Small form factor or mini PCs are one of the latest trends for desktop computers. These small computers are able to pack the same amount of power as full size desktop tower PCs but in computers the size of a large shoebox or a pizza delivery box. Add in a processor, memory, hard drive and optical drive and these small systems are all ready to go.
Shuttle XPC SG33G5
Shuttle SG33G5
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The Shuttle SG33G5 is a very well rounded kit that can be used for a variety of tasks. The system is based around the use of the Intel Core 2 desktop processors and provides a wealth of unique features. Some of the unique items that help it out as a home theater PC are the HDMI output for its integrated GMA X3100 graphics and the Dolby Digital Live 5.1 audio output support. Of course, if you would rather use it as a general purpose desktop or possibly a gaming rig, that's possible thanks to the space for a PCI-Express graphics card. Note that many top of the line graphics cards won't fit and the 250W power supply is somewhat low. Still, this is probably one of the best all around small form factors currently available.
Shuttle XPC SD02XD
Shuttle's XPC SD02XD is essentially the barebones kit version of their X200 PC. This extremely small mini-PC comes equipped with with a number of features that make this a great home theater PC. The kit includes an 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner built-in, analog TV Tuner, 802.11b/g wireless networking adapter and multimedia remote. All the user needs to supply for the unit is supply an Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processor, some SODIMM notebook DDR2 memory and a standard sized SATA desktop hard drive. The kit is quite expensive, so if you are looking for a one not going to be used in a home theater, there is a SD02XC model that drops the TV tuner, remote and wireless and replaces the DVD burner with a 24x CD-RW Combo drive.
AOpen MiniPC Duo MP965-DR
AOpen's MiniPC is probably the smallest kit available on the market. It primarily uses notebook components to achieve this feat. Users supply an Intel Core 2 mobile processor, SO-DIMM notebook DDR2 memory, 2.5" notebook hard drive and a slim notebook optical drive to complete the package. Two mini-card slots are also included for optional items such as a TV tuner, 802.11b/g wireless and bluetooth module or even Intel Turbo Memory to use with Vista. This makes the MiniPC more difficult to put together than the Shuttle SD02X units, but it does come with a lower price tag and a smaller overall size.
Shuttle XPC SN27P2
For those looking to use an AMD processor in a small form factor kit, the options are very limited. Currently the best option on the market is the Shuttle XPC SN27P2. It uses the dates NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra chipset, but it does support all the current Athlon 64 X2 desktop processors. The large cube format also provides it with plenty of space for expansion including a standard desktop CD/DVD drive, two 3.5" hard drives and a PCI-Express x16 graphics card. While the space for the video card may restrict the use of some cards, the 400W power supply should drive some of the newer power hungy cards. Definitely a strong choice for a low cost gaming kit system.
ASUS P3-P5G33
Unlike all the mini PCs and cube designs, ASUS makes a wide variety of slimline desktop kits. The latest in their Pundit lineup is the P3-P5G33 based around the Intel G33 chipset. This lets the system use the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors with the 1333MHz frontside bus speeds. It has plenty of room for drives include a standard sized CD/DVD drive and two desktop drives. There also is room for a PCI-Express x16, PCI-Express x4 and two PCI cards, but they all need to be of the low profile design that limits card selections. This kit makes for a great low cost general purpose or office computer system.
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