e-cube case/mobo help for AMD 64 system

vsilverleaf

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Nov 15, 2004
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First off.... Crashman, I know you don't like SFF ;)

Ok... here is the deal, I want to put together a small cube (with handle) system. I plan on putting in an after market 300w quiet psu. (lost the stinking link to it, will have to try and find that psu again)
I want to have an AMD 64 3000 or so in it..The only card I am going to put in it is an nVidia 5600 ultra [agp]. Nothing in any pci slots. 1Gb DDR400 ram.

It will have a DVD+R and one HDD (might buy a quiet SATA drive or use existing ATA133 160gb drive)

that's it.. no floppy, nothing else..

I looked at the falcon <A HREF="http://www.falcon-nw.com/fragbox.asp" target="_new">Fragbox2</A> but they made it 2" wider to accomidate the standard PSU and such. Portability is what I am looking for. The look of the cubes is something I like as well.

The <A HREF="http://www.chyangfun.com/pt_barebone_d.asp?MID=1&SID=e-cube series&PNo=CF-ENK8" target="_new">CF-ENK8</A> and the <A HREF="http://www.chyangfun.com/pt_barebone_d.asp?MID=1&SID=e-cube series&PNo=CF-ENK8A" target="_new">CF-ENK8A</A> both look like they would do what I need.. but I am not finding many cases out there that have a mobo that will handle the AMD 64 proccessors.

Anyone know of a good one out there?
And I am not having much luck finding that stinking quiet PSU.. any good links for one of these?

Thanks for your time and thoughts.
 

vsilverleaf

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<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-157-005&depa=0" target="_new">Shuttle 250W Power Supply, Model "PC40"</A>
still no 300 though... I know I had seen one...
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
I hear you on the cases being too wide. That's why I'd recommend a narrower one, with handle, such as <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-145-009&depa=0" target="_new">This</A>. It's over 2 inches narrower than most of the others you've considered.

Of course if you're willing to cave on width just to end up with a cube, you'd might as well add your own handle to <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-146&depa=0" target="_new">This</A>

And if you've finally figured out that the first case I mentioned offers better portability AND better hardware support than cubes, you'll want to consider a high capacity power supply for it, such as <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-453&depa=0" target="_new">This Enermax 270W unit</A> or, if you think the rating is reliable, <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-124&depa=0" target="_new">This 450W unit</A>.

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vsilverleaf

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Hmm... the physical dimensions on the Antec are bigger than the ones I am looking at.. though they have a 300w psu in it..
Antec Aria: 10.6" x 7.9" x 13.2" (WxHxD)
Chyanfun CF-ENK8: 8.3" x 12" x 9.5" (WxHxD)

I am not sure how I could put a real load bearing handle on that one though. Last thing I want is a seperate case/bag/straps, that is one of my reasons for looking at the cubes. Is there some way to attach a solid handle that does not have a chance of breaking off? (had that happen with a mid tower 'handle' .. hacked me off)

I thought the POWMAX you posted was interesting, I am open to one like that, but...(I was surprised at the PSU they were putting in it)
POWMAX: 13" x 13.4" x 5" (WxHxD)

I am trying to keep the width down under 12". The non-custom mobos seem to be 9.6" for these smaller cases, so I should be able to keep it under 11" really..

This might help me narrow things down though. Anyone out there know what the power requirement on an AMD 64 3500 would be? And do they really have any of these e-cube cases that can support them?

Hmmm... found <A HREF="http://www.soltek.de/soltek/product/qbic.php?isbn_st=SL-B9D-FGR&qisbn_st=EQ3901" target="_new">this</A> nice one... if I am going to put a handle on something..
If the specs are to be believed.. 8.5" x 7.8" x 13" (WxHxD)
I have never had any dealings with the Soltek brand though.. anyone know if they are any good?
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
You know what I'm going to say: The Powmax is thinner, so it's easier to carry, and it's Micro ATX, so you can pick any Micro ATX board to fit it.

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vsilverleaf

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hmm.. well... I am starting to like the look of that POWMAX... can it take a normal sized PSU? I can't tell if it does or not.. thought you might know if you have personal experience with em.

also... seen any 939 socket 9.6x9.6 MicroATX mobo's? I haven't had any luck with the 939s yet :(
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
The PowMax case uses an SFX sized power supply, which is the most common form factor for small cases. Because PowMax power supplies are extremely low end, I linked you to two higher capacity power supplies.

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