mITX alternative to ION based set up?

[qqg3]

I'm in need of a compact setup that is as fast as possible on a limited budgeted. The host of ION based "nettops" are tempting but I'm worried about the power, especially encoding etc.

Any ideas? I havn't a clue where to start when buidling a small form factor PC but from what I've read; a C2D will be far more flexible than an Atom or whatever.

 

[AbsenceJam]

There are S775 ITX boards like the 93/400 boards.

 

[betaspin]

On a limited budget a Zotac 9300 ITX, an E5200, a Compucase 8K01, 2 or 4Gb RAM and a cheap 3.5" hd should provide a relatively cheap system which will be way more powerful than anything that is ION based.

 

[Guardsmon]

Moving on from betaspins comment - if you arent' needing graphics then a Zotac 630i ITX would be a better buy for the money.
E5300 + 630i + 2GBmem + Seagate 500GB 3.5" sata + InWin BM639 with 120W psu, comes to under £240 inc shipping

But it all depends what you want it for