Ultra Tiny ITX Build With External PSU - For Linux

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I'm trying to assemble a parts list for a tiny, inexpensive, and quiet computer. I want to use it for running Ubuntu and very light workloads: web browsing, creating documents, file storing, and accessing files on my other computer over the network.

I have a PCPP list started, but I'm looking to shed off about a $100 (or more) from the price. For example, I know I can find a much cheaper mother board (this mobo is incompatible anyway, as it has an 8-pin CPU connector and the Pico has a 4-pin) and I'm open to suggestions on the CPU. Since I won't be running a graphics card, I need on-board video. As someone who has always used AMD, my knowledge is lacking on the intel product list.

I've heard good things about the Pico, though I'm hesitant about these small power supplies. Any input would be nice.

Parts List: http: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/J8NYr7

This is the Pico PSU: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Box-picoPSU-160-XT-Power-Mini-ITX-Supply/dp/B005TWE6B8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467082799&sr=8-1&keywords=pico+psu

Streacom FC1-WS: http://www.streacom.com/products/f1cws-evo-chassis/

Other people using this case:

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Fixed the link

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Be careful with those Pico PSUs. I have pissed away no small amount of my shekels dealing with those. It always ends in tears.

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This may be a good starting point for a mobo - passively cooled SOC celeron quad core @ 1.6 - so SILENT

https://www.pccasegear.com/products/35617/gigabyte-ga-n3150n-d3v-motherboard

4 pin cpu power
2x ethernet
4x video out
2x ps/2 connectors
2x USB 3
2x USB 2
*** uses laptop ram ***

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Hmm, I hadn't even thought about an integrated cpu, that might be a good idea. I'll look up how the celeron compairs with the i3

I will say that I've had trouble installing linux on gigabyte boards tho

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Asrock make some good SOC boards as well

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Q1900TM-ITX/
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/J3160TM-ITX/
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/N3150TM-ITX/

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If you're concerned about a Pico, you could look at HD Plex. That should give you a little more juice and still be small.

http://www.hd-plex.com/HDPLEX-250W-Hi-Fi-DC-ATX-Power-Supply-16V-24V-Wide-Range-Voltage-Input.html

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The pico psu is all dependent on what power brick you get. Pair it with a nice reliable power brick and you'll have a good time.
This is what I'm using mine for

I'm sorry its sideways...

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http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2GB-RAM-1TB-HDD-Celeron-N3150-Mini-Fanless-Nuc-PC-6W-TDP-VGA-HDMI-WIFI-BT/217312_32542519524.html
Get this. Barebones it is $110 bucks US. There is an i3 version. Don't build something bulky and unnecessary. Small footprint and good enough.

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I have something like that, it doesn't perform well even for every day use, just good enough for HD videos.

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i3 version would. If you want a decent small terminal box, these NUC type boxes are where it is at. You could build something, but because eveything is so cheap, if you source from different stores the shipping will get you. Do a spread sheet costing.

Plus, so what you build a huge box with a shitty DC adapter, or a full ATX PSU. Is it worth the $40 (likely eaten by shipping).

Get a small box in one ship, duck tape it to the back of an ultra-wide, and be happy. I just went through this process.

Just bought from this company on my first purchase from Aliexpress, was very happy:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Super-small-size-all-aluminum-chassis_60480933528.html?spm=a2700.7724838.0.0.cD7mzX
You can even email and negotiate the price.

1 Like
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Where I work at we use the dual core celeron for people who facebook and email. Anything above that and we up it to the i3 or higher. They are nice to stick on the back of monitors though.

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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108485&cm_re=in_win_chopin-_-11-108-485-_-Product

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YA!! stick it on a monitor, mount to wall, & get a wireless mouse & keyboard.

I think my Celeron is a quad-core.

I ran Ubuntu-gnome on it okay but an i3 would be best, because it supports more and faster Ram (+1600).

Another one: Hyper-Threading, Virtualization Technology, 64 bit computing
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Cheap-mini-pc-station-thin-client_60296328531.html?spm=a2700.7724838.0.0.Gs8kyo
That is not a barebone price but you can make an offer and negotiate price. I did.