On Jun 11, 2011, at 23:49 , Chris O'Connell wrote: > I'm looking for a very small form factor computer to install some home > automation software on. The software is not very resource intensive. Here > are the key requirements for the system: > 1. Must be able to power back up without human intervention if power to > the unit is lost. > 2. Should be small and less energy intensive than a regular PC. > 3. I would like it to be less than $500. > 4. Must be capable of running Windows (so either an AMD or INTEL cpu). > > Can anyone make any suggestions about what might work well for me? I was > looking at the Dell Zino, but am unsure if a better option exists.
I built one myself with a Mini-ITX board with an integrated Intel Atom 330 (dual core, 1.6GHz) I don't think the motherboard I bought 2 years ago is still around, but there are plenty of alternatives. Most motherboards these days have a power on after failure option in the BIOS. I used some spare SODIMMs, a cheap case, a couple lower power hard drives, and an 85+ efficient PSU. The whole thing cost ~$400, and I've been very happy with it for the past couple years. It uses ~40 watts at idle, and ~50 watts when it's cranking. My suggestion, is therefore to build something yourself around a MiniITX platform. :) -peter _______________________________________________ Discuss mailing list Discuss@blu.org http://lists.blu.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
