Best online store for micro PC parts

  • Thread starter Thread starter dg
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dg

I need to build a very small PC that has 1 full size 5.25" drive bay. Does
anybody know of an online store that specializes in tiny PC parts?

Thanks!
--Dan
 
dg said:
I need to build a very small PC that has 1 full size 5.25" drive bay. Does
anybody know of an online store that specializes in tiny PC parts?

Thanks!
--Dan
Click to expand...

Are you looking at SFF, or something even smaller? Look at the Antec Aria,
and keep in mind that most SFF systems are smaller, but require a
proprietary mainboard. -Dave
 
I am not exactly sure which size I am looking for, I need to learn about the
current hardware a bit. I just know I want it as small and quiet as can be
and I need 1 single 5.25" bay for a removable hard drive tray, 2 PS2 ports,
and a nic. I have been looking at the Shuttle systems on zipzoomfly, they
have some that would fit the need pretty well but I am always open to
suggestions if there is something smaller or better in other ways.

Which form factor is most popular and most likely to be supported in the
future?

Thanks,
--Dan
 
dg said:
I am not exactly sure which size I am looking for, I need to learn about the
current hardware a bit. I just know I want it as small and quiet as can be
and I need 1 single 5.25" bay for a removable hard drive tray, 2 PS2 ports,
and a nic. I have been looking at the Shuttle systems on zipzoomfly, they
have some that would fit the need pretty well but I am always open to
suggestions if there is something smaller or better in other ways.

Which form factor is most popular and most likely to be supported in the
future?

Thanks,
--Dan
Click to expand...

OK, you should be looking at a mini-tower ATX system with a Seasonic brand
power supply (to keep it quiet). SFF isn't for you. It will support your
hard drive tray just fine, but then where do you put an optical drive? Find
a case that will give you exactly two 5.25" drive bays and then find any ATX
or even micro-ATX format mainboard WITH NO COOLING FAN on the chipset. Most
mainboards now have built-in NIC and (2) PS/2 ports. -Dave
 
Why is SFF not for me?

No permanent optical drive is necessary. I can install an OS using either a
USB CD drive or temporarily using an IDE CD rom drive before installing the
removable hard drive tray. When a small system is the goal, I can do
without an optical drive. This machine will be more of an appliance than a
PC-if everything works out the way I hope.

Thanks,
--Dan
 
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