Thread: Micro ATX Oprions

Originally Posted by wi77iam

I'm replacing my EPIA with a microATX and 2.0 GHz Celeron, also. I have this case ordered and on the way. If the Opus 150w is SFX form factor as advertised, it should fit right in (there is some controversy on this - read here).

Otherwise, the CS-4117 is small, lightweight aluminum (for good cooling) and will fit one full size PCI card.

I am also looking for a slim mATX case. I did a quick check on the mounting holes in the CS-4117 for the PSU based on the photos and it appears that the Opus 150W will NOT fit in the CS-4117. The dimensions of the Opus 150 are 125 x 100 x 63.5 (DxWxH) and it has mounting holes on the "long" (125 x 63.5) side as well as the "short" (100 x 63.5) sides. The SFX spec calls for 3 mounting holes - 2 holes along the height spaced 51.5mm apart and 1 hole along either the length (125mm) spaced 113mm from the centreline of the other 2 holes, or along the width (100mm) spaced 88mm from the centreline of the other 2 holes.

The mounting holes from the CS-4117 are 43mm and 72mm respectively which is definitely out of the SFX spec. Also, the height of the CS-4117 is 90mm - the minimum height required to accomodate a SFX PSU is slightly over 100mm unless the PSU is mounted on its side.

mounting holes are your least of issues. a drill, some drilling, and you have custom mount holes. and then there is always the option of removing the PS from its casing, allowing you squeeze it just about anywhere. \

right now actually i am going to mount the mini atx on the back of the back seat in the trunk, no case. don't ask..

I found this today, micro atx case 13.77"x13.77"x5.31"

http://www.amamax.com/pomaxc37simi1.html

click small pic for larger one. I can't find much info on it.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Other than the CS-4117 mentioned in this thread, I haven't seen anything else I like. I suppose it makes sense though... why would a case manufacturer make a box with no provisions for external 3.5 and 5.25-inch drives, other than to satisfy the carpc hobbiests


I've changed my mind a bit about the hardware. I'm still sticking with the micro-atx form factor but I'm going to go with:
- AMD Athlon XP-M (mobile) 2500+
- Biostar M7NCG 400 (mATX, nForce2 IGP / MCP)

The XP-M runs with 1.45V and the Biostar board can undervolt it to 1.3V for even lower power consumption. I'm also planning to underclock the chip a bit to further conserve power and reduce heat.

So far, I think this Biostar board is the only mATX board (Intel or AMD) that can undervolt. Also, the XP-M is completely clock-unlocked so there's lots of options for undervolting/underclocking to reduce power consumption.

I hope this proves to be a good solution!


Sorry, got a bit side-tracked here. If anyone finds some more interesting mATX case solutions, please post them here!!!

Thanks.

I've been looking into this one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...145-009&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...pa=0&section=3

and this one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...pa=0&section=3

this is the one i'm most looking at

How about mounting the PSU Externally?

If this could be an option for you, then look at Biostar Ideq 200N.

Just ordered such a beast for my own car setup, with the same Athlon XP-M as yours.

regards

frenchnew

Originally Posted by Darren

Thanks for the feedback guys. Other than the CS-4117 mentioned in this thread, I haven't seen anything else I like. I suppose it makes sense though... why would a case manufacturer make a box with no provisions for external 3.5 and 5.25-inch drives, other than to satisfy the carpc hobbiests


I've changed my mind a bit about the hardware. I'm still sticking with the micro-atx form factor but I'm going to go with:
- AMD Athlon XP-M (mobile) 2500+
- Biostar M7NCG 400 (mATX, nForce2 IGP / MCP)

The XP-M runs with 1.45V and the Biostar board can undervolt it to 1.3V for even lower power consumption. I'm also planning to underclock the chip a bit to further conserve power and reduce heat.

So far, I think this Biostar board is the only mATX board (Intel or AMD) that can undervolt. Also, the XP-M is completely clock-unlocked so there's lots of options for undervolting/underclocking to reduce power consumption.

I hope this proves to be a good solution!


Sorry, got a bit side-tracked here. If anyone finds some more interesting mATX case solutions, please post them here!!!

Thanks.