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How long will one small factor form last?

F

Flyboat

Gawd
Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Messages
630
I change computer every 6 to 7 years. I wonder if a small factor form will last that long (without replacing CPU, motherboard and powersupplies)?

Thanks
 
Ummm....

Well, there isn't anything about the technology of one that will cease functioning in 6-7 years. I mean, if you can keep a regular desktop system that long, and keep it clean and don't mind not upgrading it for so much time....errr....well, an SFF system would work just as well. It's pretty much exactly like a desktop, just....smaller.
 
^^^ What dderidex said. If you keep good care of it, it should last just fine.

If you're referring to the actua form factor, it's possible that the uATX form factor might be phased out in the next several years, but it's well over a decade old now, and ATX/uATX are going strong, despite the efforts of Intel. I don't expect anything to happen to it. BTX is in use by some OEMs, but hasn't hit the DIY crowd at all.

 
Thanks for the replies. Since SFF is smaller, would it have alot of overheat problem? would it be very easy to fry the cpu and motherboard? I know my ATX will have overheat problem if I don't clean it within 6 months ( I have three fans in the ATX case).
 
Flyboat said:
Thanks for the replies. Since SFF is smaller, would it have alot of overheat problem? would it be very easy to fry the cpu and motherboard? I know my ATX will have overheat problem if I don't clean it within 6 months ( I have three fans in the ATX case).
Click to expand...

No more (or less) than a full-sized ATX. Shuttle's XPCs, in particular, are designed for *extremely* efficient airflow. The components may be closer together, true, but the case and CPU cooling system is much more efficient at getting cool air into the case, and hot air out of the case.
 
That is good to hear. My next computer will be SFF with AM2 socket and window Vista.
 
The only gotcha with SFF is usually the motherboard(at least with respect to longterm upgrade options) .

Odds are pretty good you won't be able to upgrade the motherboard in your SFF, so if that is something you'd normally do during the lifetime of a case, then realize you'll be looking at a new SFF case.
 
eastvillager said:
Odds are pretty good you won't be able to upgrade the motherboard in your SFF, so if that is something you'd normally do during the lifetime of a case, then realize you'll be looking at a new SFF case.
Click to expand...
This is true for SFFs like Shuttle and the iDeq, but for uATX motherboards, the upgrade path is just like a regular ATX path.

 
Any proprietary SFF will not have upgradable MB, but cpu,memory and gpu are upgradable easily.

If you use shuttle for your next build.....get the best onboard sound and PCI-e and youll be good for a long while. I have a two year old G5 that runs like a dream.
 
eastvillager said:
The only gotcha with SFF is usually the motherboard(at least with respect to longterm upgrade options) .

Odds are pretty good you won't be able to upgrade the motherboard in your SFF, so if that is something you'd normally do during the lifetime of a case, then realize you'll be looking at a new SFF case.
Click to expand...

Well, he did specifically say that he was NOT interested in 'upgrading the CPU, motherboard, or PSU'. If he wants a system that he can configure maxed-out at the moment, then not really touch for 5 years other than, perhaps, video card upgrades....well, an SFF is as perfectly suited to THAT as a full-sized ATX is.
 
I don't mind spend money on initial investment so I don't have to upgrade later on.
 
the X-Qpacks do in fact have better airflow than many standard form factor cases, and i guess the shuttles do as well
 
Yes, I have yet so see a SFF with as good of airflow control as the shuttle SN25P. I have a X-QPack and the temps are approximately the same, but the shuttle is doing it with smaller fans. I said control, not just general airflow.

Both will keep your gear nice and cool.
 
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