You've got a convert: I have a ATX and I want to go SFF.

[simms]

Rig in Sig.
I've got a dying epox 8kha+ (KT266A) board that I need to replace, so I figure I can go SFF now while I have to switch. I figure I can reuse my CPU (AXP 1700+) and my memory (512 2100) along with my GFX card (GF3 Ti200) and DVD/CD-RW. Can I keep everything in my current rig (minus the mobo, case and PSU, and HSF) and just put it in the Shuttle?

edit: doing some research, I can't use my HSF anymore for this build. Can I use my Visiontek GF3 Ti200
with a shuttle SN45G?

more edit: the AN35 any good? Should I consider it? http://us.shuttle.com/specs.asp?pro_id=280
Info on the SN45G: http://us.shuttle.com/specs_access.asp?pro_id=279

As for the shuttle, I am thinking of the SN45G (NF2 chipset, plus soundstorm?). What would I need to get, or what would I get in the package (I assume the small case, a new PSU, and a new mobo, right?)

Can I use my AGP card with the SN45G and can I keep my cooling (right now I have it passively cooled with a Zalman)? And any other tips I should know? How much should I be looking to spend?

Thanks!

 

[outcompute123]

Good question.
Im looking at going to sff, all my current rigs are like 10 feet tall

 

[simms]

bump.

 

[suklee]

Welcome to the club! Well not yet, but you're halfway there...

Originally posted by: simms
Rig in Sig.
I've got a dying epox 8kha+ (KT266A) board that I need to replace, so I figure I can go SFF now while I have to switch. I figure I can reuse my CPU (AXP 1700+) and my memory (512 2100) along with my GFX card (GF3 Ti200) and DVD/CD-RW. Can I keep everything in my current rig (minus the mobo, case and PSU, and HSF) and just put it in the Shuttle?

Yes, and sell off the stuff you can't keep and use it towards your SFF.

more edit: the AN35 any good? Should I consider it? http://us.shuttle.com/specs.asp?pro_id=280
Info on the SN45G: http://us.shuttle.com/specs_access.asp?pro_id=279

Not sure what you mean with the AN35. The SN45G's motherboard is the FN45...

As for the shuttle, I am thinking of the SN45G (NF2 chipset, plus soundstorm?). What would I need to get, or what would I get in the package (I assume the small case, a new PSU, and a new mobo, right?)

SN45G is a very good choice considering the parts you already have. Soundstorm is sweet (if you're using digital out). And you're correct, it comes with the case, a 200W PSU, the I.C.E. cooling system, the FN45 motherboard, and the all the cables necessary for installation.

Can I use my AGP card with the SN45G and can I keep my cooling (right now I have it passively cooled with a Zalman)? And any other tips I should know? How much should I be looking to spend?

Not sure which Zalman system you're using. Got a link? If it's one of those huge heatpipes it may not fit in there, but if it were me I'd just slap the stock cooler back on and stick it into the Shuttle.

I might add that the stock Sunon coolers on the ICE is extremely loud; if you're putting this on your desk it may become a bit of an annoyance...

Finally, head over to http://forums.sudhian.com/ and browse the Shuttle SFF forum, you'll find a treasure trove full of information in there regarding SFFs.

:beer:

 

[Cheetah8799]

If you want nForce2, the Biostar iDEQ 200N is a nice system.

As for moving over, almost all SFF systems come with a heatsink/fan for the cpu. They are specially designed for the case and airflow design. You won't want to mess with it, unless if you are going to mod a lot of the system.

The Biostar systems are ideal IMO because the AGP slot is the one further from the edge of the case, the PCI is on the outer edge. In Shuttle systems the AGP is on the outside edge. This is a problem because if you run a high end gaming card, you'll get better airflow to it in the Biostar, since the side of the case isn't in the way.

I've got a dying epox 8kha+ (KT266A) board that I need to replace, so I figure I can go SFF now while I have to switch. I figure I can reuse my CPU (AXP 1700+) and my memory (512 2100) along with my GFX card (GF3 Ti200) and DVD/CD-RW. Can I keep everything in my current rig (minus the mobo, case and PSU, and HSF) and just put it in the Shuttle?

As for that question, well, you've hit the nail on the head. You shouldn't have any trouble using your cpu, ram, video, and dvd drive in pretty much any AMD based sff rig.

If you go with a nForce2 based sff, then it'll have a GF4 MX440 onboard video chipset, which is pretty similar to your GF3 Ti200, so you may even consider not putting the extra video card in there for the time being. Unless if you do some games that perform better with it or something.

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: Cheetah8799
If you want nForce2, the Biostar iDEQ 200N is a nice system.

As for moving over, almost all SFF systems come with a heatsink/fan for the cpu. They are specially designed for the case and airflow design. You won't want to mess with it, unless if you are going to mod a lot of the system.

The Biostar systems are ideal IMO because the AGP slot is the one further from the edge of the case, the PCI is on the outer edge. In Shuttle systems the AGP is on the outside edge. This is a problem because if you run a high end gaming card, you'll get better airflow to it in the Biostar, since the side of the case isn't in the way.

