Move stuff into an SFF case?

Mr.Clark · 5 Jun 2009 at 23:57

I'm getting the feeling that I've got a problem with a SATA controller on my motherboard.

Rather than waste time and money trying to diagnose this, I'm thinking of advanceing The Plan a bit and replacing my PC with a shuttle.

Apparently we're in a recession, so I don't really want to spend huge amounts of moolah. This means re-using as many existing bits and bobs as possible, so no crazy new CPU socket or RAM type.

Basically, I'm looking for a Shuttle type PC that can take the following:

Intel Core2Duo E6600 CPU
DDR2 RAM (Currently have 2x1GB sticks but if there's room for expansion, that would be grand)
nVidia 8800GT card (I think it's a single slot, but can't remember for certain. It's the Zotac Amp! version)

I've also got a Creative X-Fi Fatality edition. I know I won't get the front panel working, but if I could stick the PCI card in and hook it up to the headphone slot at the front of the case, this would be a bonus.

A PS/2 keyboard socket would be nice but not a deal breaker.

The one I've currently found is the Shuttle SG31G2. It looks good, I'm just wondering if there's anything cheaper... I'm not bothered with on-board graphics or HDMI, the graphics card will sort that out.

Thanks

jawor121 · 8 Jun 2009 at 09:45

This Shuttle seems to be ok but the psu will be crap. I would go for:
MSI M3-F Intel G31 £40
Lian-Li V350B £85
Corsair CX 400W £41
It might be bit more expansive but will also be better as the psu's good quality and quiet.

Mr.Clark · 9 Jun 2009 at 22:58

Someone has recommended a modular PSU to avoid cable clutter in the case, such as the OCZ ModXStream Pro 400w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Modular Power Supply or the Corsair HX 450W ATX Modular SLI Compliant Power Supply

I don't know anything about OCZ or Corsair when it comes to PSUs... any preference? (since you've gone for a Corsair in the first instance)

jawor121 · 9 Jun 2009 at 23:03

Well, i personaly prefer Corsair as they are quiet, Ocz are loud and hot.I have had Corsair 520w before and it's been really good,sold it though because didn't need that much power and bought my favourite which is Chieftec

.

Mr.Clark · 9 Jun 2009 at 23:11

This is beginning to look like a plan

Doubly good, because with two 5.25" bays, I can have a DVD burner AND my X-Fi front panel on

Thanks!

jawor121 · 10 Jun 2009 at 10:08

, thats good then.Lian-li cases are really high quality and the price's not killing.I was gonna buy it but then changed my mind and want atx now.