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Few questions about SFF PC's.

T

teck

n00b
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
19
As I stumbled to this section of the forums late at nite, still with the intentions of buying a new gaming pc in the future, what are the advantages/disadvantages of having a SFF over a Mid-Tower or other larger type computer? I'd like to know a bit more about these because...well...why not have a small power box to take to lan parties? :rolleyes:
 
Advantages

1. More portability
2. Less wasted space
3. Nearly as powerful as ATX brethern
4. Can be upgraded to a point
5. If designed well, run very quiet

Disadvantages

1. Cannot be overclocked hard due to small size, and smaller PSU's
2. More up front cost then comparable ATX specc machines and getting more expensive
3. May overheat depending on hardware and conditions
4. More prone to hardware failure and manufacturing defects due to small size
5. Takes longer to get new technology
6. Cannot upgrade system boards, must by a whole new SFF if you wanna upgrade
7. Limited expandiblity in comparison to ATX
 
I just made the switch to a Sff from a full ATX case I was using for lan parties. I got tired of lugging the thing around. Here is what I have found so far:

Pros:

1. Light weight, hence it is very portable.
2. Performance, the later model give desktops a run for their money.
3. Appearance

Con's

1. Heat issues, they generally run hotter that you desktop PC.
2. Limited expandability, generally only one CD-Rom, one floppy and one hard drive.
3. Cost, the high end systems are generally more expensive than a high end motherboard.

Just my two cents,

Novensu
 
I love my Hornet Pro SFF (specs in my signature; pics in the SFF gallery). I chose the Hornet over Shuttle-type systems because it's a little bigger and offers better cooling. I've got plenty of expansion options with 3 PCI slots and 1 AGP slot. With my BFG 6800 installed, I have 2 PCI slots open. This thing runs all the latest games flawlessly at their highest settings. I have a 350 watt SFX power supply, which can even run a 6800 Ultra, if I wanted it. Is my system gonna challenge an Alienware Aurora FX? Nahh, but for about $1600, it'll blow doors on most desktops and it crushes any DTR notebook.
 
Novensu said:
3. Cost, the high end systems are generally more expensive than a high end motherboard.
Click to expand...

While the cost is greater, it's wrong to compare the system to just a motherboard. You get a motherboard, case, solid PSU, and cooling solution. You also typically get integrated cable management. Plus, all this is under the general warranty of the system.

Also, since floppy drives have nearly gone the way of the dodo, you really have room for another 3.5" device, like another HDD.
 
could anyone tell me where to get the boards seperately from the bundled case they come in..
i rather not spend the 200+ plus for a case.. thanks
 
You really can't, as the boards are specifically made for each case they come with. Shuttle XPC boards won't fit in Qbics and vice versa nor can you purchase them seperatley for the most part anyway.

Hence back to one of the drawbacks of SFF.
 
Touché.. :D
Advantages

1. More portability
Definitely, I can fit mine in my backpack and make one trip inside carrying my monitor (which defeats the purpose of lightweight systems anyway, 77lb 21" Trinitron, lol).
2. Less wasted space
I could definitely not have designed a better layout than my SN45G XPC.:)
3. Nearly as powerful as ATX brethern
Nearly? I know the SN45G at least performed on-par with all the other Ultra400 chipset boards.
4. Can be upgraded to a point
Everything but a new mainboard, and even that in special cases.
5. If designed well, run very quiet
My XPC on "smart fan" with my fluid bearing Seagate is whisper quiet!

Disadvantages

1. Cannot be overclocked hard due to small size, and smaller PSU's
My XPC (SN45G, XP2500+ [1.83GHz]) is stable at 2.4 GHz using the stock Shuttle I.C.E. cooling system.
2. More up front cost then comparable ATX specc machines and getting more expensive
Slightly, but keep in mind you're paying for all the other advantages too.
3. May overheat depending on hardware and conditions
The airflow, especially on the newer XPCs, is better than most ATX setups.
4. More prone to hardware failure and manufacturing defects due to small size
On the contrary, I've found Shuttle's SFF solutions to be of the utmost quality and have never had a failed part from any of mine (I've built four).
5. Takes longer to get new technology
Definitely true, but some things are worth waiting for!:)
6. Cannot upgrade system boards, must by a whole new SFF if you wanna upgrade
I agree.
7. Limited expandiblity in comparison to ATX
True, but I'm not even using the PCI slot my SN45G came with. I don't have a floppy drive, instead I have two 120GBs. Unless you think you'll need more than that, it really wasn't an issue to me.
Yes, I'm probably biased.
 
good arguments all of you - and i am seriously cosidering getting an XPC next time i upgrade myself.

what i was wondering: if you had the opportunity to get a full-size ATX version of an SFF system in a box of 20 x 26 x 32cm (ok, it's a *bit* bigger than an XPC, whcih is 18 x 20 x 32), that uses any standard full-size ATX PSUs (cool, yes, but heavier, too), one 5,25" expansion slot, two HDDs and any CPU cooler you want - plus it would fit a dual CPU ATX mobo if you want to. do you guys reckon there would be a market for this kind of system - an SFF workstation if you want to call it that? would you get this case rather than an XPC?
 
wizzackr said:
good arguments all of you - and i am seriously cosidering getting an XPC next time i upgrade myself.

what i was wondering: if you had the opportunity to get a full-size ATX version of an SFF system in a box of 24 x 26 x 32cm (ok, it's a *bit* bigger than an XPC), that uses any standard full-size ATX PSUs (cool, yes, but heavier, too), one 5,25" expansion slot, two HDDs and any CPU cooler you want - plus it would fit a dual CPU ATX mobo if you want to. do you guys reckon there would be a market for this kind of system - an SFF workstation if you want to call it that? would you get this case rather than an XPC?
Click to expand...

It's a possibility, the novelty of having such a small pc is definately there, and the added bonus of having a full-size ATX board would definately be a plus!
 
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