Awesome solar-powered i3 machine

[BCO]

Check this out:

http://www.aleutia.com/products/h3-vesa-pc

I'm really really tempted to get one as a download box/media station in my lounge. I already have a 170W solar panel and batteries that are running some lights in my house, but I have extra capacity on my solar rig to run one of these bad boys 24/7.

What you guys think, should I order one? Would anyone else be keen to order something from these guys at the same time and share the shipping costs?

 

[Gnome]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to build your own system locally?

What is the cost in rands anyway?

 

[BCO]

It's like R6.5k incl. shipping

The thing is, I don't know if it's possible to source a PSU in South Africa that can run directly off DC.

 

[Gnome]

It's like R6.5k incl. shipping

Ouch!

Not saying you shouldn't go for it, just putting some other options on the table.

The thing is, I don't know if it's possible to source a PSU in South Africa that can run directly off DC.

There are actually a few options. For example:
http://www.prophecy.co.za/6719-black-with-front-door-with-external-power-supply-p-56843.html

I have one of those cases, it has a internal PSU that takes 12volt input. They give you a power brick Universal AC -> 12v DC.

Another option:
http://www.mini-box.co.za/FindCategory.aspx?SelectedGroup=Power+(Pico)

Their prices are a bit high tho, but I'd give them a call and try get them to go down on their prices if it were me.

Pretty sure you can get the motherboard locally, the problem really is getting a nice case

 

[BCO]

Ouch!

Not saying you shouldn't go for it, just putting some other options on the table.


There are actually a few options. For example:
http://www.prophecy.co.za/6719-black-with-front-door-with-external-power-supply-p-56843.html

I have one of those cases, it has a internal PSU that takes 12volt input. They give you a power brick Universal AC -> 12v DC.

Another option:
http://www.mini-box.co.za/FindCategory.aspx?SelectedGroup=Power+(Pico)

Their prices are a bit high tho, but I'd give them a call and try get them to go down on their prices if it were me.

Pretty sure you can get the motherboard locally, the problem really is getting a nice case

Thanks, I really appreciate the input. Basically, I'd LOVE an off-grid media box that can play 1080p video. Whether it's built up by myself or bought from an OEM like Aleutia doesn't phase me. The cheaper option is what I'll do.

 

[BCO]

The issue now is finding mini-itx H55 chipset motherboards in SA. Something like this: http://www.wantitall.co.za/PC-Hardw...Mini-ITX-Motherboard-GA-H55N-USB3__B003QSAT36

 

[Gnome]

So which PSU are you going to take? If you take the H55 then I would rather take a PicoPSU than that case I posted because I'm not entirely convinced it can handle high output (which the H55 can almost certainly draw).

Personally, I think this is a good option: http://www.mini-box.co.za/ProductDescription.aspx?id=846707

Depending if you can negotiate a price.

 

[BCO]

Ok, looking at a Micro ATX system:

From Prophecy:

1 x Intel Core i3-540 3.06 GHz LGA1156 4MB Cache CPU R946.77
1 x Gigabyte GA-H55M-D2H LGA1156 Dual-Channel DDR3 CrossFireX R1168.34
1 x Lian-li PC-V351 - Black - No PSU R1063.07
1 x Mushkin 1600MHz DDR3 4GB Silverline Low-Voltage 2x2GB Kit - CL 9-9-9-24 R856.44
1 x Alpine 11 Pro Rev. 2 - Supports Intel sockets 775/1156, Fan speed: 500 -200 R100.89
1 x Samsung 105SI EcoGreen F2 1TB SATA2 5400RPM Desktop 3.5" R518.54

SUBTOTAL: R4654.05

From Mini-Box:

PW-200-V 12V Micro Power Supply - 200 Watt DC-DC

SUBTOTAL: R 294.52

TOTAL: R4948.57

So it's like R1.5k cheaper than the Aleutia machine. Am I correct that it's basically the same specs? Mine seems to have a faster CPU. Am I missing a GPU, or does the i3 have the GPU on the chip?

*edit* changed PSU as per Gnome's suggestion.

 

[Gnome]

Hang on there man.

Also a possible motherboard option:
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/zotac-h55itx-wifi-intel-chipset-mitx-p-4511.html

RAM:
You wouldn't be able to run @ 1600mhz wihout overclocking but since for a cheap option I'd take:
Personally I'd get this from Esquire: Kingston HYPERX 4GB 1600MHZ DDR3 KIT/2 (R796.86 incl.)

Otherwise get a cheaper 1333mhz kit from wherever.

In terms of hard-drives, I've owned:
WD Green Power
Seagate LP
Samsung EcoGreen

IMHO the WD Green Power is the coolest running drive and I would recommend you get that instead but you can go for whatever. Also for the price you are paying Prophecy you can probably get a Samsung drive from Esquire, 1.5TB for R603.06 incl. or 2TB for R910.86.
Both EcoGreen drives.

I don't have an opinion on the CPU cooler, generally I only buy Thermalright and I believe them to be the best but for the case you are using it won't fit (probably won't fit the motherboard either).

CPU:
The Intel Core i3-540 is R1024.86 (incl.) from Esquire.

