Looking for quiet mini-ITX advice if possible.

[badsyntax]

I don't really want to use a Pi or go with a desktop solution so I'm thinking about a mini-ITX board. I've seen the integrated AMD Fusion boards and they got me interested.

Important factors are low power, temp and noise. Ideally on-board USB3 support too.

Questions:

1/ Is the E-350 (or similar) integrated the way to go? If not then what instead?
2/ Best place to snare a bargain?

I don't plan to game on this at all. It's for media serving/NAS/shenanigans.

[dave87]

HP Microserver - pre-built and just works.

http://www.ebuyer.com/430446-hp-prol...yer-704941-421

£129.99 after cashback

[badsyntax]

Thanks, I forgot about those. CCL seem to think that there's more cashback to be had on this model on eBay but not retail. I'll check tomorrow.

Also if you're familiar with this range, is there any major downside with an older model such as the 40L or even 36L? Slower CPU but storage support seems the same. I'm unclear as to where the bottleneck comes into play.

[dave87]

I've one of the originals running WHS and it is fine for all I need. That said, I don't think the CPU is upgradeable, so worth going for the more powerful newer models tbh.

Check the rules of the cashback carefully, some methods of purchase aren't eligible...

[j1979]

If you get a "THIN" Itx, you can get a case without any fans.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Akasa-Gali...item58a7032523

As far as I know the "THIN" ITX boards are all intel. the rear IO is only half height, they use Laptop RAM and Msata drives.

They are almost 100% silent. apart from a very slight hum from the external PSU. Some case come with the External power brick style PSU some don't.