Introduction

I've wanted a Micro-ATX system for ages. I don't know what it is about them but I just love them to bits. I don't even need it from a practical point of view, where it would be easier to carry around; this for the simple fact it wouldn't move off my desk. The thing is, there's something cool about having a 30" monitor powered by this tiny machine. Most of the things I find myself buying these days are because I want them, not need them. A Micro-ATX system would sit nicely in that category.

The problem is that for so long there has never really been the components out there to really build a system that could power such a large monitor. But this has changed a few months ago thanks to two companies; the first was Lian Li who brought out a Micro-ATX case that was small, but not too small. What it allowed you to do was have a small footprint whilst still holding the goods.

The other company was DFI; the release of the LANParty Jr board based on the P45 chipset brought the biggest smile to my face. Talking to the guys down at IBuyPower Australia, it was only a matter of time before the two pieces of equipment found themselves merged together. The time has come and that time is today. This is one machine that you will find yourself getting excited about. Upon powering the machine up, I felt like a kid in a candy store…with all the windows open and a hurricane coming through. But we will get into that a bit later.