[mythtv-users] ATI All-in-Wonder or Nvidia Personal Cinema?

[Michael T. Dean]

Brad Bitterman wrote:

>Which micro ATX motherboard and case are you using? The ones I've seen (from
>shuttle) only have on PCI slot.
>  
>
If you're talking about the Shuttle "small form factor" PC's, they 
technically use a proprietary form factor that Shuttle calls "Flex ATX" 
(and is sometimes simply called "Shuttle form factor").  With these 
systems, you can get AMD/Intel motherboards supporting their 
top-of-the-line chips, so CPU performance is not a concern (well, for 
high-def, no more a concern than with a Micro ATX system :).

Via has it's own implementation of a "smaller-than-micro-ATX" form 
factor in the "Mini-ITX" form factor which it uses for its EPIA line of 
motherboards.  The EPIA's typically come with a low-power--and, 
therefore, cool--but relatively low performance, Eden or C3 processor 
(IIRC, up to 1GHz currently with a Nehemiah-core C3).  The Mini-ITX is 
supposed to be about 30% smaller than Flex ATX, but if that's not small 
enough, Via will soon be releasing their "Nano-ITX" systems, which use a 
12cm x 12cm motherboard--but once again, you'll be limited to low-power 
(low-heat) processors from Via.

The Micro ATX, however, is an "industry standard" (don't know if it was 
technically formalized) form factor which is basically a shrink of the 
standard full-size ATX form factor (primarily pushed by the industry for 
cost savings through smaller chassis, motherboard, and power supplies).  
It is also "backwards-compatible with the ATX form factor after slight 
modifications."  (Note that Via and Shuttle claim their respective form 
factors are compatible with many Micro ATX chassis, but using one of 
these systems in a Micro ATX case is really missing the point. ;)

I've seen reports of people using Shuttle XPC's with integrated GeForce4 
MX video out and with G400, so you might be able to find some 
information about that.

HTH.

Mike