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AMD Fusion matx

T

tikiman2012

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Dec 16, 2009
Messages
1,228
So, here's the question. Is there any manufacturer that makes a slim mini atx case that can accommodate a full height pci card either installed straight or sideways. I really want to put together a fusion system for an HTPC in the bedroom and get rid of the full size AM2 system that I currently have in there. But I have the old Linksys SRX400 wireless router and pci card. I don't feel like running the wire because the SRX router and card work flawlessly for all of my media streaming.

Does anybody have any ideas? I want the system to be as small as possible with just the board and pci card.
 
mini ATX does apparently exist though. 5.9" x 5.9" from what I can find...
 
bastage said:
Easy solution would be to get mITX board such as the ASUS E35M1-I DELUXE that has 802.11n & a new wireless N router that can be flashed to ddwrt.

That way you can use a much smaller case & get better speeds too.
Click to expand...


The problem with that is the cost. You're talking another hundred or so for a descent router. Plus I would need a matching pcmcia card for my laptop, if they even make one.

Running cable is sounding like a much better plan.
 
Actually I linked a good router for 40 bucks & you dont need anything else for your laptop.. Tis the way 802.11 works..

Ultimately your old shit is just 802.11g. Basically anything 802.11n is backwards compatible (with very few exceptions) to the slower 802.11g/b/a. You could simply even buy the board I linked with the integrated 802.11n and use it with your existing router. I just recomended the newer router to get you faster speeds then what you have now.
 
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The laptop needs to be able to have hd streamed to it in the kitchen while cooking and such. Wife and all.
 
tikiman2012 said:
The laptop needs to be able to have hd streamed to it in the kitchen while cooking and such. Wife and all.
Click to expand...

Dude I dont think you get the concept of the 802.11 standard.. The key part of that is "standard". It doesnt matter the brand its all made to work together. So you dont have to change any hardware on your laptop. If you did & you got a new router it would jsut make everything faster, but if you done then thats your choice & you get the same speeds you have now.
 
Streaming HD shows and such doesn't work well on standard 802.11g. The laptop has an srx400 pcmcia card to be able to do this in any watchable way. The onboard Intel wireless adapter can't handle it.

I already basically have N standard speeds. The SRX was a pre pre-n router.
 
Ok... Fine.. Ignore what the rest of the interwebs has to say & do it your way. You will get slower speeds using g then n regardless of whether or not you have SRX written on it.

All the SRX moniker is was a fancy name given to what were supposed to be high performance parts.. Well high performance in 2006 when that router was new is not even middle of the road now..
 
What I'm saying is the laptop doesn't have a 802.11n wireless adapter.

It has this.
http://www.intel.com/products/wireless/prowireless_mobile.htm

I understand what you are saying, and I would love to upgrade my network. The problem is cost. The network I have works perfectly. I have to be able to justify it to the wife. Changing to a wireless N system will require a new $40 router, a new pcmcia card or this:
http://www.intel.com/products/wireless/wireless_n/overview.htm for the laptop.
And using the mini-itx board adds another $30 to the build. If you have a suggestion for an adapter for the laptop on the cheap, then I am all ears.
 
you know all 802.11 is backwards compatible right? So an N router will work with a G standard and so forth.

So, in other words, you don't need to upgrade your laptop network card for it to work the exact same way that it already is.
 
Yes, they are backwards compatible. The question isn't whether or not it will connect. Obviously it will connect. The question is bandwidth.

So your telling me that I can stream high quality movie rips and hdtv across a 54g wireless connection and not have any problems? And have it play back in Media Center on the laptop without problems. Like it does now with the srx?

Or are you saying that the srx laptop card that I have will connect to a new n-router at the same high speeds that it does now?

So basically, I am being told that my bandwidth will not suffer? I don't see how going to a slower connection isn't going to cripple my current wireless bandwidth.

The difference between the intel onboard wireless g and the srx is a 50% margin going to the srx with matching router. It doubles the bandwidth.
 
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Basically your being told that n is faster then g.. the reason your srx g card is faster then your internal even though there both internal has to do with the signal. Basically the srx stuff didnt do anything but boost signal. With a N router that shouldnt be an issue. & if you really want to play it safe then grab a usb 802.11n adapter for another 20 bucks and get the Faster speeds on your laptop also.
 
bastage said:
Basically your being told that n is faster then g.. the reason your srx g card is faster then your internal even though there both internal has to do with the signal. Basically the srx stuff didnt do anything but boost signal. With a N router that shouldnt be an issue. & if you really want to play it safe then grab a usb 802.11n adapter for another 20 bucks and get the Faster speeds on your laptop also.
Click to expand...

Yes, N is faster than G. SRX400 G is faster than regular G because of the multiple channels, also known as MIMO technology or adaptive channel expansion; ergo, more than 1 channel, not just the signal. This is the same thing that N is based on. The srx400 runs at double to triple the bandwidth of regular G, but only maybe half of N, regardless of whether it tells me it's connected at 240mbps or not. N is more refined.

