Which small case Linux box to choose? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 12:27:31 am
content: I want to run a small linux box at home and would appreciate recommendations. The requirements are1. Intel/AMD based architecture (no ARM, I want to be as main stream as possible).2. No fan (at least most of the time, I want it to be quiet).3. Has or can accept SSD or hard drive (no slow SD or external USB drive).4. Wifi (preferably built in, but doesn't have to).I plan to use it via network connection ( SSH, CRD, etc) but need to be able to use screen/keyboard/mouse connections for installation and diagnostics.Low price or high performance is not a key requirement.

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 12:34:48 am
content: What are you looking for? Something like a mITX board, or something like a complete mini PC/thin client?

author: nixfu
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 12:49:14 am
content: You probably want something with an ATOM processor given your requirements.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 12:54:19 am
content: I run Mint on an HP MicroServer G7, but I don't think that's exactly what you're looking for - probably not small enough or quiet enough.Take a look at the Intel NUC, it might do the job. You have to add a few of the parts yourself though, it's not a complete machine.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 01:38:13 am
content: Quote from: nixfu on February 05, 2015, 12:49:14 amNot sure what ATOM is. I am looking for a box that will run standard Linux binaries. For example this onehttp://www.lpcware.com/lpcxpresso/downloads/linuxFor example, will one of these do the job? (I presume they are quiet)http://www.mitxpc.com/products.php?cat=108

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 01:46:08 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 05, 2015, 01:38:13 amYes, Intel NUC are great.I have deployed about 15 of them, running Windows though.No fan, but still good performance for the dollar.You need to purchase RAM, mSATA SSD and wireless card separately.My standard configuration with 1 off pricing is:Intel NUC DC3217IYE i3-3217U Mini PC Desktop Kit mSATA [NZD 360.00]Samsung 840 EVO mSATA 120GB [NZD 98.00]Kingston 8GB 1600MHz DDR3L Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM [NZD 83.00]Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 2x2 WIFI+Bluetooth [NZD 28.00]2M 3pin to Clover shaped female power [NZD 2.50]

author: magetoo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 02:55:55 am
content: I'd do asearch for mini-ITXon thebuildapc subreddit.This oneseems nice. No wifi on the motherboard, but it does support 32G of memory which I don't think is all that common for the form factor.Edit:It's not fanless. But according to another thread about the same CPU+motherboard it was practically inaudible.The motherboard even has the "legacy" ports! I might have to make this my next desktop machine...

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 04:03:44 am
content: Searching Amazon for 'fanless nuc' provides several results.http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nuc+fanlessAnything that jumps to mind as a good choice?For example, does this look reasonable? I presume that I will need to add RAM and SSD. It comes with an external power supply, I would prefer an integrated power supply.http://www.amazon.com/Jetway-Trail-M-Celeron-Fanless-JBC310U91W-2930-B/dp/B00MF03VEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423108847&sr=8-1&keywords=nuc+fanless

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 04:24:04 am
content: Search for "plug computer" add fanless and wifi they are headless (no monitor) and no keyboard or mouse, they just plug on the wall and usually have Ethernet for networking.However some have HDMI/USB and WiFi, some are Android, some are ARM but some are x86for example a two year old AMD LiveBox (no WiFi but you should be able to put WiFi on one of the USB ports)http://www.geek.com/chips/amd-livebox-is-an-x86-wall-plug-computer-1494887/Of course toss the Windows 7/ Windows 8 pre-installed I guessA cheaper Chinese one, but you need a soldering iron and a scope to reprogram it, it seems:http://www.dr-lex.be/hardware/btplug_review.htmlNot sure what else is in this area, I looked at them a couple of years ago but never got one since I love to waste space with full tower systemsEdit: I forgot, Intel Galileo but get the Gen 2! not Gen 1.No WiFi but it has a mini (or is it micro) pci-e and Intel distributes it with Linux as default.Edit again:I while back I did purchase a trimslice from an Israeli company, it's Tegra 2 based, but they do make PC in the same fashion.http://www.compulab.co.il/Their support for the trimslice was pretty slow but they did come through. But with PC ones probably you don't need that much support. Nicest thing on the TrimSlice was full 1 Amp USB ports just because they deem them as an important feature on top of the 32GB SSD drive before SSD drives were everywhere.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 07:11:58 am
content: Your requirements are still pretty vague. You haven't given a purpose for the system, other than you need to install it with keyboard/mouse and you'll use it remotely via ssh. Is it a file server? router? database server? network streaming multimedia server?There's no reason not to use ARM if you are running linux. You don't need to be "mainstream"That said, the Banana Pi (bananapi.org) seems like a decent ARM board too at about $35, with Gigabit ethernet, usb, SATA and 1GB RAM. not really enough RAM for a file server to multiple people, but maybe ok for streaming video to one or two people. I would call it low price, medium performance.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2015, 12:42:43 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 05, 2015, 12:27:31 ambuy an Apple

