Hi - I am posting pics of the min-itx computer I made within a clear, very small plexi-glas case.
I was motivated to do this after reading abt the mini-itx form factor, including reading that it basically can do what a full ATX format MB could do, with some limits on RAM slots and vid cards, and reading abt the low-power, 35w tdp intel chips, with native video, that were a really cool fit between low power/low heat atom processors, and the usual intel or amd desktop CPUs. the low power makes it easier to have adequate cooling.
it had to have a max power demand level that would allow a laptop-type power supply, with heat sink in the power cable and not in the computer case. --the micro-psu atx power supplies, plus appropriate laptop-type power cord, are a great set-up to allow this. [ I am fascinated by the atoms, but still not knowledgeable enough or excited enough to figure out my own build based on an atom.]
I told my 7 year old son that we would make a computer together. he likes looking at lego dots com and other kid stuff. It would be small, since it was just for a boy. it would be cool since we like things to be cool.
for items that might be visually cool to shop for, we shopped. the case was found on ebay. I though some aggressive, cool heat sinks on ram would fit, per my calculations, but I was wrong. I ordered g-skill ram with cool heat sinks, but had to remove the heat sinks to fit the case. temps are fine. that was abt it for what would look cool. the rest - not much - hard drive and cpu cooler - just had to fit.
video was not a big concern. these intel chips have onboard, and these MBs know it. and, we are not intense gamers. [the future - maybe not so much I hope he is not living in my
basement in 20 years playing rpg.]
specs in next post.
I was motivated to do this after reading abt the mini-itx form factor, including reading that it basically can do what a full ATX format MB could do, with some limits on RAM slots and vid cards, and reading abt the low-power, 35w tdp intel chips, with native video, that were a really cool fit between low power/low heat atom processors, and the usual intel or amd desktop CPUs. the low power makes it easier to have adequate cooling.
it had to have a max power demand level that would allow a laptop-type power supply, with heat sink in the power cable and not in the computer case. --the micro-psu atx power supplies, plus appropriate laptop-type power cord, are a great set-up to allow this. [ I am fascinated by the atoms, but still not knowledgeable enough or excited enough to figure out my own build based on an atom.]
I told my 7 year old son that we would make a computer together. he likes looking at lego dots com and other kid stuff. It would be small, since it was just for a boy. it would be cool since we like things to be cool.
for items that might be visually cool to shop for, we shopped. the case was found on ebay. I though some aggressive, cool heat sinks on ram would fit, per my calculations, but I was wrong. I ordered g-skill ram with cool heat sinks, but had to remove the heat sinks to fit the case. temps are fine. that was abt it for what would look cool. the rest - not much - hard drive and cpu cooler - just had to fit.
video was not a big concern. these intel chips have onboard, and these MBs know it. and, we are not intense gamers. [the future - maybe not so much I hope he is not living in my
basement in 20 years playing rpg.]
specs in next post.