Before you comment on something, if you are giving advice, learn what you are talking about. I originally posted about a micro-atx case with a sideways, full height pci card slot. I would like to stick to the parameters of the question. I do not want a simple solution that my 9 year old son can come up with in 5 seconds.
 
Blah Blah Blah.. What you asked for is a case I have never seen before & I look at alot of cases, especially in SFF/HTPC realm. So since what your asking for is going to be rare & most likely very expensive I attempted to provide a cheaper/easier alternative.

Also the 1st rule of asking for help on the interwebs is be prepared not to get the answer you want.

Also its funny that you mention it uses MIMO link 802.11n does since linksys specs for this router dont list it. Neither does any review for this router that I can find. So maybe my googlefu is just weak today.
 
Ok, ok... how about everyone takes a deep breath.


OP -- if you reference the sticky at the top of the sub-forum for some applicable questions you might be able to give the folks here a bit more concrete info.

Basically what I'm tracking is: slim (i.e. low height) mATX HTPC case which can fit a full height pcie card and a mATX fusion mobo? I also sense that cost is an overriding factor? Might need a bit more info to give a more precise estimate/pick parts -- it's all in the sticky ;)

Completely off hand and without any specificity, you're looking at about $130-150 for a mATX zacate motherboard (the Asus E35M1-M seems to be the best out there, but MSI has a cheaper board IIRC), and anywhere from $50 to $200 for a slim mATX case (I'm a big fan of the Silverstone LC-19, but it's very expensive). You're also looking at ~$50 for DDR3 ram (if you don't have it).
 
bastage said:
Blah Blah Blah.. What you asked for is a case I have never seen before & I look at alot of cases, especially in SFF/HTPC realm. So since what your asking for is going to be rare & most likely very expensive I attempted to provide a cheaper/easier alternative.

Also the 1st rule of asking for help on the interwebs is be prepared not to get the answer you want.

Also its funny that you mention it uses MIMO link 802.11n does since linksys specs for this router dont list it. Neither does any review for this router that I can find. So maybe my googlefu is just weak today.
Click to expand...

These types of cases used to be around all over. I haven't been able to find them recently, and with the vast, collective knowledge, of the [H] forums, i figured somebody would know where to still get them, since I can't seem to find them anywhere now. If I do find a case and the price difference is too much, then I will just drop another wire down the wall. I have to do it anyway when the temp outside gets better.

And yes, the srx400 uses MIMO. Multiple channels. My walls in my house are made of 1/2 inch drywall covered by a 1/2 inch of mortar. It's old. That was the reason I chose that system in the first place. More channels, and better signal. I never said that the srx uses 802.11n. I said it uses 802.11g with multiple channels. I did a lot of research when i chose this system. I know what it is. I've now used it for years, and there is no reason to replace it. It works flawlessly.

If you didn't know the answer to the original question, then why did you comment?
 
Machupo said:
Ok, ok... how about everyone takes a deep breath.


OP -- if you reference the sticky at the top of the sub-forum for some applicable questions you might be able to give the folks here a bit more concrete info.

Basically what I'm tracking is: slim (i.e. low height) mATX HTPC case which can fit a full height pcie card and a mATX fusion mobo? I also sense that cost is an overriding factor? Might need a bit more info to give a more precise estimate/pick parts -- it's all in the sticky ;)

Completely off hand and without any specificity, you're looking at about $130-150 for a mATX zacate motherboard (the Asus E35M1-M seems to be the best out there, but MSI has a cheaper board IIRC), and anywhere from $50 to $200 for a slim mATX case (I'm a big fan of the Silverstone LC-19, but it's very expensive). You're also looking at ~$50 for DDR3 ram (if you don't have it).
Click to expand...

Yes Machupo, cost is a factor. The m-atx fusion board is the one that fits the bill. And it fits it because of the pci slots. I don't know how long you've been around, but, back in the mid to early 2000's these m-atx cases with the sideways slots were around a lot more than they are now. I'm a big fan of the Silverstones too, I have one for my main HTPC, but for the bedroom, the cost is too much. I found the ddr3 for $25, so that's covered. It's only 2GB, but lets face it, for a Media Center extension box, you don't need anymore. The only thing left is the case. Which is the frustrating part. If the case for this build ends up costing to much, then I will find a cheaper case and just drop another wire.
 
tikiman2012 said:
These types of cases used to be around all over. I haven't been able to find them recently, and with the vast, collective knowledge, of the [H] forums, i figured somebody would know where to still get them, since I can't seem to find them anywhere now. If I do find a case and the price difference is too much, then I will just drop another wire down the wall. I have to do it anyway when the temp outside gets better.

And yes, the srx400 uses MIMO. Multiple channels. My walls in my house are made of 1/2 inch drywall covered by a 1/2 inch of mortar. It's old. That was the reason I chose that system in the first place. More channels, and better signal. I never said that the srx uses 802.11n. I said it uses 802.11g with multiple channels. I did a lot of research when i chose this system. I know what it is. I've now used it for years, and there is no reason to replace it. It works flawlessly.

If you didn't know the answer to the original question, then why did you comment?
Click to expand...

Since you obviously know the answers you want to get then why did you post ona web forum.