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2015, 04:48:01 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 05, 2015, 01:38:13 amatom is an mini intel processor, 1ghz 1 core with multithread iirc. its like a standard pc, got mb, sticked in ram and hdd/sdd, usb ports etc, except its a mini and accepts 12Vdc input as PSU. with casing its about the size of AoE book. i'm sure intel processor runs linux sw allright once you installed the linux os. but atom like mine is pretty much dated now, should have better option today. i saw the link above, thats better!

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2015, 01:45:00 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on February 06, 2015, 04:48:01 amThe classic Atoms were pretty poor. These days, their successors are better, but now appear under a variety of names. I'd probably look at something with the Celeron J1800, or J1900.I needed something to run windows (ick) and ordered a refurbished ~2008 Core2 duo ultra small form factor HP from ebay for ~$100 with a Win7 Pro license. There were similar machines with no OS for $60 or so. I expect it to arrive tomorrow.

author: Coliban
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2015, 10:36:33 pm
content: This shuttle has a fan but is quiet enough and very flexible at a very small form factor.Shuttle DS61 (about 200usd)Core i3 Ivy Bridge 3220T - 2,8 GHz (150USD)Kingston 8GB DDR3 1600MHz (150USD)Samsung MZ-7TE250BW Serie 840 EVO, 250GB (about 150USD)http://www.shuttle.eu/products/slim/ds61/overview/(wie use this in an industrial environment)650 USD (or round about 500€). The system is quiet, but very performant if needed, it would be a full workstation with 19 x 16,5 x 4,3 cm (about 7,5 x 6,3 x 1,7 inch) with4x USB 2.02x USB 3.02x Gigabit LAN (RJ45)2x RS232 serielle Ports (5V/12V, 1x switchable to RS422 / RS485) (would be important for me)HDMIetc.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2015, 11:11:02 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on February 05, 2015, 12:27:31 amFoxconn (yes, I know) do a few boxes that might suit - e.g.http://www.amazon.com/System-NT-IBT18-Intel-Celeron-Retail/dp/B00MXEQRWG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423609450&sr=8-1&keywords=Foxconn+NT-IBT18I use annT-435as my VOIP, and occasional minecraft, server. I could certainly run more on it should I feel so inclined.

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2015, 11:46:37 pm
content: I'm using theShuttle DS437in several installations as a firewall (albeit with FreeBSD, not Linux.) It's convection-cooled (no fan), very well built (intended as a signage PC, so designed for years of 24/7 operation), and the Celeron in it is faster than an Atom.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2015, 05:52:34 am
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on February 10, 2015, 11:11:02 pmI looks nice and I don't really need Wifi since I can hook it with a cable and leave near my router.What do I need to add to the NT-IBT18, just RAM and SATA/SSD?

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2015, 07:14:45 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 11, 2015, 05:52:34 amI believe so - various info on the Foxconn sitehttp://www.foxconnchannel.com/ProductDetail.aspx?T=NanoPC&U=en-us0000030

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2015, 04:17:37 pm
content: If that's the kind of computer you're looking for just get a NUC.http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/products-overview.html

author: AdamHi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 08:09:22 am
content: I'm using this on my work bench:http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure. ASRock E-350 (AMD) MoBo running Linux Mint. Mini-Box site has good selection.--adamSent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

author: true
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 11:31:49 am
content: My router is fanless and is based on a Gigabyte GA-J1900-D3V. Passive cooling, dual gigabit LAN, works well.Getting a PIPO X7 to use as an NVR for some 720p cameras for a friend. No fans. Same CPU core as above, different SoC. Should barely be up to the task.But as stated, your requirements are awfully vague...

