Should I switch to SFF for college or no?

[archcommus]

Pros: lighter and shorter, slightly smaller base but not much - THIS IS THE ONLY PRO

Cons: must upgrade case, PSU, and mobo when I only want a new mobo (all three over $300, as in an SN95G5, mobo only for an ATX system less than $150), more frustrating working environment, hotter (small college dorm room, might get hot at times)

So is that one pro worth the cons? I haven't decided yet. I will probably only transport my PC for Christmas break, spring break, and the summer, so we're only talking three transportations a year.

 

[halfadder]

I wouldn't bother. I had a monster huge fuuuullll tower AT case when I was in college and it wasn't too bad.

 

[archcommus]

That's certainly a unique opinion!

 

[Gioron]

Although you might be different than I, I never upgraded my computer while I was in collage (except the time the motherboard died, but thats different). After I got out and started making money, I just bought an entirely new computer. I tend to do this every couple years, and use the old computer for other tasks. I just don't see incremental upgrades as being worth it, especially on a college student's budget. I'd just get the best computer you can afford now, and pray it lasts you through college, or at least most of the way through. The other problem with upgrading is being without a computer for a week or so if something goes horribly wrong. As a student, that can be painful (though not horribly so if you have your work backed up and can use the computer labs on campus). Also, the smaller working environment doesn't matter much since you won't be working on your computer often to replace things (and the shuttle was suprisingly easy to set up if you follow the instructions and do things in the right order. Taking everything out to replace the one component that needs to go in first can be a pain, but the initial startup from a pile of parts to a working computer didn't actually take much more time).

I'm not sure I understand the question about heat, however. The heat sink on a shuttle case is pretty good, and rated for the max an athlon FX can put out. If you're using a lower power chip, you should have plenty of headroom before the heat starts causing problems with the CPU. If you're thinking of how badly the computer heats up your dorm room, then a small case might even be better. No matter what size case, the heat eventually makes its way out into your room, so the heat given off by the computer is equal to the heat generated by the processor and graphics card. Not all motherboards use the cool and quiet technology, but the Shuttle, like almost all SFF cases, does. This lowers the heat generated by the CPU and thus keeps your room cooler. (Of course, just being picky on your motherboard selection to make sure it uses cool and quiet would accomplish the same.)

Basicly, unless you know right now that you're an inveterate computer tinkerer (and if you are, you'll know), I wouldn't have any hesitation going with a shuttle. The definate advantages now outweigh the "maybe" advantages later. The only decision is whether the $50 extra you spend on a SFF is worth the added convenience for travelling.

Edit: Preview button? what preview button.....

 

[archcommus]

You make good points. I agree with a lot of them.

I can't really say how frequent I'll upgrade in college. On one hand, I won't have a job freshman year, and thus no cash. On the other hand, I should have a job in the summer and subsequent years, and being without a computer for a short time shouldn't be an issue either because I'll have a laptop. With that said, after my freshman year, I may upgrade as much as I do now, although of course I can't be certain, it really just depends. So, I didn't really like the fact that with Shuttles I need to get a mobo, case, and PSU altogether, and that it's slightly harder to work inside. But, as you said, that's not too bad if you do things in order. But, say I just want a new HDD. Could be a pain.

I guess you're right about heat, shouldn't be an issue with a good heatsink.

The only other real issue was having only two USB ports in back. I'd have to use front ports for permanent stuff. Bleh.

 

[Gioron]

The motherboard/case/PSU as a unit problem is a real one, but replacing the hard drive isn't that bad. Since you mentioned the SN95G5 and I happen to own one, I'll use that as an example. Since the FDD I ordered was delayed a week in shipping, I ended up installing it after the rest of the components. The steps to install it were simmilar to what would be needed to replace a HDD. First I had to unhook and remove the DVD drive, then unhook the cables on the HDD/FDD and unscrew and remove the drive frame. From there, I had easy access to install the FDD in the frame, then replace the frame, plug everything back in, and reinstall the DVD drive. Replacing the DVD drive was probably the worst part, for reasons I'll get into later, but it really didn't take me more than about 15-20 minutes. I don't really want to replace the CPU in this case, since it'll require a complete removal of all parts and a reinstall, but anything short of that is only annoying, not painful.

