A compact PC

There is no rule that standard PCs have to be huge boxes. These one suits well under my stereo...

Inside

Size (L*H*W)	40cm * 6cm * 40cm
Prize	not much since it was made of old parts which have just been lying around
Weight	6 Kg

current configuration

Processor	K6-2 / 333MHz
Memory	96 MB EDO
Mainboard	Standard 430 VX BAT / Socket 7
Graphic Card	4 MB PCI with 3D and TV-Out
Soundcard	SB AWE32 ISA with 8 MB wavetable RAM
Network Card	100 MBit PCI
Harddisk	13 GB E-IDE
Floppy Disk	None, since these are ancient and its functionality is provided by network and USB
CD-ROM	external via USB, emulated in software or via network
Power Supply	40 Watt, passive cooling (now replaced with 160 Watt supply allowing additional components)
OS	DOS, Win95 OSR 2.1, Win2k

Tips for Reassembly

• A suitable case (Rack?) and power supply can cost up to 100 $. But with a bit luck you may get outsorted hardware from a networking or system operator for free which provides the case and the power supply
• The power supply must provide enough power, especially on the 5 V / 3.3 V - line. A good idea for an inexpensive power supply is using an SFX form factor one.
• AGP, PCI and ISA raiser cards can either be selfmade or purchased from several companies.
  Some vendors: AP-Products, Mitac, Compute-Aid, LinITX, Orbit Micro, Rackmountmart, Logicsupply, Stayonline
• If you use motherboards with onboard sound, graphic and network, you do neither need extra adapters nor the raiser cards
• Many simple sound and networking cards are available in low profile, so after removing the metal sheet you can directly stick them into the slot without a raiser.
  Some Vendors: D&B, Leadman, Sunrich
• Boards and other components for small systems are also available via http://mini-itx.com
• Make sure the power supply, the CPU, the graphic card and maybe the harddisk are cooled properly. It might be helpful to direct fresh air to certain devices while exhausting warm air directly out of the case so that it does not heat up the case.
• A good source for components are also vendors of industry computer parts, or a search through online shops, auctions and flea markets (they are dominated by new parts in low quantities).