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 05:41:01 pm
content: Go for the cheapest box that you think is powerful enough.Though I hate to say this I would avoid AMD like the plague though, they may sound impressive but you'll get better performance out of a similar priced but much more anaemic sounding Intel processor, much more bang per mhz and watt. Intel's GPUs are also much better supported than AMD's and the on die ones offer better performance too.I know you generally use a Mac but for this use it's a) not as standard as a normal x86 PC and b) well over priced. If you're not using OSX on the system there's really no need to spend out on a Mac.

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2015, 09:33:47 am
content: i can suggest a GIGABYTE Brix with Intel celeron J1900 (GIGABYTE model no: GB-BXBT-1900)i bought it recently, fitted it with a 8GB RAM and 120G SSD drive, and i'm more than happy. it has wifi+bluetooth built in (minipci card) , so no problems with USB wifi & BT dongles.that J1900 CPU is a small beast on power diet4 cores but the power consumption is very low. in terms of performance, it's a half a bee's dick behind an laptop version of Intel's i3.I'm more than happy with that little box - and as a bonus it comes with a VESA mount plateand of course those Brix mini (really small) computers are available with other CPUs as well.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 10:07:57 pm
content: fanless atom mini-itx box.done.(I have many of them, but lately have upgraded to fanless i3 and also a fanless i7, which is now my HTPC win7/linux multboot box).intel atom is regular old x86-64, is low power, pretty stable and is way faster than the arm chips and yet still not a power hog like mainstream intel chips.mini-itx boxes can also take m-sata drives, so you can be 'wired direct', saving even more wires inside the case. if you get the right itx board, it may even have its atx psu dc/dc onboard, do you give it a single 18v laptop brick supply and you're done.

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 01:57:20 am
content: Quote from: linux-works on February 16, 2015, 10:07:57 pmagree, atom is doneatoms are dead-slow compared to other modern celeron CPUs. it depends on the application which CPU is the best... atom, celeron or the expensive i[3,5,7].

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:09:11 am
content: I have not checked celerons for a long time, but the atom's I've used were great for most things that didn't need a lot of cpu. i/o was decent and the chipsets were decent enough, as well.the nvidia ion gpu that was 'connected' to to the atom was quite good for its day. still good for most video types.this atom (n2800) is a low profile board and it fits the m350 case and allows a horizontal pci-e card to be mounted in a very small space. not sure celerons are that low profile (?)

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:12:56 am
content: Quote from: rob77 on February 17, 2015, 01:57:20 amOther modern Celeron CPUs like the J1900, which is a Bay Trail-D? You know.. an Atom.The J1900 is an Atom with bits turned off (ECC, NX, AES-NI).Avoton and Rangeley would like a word with you outside about being called dead slow.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:19:18 am
content: I bought this fanless heatpipe style case recently:http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Home-Theater-FLM-8-Black-aluminum/dp/B0072IRVKKits a knock-off of the streacom brand (I have both, actually, and the streacom is slightly better made but only slightly; and its $60 more).the lowest power i3 I could find was:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EUVEFECi3-4130t at 35wtruly a low-power cpu that can work well in a fanless case.good mobo for it:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KRUX0PUin fact, I found a (pretty hard to find) i7-4790t:http://ark.intel.com/products/80809/Intel-Core-i7-4790T-Processor-8M-Cache-up-to-3_90-GHzvia special order at my local store and its 45w, with 4 cores and 8 threads. builds linux kernels from source in very quick time! video encodes with all 8 threads very fast, too. and still fanless.forget about the i7, you won't be able to find that T-version. but the i3 is quite affordable (I think so) and its a very capable cpu. its my main work desktop and with 16gig of ram, it will be a while before I have any desire for an upgrade.fanless is the only way I build, these days. can't stand system noise! and with those heatpipe cases, you can go fanless and not have to resort to super low-end cpus.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:20:26 am
content: Quote from: linux-works on February 17, 2015, 02:19:18 amI think they're all being sucked up by OEMs and the upcoming i7 NUC.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:23:24 am
content: I don't have any pics of my fanless case inside, but here's one user who has some photos. note, he mounted his heatpipe metal end-caps wrong, but that's his fault, not the case'sand I have no idea why he went with a fan. kind of a waste of a $200 case if you buy heatpipes and then cram a fan in there (doh!). but if you ignore his bizarre-ness, this is how that streacom case looks inside. I liked it enough to buy two of those for myself:when I take some shots of my own, I'll post those. mine will look better than his, lol.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:25:51 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on February 17, 2015, 02:20:26 amyou can't normally buy the t (tray) versions and they only come with 30days warranty (in the US). I had my store search them out and they found 5 of them (a few months ago) and they said that was it, no more left.the new gen will have some low power chips in i7, too, I would guess, so if the haswell stock is gone, wait for the next chipset.btw, with that i7 chip and the hd4600 video onboard, I am able to drive my vizio display (brand new, m-model 39") at 1920x1080@120hz. yes, real actual true 120hz from the intel video out (hdmi 1.4) into the vizio. 120hz is NIIIIIICE! I'm so glad I decided to splurge on the i7 for my htpc

