Small Form Factor Buyers’ Guide
by Zach Throckmorton on May 25, 2011 10:30 AM ESTClosing Thoughts
Our last buyers’ guide focused on nettops with small footprints, low power consumption, and relatively impotent computing capabilities. This guide conveys a fuller range of SFF system abilities, from inexpensive general computers to high-powered, higher-priced gaming rigs. There really are a wealth of options for smaller computers if you’re willing to give them a shot.
I’ve been a long time SFF enthusiast, and the evolution of this niche market has been intriguing. When I started building computers a decade ago, the SFF system didn’t really even exist, aside from homebrewed rigs that required extensive user modification. There was an SFF fad in around 2004 where Shuttle and other companies started making proprietary designs with custom cases, motherboards, and power supplies, but reliability proved suspect (just ask Jarred about his SFF experiences). Today, system builders now have a large selection of SFF cases, mini-ITX motherboards, low-power CPUs, and 2.5” HDDs/SSDs that really open the door to anyone interested in a smaller system.
Of course, you don’t have to go that small if you don’t want to. The micro-ATX form factor is one step up from mini-ITX and offers quite a bit more in the way of expansion options. The cases and motherboards are larger, but with the added size come fewer restrictions on components and cooling, and mATX cases can be easier to work with if you’re willing to increase your system’s footprint.
If you’re interested in other ideas or help, be sure to check out our SFF sub-forum, where there’s plenty of discussion on mini-ITX components. If you have any questions or comments, our comments section is available as always. What experiences—good and bad—have you had with mini-ITX? Do you feel mini-ITX is preferable, or is the added flexibility of micro-ATX better? Perhaps you feel both are too limiting and that mid-towers are still the best overall choice for long-term reliability. Let us know what type of system size you prefer and why, and we’ll look to address those markets with future buyers’ guides.
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shamans33 - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I think there are problems with the component selection and they gimped the AMD platform in so many unnecessary ways such as: $136 400W PSU paired with a dual core cpu for the SFF HTPC. Why would someone need a $136 400W PSU.....really.........Can't we find a cheap ATX PSU where the fan does not spin in a reasonably wide temperature range?I'm not 100% sure but I think the AMD SFF HTPC can run on the PSU of the Antec ISK 300-65 (or similar) as well.
The Intel platforms are more thought out while the AMD platforms tend to sport "alternative parts" that don't make sense together.
In addition, there's a large emphasis on noise and power requirements (which is good) but where's the case fan or cpu heatsink recommendations (which is bad)?
If heat is such a problem with SFF Gaming systems, why not add a Coolit ECO ALC on a case that sports a 120 mm fan (and has enough clearance around it).
Again Anandtech uses the term "Buyer's Guide" loosely. They should call it an Introduction. This article CANNOT be taken seriously.
shamans33 - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I'd love to see what load temps are for the AMD SFF HTPC considering that case fans weren't added.Makes me think that the cpu heatsink fan would spin faster, negating the benefit of a "silent PSU".
Other than temperatures, you need to post idle and load power usage to back up your claims.
Gigantopithecus - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I dismissed the silent SeaSonic PSU as a boutique item when Anandtech reviewed it but after trying it out, I was very pleased with its performance. While it is not cheap, it's worth mentioning. Yes, we can find cheap ATX PSUs - see the other builds.The AMD SFF HTPC will NOT run on the ISK 300-65's PSU. The system loads at higher than that model's rated output. The system using a 7200rpm 3.5" HDD + 7200rpm 2.5" HDD instead of the guide's suggested SSD + 5400rpm 3.5" HDD loaded around 95W. Its idle draw was in the high 50s.
As for your other question, load temps on the AMD SFF HTPC measured in February (60F ambient, I don't run my heat in the winter) were in the low 100s (i.e. 100-109F), so 40+ degrees delta vs ambient. At that temperature, the stock HSF is certainly not quiet. However, that system is not going to run at load as an HTPC often (if ever), and its operating temperatures were about 20 degrees over ambient, which for typical 'room temperature' is less than 100F, and at that temperature, the stock HSF can barely be heard across a room, and not at all during a movie.
Your point about fan recommendations is noted.
shamans33 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
One thing you might want to mention is that ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe does not support dual display. This is a big deal for some people.Spazweasel - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
Once again, the low-profile question arises. For gaming purposes, what is the best low-profile card?Powercolor made a low-profile 5750, but it's discontinued, and I can't find it for sale anywhere.
Palit makes a low-profile 450 GTS, but it has a reputation for running very hot and very loud. It is also quite long (by SFF standards).
There are a few 5670 and 6570 low-profile cards available, but they're a little on the lightweight side for gaming.
The best answer would be the promised 6670 low-profile card, which AMD has a reference design for, but which nobody seems to actually be making. Does anyone know whether low-profile 6670s are actually being made by anyone? I've checked a few major manufacturers, but haven't seen any 6670 in that form factor.
StormyParis - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - link
I guess it's on to a Silverstone Sugo, there's a handful of choices depending on legth of card.SquattingDog - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
THIS - have been having major difficulties coming across a 6670 low profile - none of my suppliers are stocking them - curious if anyone knows of ANY brands which are actucally doing them?Sharro - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
C'mon, not talking about Shuttle in this is ...sort of a crime...looking at all these boxes I do not see where they excel some of Shuttle models in any task...A pitty.
All the best,
Sharro
jrs77 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
Shuttle uses their own mainboards, which is kinda against the premisse of switching components at will.Mr Perfect - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - link
Shuttle is sort of a crime. >_< Proprietary motherboards, weak PSUs, old last generation components(or at least, the last time I bothered looking at them).