Fall Down, Get Up

We've fallen down on the no-moving-parts aspect already. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done about the optical disc drives; until they invent ones that do not spin the disc up to read it, that is. So for now let's just pretend it doesn't matter. Mum's the word!

Picking a processor is not as easy as it seems; there are a lot of them out there and most will do the job. But we don't just want it to do it; we want it to do it quietly, so a balance of wattage to processing power must be achieved.

AMD offer a tempting 2.5GHz dual core number cruncher with a low 45watts of dissipation; providing us with enough grunt to handle more demanding video playback like h.264 encoded 1080p files.

But this system isn't just about playing Blu-ray discs and episodes of FutuRAMa, what if we want to play some games on the side? That processor is going to have to be coupled with a decent graphics chipset to handle some good multiplayer titles like Team Fortress or Call of Duty.

Step up the J&W 780 MINIX!

 

(Click the above image for the large version)

There here's a cheeky ITX form-factor, AM2+ socketed, 780 AMD chipset with a smattering of dedicated video RAM.

This is one of the best packages I've seen things come in so far; a hinged lid with pocket for manuals, stickers and cables; very classy.

 

(Click the above image for the large version)

The usual accoutrements are provided including manual, backplane, data cables and a 40mm fan for cooling the northbridge/GPU.

 

(Click the above image for the large version)