[mythtv-users] recommendations?: energy efficient FE/BE system

[Eric Sharkey]

On Wed, Feb 18, 2015 at 4:56 PM, James Miller <gajs-f0el at dea.spamcon.org> wrote:
> I have no space issues and can go with virtually any size case. But, getting
> back to the topic at hand, the main question here is what low-power
> components do I put inside that larger case? I suppose I could inquire
> whether Logic Supply would sell me the guts of that system, along with the
> power cord, which I could then mount in the case of my choice. Is that what
> you're suggesting?

Well, not exactly.

Logic Supply will definitely sell you the guts separately.  They have
all the parts listed for sale right on their web site.

http://www.logicsupply.com/components/motherboards/mini-itx/pd11bi/
http://www.logicsupply.com/components/power-supplies/ac-adapters/
etc.

But I'd question the whole premise.  Physical size and low power are
not necessarily correlated.  Sometimes a larger power supply can be
more efficient than a smaller one.  If you go on a site like NewEgg,
all the parts list power requirements and you can put together a
standard low power PC without needing a PhD in computer engineering
and if you're not worried about size, it's really easy.

Just pick a 25W or 35W processor e.g.:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113364
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116947

Then add a compatible motherboard, 80+ Platinum certified power
supply, case, ram, disk, etc.  You can use a full size ATX case and
motherboard and use full size disks and ram and your power
requirements really shouldn't go up very much if at all. Most of your
power is going to be used by the processor, power supply, and graphics
card.  If you pick low power versions of those components that's
really all there is to it.  You may only have two disks today, but if
you decide to add a third next year, it'll be easier to do when you
don't have to figure out how to shove it into a tiny space.

Eric