Best bang for buck SFF?

[fs5]

Going to replace my main machine with an SFF, all I need is the case, mb, chip, and memory.

I've always had the best bang for the buck machine out there (celeron 300->450, duron 600->1.1ghz, p4 1.6 -> 2.6) so my next box will be no different. The only exception is that if there's going to be any overclocking involved it has to be done with little or no additional noise.

So I know there are a mind boggling number of SFF options out there, anybody want to help me narrow them down? AMD or Intel doesn't matter to me.

 

[bolido2000]

I bought the Shuttle SK41g (AMD) and I'm very happy with it. One of the cheapest SFF due to the crappy chipset, but its fine for basic stuff

 

[fs5]

SK41g? man, looks like I got some reading to do. Am I correct that the current king of o/cing is the 2500+? I don't use my home box much except on weekends so perhaps I don't need all the bells and whistles.

But I would like to play HL2 comfortably in the future....

 

[ericboo]

www.sfftech.com has tons of reviews. I am happy with my Gbox 968

 

[suklee]

Best bang for buck with overclocking - SN45G REVISION 1
Check out this thread here > Text

If you find an unlocked 2500+, it'll reach 3000+ speeds easily.

They tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to memory, so do your research!

If you want quiet, I would change the ICE 80mm fan as the stock Sunon is LOUD at full throttle. I'm probably going to replace mine with a Coolermaster Rifle-bearing LED fan soon.

Let me know if you have any more questions. :beer:

 

[loup garou]

Ideq 200v.

 

[LouPoir]

Breaking from tradition - Shuttle P4 -

IMHO.

Lou

 

[Psychosylph]

Well, from what I see of what you have done before, your best choices will be the SB61G2 to overclock a 2.4C or an SN45G to overclock a 2500+. You can go to cheaper (but less up to date) solutions with the SK41G (AMD) or SS51G (P4), but I think my first two suggestions seem to match your usual exploits best.

 

[hkctr]

I picked one of these for about $275. Quiet and runs well. Has overclocking options but since I have a locked 2500+ I'm stuck. The onboard video will only work at 333mhz. Nevertheless, a good compact setup. It will probably make its way to the US soon. As with any Nforce2 IGP, be carefull with memory compatibility especially if you plan to run dual channel. Had problems with Adata PC3200 but Spectek PC2700 and original Samung PC3200 are OK.

Aopen SilentSea

 

[fragstar]

Best Bang for buck AMD

The SK43G

Best bang for Buck Intel

The SS56G

Both machines come with Firewire, usb, SPDIF, on board graphics (though getting a gcard will be the best thing you can do) ICE cooler
They will overclock alittle, can be upgraded to 2 GB of memory and are the cheapest newest ones around.

If you want something from 2002's stock then the SS51G and the SK41G sell for about $25 cheaper, but they are getting old now, you'd be better off getting a newer machine