looking for new a64 sff

[nytrackstar]

hey guys, im looking to get rid of my current system and buy an sff since im goin to college in a little.

ive built all my computers up to now, however ive had no experience building any sff comps so im just lookin to buy one from one of the many companies out there, if u guys could point some of the good ones out? ied appreciate, and if they exist, water cooled ones?

specs im lookin for:

A64 3400+ (or higher)
1 gig pc3200
1 or 2(preferably) HDD's sata
nvidia 6800GT
soundblaster sound card(possible?)

...lookin for something exotic, not the average sff

appreciate any help i can get.

 

[jmattick]

If you were going to build your own, I'd recommend the SN95G5 or the SN85G4L2
I'd recommend you build your own. It's not that hard, and you have the [H] and good user manuals from shuttle to tell you how to properly build it. Plus it'd be much cheaper.

The SN95G5 isn't released yet, but will around the middle of September it's said.
So, I'll price just how much it'd cost you if you'd build your own.

SN85G4 from Newegg.....................................................$292
AMD Athlon 64 Newcastle Retail from Newegg..................$293
Corsair XMS - 1GB PC3200 Low Latency from Newegg......$345
WD Caviar 250GB 7200RPM SATA Drive from Newegg......$159
WD 160GB 7200RPM IDE Drive from Newegg...................$96
Soundblaster Audigy2 ZS Sound Card from Newegg...........$86
NVidia 6800 GT from CompUSA.......................................$400
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total:$1671

That'd be the completed price for a system built by you. If you want decent watercooling, add around $200+ to that. If you have that system built for you, expect to pay at least $2500, especially with watercooling.

A point I added. I didn't put 2 SATA's in, for the reason that it's much easier to get the system up and running with a IDE drive to install onto. Though, if you really wanted, you could add two SATA drives... Just be prepared to have a floppy drive connected and drivers on hand to install with. I selected Western Digital's aa the hard drives, mainly because they seem to be a crowd fav. for the SFF's. Quiet, reliable, and cheap. If you have a qualm with WD, you can always choose Samsung. I am currently running a WD & a Samsung in my SB51G, and can't hear one over the other. I also didn't add a CD/DVD device, as I figured if you wanted one, you could choose there, or use the one out of your current system.

I added the retail processor for one reason, and that's the warranty. You don't need the stock HS & Fan, because Shuttles come with their own specialized I.C.E. heatpipe cooling system. IIRC, the SN85G4 comes with a SilentX power supply, so you won't need to swap that out, if looking for a quiet system. You may look into replacing the CPU fan though, if you'd like a quieter system.

Another tip of advice would be in watercooling. It is hard enough to find a good kit that will fit inside the Shuttle, and when you do, you will be sacrificing space inside of the Shuttle. A waterblock, fitted to the 6800, most likely will not allow you to use the PCI slot. Also, before you ask, the 6800 will work in the Shuttle, with the 240W power supply. Many people run them, and don't have any problems with lack of power.

I think that pretty much take care of the basic questions that you'd ask. And, if you still want it custom built for you, you'll be able to find a builder that'll do it, but be prepared to hand over an arm and a leg worth of cash.

If you have anymore questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you.

 

[computerfan]

I think an Antec Aria might be a better choice. There is a little more room to work around in and room for 3 pci cards. So if you go for a double slotted AGP card you will still have 2 pci slots.

I've also seen some nice mods done to this case and numerous water cooling kits installed. Most people, including myself, cut out the case's back fan grill because there is already a fan grill on the power supply.

The included 300 watt Antec power supply is good quality and will support all your desired components no problem.

Fitting 2 hard drives in the case would be no problem. The case can take 3 max but I think the 6800gt will block room for the third hard drive.

Overall I think the Antec Aria is more unique than the Shuttles, but you can't go wrong with either.

 

[nytrackstar]

wow, thanks for all yoiur help guys, im probably gonna end up building it myself, knowing that i have all you guys standing behind me!

ill post updates soon, and also if anyone is looking to purchase a computer, i am currently selling mine, here are the specs:

AMD Athlon64 3200+ 1MB L2 Cache
Thermaltake Venus 12 HSF w/ fan controller
Thermaltake Hardcano 9 Four Fan controller
Asus k8v Deluxe
1 Gig Corsair XMS Twinx-3200C2Pro (with the lights)
Gainward Geforce FX 5950 Ultra *Golden Sample*
Creative Labs Audigy 2 ZS Platinum (with remote and all accessories)
Thermaltake XaserV Gaming Tower (Red and black w/ side window)
Antec True430 Power supply
Plextor DVD-RW
no name DVD-R
1x Seagate 120 Gig SATA HDD @ 7200 RPM

All regular cables replaced with rounded cable and all wires are twisted organized.

email me with any reasonably offers, only serious buyers plz.
espyder55@aol.com

 

[Hale]

you might want to try the Biostar IDEQ that supports the AMD64. It is cheaper than the Shuttles, and I'm very happy with my IDEQ 200v....and now Biostar sells a 250w powersupply upgrade.