I'm getting fed up with my AOpen EZ18 as it's stock HSF sucks and I don't really think I could fit a better one in there; so I'm looking to replace it.

I want a small form factor barbones system again, with a good HSF - I'm thinking something like a Shuttle* - preferable Socket A (second hand off ebay is fine with me). Having a good HSF is very important for me so I can start transcoding again without the damn overheat alarm going off (it did this with a Duron 1.3 and my Athlon 2200).

Also what would be nice is two PCI slots so I can stick another Nova-T in. And of course it needs to look nice and be quite quiet as this box sits next to my TV.

Any suggestions guys?

* Shuttle's can be a bit pricey so non-Shuttle suggestions are welcome!

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Gushy

I'd love to suggest something but I'm still looking for the definition of "HSF" in your message. Haven't found the secret decoder ring yet...

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Do you code to live, or live to code?
Search LinHES forum through Google

lol sorry! HSF = HeatSink and Fan

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Gushy

The shuttle sn41g2 is quite nice, unfortunately it only has 1 pci and 1 agp slot.

I've just found out that one of my colleagues has a Socket A SFF that I can have (free!!), so the initial hunt is now off; however I still want to be able to upgrade to two tuners, so I'm looking for SFF or maybe a mini tower (asus terminator like) that can has 2 PCI.

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Gushy

I started out with a SFF box, http://mysettopbox.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1150 but got frustrated with it's limitations and lack of expandability. You're probably better off looking for a small micro-ATX case. Try to avoid the ones that require half height cards or special risers to use the PCI slots. Beware of really small ones that force you to make choices like giving up of your PCI slots to be able to install an extra HD.

I'm now considering one of the Silverstone Tech. boxes, but as you've advised I'm avoiding the ones requiring riser cards.

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Gushy

Antec also has a couple in their "lifestyle" line which are probably reasonable choices, with decent looks and a reasonable price. They also pay reasonable attention to limiting noise... I don't know about UK availability however...

I currently have a Silverstone that accepts full height cards. I think it is a good choice if you are going to stack it with other components. I have it sitting in a stereo rack with the rest of my components and it looks like it belongs.

Since it is a big case I can fit as many cards as need and a big HSF resolving heat issues. I have had it for about a year and soon I will fit it with a new cpu MB combo......That is the nice part not limited in choices and the case will live through a few generations of MBs. I will not be getting another case for my myth box until I'm forced by BTX standards.

It wasn't cheap but I finally bit the bullet and I have been happy ever since not to mention the smile that my GF had when I took the old beige case out of there.

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Backend System
XP2400
Nforce2 Abit NF7-S ver2
Intergrated nvidia sound and network
Nvidia 6200 DVI out to Projector
multiple drives using LVM
PVR - 500

tjc: Thanks, I'll have a look at the antec range, certainly a cheaper option than the Silverstone's would be nice, and I'm pretty sure availability should be ok here.

datobin1: I keep looking at the pics online and they just look so ... huge. I don't have a stereo rack so mine will just sit under my telly with a slimline dvd player and an Xbox; I'm concerned that I'll spend the money and it will just look wrong.

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Gushy

It is a big case.... as big as most recievers and a bit deeper but, lots of space inside.

The thing to watch is the depth the case. It's deeper than most stereo componets and then you will have alot of cables to attach that don't like to make tight bends.

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Backend System
XP2400
Nforce2 Abit NF7-S ver2
Intergrated nvidia sound and network
Nvidia 6200 DVI out to Projector
multiple drives using LVM
PVR - 500

yeah I was measuring the shelf under my TV last night and I'm concerned about whether the back leg of the stand will get in the way of cables being able to stick out of the back of the system.

Specifically I'm looking at the LC13.

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Gushy

Also pay attention to the PCs airflow when it's in the stand. Make sure all the vents have enough breathing room to get air in and out of the case. I remember spending 30-40 minutes behind the folks TV hutch with a hole saw on an electric drill one holiday making sure dad's new receiver wasn't going to cook itself.

Hopefully I should be ok, the leg at the rear of the stand has two big holes in it for cables to go through. ...... hopefully ........ :p

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Gushy