INTERACT FORUM

Devices => PC's and Other Hardware => Topic started by: Denti on September 15, 2013, 03:14:02 pm

Title: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: Denti on September 15, 2013, 03:14:02 pm

What's the best computer that is

a) quiet (fanless)

b) small

c) without a screen (only attached for configuration)

d) ethernet in port

e) usb or spdif out (to feed DAC)

f) powerful enough to run MC with all features at full power but pulling the library from another computer through a network

I was hoping something like Rasperry Pi would do it, but apparently it cannot. What alternatives are there? I don't need most of the features on a laptop or desktop, and they are both expensive and bulky.

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: astromo on September 15, 2013, 11:51:34 pm

There's some relevant cross over in my comments here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=83500.msg570042#msg570042 (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=83500.msg570042#msg570042)

Walking around the interweb drags up some other stuff, such as:
http://techreport.com/news/25283/fanless-chassis-primed-for-intel-nuc-motherboard (http://techreport.com/news/25283/fanless-chassis-primed-for-intel-nuc-motherboard)
http://www.geek.com/chips/tranquil-pc-launches-a-fanless-case-for-intels-nuc-1537535/ (http://www.geek.com/chips/tranquil-pc-launches-a-fanless-case-for-intels-nuc-1537535/)

Not sure how these options will pan out from a cost perspective but it should get you started. Feel free to come back and post your findings.

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: Denti on September 16, 2013, 08:30:13 am

Thanks. A google search pulls up these
http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/fanless+mini+pc.html
Which I find hard to believe would work, but who knows.

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: dtb300 on September 16, 2013, 10:30:03 am

Make sure to stop by here:  http://www.computeraudiophile.com/   and check out their C.A.P.S. builds.  Lots of help in the forums too.

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: Denti on September 16, 2013, 05:11:30 pm

Quote from: dtb300 on September 16, 2013, 10:30:03 am

Make sure to stop by here:  http://www.computeraudiophile.com/   and check out their C.A.P.S. builds.  Lots of help in the forums too.

Thanks, that seems like the way to go. Too bad that motherboard seems to be no longer available.

How much a difference does the sotm USB make?

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: astromo on September 17, 2013, 01:45:12 am

Quote from: Denti on September 16, 2013, 05:11:30 pm

Thanks, that seems like the way to go. Too bad that motherboard seems to be no longer available.

How much a difference does the sotm USB make?

Personally, I can't say. However the write up here:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/497-computer-audiophile-pocket-server-c-p-s-v3-zuma/ (http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/497-computer-audiophile-pocket-server-c-p-s-v3-zuma/)
- you need to scroll down to Add-in USB Card - SOtM tX-USBexp - explains the advantages.

What difference it makes, is a matter for the listener.

Title: Re: best cheapest quiet computer for MC networking
Post by: dtb300 on September 17, 2013, 07:45:03 am

Quote from: Denti on September 16, 2013, 05:11:30 pm

Thanks, that seems like the way to go. Too bad that motherboard seems to be no longer available.

The CAPS V3 Intel board they are using is still available...

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/dn2800mte?gclid=CJHQrKy60rkCFVGe4AodKD8APw

For a more all in one you can also check the new Intel NUC kits.   With those you need to buy memory a SSD (and wireless if not using wired).

Quote

How much a difference does the sotm USB make?

I went for one of these instead of the add-on card.   Does a great job at cleaning up the power and isolating ground (IsoEarth).   Even with my DAC that does not need power on USB, this still made a very nice improvement.

http://www.ifi-audio.com/en/iUSB.html