Can't decide on a SFF system

[RedXray]

I'm going to build a SFF (small form factor) PC
and have cut the field down to either the Shuttle SN41G2 or AOpen EZ18
both have the same AMD motherboard with built in dual head Geforce MX 440.
Nforce chipset and integrated sound. I'm leaning toward the Black AOpen
it's $290.00 compared to the Shuttle @ $245.00.

I just want to use this as a gateway PC for my network and to surf the web.

My current gateway is kind of loud and I'm tired of running it 24/7

The Aopen hides the optical drives so take in consideration
a DVD exposed in the Shuttle. So it comes down to looks, Which One?

These are only 8" tall and the size of a toaster!



http://installers.mystarband.net/SFF%20choices.jpg

[sixshot666]

i see your delima.that aopen is a sweet lookin case.i say aopen.
if you havent picked a cpu yet get a mobile xp 2500+. stock vcore of 1.45 and multiplier is unlocked.

[[GF]Burke]

For just a gateway?
I'd say a M9000 and one of those cases (or make your own.)
much cheaper anyways.

However, These are nice due to the built in speeds and components.
I do like the AOpen and it will OC better if you choose to do so.

[RedXray]

One of the reasons I'm choosing this type of setup is it has the Dual MX440 Graphics for my dual monitors.
The only PCI slot will have to have a NIC for running my Starband network. bahh
(integrated NIC & PCI NIC necessary as I need two)

I actually was looking at the FIC Ice Cube but the one VGA and one NIC
would have me looking at a USB 2.0 to RJ45 adapter solution to keep my
network up and It probably would be a royal pain to configure and may not
even work, Plus the cost of a P4 doesn't sit well with a AMD man!

Heres the Ice Cube sweet looking but to much of a hassle.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/56-101-444-01.JPG

[WVJammer]

I agree with you Xray. Just from what I've read the Aopen seems like the best option.

[JonR]

Well, as for looks I'd say the AOpen.

As for the 1 PCI slot, Id suggest a dual RJ45 card perhaps? Also I'd think that going with Burke's suggestion may offer a cheaper / better soultion. But again you "have" to have dual monitors then I guess go with a SFF. (on a gateway I don't know why you'd need dual monitors... I don't have any on my gateway... its all done remotely...)

[RedXray]

I thought of a ITX solution... but I like the idea of sticking in a quality AGP
card in the SFF for LAN gaming, also appeals to me (these are as powerful as a full desktop)
The dual NIC ran through my mind, but think of It...
I would now have three NiCs and no PCI for the extra Video card.

With my Starband I have to Hook the Modem to one NIC and then
a second NIC going to my router so the Gateway serves also as my main PC.
I can leave the quite SFF PC running 24/7 and not Tax my gaming rig.

Plus it will be nice to finally surf without all the fan noise.

Dose anyone know of a KVM that supports dual monitor setups?

[JonR]

Sorry to do this to you Red....
Google is Our Friend!! (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=KVM++dual+monitor&btnG=Google+Search)

1 (http://www.kvms.com/dual_monitor_kvm/dual_monitor_kvm_switches.asp)
2 (http://www.vpi.us/srvsw-pc-vga-dm.html)

I could go on, but you get the point...

[RedXray]

Thanks JonR

No Offense taken ;)

[Avatard]

You LAN game RedX?

[RedXray]

Originally posted by Avatard@Mar 4 2004, 02:07 PM
You LAN game RedX?
Not as of yet Avatard.

I consider myself a rookie at gaming.
I do drive the Nascar sims and around
when the Coca-Cola 600 rolls into Lowes
motor speedway in May, there are a few Nascar
lan competitions around. I may jump onboard this year.

Plus who would invite me to one?
My generation and or friends don't even
know what a lan is and the few younger
friends I do have are into other things.
Other things that seem to keep them in trouble. :ph34r:

They need to take some geek lessons.
Go back to school, get a job & straight'n up!

You folks here (and my son) are the only ones
I can talk tech with! I'll be heading back to college
this fall and that should fill the void of techie friends.

[scifikg]

I like the black Aopen case, and you can come to my LAN parties anytime. :)

[RedXray]

Originally posted by scifikg@Mar 4 2004, 04:31 PM
I like the black Aopen case, and you can come to my LAN parties anytime. :)
Thanks for the invite and the recommendation! http://casemod.mystarband.net/Smiles/beerchug.gif

Looks like most everyone likes the AOpen also.

[Gogeta]

i say AOpen

[RAID80]

i also like the AOpen but the handle on the ICE is nice for LAN parties

[RedXray]

I just saw this Shuttle on E-bay
It has custom plexi windows
and it's water cooled!

I bet that was a tight tight hard mod
with the radiator reservoir etc.

http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/01/6f/26/8b_3.JPG

[Thecookiemonster]

thats so cool, if i was going to have shuttel pc, i would put some windows on it :)

[LAMA]

Red X, go with the orginal idea the Shuttle SGNF2 or whatever it was, the one with the crazy radiator/heat pipe setup. With the great onboard graphics. I tried to conviene my bro to buy that, but he said "he doesnt want the small one". I didnt understand why anyone wouldnt want it. Oh well. That shuttle will deff. be my next rig.