SPCR

What do you guys think of this SFF system?

Things to do once I get it:
1. Replace ICE fan with M1A / L1A
2. Get 250W SilenX

What's going into the system will be -
Athlon 2800
Radeon 9800 XT (from ASUS w/dual cooling fans)
1 GB PC2700 2x512 MB Mushkin High Perf Lvl 2
Seagate 160 GB Barracuda UATA IV
Pioneer Model DVR-A07XLA

I am aware that the main noise maker will probably be the 9800 XT, however it has a SmartDoctor utility, which when set to minimum is pretty quiet. The temperatures will probably be relatively high. I am pondering just putting a 5200 Ultra in there, (anyone know of a place that has a good fanless 5200???)

Also, do you think a L1A would be sufficient to cool it, or should I have a M1A to be safe?

Btw this system will be used as a PVR/HTPC, nothing really intensive.

If you have any answers to these questions, opinions, pics, advice, please post. Thanks ^.^

Sounds like a good build acaurora. Personaly I avoid system fans that don't have speed monitoring, there are others out there that offer it.
If you are setting up for a PVR/HTPC machine, wouldnt you need a AIW card ??

Well the M1A has fan monitoring, but isn't it kinda noisy? the L1A doesn't, but is quieter...?? what is your advice?


Yah the AIW is on hold for now. Just sticking with cheap graphics for now.

Stick with the M1A. You can use the fan speed control in the bios to reduce it's speed and keep it quiet. If temps go to high the Bios control will automaticly ramp up the fan speed. In a Shuttle if you encounter high temps, you may need the extra CFM the M1A provides over the L1A.

If you are going to run a 9800 card the 250w PSU is a good choice as the cards are real power hogs and there have been issues running them with 200w units.

ah ok. thanks. will do. I ordered a M1A AND a L1A... guess that L1A probably will go towards something else... *Stares at his SS 460W A3...