[conspire] which box for: low end, low noise, low profile?

[Rick Moen]

Quoting Eric De Mund (ead-conspire at ixian.com):

> What kind of very small footprint, low profile, low noise, low end box
> (case, motherboard, and CPU) do you all recommend? I'd be perfectly
> happy with 200 MHz processor with passive cooling (in fact I'd prefer
> passive cooling), a 40 GB hard disk drive, and a 3 cm. tall case.

The last (x86-class) CPU I know that really, truly ran cool and allowed
you -- with care -- to get by with nothing but passive cooling in your
system was the AMD K6 -- which would be perfectly adequate for the sort
of system you're talking about.  With the right mini-ATX motherboard and
suitable case with adequate airflow, you could probably swing that sort
of operation.  But _3 cm_?  I can't imagine how you could honestly get
any sort of airflow at all, let alone adequate airflow, with a 3 cm tall
case.

You do know how tiny that is, right?  About half the length of your thumb.

Maybe your best bet is an old laptop.  It might not be 100% passive
cooling, but it would probably be quiet. 

> Ideas? I haven't decided if I'd like this box to have a CD/DVD burner,
> too.

Be aware that burners generate significant amounts of heat, while
running in their burn cycles.