The lack of USB ports can be a problem, but for that a USB hub hiding behind the case sounds like the best solution, especially if you aren't using high power draw items and can get away with an unpowered hub.

Note that you can actually save some time on installation since you don't have to connect the front panel ports/switches and you don't have to install the motherboard into the case. Although with the G5 case, this is somewhat offset by the time it takes to line up the CD/DVD drive exactly so that the door open button works (but thats my only real peeve with the case, a BIOS update fixed the only other problem I had). Actually, aside from the DVD drive button, I didn't end up noticing any fiddly little connection problems (at least with my medium-large sized hands, basketball players may have issues). Mostly its just the added time to remove and replace things that you wouldn't normally have to instead of an increase in difficulty getting things to seat or fit right.

If you do end up with an SN95G5, here's some advice:
Don't even bother with the holes for the DVD drive, use the slots. Don't tighten the screws too much, though, because odds are you'll need to fiddle with them. When first booting up, make sure it posts and everything, then try the DVD drive button. When (not if) it doesn't work, take the cover off carefully while its still running (or just leave it off in the first place) and loosen the DVD screws, reposition the drive, and then retighten the screws. Then try the button again. This took me about 3-4 tries since tightening the screws was often enough to move the drive out of position into "permanently pressed" or "not pressed enough". Be careful not to touch any components other than the housing of the DVD drive and the rails of the case while making the adjustments.
You'll also want to update the BIOS to get rid of the network driver not working from a cold boot, but thats easy enough (and since it always seems to come back when you reboot, you don't have to worry about not being able to download the BIOS).

All that being said, a "normal" case does still have some advantages. You won't be able to fit a 2 slot video card in most SFF cases, including the SN95G5. Of course, since the power supply isn't up to powering more than a GT, an Ultra isn't going to work anyways (though my X800XT is doing just fine). You also won't be able to put a sound card and a video capture card in the computer, its one or the other. Given the decent (though not great) onboard sound and the lack of cable in my old college dorm, you might not care about this. You're also a bit limited on RAM, since it only has 2 slots. Of course, a gig of ram is probably plenty for the next couple years. Personally, I don't feel any of these are much of a drawback for me, but make sure they won't be for you.

 

[GimpyOne]

As a small note added to the discussion, I think you will notice the difference between a CRT and an LCD in a dorm room much more readily than going to a SFF case.

Desktop space is always much more of an issue in a dorm room; whether for studying, setting up a bar, or dancing! There is almost always somewhere to stash a tower case. So I would suggest getting an LCD for your comptuer, if you don't have one already, before looking into changing your system over to a SFF. (CRT's also will readily add to the heat in that confined space as much or more so than the rest of your computer)

 

[halfadder]

Good call regarding the LCD recommendation.

 

[Hikari]

++

I'd go for the best price option for the desktop, and stash it under a desk or something. Definitely good call on LCD in terms of saving space.

Originally posted by: GimpyOne
As a small note added to the discussion, I think you will notice the difference between a CRT and an LCD in a dorm room much more readily than going to a SFF case.

Desktop space is always much more of an issue in a dorm room; whether for studying, setting up a bar, or dancing! There is almost always somewhere to stash a tower case. So I would suggest getting an LCD for your comptuer, if you don't have one already, before looking into changing your system over to a SFF. (CRT's also will readily add to the heat in that confined space as much or more so than the rest of your computer)

 

[Tiamat]

yeah, LCD first, Small form factor if you have money left. If you go small form factor, be aware of the restrictions of the types of GPUs you can have. Also, you probably should go all the way and grab a seagate 400GB drive since having 2 HDDs in there creates some heat problems.

 

[archcommus]

Yes, definitely good call about the LCD. I currently have two CRTs, a 19" and a 17". Before college I want to get a good 19" LCD that will be suitable for gaming to take with me.

