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Thoughts on the the ultimate granny PC

K

Killingbeans

n00b
Joined
Jan 17, 2011
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So, my old mother got this small Atom + ION system that I build for her some years ago. It's starting to show its age... that old Atom CPU is becoming a bottleneck. I can't help getting the urge to build a new one. She insists that it's still an adequate PC and would rather spend the money on something else. But that cant' stop me from doing the research :D

Here's what I'm dreaming of:

Motherboard: ASUS H87I-PLUS
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/H87IPLUS/

CPU: Core i5 I5-4570T
http://ark.intel.com/products/75045/Intel-Core-i5-4570T-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_60-GHz

RAM: Crucial Ballistix, Low Profile, 2 x 4 GB
http://www.crucial.com/eu/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=BLT2C4G3D1608ET3LX0CEU

Cooler: Zalman CNPS2X
http://www.zalman.co.kr/global/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=790

PSU: PicoPSU-90-XLP
http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-90-XLP

Case: M350 mini-ITX
http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure

HDD: Kingston SSDNow V300 120 GB
http://www.kingston.com/us/ssd/v/#sv300s3


The CPU is only dual core 35W TDP, but I'm pretty sure it would still leave the old Atom/ION setup in the dust?
I was thinking about stepping up to the I5-4570S, but I doubt the extra two cores would do her any good?

The low profile Ballistix RAM and the CNPS2X cooler are just damn sexy!

The M350 on the other hand... is not so sexy. Do any of you guys know of an equally compact but not so "industrial" looking enclosure?

Any thoughts on parts and design? And don't say "Intel NUC" ;)

EDIT: Just found this enclosure: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=97
looks like a perfect alternative to the M350?
 
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Yes it will smoke any Atom build ever

that chassis is horrid, but you've chosen an industrial/embedded chassis. i'd prefer this one, which I used for my step dads build for Christmas: http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=210&area=en

honestly i'm not sure what the aversion to the NUC is. I've tested the DC3217BY, DC3217IYE, DCCP847DYE. it will do everything you seem to be looking for in a smaller form factor and it will be cheaper and take less time to build. the i5 version is out officially now but availability is very limited. to each their own if you're dead set against it.
 
sabregen said:
i'd prefer this one, which I used for my step dads build for Christmas: http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=210&area=en
Click to expand...

My own PC is housed in an SG05. It's a very nice cab, but it's way to big for the build I have in mind :)

sabregen said:
honestly i'm not sure what the aversion to the NUC is. I've tested the DC3217BY, DC3217IYE, DCCP847DYE. it will do everything you seem to be looking for in a smaller form factor and it will be cheaper and take less time to build. the i5 version is out officially now but availability is very limited. to each their own if you're dead set against it.
Click to expand...

The main thing that makes me dismiss the NUC is the lack of connectivity. A DVI output, at least 4 USB ports in the back and a separate audio output of some sort would be my minimum requirement.
 
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What's the machine going to be used for? web games/browsing/email? If so then the i5 will probably be overkill vs. something like an i3.
 
It won't be used for anything 3D-related. Just web browsing/editing, email, picture editing and watching a few videos.

Would an I3-3220T do the trick?
 
How about this motherboard?
GIGABYTE GA-C1007UN-D $90

This is an ITX board that uses a 1.5GHz dual core mobile 17W Ivy Bridge CPU. I'd imagine it would run circles around the old setup, all while sipping power and being really cheap to purchase.

Toss it into an Antec ISK 110 VESA with any non-crappy SSD. Done! Can use the ISK 110 as a micro tower if USB port access is needed, otherwise just VESA mount on the back of the monitor for the additional wow factor of not having a computer on the desk.
 
Killingbeans said:
My own PC is housed in an SG05. It's a very nice cab, but it's way to big for the build I have in mind :)



The main thing that makes me dismiss the NUC is the lack of connectivity. A DVI output, at least 4 USB ports in the back and a separate audio output of some sort would be my minimum requirement.
Click to expand...

an hdmi to dvi pigtail for $5 and a powered USB hub for $10 fixes those. even the audio... use USB? still smaller than even the 1.3L Silverstone linked. To each their own. good luck!
 
Antec ISK-110 for the chassis and PSU? I mean, the M350 + pico + power brick will probably run around the same price as the isk-110.

I suggest dropping down to a dual core ivy bridge with HT for the CPU and bumping it up to a 256GB SSD. You will save money since the T version is generally for OEMs and has a higher price tag. A 65W CPU should cool just fine in an isk-110. The extra space from the SSD will help with wear and provide more storage.
 
Intel NUC. Done.

Edit: Missed the last line lol.

Well you state "ultimate" and "granny". IMO form and function are a huge factor in "granny" pc's. The only reason not to go with a NUC is price, or hardware limitations. As far as it fitting the bill for basic granny needs, it is more than enough, and the form will allow it to be put anywhere; can't underestimate convenience.

Otherwise, an ISK-110 is a great way to go.
 
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I've built Pentium G860 (about $70 now) dual core, Intel video HD2500. H61 motherboard. Works fine for web browser, surfing, streaming.
But I suppose smaller is better.
 
Agree ISK 110 is the way to go. Why even bother with an i3? Put a $50 g1610 in there and call it a day. For web browsing, emailing, basic picture editing, i.e. "granny mode" that will be fine.
 
I tell my parents/grandparents to get an iMac or Mac Mini. PC's take a bit of know how to keep going, macs are easy for the non technically inclined that just want things to work.
 
Okay, this is the build I ended up making for her:

Motherboard: ASRock B75M-ITX
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B75M-ITX/

CPU: Core i3 3220

RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tactical, Low Profile, 2 x 4 GB
http://www.crucial.com/eu/store/part...D1608ET3LX0CEU

Cooler: Zalman CNPS2X
http://www.zalman.co.kr/global/produ...ad.php?Idx=790

PSU: PicoPSU 150-XT

Case: Morex 557
http://www.morex.com.tw/products/productdetail.php?fd_id=151

HDD: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB

OS: Linux Mint 15

I really like this little machine. Super fast, super small and super quiet.

In fact I've fallen so much in love with Linux Mint and the Morex 557 while doing this build, that I'm going to make one of these little critters for my self as well :D
 
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