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shuttle vs. buying separate components

N

NleahciM

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 2, 2002
Messages
3,517
Hey there - I'm looking to build a new SFF or mATX computer. What do people think about buying components separately vs. buying a barebones like a Shuttle? I was thinking about the Shuttle SG33G5M Delux (http://us.shuttle.com/barebone/MODELS/sg33g5m_deluxe.html).

This is what I'd like out of my new computer:

Intel dual core
2-4xRAM slots (any reason to want more than 2?)
1xSATA HD (Hitachi 7K1000)
1xDVD burner (suggestions?)
1xwifi (802.11G)
2xvideo out (pref. HDMI)
1xcable in
1xfree PCI slot

With regards to a video card - I'd ideally like to find a mobo that had dual monitor support built in but also had a PCI-E16 slot in case I wanted to upgrade. I'll almost for sure upgrade eventually though - so it's not a breaking point if a mobo doesn't support dual monitors.

What do you all think? That Shuttle seems to have everything that I need... except it only has one PCI slot and if I get a TV tuner card it'd use that up.

Thanks dudes.
 
I just finished a new build to replace one of my Shuttles. I went in this
direction because of Shuttle repair problems, if the need arises. Getting replacement mobo or power supply.

Thermaltake Lanbox "much bigger"
650w power supply
Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R..The G33 chip doesnot support 1680x1050 so have to get video card earlier than I wanted.
2 gigs memory
E6850 duo core.
320g Samsung sata
Liteon cd/dvd
Artic Silver 5

Had no problems picking memory unlike Shuttles.

Runs circles around my SN95G5v2 and SB75G2v2. No surprise.
No problems building it.
I don't game or overclock.

Cost was about $970 without video card.
About the same as each Shuttle.
 
shuttle gives you a lot in a slick package, but your expansion options are limited. The shuttle should suit your requirements well.

Regarding why you would want 4 DIMM slots for RAM as opposed to just 2... lets say you build your system with 2x 1GB modules, and you want to increase that to 4GB in the future. This forces you to buy 2x 2GB sticks instead of another 1GB pair. If you are not gaming with this rig or editing HD video, you may never need 4GB, this is probably a non issue. That being said, it could be the deciding factor for someone on the fence with mATX vs shuttle type unit.

I own both... a Q-Pack for games and an AOpen EZ482 so my girlfriend can shop bannarepublic.com while I'm gaming.
 
I have been very happy with my Shuttles. With the Lanbox I have a different way to play around and wanted something more up to date.
I have my last "creation" in a closet, water cooled amd 2600+ in a mid tower. Got to can out that on of these days. What a beast before I went to Shuttle.
And a Lanbox with windows no less !! LOL
 
There is really no way to buy separate components, because you have to go either bigger or smaller than a Shuttle, there is no in between. MicroATX opens up alot more options. I wish they would make a board with 1 vid and 2 expansion slots. Right now, boards come with 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6. Why all the hate on 3?
 
Is there a solution out there for the build I want?

I want an Intel quad-core, Nvidia8800GTX/Ultra, 4MB RAM, 1 HD and 1 optical drive and enough power to run it. I'm not really interested in over-clocking mainly because OC + very SFF = difficulty cooling without some exotic cooling solution.

Shuttle seems to have a case which fits the bill, but the two places they fall short are on the power supply (400 W) and not enough space for a GTX/Ultra card. Is there a shuttle solution I'm not seeing?
 
I do believe people have shoved 8800s into Shuttles, with a bit of cutting.

Power wise, I think a Shuttle can handle it. It'd be pushing it, but it might be able to handle it. See if there's any way to get more wattage/amperage.
 
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