And the only case I know of that stil puts a full heigth card sideways is a silverstone knockoff found on ebay, but I believe its a mITX (still not sure if you were asking for mitx or matx though)..


Edit: Try this seller also has it avail with a slim dvd burner for 20 bucks more which is a definite good buy.
 
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bastage said:
Since you obviously know the answers you want to get then why did you post ona web forum.

And the only case I know of that stil puts a full heigth card sideways is a silverstone knockoff found on ebay, but I believe its a mITX (still not sure if you were asking for mitx or matx though)..


Edit: Try this seller also has it avail with a slim dvd burner for 20 bucks more which is a definite good buy.
Click to expand...

Bastage, I didn't want to get into some kind of flame war with you. If I didn't make myself clear in the first post, then I'm sorry. I have a parameter for this build that I'm trying to stick to. If I can build this system with the pci card, and in my cost parameters, that is my preference. Which means a matx board. If I cant fit the pci card, then I will just drop another wire. I am not interested in upgrading my wireless at this time.

And I appreciate the link. Thank you. I'll have to do some research on it.
 
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tikiman2012 said:
Bastage, I didn't want to get into some kind of flame war with you. If I didn't make myself clear in the first post, then I'm sorry. I have a parameter for this build that I'm trying to stick to. If I can build this system with the pci card, and in my cost parameters, that is my preference. Which means a matx board. If I cant fit the pci card, then I will just drop another wire. I am not interested in upgrading my wireless at this time.

And I appreciate the link. Thank you. I'll have to do some research on it.
Click to expand...

Now that you have clairifies mATX board that means your plan is to use the ASUS E35M1-M PRO I assume since thats the only mATX zocate board I know of. a Very good choice none the less. Also means that the link I provided will do you no good since its a mitx case.

This also means that chances are you will not find a "slim" case to hold your card. for a desktop configuration the best your going to find without going something really high end htpc is probably the silverstone gd05 which is still fairly spendy at 100 bucks with no PSU. You can definitely find cheaper cases about the same size, just not for the same quality.

& I apologize, if I sound abrasive, but I hate to see people spend more to maintain older tech. Especially when your making trade off's to do it (such as case size).

I really like that pro board & I would like to get one for my home server, but its in a matx tower (lian li a04). Honestly though its not as good for a set top board as the mitx asus is which wont work at all with your current wireless setup due to not having a pci slot. Given the option of either going with a larger case or running another wire assumeing that running the wire isnt going to require anything HUGE then i would do that. If you take out the full height card requirement & drop to mITX there are several cases that are just plan small & sexy (the habey mitx server case is my favorite). Overall cost wise it would most likely break even if not be cheaper assuming you would be buying a good quality mATX case & PSU with the pro board. You could also go this route & use the onboard wifi & if it works then leave it at that & if it doesn't then run the other wire.
 
Hey, those little Habey cases are awesome. And I just had my decision made for me when I showed them to the wife. So, it appears I'm gonna be dropping one more wire when I'm up in the attic next time. I prefer her to make these decisions, it's less that I have to hear about later.

Thanks bastage, this thing is gonna be sweet.
 
Yeah that little case is dead sexy for 70 bucks with psu. I would build basically 4 identical systems in that case (well one in the upgraded version with optical so I could put a blue ray player in my living room) and the little 16gb kingston ssd from newegg.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
So here's the build I went with.

ASUS E35M1-I DELUXE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131698

Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134793

Kingston SSDNow V Series SNV125-S2/30GB 2.5" 30GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139162

SAMSUNG Black 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 4X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151221

SUNON KDE1205PFV2 50mm Case Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835221018

Habey EMC-800B Black Aluminum Server Chassis with 12V DC power supply 120W - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811321015

This little thing ought to be pretty sweet.
 
tikiman2012 said:
So here's the build I went with.

ASUS E35M1-I DELUXE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131698

Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134793

Kingston SSDNow V Series SNV125-S2/30GB 2.5" 30GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139162

SAMSUNG Black 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 4X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151221

SUNON KDE1205PFV2 50mm Case Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835221018

Habey EMC-800B Black Aluminum Server Chassis with 12V DC power supply 120W - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811321015

This little thing ought to be pretty sweet.
Click to expand...

Only thing there that I would have done much different is I would not have bought a 2x1gb kit for the ram. If you wanted to go with 2gb then a single 2gb stick so that it doesn't limit upgrades in the future (ie you can simply add another stick). At this point though ram is so bloody cheap that the difference later wouldn't be worth a restocking fee now.. Please though take pics of the build.
 
Yeah, i probably should have went with a 2gb stick. But then again, just like everything else that I build, it will probably end up in another build somewhere down the road. The only thing that I would change would be the dvd drive. If I had the extra cash, that would've been a blue-ray drive.
 
tikiman2012 said:
Yeah, i probably should have went with a 2gb stick. But then again, just like everything else that I build, it will probably end up in another build somewhere down the road. The only thing that I would change would be the dvd drive. If I had the extra cash, that would've been a blue-ray drive.
Click to expand...

yea I keep looking at that 800 case thinking thats a complete solution.. Would replace everything else all together.
 
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