I have a mini-itx system that is not performing as I'd like, so I'd appreciate some advice.
The system is running on a Zotac IONITX Atom N230 motherboard, which I want to get rid of because it runs like a 486 and is really hot to boot.
The case is a (Apex MI-008 MINI-ITX Case) and I have a 90W Pico PSU. I want use both of those parts.
This system will be used to play DVDs (rarely), mostly Youtube, ripped movies (the 700MB variety), MP3s. No gaming, no blueray.
Apart from those requirements, I just want it to be quiet.
So my question is: what combination of MB/CPU/Heatsink will do what I want and fit in that case? The case is 5.1" tall and with the PicoPSU there should be about 4" headroom above the CPU socket. a 120mm fan will _just_ stand up on side inside the case.[/url]
Mini-ITX advice
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
while i might suggest an atom 330/ion board, it seems you want off the atom train...
there are the mini-itx 1156 boards, which paired with an i3 would give very good video performance for the dollar and wattage. you'd want to keep asking to see if the 90w picopsu is enough though, i wouldnt know.
for a cooler... if youre not running an expansion card, the big shuriken would work. if you are, or might later, then at 95mm wide, the noctua nh-u9b would fit within the mounting hole area and not interfere... looks like height would be a tight squeeze though.
there are the mini-itx 1156 boards, which paired with an i3 would give very good video performance for the dollar and wattage. you'd want to keep asking to see if the 90w picopsu is enough though, i wouldnt know.
for a cooler... if youre not running an expansion card, the big shuriken would work. if you are, or might later, then at 95mm wide, the noctua nh-u9b would fit within the mounting hole area and not interfere... looks like height would be a tight squeeze though.
Why do you say that?ilovejedd wrote:There are more inexpensive motherboard choices available for LGA-1156 than there are for AM2/AM3.
I've only checked newegg, but AM2+ boards starts at $40, while 1156 starts at $80.
The good thing with using AM2+ in this situation is that the DDR2 RAM can be reused.
Total price for the upgrade would be $98 for board and an Athlon II X2 245 CPU (or $88 if you bother messing with the rebate).
If you need DDR3, USB 3 and PCIe x16 then look for this board.
A 1156 CPU + board starts at $180, and you still have to get DDR3 RAM if you don't already have it.
Newegg isn't the only place for buying, and maybe not the first choice if you live in Canada,
but I don't think you can get any lower prices than with AM2+, especially when the DDR2 RAM is reused.