I've got a dying epox 8kha+ (KT266A) board that I need to replace, so I figure I can go SFF now while I have to switch. I figure I can reuse my CPU (AXP 1700+) and my memory (512 2100) along with my GFX card (GF3 Ti200) and DVD/CD-RW. Can I keep everything in my current rig (minus the mobo, case and PSU, and HSF) and just put it in the Shuttle?

As for that question, well, you've hit the nail on the head. You shouldn't have any trouble using your cpu, ram, video, and dvd drive in pretty much any AMD based sff rig.

If you go with a nForce2 based sff, then it'll have a GF4 MX440 onboard video chipset, which is pretty similar to your GF3 Ti200, so you may even consider not putting the extra video card in there for the time being. Unless if you do some games that perform better with it or something.

Whoa, so the SN45G comes with onboard GF4 MX? But then again, GF3 > GF4MX, so... but it's onboard right? Is there another HSF for the onboard video? and is this just for biostar or shuttle as well?


Simon

 

[suklee]

Originally posted by: simms

Originally posted by: Cheetah8799
If you go with a nForce2 based sff, then it'll have a GF4 MX440 onboard video chipset, which is pretty similar to your GF3 Ti200, so you may even consider not putting the extra video card in there for the time being. Unless if you do some games that perform better with it or something.

Whoa, so the SN45G comes with onboard GF4 MX? But then again, GF3 > GF4MX, so... but it's onboard right? Is there another HSF for the onboard video? and is this just for biostar or shuttle as well?


Simon

SN45G = no onboard video, nForce2 Ultra 400 chipset, passive NB heatsink
SN41G2 = onboard GF4MX video, active cooling on NB heatsink

 

[simms]

I've been told that if I get the SN45G, I would need to get the SN45Gv2 because it has a 250W silenx PSU?

Ugh. SN41G2 now? Does that use NF2 Ultra 400 chipset as well? I could just swap out the fan for a Zalman on the 41 right?

edit: which one is 'better'? I thought the 45 would be better because it's a higher number.

 

[Glendor]

I really like my SN45G, but like they said, it doesn't have onboard graphics. I'm using a AIW9700Pro. You could use the zalman passive cooler on the video card, but you won't be able to put the case back on without dremmeling a hole in the side. I've seen it done, and if done right, looks kind of cool. The North bridge is passively cooled, but the stock HSF is small, so I'm installing the larger gold colored Zalman northbridge cooler. Still passive, but much more efficient. Good luck on your purchase.

Glendor...

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: Glendor
I really like my SN45G, but like they said, it doesn't have onboard graphics. I'm using a AIW9700Pro. You could use the zalman passive cooler on the video card, but you won't be able to put the case back on without dremmeling a hole in the side. I've seen it done, and if done right, looks kind of cool. The North bridge is passively cooled, but the stock HSF is small, so I'm installing the larger gold colored Zalman northbridge cooler. Still passive, but much more efficient. Good luck on your purchase.

Glendor...

I'd rather not dremel the case. How much clearance is there between the case wall and the GPU? I'd rather get a smaller Zalman (the gold one) instead of my blue one if it means no dremelling.

Simon

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: simms

Originally posted by: Glendor
I really like my SN45G, but like they said, it doesn't have onboard graphics. I'm using a AIW9700Pro. You could use the zalman passive cooler on the video card, but you won't be able to put the case back on without dremmeling a hole in the side. I've seen it done, and if done right, looks kind of cool. The North bridge is passively cooled, but the stock HSF is small, so I'm installing the larger gold colored Zalman northbridge cooler. Still passive, but much more efficient. Good luck on your purchase.

Glendor...

I'd rather not dremel the case. How much clearance is there between the case wall and the GPU? I'd rather get a smaller Zalman (the gold one) instead of my blue one if it means no dremelling.

Simon

The gold one should fit with the cover on, I recall just seeing a pic of it in a shuttle.

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: simms

Originally posted by: Glendor
I really like my SN45G, but like they said, it doesn't have onboard graphics. I'm using a AIW9700Pro. You could use the zalman passive cooler on the video card, but you won't be able to put the case back on without dremmeling a hole in the side. I've seen it done, and if done right, looks kind of cool. The North bridge is passively cooled, but the stock HSF is small, so I'm installing the larger gold colored Zalman northbridge cooler. Still passive, but much more efficient. Good luck on your purchase.

Glendor...

I'd rather not dremel the case. How much clearance is there between the case wall and the GPU? I'd rather get a smaller Zalman (the gold one) instead of my blue one if it means no dremelling.

Simon

The gold one should fit with the cover on, I recall just seeing a pic of it in a shuttle.

If you have the 45, think you can do a measurement for me? One more thing

" The North bridge is passively cooled, but the stock HSF is small, so I'm installing the larger gold colored Zalman northbridge cooler. Still passive, but much more efficient. Good luck on your purchase."

So is the NB passive or fan cooled?