If you don't have an Esquire account PM me.

Also, the PicoPSU you picked is more expensive than their older 200w model, from that same supplier, maybe consider that? (Check the post I made with the PSU I recommended).

I think all of them (PicoPSUs) still run the older ATX pinouts so you need a converter to get it complaint. By that I mean the older ATX pins had less plugs, the newer one has a few extra Vouts, but you get plugs that take the current plug and expand it by going parallel on some of the wires. Shouldn't be an issue for a low power setup.

EDIT:
Ok just noticed, you mention Micro ATX instead of Mini-ITX, in that case Esquire also have 3 Asus motherboard options:
P7H55-M LX
P7H55-M
P7H55-M/USB3

Go look on the Asus web-site, they are fairly cheap from Esquire. I'm assuming you are on a budget, hence the recommendation to buy from Esquire.

Maybe someone can recommend a CPU cooler, I'd only recommend Thermalright and I think they are a bit outside of your budget and requirements (in terms of space and required cooling, IE> it would be overkill).

 

[BCO]

Thanks again for the input, Gnome. Gonna play around with all the options tonight, in the mean time, I've added the Prophecy prices to my post above - how do they compare to Esquire's prices?

 

[Gnome]

Thanks again for the input, Gnome. Gonna play around with all the options tonight, and then might take you up on the Esquire offer!

Sure man, I'll send you a PM. Also to answer you previous question, yes, some of the newer CPUs include GPUs of which the Core i3-540 is one, so far as I know.

 

[Gnome]

I've added the Prophecy prices to my post above - how do they compare to Esquire's prices?

Damn, I never even compared the prices. Pretty impressive prices from Prophecy there. That plus free shipping (for orders > R1500) might even make it easier to just order from them.

Also checkout:
www.landmarkpc.co.za

Also, consider reading some reviews on CPU coolers, from these web-sites:
www.silentpcreview.com
www.anandtech.com
www.hardwaresecrets.com
Maybe www.tomshardware.com (but I wonder about them these days)

I'd also recommend those sites for any type of hardware review. Hardware secrets especially has a very grueling PSU test.

LAST EDIT:
I found this:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44283&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30
http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=57502

Might be prudent to go for the PicoPSU instead...

I can't vouch for these PSUs, I just want to say that up front, I'm not 100% certain the PicoPSU or that 200W PSU will run your setup, but the PicoPSU has been review and it can apparently put out the rated power, so I see no reason it shouldn't work. Haven't tested it tho. Best make sure you can return it if it doesn't work, IMHO.

 

[BCO]

Ok, I've specced this: (all from Prophecy, as their prices actually beat Esquire on everything)

Intel Core i3-540 3.06 GHz LGA1156 4MB Cache CPU R 946.77
RAM 2x2GB Mushkin DDR1333 R 721.28
Lian-li PC-V351 Case R 1 063.07
Samsung 105SI EcoGreen F2 1TB SATA2 5400RPM Desktop 3.5"* R 518.54
ASUS P7H55-M motherboard R 887.63
Thermalright AXP-140 RT cooler R 705.68

And then the PW-200 PSU from Mini Box for R294.52

Total: R5274.72

Tempting.

*edit* The nice thing about that Thermalright cooler is that I can prolly go with passive cooling on the CPU. Nice and silent.

http://www.overclockersonline.net/reviews/50002411/

*edit 2* might have to mail the Mini Box guys with my proposed specs and see if the PW-200 will work. I suspect it will, as the machine planned here looks less power hungry than some of those others that weren't working with the PW-200 were. If Mini Box advise against the PW-200 I might have to go with the PicoPSU 150.

 

[Gnome]

BCO, don't underestimate the size of that cooler. Might not fit in your case if it is a smallish case, so just make sure to use actual sizes and get your measurements 100%

I haven't seen that particular cooler but so far, every time I bought one of their coolers, pictures didn't do it justice. They are seriously large. I hope you did some homework on Thermalright coolers tho and didn't just take my word for it

Did you check www.landmarkpc.co.za also? They usually have very good prices also (last time they beat Prophecy for prices when I checked).

 

[BCO]

BCO, don't underestimate the size of that cooler. Might not fit in your case if it is a smallish case, so just make sure to use actual sizes and get your measurements 100%

I haven't seen that particular cooler but so far, every time I bought one of their coolers, pictures didn't do it justice. They are seriously large. I hope you did some homework on Thermalright coolers tho and didn't just take my word for it

Did you check www.landmarkpc.co.za also? They usually have very good prices also (last time they beat Prophecy for prices when I checked).

Yeah, I have a Thermalright Ultra-120 on my PC, so I know they're huuuge. This AXP 140 is supposed to be "low profile" though (like 70mm with fan IIRC), and the case I'm looking to buy is rather big at 279mm (W) x 263mm (H) x 373mm (D) http://www.prophecy.co.za/lianli-pcv351-black-p-35049.html

Will compare Landmark's prices now.

 

[BCO]

Just checked Landmark's prices - some components are slightly cheaper and some are slightly more expensive. No real difference either way as far as I can tell.