Looking For: Cheap Small system

cloneman · Post by **cloneman** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:57 pm

The place where I work currently builds systems that have only one purpose: boot off a 32MB cf card to a minimalistic linux for some dealership. They are using mATX (2PCI-slot motherboard) in a small-ish case, with Celeron D's.

Is there something I can get that would be smaller, prebuilt, perhaps cheaper, and requiring less airflow (for dust purposes) . Obviously performance is not needed here. I'd like to keep the two pci slots if possible, but that may prove difficult if I want to reduce the size.

My goal is to make these systems maintenance free (less dust, smaller and more robust)

kentc · Post by **kentc** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:30 am

tiny workstations:
http://www.linutop.com/

tiny workstations and servers:
http://www.gumstix.com/

cloneman · Post by **cloneman** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 10:41 am

wow those look really cool. I don't necessarly want to go THAT small though.

jaganath · Post by **jaganath** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:24 pm

Is there something I can get that would be smaller, prebuilt, perhaps cheaper, and requiring less airflow

IMHo you are looking at a mini-ITX solution: low power, small form factor, can be cooled passively.

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=31

Take a look at the Fanless EPIA 5000 Starter Bundle; I am sure you can get a similar kit in the US.

Hifriday · Post by **Hifriday** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:33 am

PCChips has this motherboard with a built-in VIA C3 processor for around $55 and it's nearly Mini-ITX size with 2 PCI slots.
The CPU heatsink/fan can be replaced so the entire system runs with only one fan (or possibly fanless) and fit inside an A4 sized foot print like here.