Mini Duo MP965-DR Multi Bb Socket P Max 4GB DDR2 4USB Remote | List Price: $530.57
Discount Price: $447.87
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Brand: AOpen
Binding: Personal Computers
Features: - CPU Intel Core 2 Duo CPU FormFactor Proprietary Chipset GM965 + ICH8M Memory Dual Channel Support Special Features Vista Premium Ready DVI / D-Sub / HDMI / Y-Pb-Pr / S-Video HD Audio, 5.1 CH Gigabit LAN / 1394 / SATA II
Nearly a perfect mini-machine [Posted on 2007-11-06]
I purchased one of these to build a mini-web server and potentially use it as a media computer as well. I've used it for about 2 months.
This little computer takes laptop memory and an Intel Socket P processor; I bought the Core 2 Duo T7300 and equipped it with 2GB and a 120GB hard drive.
Pros:
- Comes with most of the attachments you'll need, such as component cables, an HDMI adapter, and an optical audio plug.
- Easy to install the CPU, hard drive and get up and running if you pay attention to the manual.
Cons/caveats:
- I have some experience with system building and installing coolers, but with both the default paste and Arctic Silver 7, this machine hangs when subjected to a dual core CPU stress test for 15+ minutes. This appears to be due to inadequate ventilation. If I take a floor/room fan and blow it at the front of the computer, the computer will not hang under the same conditions.
Once I got this up and running, it did do the jobs I wanted. With the appropriate software, I played HD programs into my television (although my TV does suffer from some overscan issues) without performance or heat issues. As a standalone Windows Server machine, it is plenty capable.
I would probably give this 3.5 stars (i.e. 7/10), as it just barely passes what I wanted... decent performance, decent graphics for a portable (has the Intel X3100 integrated), and the Mini-ITX form factor. I just wish I had more confidence to push this computer. As it is, I will probably relegate it to a home server-only status and look elsewhere if I want an HTPC, while researching potential solutions to cooling.
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