I'm tempted to upgrade my computer. I've had my current setup for over 2 years and finally, some new hardware is coming out that puts my current setup to shame. I was over at Anandtech, drooling over the new 90nm Athlon64's and the latest videocards...Current system specs:AthlonXP 2400+ @ 2.2 GHz512MB RAM (2x256 MB 400 MHz TwinMOS-Winbond)ATI Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB120GB WD160GB MaxtorSB Audigy 2An ancient and bulky ATX case from the mid 90's with new Antec 430W PSU.I currently study at uni and every now and then I go home to visit my parents, a 500+ km trip by train. Taking a big ATX case with me is kind of dificult. Also I only have a tiny dorm room so even here, a small case would be practical. That's why I'm considering a Shuttle system. Not to mention they look incredibly stylish.Any Shuttle users here? Anyone using the SN95G5 in particular?If I upgrade, I would keep the harddrives and sound card (I need it for my music software, built-in is not good enough). I would probably initially keep the videocard as well and upgrade that some time later. This would occupy the only PCI slot and AGP slot. Also I would need 3xIDE connectors, the system only comes with 2xIDE and 2xSata. However, I found that there are IDE->Sata adapters available which should solve that problem. There wouldn't be any room for a floppy drive but I don't need one.Some of my concerns and questions re. the Shuttle which I hope someone may be able to answer:1. Power supply. This is my biggest concern. The system only comes with a 240W. I currently have a 430W PSU and the 5V rail is already at 4.84V. Would that small PSU even allow me to power up the system? Considering I will have:2x7200 RPM harddrives1xCD/DVD writerA high-end, power hungry videocard (9700 Pro for starters, later probably some even more power-hungry card like the 6800GT or X800 Pro...)Audigy2 (it's a pretty big card and probably uses some power)I suppose I could save some on the power by getting rid of my two harddrives and getting one big drive instead but would that be enough?2. AGP vs PCI Express...this system still only features an AGP8x slot. Would it be wise to wait for a PCI-E version? Or doesn't it matter (certainly for FS9 it doesn't matter but I may want to play some of the latest DX9 games at some point...).3. Cooling. The way I understand it, these systems come with all the cooling needed already included. The case being so small, heat is bound to become an issue but how much of an issue? Any chance of doing any overclocking at all? I was thinking about getting something like a 3000+ and doing some moderate oc but I could got with a higher end CPU if overclocking isn't possible. Also, what about the heat generated by other components like the harddrives? Do the harddrives run terribly hot in these systems? Hot enough to shorten their life-span?4. RAM? What's the latest on RAM these days? I assume I won't be able to use my 400MHz DDR RAM? What kind of RAM should I get?

Hi Jimmi, it's one of those barebones, isn't it? Generally, I'ld say those small boxes aren't suited for FS. Too much heat and too little space for multiple drives, cooling (!!) etc. Since the case is the biggest difference, there are some fancy aluminium ones, which travel much easier. Or perhaps get a laptop? A word on heat and energy consumption: Most 9700/9800s burn some 90W like the X800XT does. Usually, X800pros 'only' fry some 65-70W. Most AMD64s burn ca. 90W, where >3GHz Prescotts fry 100-125W! Northwoods are at ca. 90Ws too. Nvidia's 6800 entry level is also ca. 90W. Your Athlon btw, uses some 65W. So basicly, your system would function fine with a 300W PSU (w/ maybe slightly more than 200W used). Or for example, my FlyTendo is probably near some 250W in operation with an AMD64, 9800pro, 3 HDs, 5 case fans and a 350W PSU. The 350W is recommended by AMD. I.e. 24Amps on the 12V lead is a requirement, which many 300W ones will not meet. Because my current Enermax PSU gets quite noisy @ 80% charge, I've ordered a BeQuiet 450W, which remains virtually silent (ca. 20dB) @ ca. 60% load. The bigger the PSU btw, the heavier. RAM will majorly depend on which CPU and board you choose. There are long compatibility lists at the mainboard OEM's sites. Non-mentioned modules are a gamble sometimes. I'ld say, if you have PC3200, you're still well prepared for most options.Please note: I'm not saying one cannot build FS in a mini-case. But IMHO, certain components will not be suitable and disqualify themselves for a mini-FS-system running 100% for hours. PCIe is still in it's very early stages with hardly any advantages over AGP. Only a few network cards are available for PCIe. IMHO, AMD's 64-er is the way to go for FS and this platform also doesn't offer PCIe yet. Well, I hope this is something in the direction you were looking for. And nevertheless, you stll look like the ideal candidate for a nice laptop!! I.e. first notebooks with NCQ (S-ATA) HDs are coming. So, perhaps that's something to look out for, to compensate for the relatively slow laptop harddrives? Which brings up another idea: Maybe fast notebook HDs could be a neat solution for small cases? But woohah, at what price? Cheers, good luck and kind regards Jaap PS: more HDs: AFAI can judge, most P-ATA/S-ATA Maxtors and WDs run warmer (and louder) than (most) current Samsungs or Hitachis. Funny enough, the WD74 Raptor is quite cool, even though it spins a 10.000rpm! It also makes less noise than a 80GB Maxtor, but only as long as nothing is written or read!

Well I have ordered one now :)Looking forward to seeing how it works out. I'll post the results here in case anyone else is interested in putting together a small FS system. Some things were on backorder though so it will take a while before I have all the pieces. Meanwhile I'm selling my old system leaving me without a decent computer for 1-2 weeks...Here are the specs:Shuttle SN95G5 w/motherboardAthlon64 3500+512MB RAMSapphire X800XT (non-PE), AGP 8x280GB harddrive (120+160)SB Audigy2LG "Super Multi" DVD/CD-Writer (since I can only have one drive in this system)The best thing is that the case will look *great* together with my Xenix illuminated keyboard, LCD screen, Saitek joystick and M-Audio MIDI Keyboard.