Lan Party Case!

[mbigna]

After I finish building my home rig with a Soyo Dragon+ mobo, I was contemplating building a lan party system with one of those low profile cases that are about the size of a notebook computer. These things usually have room for one floppy, one CD-ROM/RW, and one 3.5" HD inside. They also usually only have room for a micro-ATX mobo that must have integrated video (that usually stinks). [Assuming that the Dragon+ works to my liking...] I was wondering if there existed such a small case that would accommodate a Dragon+ mobo with some sort of AGP riser/angle-adapter that would allow me to plug in the video card of my choice (horizontally) and still maintain that low profile/footprint. The Dragon+ would be ideal because it has everything integrated except for the video.

Alternatively, does anyone know of a manufacturer that is planning a micro-ATX mobo based on nVidia's nForce chipset that would have [IMO] 'acceptable' graphics built in--preferably with DVI output (for a flat panel display).

I ask this not only because it would be an intriguing lan party rig—but because I have a few clients that would like to save a bunch of limited desk space both at work and at home. I was hoping I could put something together for them to review.

I'm now kicking myself for not buying one of those cheap MAG flat panels from Best Buy on black friday.

[RangerJoe]

yikes, thats a nice thought and everything....but to my knowledge, there is nothing that you can get an angle for your video card....course there might be, youd be surprised what the nerds at the computer companies think of, but im leaving this to the other folks around here, cause im clueless
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Ridenow]

I have been thinking of building something similar. You want a riser. http://www.servercase.com sells many types of risers and 1U stuff.

[CrystalMethod]

I know Aopen puts out some low profile Vid cards for use with Micro atx MB's. But the problem that I have with them is that they're only 8meg TNT2 cards. Not really suited to gaming.

[Luie]

There are GeForce2 mx-400 64Mb (low profile) in HK for HK$460.
There are GF2 TI200 (low profile) [good for gaming] in HK for around HK$1100

[mbigna]

Originally posted by Ridenow
I have been thinking of building something similar. You want a riser. http://www.servercase.com sells many types of risers and 1U stuff. Yes, I checked their slimline 'barebones' system and that is pretty much what I am talking about. Unfortunately, the included mobo's only support Intel up to about 1.4 GHz and the onboard video is terrible. The one case (that does NOT include firewire) has two PCI slots mounted horizontally, but I would like a horizontal AGP slot. With these boxes, you are pretty much locked into a non-upgradable system.

Also, don't bother telling me about those all in one 'computer in a keyboard' systems. They are even more limited in options.

You all have pretty much summed up my dillemma, though. The on-board video makes these systems pretty much useless for my needs.

However, if you do come across something, please post links! (thanks, Ridenow)

[ken257]

I did the same thing for a portable machine but I used a Inwin micro atx baby tower case. This thing is very small and lets you use all the card slots so you can have good video.

[mbigna]

Originally posted by ken257
I did the same thing for a portable machine but I used a Inwin micro atx baby tower case. This thing is very small and lets you use all the card slots so you can have good video. Do you have a link to the case you are using? Also, do you have a list of components that you put in it?

[Ridenow]

I should have been more specific
http://www.servercase.com/ImageFiles/Rackacc.html

I do not see the AGP one there, only PCI ones. I know there are a few other places that sell them and I have seen an AGP riser.


Edit: pricewatch found one, but it is a little pricy
http://www.rackmountpro.com/productsearch.cfm?catid=64

[mbigna]

Originally posted by Ridenow
I should have been more specific
http://www.servercase.com/ImageFiles/Rackacc.html

I do not see the AGP one there, only PCI ones. I know there are a few other places that sell them and I have seen an AGP riser.


Edit: pricewatch found one, but it is a little pricy
http://www.rackmountpro.com/productsearch.cfm?catid=64 Ouch! $55 IS pricey, but at least I know they exist now and where to get them. Even the description says this is a new product.

[Ridenow]

Originally posted by mbigna
Ouch! $55 IS pricey, but at least I know they exist now and where to get them. Even the description says this is a new product.

I have seen them for $10-15, but do not remember where. Keep looking, they are out there.

[ken257]

Here is a pic of the Inwin micro atx case.

As for the contents, that info can be found on my site http://www.maxoc.com

[JFettig]

i just ordered me a dragon like 2 days ago! i cant wait!!!

iv been running my aureal vortex card with my digi out but it doesnt work in nt or xp so i cant wait for my supadigi'z

and the raid and the mad overclockabilities!!!

im gonna be buildin me a w/cing system real soon, and i cant wait!