With an LCD, I think I'd be fine with my current ATX tower. Shouldn't be too hard to lug back and forth, and then I could upgrade to whichever motherboard I wanted to, whichever PSU I wanted to, enjoy four rear USB ports without a card or hub, keep my Audigy or whatever sound card I want at the time, etc.

So since I'll hopefully be keeping my current Kingwin tower for awhile, that means I can....upgrade now YEAH!!! Soon I'd like to get some nF4 mobo, A64 3000+ (don't want to overclock), and possibly an x800XL. I want to keep my memory, drives, and everything else.

 

[Mellman]

depends on your dorm...my dorm was relatively small, shared it with one roomate and i had amonstner case, 10" wide 30" tall and about 24" deep. I custom build it out of plexiglass, this was a few years before they were manufactured commercially. It was huge, it was cool, and it was heavy. How often are you going to be taking your computer equipment home?

Any interest in a laptop? I know i love taking mine to class to take notes on but some people don't.

if your actual desk space is small I'd spend your money on an LCD first, then get the PC components. A big CRT on the college dorm desks can suck.

 

[archcommus]

Yes, I like my big Kingwin case. I'll probably only be taking everything home maybe three times a year.

Yes, a laptop would be great. I'm going to Grove City College, and they give all incoming freshman HP Tablet PCs tc1100. It's awesome. I can takes notes in pen and have it convert it to text for me. But I want my desktop, too. Need it for gaming, of course!

Yep, definitely an LCD, and then I'll just keep my current case and stick with ATX. Should be fine, and allows for easier upgrading and such.

 

[imported_umbra]

you may want an aria cus they allow for more customization as to parts

 

[Commodus]

How about a Super Lanboy from Antec? It's extremely light (around 9 pounds when empty, I think) but still uses regular ATX parts. They even give you a carrying strap in the box. The only catch (aside from it being relatively expensive for a mini-tower) is that the aluminum is soft, so you don't want to be too rough on it. But then, you wouldn't want to be rough on a laptop or SFF box, either!

 

[archcommus]

I was considering mini-towers, but it just wouldn't be worth the effort to switch. My Kingwin is definitely big but not too big and it's a really beautiful case, polished aluminum with black drives.

I would like to get a carrying strap, though. Where could I get one from?

 

[imported_umbra]

you can get a carrying sling thingy from www.xoxide.com they have a couple lan carry thingirs

 

[halfadder]

Whoa cool! I **LOVE** the TC1100! I almost bought one instead of my PowerBook.

I'm not wild about the pencil eraser style trackpoint, I prefer a trackpad.... but I **LOVE** how you can actually remove the whole keyboard!

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: umbra
you can get a carrying sling thingy from www.xoxide.com they have a couple lan carry thingirs

Thanks.

Good to hear people like it! I'll probably be getting mine in August.

 

[archcommus]

So, stick with ATX. Sounds good.

So I need an upgrade, an LCD, and good headphones before next fall. I really want to upgrade now because it's fun, and I'm excited to switch to A64/nF4, but at the same time it'd make more sense to wait until summer, because my system games plenty fine now and by the summer I could get better parts for the same price.

Hmm...to wait or not to wait.

And you figure, $600 for an upgrade, $800 for an LCD, $200 for good headphones.

And I'm a cashier? Eek...

I'll need like, donations or something.

 

[archcommus]

Okay, back.

I figure, LCD and headphones now/soon, and upgrade in summer. Because not much will probably change with LCDs and headphones during that time, but CPUs and video cards may become substantially cheaper.

Agree? If so, I'll go revive my LCD thread, and start a new headphone thread.

 

[archcommus]

Bumpity.

 

[Stark]

if you're going to take it home on break or ever go to a lan party, you should. Actually, I can't think of any reason besided cost why you shouldn't.

 

[archcommus]

Shouldn't....get an SFF, or get an LCD?

If you mean LCD, yes, I need one for sure, and am already looking. Post here if you have opinions on that, I welcome all suggestions.

 

[Novus]

Archcommus, as a future GCC student (I live in the area and will be taking some CompSci classes next year), I doubt you'll have any problem with your tower. The rooms really aren't too small.
However, the LCD will really help!