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SFF for Digital Signage

E

eman7ef

n00b
Joined
Jul 6, 2011
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2
I'm looking to build the most powerful SFF under $500. The OS isn't important as long as it supports Flash Player 10+. I would like to mount it behind a two vertically placed 47" 1080p screens. It will be running remotely the majority of the time. I don't need a DVD drive. Just 3 usb ports.

I don't need a huge hard drive. 20gb will be plenty.

Because it will be mounted, I'm concerned about cooling and power consumption. Advice very much appreciated. The smaller and lighter, the better. Thanks in advance.
 
Well probably the lowest power / adequate performance is going to be using an I3 2100t (35 watts) ($135) maybe a ASUS P8H61-I itx mobo ($85), the smallest itx case I have found is a Habey emc-600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811321012&cm_re=habey-_-11-321-012-_-Product) $65 they also have a vesa 100 mounting adapter if you need that on newegg, you will most likely need low profile ddr3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147085) 4gb for $46. All of that and throw in a 40gb ssd intel drive for $100.

Total cost is less than $400 maybe some extra if you need wifi or anything else. The case has a 120watt power supply which you should be well under and the dimensions are 9.0" x 8.0" x 2.25".

Hope this helps
 
The Habey can get hot, though. You'll want to cut some extra ventilation holes, and add a few 50mm fans to keep that cool air flowing.
 
+1 on extra ventilation on the habey. Also, while the case comes with a "120w" DC-DC power supply, the provided brick is only 5A at 12VDC output which limits you to 60w total power.

Maybe:
- M350 Case with 80w Pico PSU and 5A/12vdc (60w) brick. $69 + shipping (also will want the $1.25 P4 connector, or a $4 molex to P4 adapter)
- Asus P8H61-I mITX mobo. $85 shipped
- i5-2390T processor. $221 + shipping.
- WD Black 250GB 2.5" drive. $50 shipped
- G Skill 2x4GB 1333mhz DDR3. $65 shipped

Total: $490 + shipping (might punch a bit high, but you get a hyperthreaded 35w processor for your troubles). You also would need to buy a hsf for this processor, but you probably have a stock one laying around somewhere ;)

Alternately, you could save about $100 by going with the i3-2100t instead of the i5-2390t, all you lose is hyperthreading (2x synthetic cores)
 
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wait why are people suggesting i3s and i5s for a heat sensitive, low power usage?
am i missing something?
fusion or atom/ion anyone?
spend your money on a good passive case with built in PSU for space savings.
 
he did ask for the most powerful SFF under 500usd, so we're trying to max out the power for 500usd in SFF fashion.
 
AOpen makes SFF systems specifically for digital signage (digital engine line). I would look into them as they fit your needs and budget.
 
jeremyshaw said:
he did ask for the most powerful SFF under 500usd, so we're trying to max out the power for 500usd in SFF fashion.
Click to expand...

yup -- now, if I was just going for dual 1080p display, i'd go with a passive zacate system, ssd, M350 w/ pico and some ram. you could do that for under 400 easy. That system would get it's ass kicked by the previous one I posted, though :D
 
Machupo said:
+1 on extra ventilation on the habey. Also, while the case comes with a "120w" DC-DC power supply, the provided brick is only 5A at 12VDC output which limits you to 60w total power.

Maybe:
- M350 Case with 80w Pico PSU and 5A/12vdc (60w) brick. $69 + shipping (also will want the $1.25 P4 connector, or a $4 molex to P4 adapter)
- Asus P8H61-I mITX mobo. $85 shipped
- i5-2390T processor. $221 + shipping.
- WD Black 250GB 2.5" drive. $50 shipped
- G Skill 2x4GB 1333mhz DDR3. $65 shipped

Total: $490 + shipping (might punch a bit high, but you get a hyperthreaded 35w processor for your troubles). You also would need to buy a hsf for this processor, but you probably have a stock one laying around somewhere ;)

Alternately, you could save about $100 by going with the i3-2100t instead of the i5-2390t, all you lose is hyperthreading (2x synthetic cores)
Click to expand...
This looks great! I might swap the i5 for the i3. However, it doesn't look like there's any video out on this. How would I connect my monitors? I would need a video card wouldn't I? Would this push me over 60w?
 
nope, the "video card" is on the processor with the core chips (both of those have the Intel HD2000 IGP). It can handle dual outputs at the resolutions you're looking for. You won't be able to game with the IGP, but it'll work fine for video playback.
 
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