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:29:01 am
content: Quote from: linux-works on February 17, 2015, 02:23:24 amThat fan probably makes less noise than the mechanical HDD and will substantially help with cooling the rest of the system.Now, as to why he put a mechanical HDD in there..Quote from: linux-works on February 17, 2015, 02:25:51 amOh, right, tray version. They're semi-available here but there can be delays. OEMs get priority. That one's been overdue at my usual supplier for about a week, it'll crop up again..

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:33:45 am
content: Is this a reasonable option? I presume the 30G SSD is included and can later be upgraded and that Linux is supported. I5, fanless, 4G ram and wifil. 12VDC adapter not included, right?http://amzn.com/B00P7K19MQEdit: this one comes with 128G SSD.http://amzn.com/B00P7KUNJQ

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 02:42:32 am
content: I would get something from a better known brand than ShenZhen Qotom Technology CO., LTD.Options on Newegg around the $300-350 mark:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856102069http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164015http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164007These all need an SSD and RAM as well, mind. But at least they come with proper power supplies.Linux should not be a problem.I believe they have fans but they are very, very low power at idle. They shouldn't be loud.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 03:02:26 am
content: if you can find it (and its not hard to) - its still a better idea to go with standard motherboards and standard parts.the mini-itx is a nice small form-factor and its standard. the nuc is not a standard (its intel-only) and other small bricks are proprietary.in the long-run, its better to go with replaceable parts.and don't settle for a fan. its just NOT needed anymore. don't be tempted. stick to your goals of 100% fanless. 5 or more years ago, it was hard to do. today, there are lots of fanless choices for system builds.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 03:07:13 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on February 17, 2015, 02:29:01 amits just silly to spend $200 on a case - with big fancy heatpipes - and then hack in a fan where it never belonged. maybe he picked a higher power chip but the solution is to use the 45w or lower chips (I would not even use 65w chips in that case) and not to garbage the whole thing up with a fan like that!when I found an i3 at 35w, I grabbed it. that's a nice number for passive cooling without needing a big heatsink.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 05:04:25 am
content: Quote from: linux-works on February 17, 2015, 03:02:26 amMy concern is also dust, this will sit on a floor near the cable modem and a fan will accumulate a lot of dust inside over the years.As for power supply, if I will buy a Chineese product, I will make sure to replace the 12V power supply with a quality one and a better connector that don't come off easily. Basically I want to install once and forget about its physical existence.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2015, 05:19:46 am
content: that was one appeal of that n2800 intel atom board. atx voltages are broken out onboard so you give the board just an 18v laptop supply and the board (from intel, which I trust to not use fake parts) does all the important voltage regulation.I like to minimize failure contact points. so the m-sata drive 'bay' is a must-have for me, the onboard psu is, and if I can avoid having any option modules dangling from wires (like sata drives or pci-e cards) so much the better. the atom cpu is soldered on, so no worries about sockets. its heatsink is designed by the manuf, so no guesswork there. its as industrial as you can get while still being consumer priced.its an old model, though. probably not buyable anymore, but it gives an idea of what to look for, in a mini-itx. the less connections you have, the better. one of my n2800's is my pfSense firewall. throw it in a corner and forget it, just what you want.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2015, 10:54:54 pm
content: uploaded some pics of my fanless linux/win build:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/share-your-pc-build/msg613694/#msg613694