Minimum specs...

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Looking to build a SFF PC for the kitchen/breakfast room, thinking I might tie it up with a touchscreen so can control things without keyboard etc.

Want it to be able to play TV via a card, music (iTunes or equivalent) and stream anything else I want, possibly including video, from a server in the loft.

What's the minimum spec board that'll do this? Looking to buy a new/used mobo, possibly even something like the VIA embedded stuff, but have no idea how the processors compare with the Intel/AMD mainstream ones. MHz these days seems to be a very subjective thing and don't want to have something that'll be short on grunt. Not after HD video, so basic graphics functionality is all that is required, as I assume even the most basic embedded graphics card will power a 15"/17" screen?
 
are you after some think small and how small are you looking for?

i would go for a low end low powered dual core cpu intel/amd that will do the job
with an all in 1 mother board ie with sound n gfx. but i guess it depends on the
size your after.

also how much are you thinking of spending?
 
Was thinking of something small and inobtrusive and I wouldn't need much in the way of HDD as anything other than OS will be server based, OS probably on a CF card for low power and silence. Perhaps mini-ITX is too restrictive/expensive compared to what I can get in micro-ATX as at the end of the day, it's not like I'm putting it in a car or anything!

I suppose if I go for a low powered desktop CPU, I should be able to run it very quietly.

And I want to spend as little as possible. I'm trying to do it as a "it would be useful to have but I don't need it" type of project, so don't want to spend thousands!
 
If space isnt an issue then I'd go for the mATX approach. You should be able to find a cheap mobo, mid to low range AMD x2 and some RAM all for a low price. The case could be something cheap and nasty to hide in a cupboard, or if you really want a modding challenge, build it straight into one of the kitchen draws! It might even be worth looking for a cheap second hand laptop if you can find one at a good price.

PK!
 
would have to agree with misterPK, I'm just building a M-ITX setup - its very very small, but most boards are either embedded like the VIA which are great for what they are or laptop socket CPU's like intel 478 socket. These are great for the low power consumption and quietness, but they aren't cheap.
If you decide M-ITX is the size you want then I would look at the embedded CPU's for the power you will need and the price, but if you aren't worried too much about the size M-ATX and old 939/940 AMD cpu would easily do you and be the cheapest option.

Good luck.
BTW like the idea of putting it in the draw :D
 
misterPK said:
...or if you really want a modding challenge, build it straight into one of the kitchen draws!...
Click to expand...

Like the idea of that!!!! Am hopefully moving in a few months, so won't implement fully until then, but would certainly mean space is less of an issue. Could fit a HUGE motherboard in a kitchen draw with room to spare!

Would be nice having it hidden away only wire would be that to the screen And most kitchen units behind the skirting are on legs, leaving loads of space for a PSU, keeping temps down further. Sounding better and better...!

If I go down this route then it's pretty much fair game on any (quiet) motherboard and a lot cheaper. Pity I've just used my old mobo in a server, but sure I can find second hand ones somewhere ;)

Thanks for the thought provoking ideas!
 
I can't claim that idea as my own, there was someone over in the case forum ages ago who put one straight into their desk draw. The only thing about putting things down at floor level is to make sure you don't have rats!

EDIT: Here's the thread I remember: Linky

PK!
 
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maybe some think like a Asus Pundit P2-M2A690G Barebones System would to the job and its small in size.

case size is Dimension (mm) W x H x D 91 x 275 x 357

all you would need is a cpu some think like a AMD AM2 x2 BE-2350 2.1GHz that runs at 35w
then add your self a good tv card. + 2x1gb of ram

what kind of tv card are you looking for ? freeview, sky digi?
 
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Got Sky HD in the main living room and soon in the bedroom, so probably only thinking Freeview. Didn't realise you could get any sort of Sky TV card though?

Need to get home to look at all the pictures, firewall blocking them I think.

The Asus case does look quite nice and suppose it would amount to the same cost as a separate mobo and case.

And PK - my cleaner does a very good job, thank you!
 
For skycards look at: digital everywhere cards, they aren't cheap though.

If you do put it in the draw, just remember there will be no air circulation so things might get a little hot.
 
maybe some think like a dual tv card that does freeview and sky.

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR3000 PCI Analog+DVBT+DVB-S Satellite card

dont think the card supports hd channels tho

you will need to link it to your sky set-top box for it to work
 
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i think it just uses a stream from your digi box to the card then decodes it to your pc i think

never used the card myself so im not 100% sure on how its done
 
But I would assume it can't watch a different channel to the Sky one then? Without another subscription card at least?
 
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