Smallest x86 motherboard?

[Skaven]

I have to put together a system that we would use here at work. Basically we need the smallest profile x86 (Windows98) system possible. It needs to be bulletproof, built in everything (video, sound, ethernet, USB), smallest footprint possible (even if non-standard). The case will be custom fabricated.

I'm thinking of an intel based system (Celeron is ok). Speed isn't much of an issue... 600mhz would work just fine for the application that we will be using. Reliability is a MUST. This system will be installed in a car to hook up to the engine management systems.

Any help would be greatly apprecaited!

 

[Athlon4all]

At first thought, I'd say Shuttle SV24. It's the worlds smallest PC, but it sounds to me that this is a Mission critical operation and I don't think I could trust a VIA Chipset in a mission critical situation (SV24 uses VIA PLE133, and supports Intel Socket 370 CPU's). I'd take a look at Intel's own Flex ATX P3 Mobo's, the only catch is that they're legacy free I believe. I'd do a search for Flex ATX at pricewach to find sellers of both Flex ATX boards, and Cases. Good luck!

 

[Skaven]

I looked at that shuttle system too. Still a bit bigger than I need. I basically need a x86 motherboard and case thats about 1U high (just as an example). The system will consist of the motherboard, powersupply, hard-drive and perhaps a floppy (although I'd like to stay away from it if possible).

 

[bluemax]

I was thinking THIS guy because of its size... I wish it were better than the MediaGX 200MHz....
Maybe I can find something similar... smaller than a BookPC.

Hey! There are, always, those "coffee" machines... the "Cappuccino" and "Espresso". They're VERY small, based in Intel815 chipset (stable) and run a CeleronII processor. That should be right up your alley.
EspressoPC
MFR of those tiny PC's

 

[bluemax]

You're not the same Skaven that wrote some rather popular MOD music back in the day, are you?

 

[piasabird]

Try getting a Tigerdirect.com magazine.

They have a little computer in there that is at least half the size of the small Shuttle cases.

It might be possible to get a souped up Palm-top computer to do what you want. Something that runs off of windows CE.

 

[PlatinumGold]

This is the Smallest PC i know about.

does it get smaller than this? the only thing i'd be concerned with is the cooling.

 

[MadRat]

Terminal Services-Ready boxes come as small as a PDA.

 

[PlatinumGold]

mad rat. you got any links? i'd be interested in those.

 

[Ryan]

Ipaq?!?!?!?!

 

[Skaven]

Ipaq wouldn't work.

We need at LEAST 2 USB ports, 10bastT, Windows98, external monitor/kb/mouse etc...


Keep 'em coming!

 

[MadRat]

Here is just one quick example of a PDA-sized dumb terminal.

Okay, I promised PDA sized and that one was notepad-sized. Try this 6"x3" one here. A better pic is here

There are alot of sub-$500 versions available on the market. Sure makes alot more sense for office managers to run ICA terminals (tooting along on like 3-4W) than to upgrade hundreds of powerhungry PC's!

 

[JHeiderman]

If you are really talking about mission critical applications for systems then you are talking about Winsystems boards. We use them for industrial application systems. The boards basicaly run for years without reboot. Check out www.winsystems.com for genuine, REAL integrated solutions.

Bluemax: I don't think he's the real Skaven. He (Peter "Skaven" Hajba) works for Remedy (the guys who work with MadOnion for 3dMark and MaxPayne). I emailed them a while ago and he wrote me back. I basicaly asked about the guys who were part of Future Crew. He and a few of the guys work for Remedy and get this, a few of the guys work for BitBoys. Yes, guys from Future Crew are part of BitBoys... I think that adds a shread of credability to their rep (we'll see). For you other guys reading this, if you don't know who Future Crew is you aren't cool.

- J

 

[bluemax]

DaveB3D works with BitBoys now, too.... ex 3dfx employee.
I was going to tease gently about the fact that Dave hinted at something amazing coming soon.... almost a year ago.
As a tracker (or ex-tracker?) musician myself, I always admired Skaven. Especially since his style was somewhat similar and not the limited techno-rock everyon else did/does.

Ahhhhhh.... those were the days.

 

[Red Dawn]

This is rather small..4" x 4.5" .. Here's the link to the board

Here's another Board

 

[Skaven]

<< You're not the same Skaven that wrote some rather popular MOD music back in the day, are you? >>



Nope, can't take credit for the name. I LOVED Future Crew back in the demo days. Used to show off the horsepower of my 486 DX2 66 with those demos! I ended up using Skaven as my RPG name and it just stuck!

Ahh... the good ol' days...


Thanks for the tips guys!

 

[KenAF]

This isn't the smallest motherboard...but it may offer the best performance available per square inch.

The Asus P4S333-FX offers two PCI slots and one AGP slot in a FlexATX form factor of 9.0" by 7.5". Not only does it offer PCI and AGP slots, and two DDR sockets, but it also supports overclocking to 166MHz FSB in 1MHz increments. People are overclocking their 1.6A P4 to 2400MHz on this board...with Geforce4 graphics in book-sized cases. :Q

What I really want, though...is a next-generation Nvidia nForce motherboard with integrated Geforce4Mx graphics, support for 166MHz FSB, and great sound in a small FlexATX package that will fit in this amazing 8.85" cube..

 

[TheCorm]

I like the look of the micro-PC that PlatinumGold pointed out but they sure do charge a premium....is that $1099 just for the Celeron 700mhz!!!.....or is that for the unit with that processor? it doesn't make it clear.

Corm

Edit - Ah, that's the cost for that cpu and the unit, so it's not really that bad when you consider how compact the technology is.

 

[thornc]

Skaven
I think that you need to look at industrial pcs!
Stuff like slot-pcs, ebx/etx form factor and sbc.

I have a pisa slot-pc with a mobile pentium 266MHz that has all that you need except for the speed, it's a Jumptec product.
I'm certain that you can find what you want in this type of industrial computers. They may be a bit more expensive but the
quality is much better.

Here's a link to a Jumptec Celeron slot board...

 

[ssanches]

<< Ipaq wouldn't work.

We need at LEAST 2 USB ports, 10bastT, Windows98, external monitor/kb/mouse etc...

>>



Try out the Asus CUSI-FX. It's a flexATX mobo. IT's got lan/sound/audio/5USB ports/2PCI and 1AGP4X. Use a Flex ATX case, put a P-III and you ready to rock

 

[bluemax]

KenAF I'm with you!
To find a small, attractive, somewhat portable case that doesn't lack in the expansion department and a good motherboard to match would be dreamy!
That board you linked + that case would be excellent - if they match. I couldn't quite see the expansion slot openings on that cube case...

but with onboard nic and maybe 56k modem, throw on onboard C-media 6ch audio, you have AGP for vid, and 2PCI for anything you want. Perfect.

 

[nortexoid]

surprised nobody mentioned THIS

 

[bluemax]

nortexoid - We did. At least 3 times. I even provided the link of one of their manufacturers for more detail.