New Computer (a step back please)

[Cyan]

I'm looking to buy a new computer that is very, very quiet and particulary small (no, not a labtop. I want to hook it up to my current monitor, so a labtop isn't very practical) I want to slap DOS on there and play my old games (such as Quest for Glory) wich require almost nothing (by todays standards). I would go out and buy a cheap piece of junk for 50$ but I want something that looks sleek and is small and basically very quiet.

If anyone can help me out, that'd be tight yo :t :rolleyes:

I plan on keeping the computer for the rest of my long meaningless life :cool:

[Giblet Plus!]

Get yourself one of these via motherboards with the C3 processor:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=355&manufactory=1517&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1

And this pimp case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=&submit=Go&description=N82E16811180018

http://images2.newegg.com/productimage/11-180-018-01.JPG

Grab some SDRAM, a hard drive and a CD and you'll be set. :)

[BipolarBill]

I would suggest any old P3 Compaq Deskpro from Ebay.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=deskpro+pentium+

Deskpros are dull business PCs which are impossible to kill and quiet by design.

[crossedup]

get one here used for next to nothing and at least get a little fun installing hd, ram, cpu and sound. ive gotten 3 so far with no trouble

http://66.216.68.88/

:t

[Giblet Plus!]

Originally posted by Cyan
and particulary small

I still say get the mini-itx system. That whole case can fit on a mousepad! :p

[Cyan]

I like the
VIA Motherboard and Integrated CPU Model# EPIA 800 - RETAIL
with
AMS Electronics CF-668 Mini-ITX Form Factor Case

And all I'd need is a Hard Drive, CD Rom, and Ram?

or should I go with
VIA Motherboard and Integrated CPU Model# EPIA-M10000 - RTL
with the same case?

Also, are there different color cases or styles?

Thank you for your time.

[jmichna]

Check out these links at OutsideLoop Computers.

Two flavors:
AMD:
http://www.outsideloop.com/systems/machx-amd.html

Intel:
http://www.outsideloop.com/systems/machx-intel.html

At the least, OLP's configurations will give you info. If you decide they can do it cheaper, then... for what it's worth... I've bought several PCs, and recommended buyers to OutsideLoop many times, great vendor. Check ResellerRatings.
jmichna

[Giblet Plus!]

Originally posted by Cyan

And all I'd need is a Hard Drive, CD Rom, and Ram?

Thank you for your time.

All you need is some pc133 sdram, a cd and a hard drive. Go with whatever motherboard/cpu combo you want. They're all fast enough for what you'll be using it for, so the 800 should be fine.

This site (www.mini-itx.com) has all kinds of projects and reviews centered on those boards. There's a bunch of case reviews that might be interesting. :)

[Cyan]

Would I have a problem playing an old DOS game with DDR Ram? or any other problems due to updated computer specs?

(games such as Quest for Glory, Day of the Tentacle, Sam and Max hit the Road)

I mean... sure, I want a quiet, sleek, cheap(ish) computer, but that doesn't mean I want to go back to the day of waiting over a min. for Windows 98 to boot up. :rolleyes:

[Cyan]

Whoa, Giblet, that site is tight :t

So out of all the models you like the

VIA Motherboard and Integrated CPU Model# EPIA 800 - RETAIL

type?

(edit: are there such things as splitter cables for USB, PS2 wires? I wouldn't like to have to unplug my keyboard and mouse and plug it back in every time I want to use one or the other machine...)

[x51out]

You could go with an elderly SONY VAIO SLIMTOP PCV L-600. That would be Pentium III 500 mhz, 10 gb Maxtor HDD, 256 mb Crucial PC100, 15" LCD screen, on-board agp video Rage LT Pro 4 mb and Yamaha Sound and/or SB PCI 128. You mite find one of these for $500 around ebay or what not. HEY! Guess what! I've got one of those layin around HERE just collecting dust! Lemme know if you want it. I'm going to Las Vegas next week, so I could meet you half way... ;)

[Cyan]

The computer must output less than 25db,
have S-Video and normal connections,
Fiberoptic audio connections (for hookup on main AMP),
(SPDIF) -I think- audio connections (so I can hook it up to my TV (for sound) like you would a N64 or PS),
and be small.

I was looking at Hush Mini-ITX (http://www.hushtechnologies.net/hushmini.htm), I'm not sure if the specs are where they should be, but its quiet, and it's small.