doesn't look like Benders barf. There's this growing market of mini-PC's that are being installed everywhere and there is still nothing that looks like a half-decent case for them.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea thats the problem...want something compact (doesnt have to be mini) maybe you guys could post some links to companies that make sleek cases for regular pc items not mini itx.. I find the mini itx too be too expensive. If I can find a decent sized case that looks sleek then I will just add the parts...either that or a laptop but laptops cant be upgraded much

thx
Jim

[knave]

How about these at newegg?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=htpc


I particularly like This one.

But it's hard to resist the lure of a Bargain.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
those are some dynamite cases..... my concern is getting all the items to fit in:) I need to be sure it will take normal pc items... nothing special. Not sure but some of those cases come with AGP risers etc? not sure what they do.... Also that website is great..only one huge complaint it doesn't list the case size..I had to go to website of each individual company..

thanks
Jim

[spacies]

I have a Thermaltake Mozart.

Its a big sucker but sure is purdy.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Ah..those give me some great ideas...just curious these multimedia centres....I am guessing ppl use them for mpeg/mp3 etc??? I have been out of the loop..awhile........keep the suggestions coming. Anyone know of store that sells them pre made with components. I really like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811117064

thx
JIM

[knave]

The Riser card allows you to install the graphics card parrallel to the Mobo. Basically it's an adapter to reduce the hight of the unit.  You'd have to read what cards can fit in there but usually any normal sized GPU.

Most of the cases can hold a normal ATX or Micro ATX case...but some do specify only micro so read carefuly.  Other than that a normal HD, NIC, DVD etc all fit. If any of the cases have special requirements it's usually listed again do your research. It's a great idea to go to the MFG website and read all you can.  I would if it were my money.

I'd listen to the new egg reviews though cuz it sux to spend $100-$200 on a really cool looking case only for it to be a cheap POS when it arrives.  Fortunatly newegg returns are pretty good...but you'll be out shipping.

[Demon-Seed]

Hello
Hey thanks for the advice.. I will check out that site and read, read and read. I likely wont be able to afford to build my idea for awhile but I am starting to shop around.  My only question is what is POS? is that some computer term ? 

[Pik4chu]

Hello
Hey thanks for the advice.. I will check out that site and read, read and read. I likely wont be able to afford to build my idea for awhile but I am starting to shop around.  My only question is what is POS? is that some computer term ? 

POS = piece of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, ie a crappy case. 

I have used a couple small cases like those myself and while they are nice and compact working on them is a pain at times due to the cramped spaces.  The advantage that those boxes have over shuttles is that you can use your own parts where shuttles are often limited by the included motherboard and power supply.  Also a word on Mini-ITX, a while back (different site) I did a project for an SNES/N64 emulator using an xbox.  The board I used was this http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/78_76/products_id/776 and I must say that it was able to run all the NES/SNES games I could throw at it but some of the more intense N64 games gave it trouble (mario64 worked fine but zelda:ocarina of time was choppy)  However the mini-itx market has come a long way and things like this are even available http://www.logicsupply.com/index.php/cPath/78_75 (for a cost of course) but I think your best bet is to get a micro-atx style board (which is not all that rare these days) and get one of the htpc cases linked above.  Just be sure to read the reviews on newegg.
 

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea price point wise I am thinking the HTPC box is the way to go for me... just starting to plan it.

thx
Jim

[Level42]

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=B1BE7C42&node=home/desktop/mac_mini

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea the macmini is a great idea..however from what I have read the video out to TV is very poor... and it expensive for what you get... I will go with a HTPC case I think. first i have to get ride of the laptop i have.

thanks
Jim

[Level42]

Hey
Yea the macmini is a great idea..however from what I have read the video out to TV is very poor... and it expensive for what you get... I will go with a HTPC case I think. first i have to get ride of the laptop i have.

thanks
Jim

Expensive ?? Do you know what you get back in software etc. ? I bought a Mini when I visited the US last September....it's my main machine now, and I love every bit of it. I wouldn't know why the video quality would be poor ??

Also, it is whisper quite. And I value that VERY much

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
What have you done with that computer ie) which games/emus have you ran and what speeds do you get.? Does it have USB??

[Pik4chu]

except that, other than your basic MAME, Macs lack many other emulators for some of the good stuff, including pinball

Hey
Yea the macmini is a great idea..however from what I have read the video out to TV is very poor... and it expensive for what you get... I will go with a HTPC case I think. first i have to get ride of the laptop i have.

thanks
Jim

Expensive ?? Do you know what you get back in software etc. ? I bought a Mini when I visited the US last September....it's my main machine now, and I love every bit of it. I wouldn't know why the video quality would be poor ??

Also, it is whisper quite. And I value that VERY much

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Oh thats too bad.. I wasn't sure if it had emulator support HOWEVER cant you use PC items on a mac?

Jim

[Pik4chu]

Hey
Oh thats too bad.. I wasn't sure if it had emulator support HOWEVER cant you use PC items on a mac?

Jim

what do you mean by "pc items"?

[Demon-Seed]

My brother bought a Mac laptop and says it can run all actual PC programs.?

[Guaranos]

The Mac Mini can run Windows just like any other PC.  It is dead silent, tiny, and looks better than all of the HTPC cases I've seen.  The TV out on them is fine, much better than my old mini-itx systems, and they have DVI built in, so if you have a newer TV you can probably use that and have a perfect picture.  And yes, they have USB.

If you want to avoid Windows, there's a bunch of OS X based emulators too, though Pik4chu is right in that there aren't any pinball ones (at least that I've seen).  There don't seem to be many front-ends though.

