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Smaller Form Factor

220 points posted to Desktops by bnkr327 09/19/07

Guys,
I have 4 Dell Desktops, 3 Dell Laptops Needless to say, I like Dell.

I Enjoy that Dell wants to hear what the public wants and is not trying the "This is what they are going to buy" approach.

How about a different form factor?
a Simple 2 box setup:
One Box for the Motherboard and two optical drives
With dual Monitor support and optional - built in Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.
(Also, How about a monitor that I can plug my KB and Mouse into?)

The Second Box a Raid 5 (or Raid 6) E-Sata Setup (Hot Swapable).

Each box not to exceed 12" cubed (I am looking at some cube shaped bookshelving units and think it would be great if I could put my system in two cubes of space.

This Saves me Desk Space, and could solve some of my ugly cable issues.

gunnywalker
09/19/07
Sorry man, I demoted because a full ATX Motherboard is 12"x9.6". To get your specifications you need a specialty board. If you shrink don the case to much it hurts airflow and and actually working on the inside of the machine. I just can't vote that up. As for the cable thing, just get a USB cable to connect from the box the monitor. A lot of monitors come with USB ports as well. Then connect your USB mouse and KB to the monitor. You might want to try that.
bnkr327
09/20/07
I don't see the airflow as a major hurdle,
it can be overcome with improved ducting, although it may require higher CFM fans.

The motherboard would not be a specialty board, a Mini Or Micro board should easily work.
Who said Full ATX anyway?
(not like the ITX or the ETX - LOL - Not trying to build a cell phone)

Working on it - should not be any more of headache than current setups as it removes the HDD's.
(Dell is very good about making their boxes accessible so I have every confidence they could maintain the accessibility.
and they could add a tilt chassis for the optical drive(s) making that aspect a non-issue).

Maybe I'll play with the concept some more when I replace one of my units.
(If I can find cases that Small) I'd almost be tempted to try HP again if they had it - LOL

Thanks for the USB Monitor tip - It might be just the trick I have been looking for.
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