Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: rdagger on September 02, 2006, 03:46:08 pm

Title: Small computer for cab
Post by: rdagger on September 02, 2006, 03:46:08 pm

I've been looking for an extra small PC, but powerful.  I need something to fit in a very compact cab.  Something like the ASUS S-presso pictured below, but maybe with a little more power (especially the video card).  Any suggestions?  Also is anyone using Windows XP Media Center edition?

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: severdhed on September 02, 2006, 10:41:28 pm

the best way to go is to buy a microATX motherboard and build it yourself.  Just mount the components into the cabinet without a case...there really is no need for a pc case inside an arcade cabinet.

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: Dreamwriter on September 02, 2006, 11:24:06 pm

Yeah, if you want powerful, Micro-ATX is the smallest you can get.  There are smaller PC's - Micro-ITX and Nano-ITX, but their CPU's are pretty weak.  You can get a Micro-ATX with an Athlon 3200 for $100 at NewEgg.com (power supply, RAM not included).

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: rdagger on September 03, 2006, 03:00:23 pm

Quote from: severdhed on September 02, 2006, 10:41:28 pm

the best way to go is to buy a microATX motherboard and build it yourself.  Just mount the components into the cabinet without a case...there really is no need for a pc case inside an arcade cabinet.

I want to have the PC in a small case, because I need to be able use the computer for other tasks occasionally.   I was just wondering if anyone knew of any better barbones mini-cases than s-presso.

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: Hippo on September 03, 2006, 04:49:21 pm

Get a shuttle. Flex ATX format with as powerful as you like CPU's. Damned small size too. www.shuttle.com (http://www.shuttle.com)

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: Gambit on September 05, 2006, 08:25:24 am

Get a laptop.  They are very small and can be bought with powerful CPUs.

More specific a Desktop Replacement laptop.

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: pointdablame on September 05, 2006, 08:37:32 am

Another vote for a Shuttle.   I love them to death.  I've owned three of them, and have one right now as my main PC.   Awesome little cases, and their motherboards have gotten quite good.

Title: Re: Small computer for cab
Post by: MinerAl on September 05, 2006, 03:42:41 pm

Gambit's got a good idea, especially a laptop with a docking station.  You could have the docking station in the "keyboard drawer" portion of your cab, and then take the computer with you when you need it elsewhere.

Also, if you already have a windows XP license, a MacMini is tiny as tiny can be, and runs windows natively now.  Not sure about the video card in it though.