The big risk with getting a Mac Mini is that you might do what I did - scrap your intended project and start using the Mac as your main PC.   

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea my bro bought a mac and he said he would never go back to a pc. I must have misread the posting I thought the pc emus did not work on it. So would i be able to run nes---> Dreamcast on it? with the same software as a pc?? also..i cant find detail specs on the minis..do they have usb so i can add controllers? and harddrives? also what do they have for video.....like what would they run?

thanks
Jim

[Guaranos]

Here's the detailed specs on the Mini:

http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html

The weakest part of the Mini is the on-board video, so it probably wouldn't do well on whatever the latest 3d graphics card destroying PC game is out there, but it's way more than enough for MAME, NES, SNES, etc.  Not sure about Dreamcast, as I've never played with an emulator for that.

You can install Windows on the Mini, so whatever you can run on Windows, you can run on it.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea the mac mini looks pretty good..anyone have one and can comment on what it will and not run?

Jim

[torez]

Look for keyword:
Dell Optiplex

As they have towers as well, here is an example of the slim ones I'm thinking about:
http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-OPTIPLEX-GX240-1-6-GHZ-256-MB-40-GIG-HD_W0QQitemZ110122434392QQihZ001QQcategoryZ140070QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They come with different specs, but this one would be good for the money.

[torez]

You may have some luck with this one, if you want something bit slower:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1496-FAST-DELL-OPTIPLEX-PC-SYSTEM-DESKTOP-COMPUTER-NR_W0QQitemZ230125894637QQihZ013QQcategoryZ140070QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/1493-FAST-DELL-OPTIPLEX-PC-SYSTEM-DESKTOP-COMPUTER-NR_W0QQitemZ230125875313QQihZ013QQcategoryZ140070QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(no monitor included)

but I would go with the first one I posted.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea those are good ideas too...any idea on the case size? what speed/settings do i need to run n64/psx full speed?

[Grasshopper]

Have you considered a modded Xbox?

[Demon-Seed]

Yea I have thought about it..I emailed Snaake about it but I havent heard a response. From when I had an xbox prior I do not believe it will run many games that I wish to play IE) MK2.  Also when I had one a few years back it could not run N64 or PSX unless that has changed. I want to be able to plug it into a tv and have an easy to use interface with all the games readily available.. dont want to swap through menus/cds.

[davieboynj]

i would...

throw this inside a broken old NES...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153052
(processor included)

or,

get one of these...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101022

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
I love the look of that case..compact etc.. However onboard video and I do not see any empty slot ??

This sort of thing is what I seem to like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856110075

need to find one pre built or in a package deal.

thanks
Jim

[Pik4chu]

Hey
I love the look of that case..compact etc.. However onboard video and I do not see any empty slot ??

This sort of thing is what I seem to like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856110075

need to find one pre built or in a package deal.

thanks
Jim

well that is a barebones so it is technically already a package deal, just add CPU+RAM and you are done.  And as for the mini-itx linked above you probably wont be able to run PSX/N64 at full speed because it seems to be a weaker version of Via Mini-ITX systems which I use for SNES/NES emulation and it can do those just fine but it has trouble with most N64 games.

[Level42]

Hey
Yea the mac mini looks pretty good..anyone have one and can comment on what it will and not run?

Jim

Well since it runs Windows XP too in theory it should run MAME on there pretty well....I'm not really sure, I don't use it for Mame....and of course there's a Mac Mame too.

[knave]

As a PC tech I could make all sorts of Mac jokes...but the truth is I like macs just fine.  The down side to the mac mini is cost.  for the same $800 I could build a better PC for mame.(for $800 I could build a darn nice machine for anything)  If you need it for it'a size then that's another thing entirely but still then there are other options for your $800.

[Demon-Seed]

Yea your right.. I am thinking I will do the PC thing.

thx
Jim

[Guaranos]

As a PC tech I could make all sorts of Mac jokes...but the truth is I like macs just fine.  The down side to the mac mini is cost.  for the same $800 I could build a better PC for mame.(for $800 I could build a darn nice machine for anything)  If you need it for it'a size then that's another thing entirely but still then there are other options for your $800.

$800?  Yes, for the higher-end one with the DVD+/-RW drive.  The base one is $599, and can be had for even cheaper in their refurb section...

For small form factor PCs, which is what this guy is looking for, it's tough to find a better price/power, or price/quality, ratio.  I own both an older G4 Mac Mini and an older mini-ITX system, and quite frankly, the mini-ITX system is junk.  It's underpowered (even for its time) and the tv-out is blurry.  Worst of all, when you add the cost of the mini-ITX board, the case, the memory, the hard drive, a slim-line CD drive, and the video card (to avoid the blurry tv-out), you're pretty close to that $599 and almost twice the size.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Yea I have to agree the ITX is too expensive. Now the idea I have it does not have to be completely mini..just reasonable so that it blends with my decor/current cable box etc.... the newegg site has several options. I did not know about that site..its good.

thx
Jim

[knave]

$800?  Yes, for the higher-end one with the DVD+/-RW drive.  The base one is $599, and can be had for even cheaper in their refurb section...

Hey no problem, I think anyone would get their $$ worth out of a $599 mac mini.  And that's a good option if you need your PC to be small.  I still could build a good Mame PC for way less than $599.  You hit the nail on the head when you said the ITX is pricy.  I would not go that route.  I would use conventional parts.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
Just curious has anyone on the board made a box to tv? Maybe some links could be posted of what others have done..to make the box stylish.  Also links of "Arcade in a box" that look stylish would be cool too..
thanks
Jim