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[jarleifv]

So my second laptop harddrive just died...and thankfully i was able to recover my files..   

so I've decided that I'm done with laptops..and harddrives.. 

i'm building a custom computer that will fit in the built-in shelf below my 47"..
I only have 4" to work with as far as height, and 13" depth... so I had to be a little creative as far as what case to use, I looked around for small form factor HTPC cases, but found none that were big enough, yet small enough to fit in the space...

So.. 

I have this old Daewoo DVD player, so I stripped the insides and found that it's just big enough to fit a micro ATX board!

I'll be running Windows XP from a 16GB Compact flash card, and running the whole thing off a 220w small power supply. Considering it'll be running 24/7, I wanted a power supply that didn't use as much power. So i'll be posting some pics and a build log of the project when I receive the pieces.. if it's something you guys would find interesting.

 

[Tuicemen]

Sounds Cool, I can't wait to see the results!

[jarleifv]

just found a way to install Windows XP from a flash drive... now to find out how to limit disk read/write cycles to extend the life of the CF card..

[HA Dave]

..... if it's something you guys would find interesting.

Most certainly something I find interesting. Please continue to share.... and pictures would be nice.

[TheMark38]

Good Luck with that jarleifv, I can't wait to see it! 

As far as cutting down on read/writes in Win XP, you may want to stop by Black Vipers site, he's has had some get tips for a long time now on shutting down unneeded services running in Windows. Here's a link that should help you get down to just the basics of running servies; note the "Bare Bones" services settings on the right in the bottom graph of XP services...

http://www.blackviper.com/2008/05/19/black-vipers-windows-xp-x86-32-bit-service-pack-3-service-configurations/

This also graph shows diffrent levels of sets of services, depending on what you really need running.

Hope this helps a bit 

[jarleifv]

Thanks!

I'm also disabling the page file..for sure..to save space primarily, and also disabling system restore no doubt..
I'll take some pics tonight of the startup of the project..

 

[jarleifv]

Here's the pictures of the start of the project.. wish me luck on fitting it all in there..especially the heatsink/fan for the CPU...   

The Motherboard is due to arrive on Tuesday, so we should have some more progress at that time..

https://picasaweb.google.com/110729214851906940309/HTPCProject


Thanks!

[jarleifv]

Motherboard and power supply out for delivery at the moment, so I'll be starting the project tonight...hopefully..
The Compact Flash card came yesterday, so now I just need the IDE-to-CF adapter delivered and we can start making something happen..   

[TheMark38]

jarleifv - Nice starting pics! If the motherboard mount, with the CPU, heat sink and cooling fan are too tall, can you use a dremel with a cut wheel, and just cut the top enough to clear the fan out of the top.... and then bulid a "hood scoop"... with a NOS decal on it!?!