CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[emdawgz1]

From the Extremetech Website...

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2358737,00.asp

How to Build a Nettop (for Under $500)



By Daniel S. Evans, PC Magazine

Netbooks and nettops are among the fastest growing segments of the PC landscape. Running on Atom or Neo processors, and meant for basic day-to-day computing tasks, they're a handy addition to any household. And with their lower energy consumption, these devices won't be adding a lot to your electricity bill.
So why build a nettop? It's a much cheaper alternative to a full-scale desktop PC, particularly if you're looking for a system primarily to surf the Web. Of the components we used, the CPU and motherboard alone will only cost you $80 combined. And the new Intel Atom D510 processor (the first Pine Trail Atom processor) has the graphics (GPU) built right into the 1.66-GHz chip. The dual-core D510 also has Hyper-Threading, so it can theoretically handle up to four data streams at once.
The small form factor of a nettop is definitely a plus if your goal is an unobtrusive PC. Say you want one for the kids, or you need a small media center system you can place inside your home theater console. This could be what you're looking for. It doesn't have an HDMI port, but you can easily add the nettop to your network and use it for all of your media files.
This particular nettop build also only needs a 60-watt power supply. That, added to its size, makes it a good candidate for anyone wanting a more eco-friendly system. You will also save power with a 2.5-inch hard drive, the Western Digital WD VelociRaptor, but that doesn't mean you have lose speed—it actually runs at a fast 7,200 rpm.
Now, there are some caveats to having a nettop. You won't be running the fastest processor out there, and you'll be limited in the speed and amount of RAM you can use. In fact, this particular build calls for DDR2 RAM, which DDR3 is rapidly supplanting as the standard. Lastly, you are currently limited to using either Linux or the now-ancient Windows XP as your operating system. But if saving money—and maybe the planet—are high up on your list of priorities, a nettop is definitely worth considering. Read on to build one of your own.
Parts
Motherboard: Intel D510MO $80 List (processer included)
Processor: (1.66GHz) Intel Atom D510
Chassis: Antek ISK 300-65 $60 List
HDD: 300GB Western Digital 2.5" WD VelociRaptor $150
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc Slim DVD drive $35
OS: Windows XP $110
Memory: 1GB, Crucial DDR2 $27
Steps 1-4 >
1) Getting Started
Open the case and slide off the cover. The risers and power supply are included. The case does not come with a manual, so if you need one you'll have to download it from the Antec Web site.

2) Remove the Rack
This is where you will screw in your optical and hard disks. Put them aside in a safe place so you won't lose them.

3) Insert the Motherboard
The CPU is already on the motherboard, so unlike other build projects you won't need to install the CPU, spread thermal paste, and mount a cooling fan.

4) Wire the Motherboard
It will be tight, but wire up all of your motherboard connections now, because it will be harder when the rack is installed.

Steps 5-9 >
5) Insert the RAM
Set your DDR2 module into the RAM slot.

6) Secure the Hard Drive in the Rack
Screw the hard drive into the drive bay and they reattach it to the rack with a thumbscrew.

7) Screw the Optical Drive into the Rack
Attach the optical drive to the bottom of the rack, but be careful—the screw is very, very tiny.

8) Put the Rack Back
Reinsert the rack in the case. Connect your drives to the motherboard and add the correct power connections.

9) Close the case and install the operating system.

[ecrabb]

I didn't really scrutinize this - just glanced at it... But, why would you spend almost $450 to build your own Atom-based "nettop" when you can buy a Revo for what, $250 for an XP-based box or $450 for a Windows 7-based setup?

Just curious. Seems like for $450, you could either buy something better (it's SFF/low-power you're looking for), or build something better (if it's more performance you'd like).

SC

[emdawgz1]

Well, some of us... (me) like tinkering w/ stuff on their own.

I wouldnt build this thing as stated there.... Also, i have posted good thing about the Acer revo... i like it. But i have heard its CRAMMED chock full o' software junk, proprietary ware, and adverts....

[Spanky Ham]

em,
I like tinkering as much as the next guy. It is why I like playing around with Linux. In this case, I agree with Crabb. Netbooks and notebooks are usually poorer values in DIY. I would at least dump XP for Linux and save $100.