Quantum Reality

For example, this case. How powerful a computer can I slap in there? I have an E2200 with a P5KPL-CM running bone stock. Plan to slap on 1 gig DDR2-667 on it with a HD and a DVD drive.

Should I look into a Celeron E1x00 instead? Or an Atom?

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Volvo

regular matx motherboard will fit, since its matx spec
the 'power' of the components though will be limited by the power of your power supply.
casings like these dont accept a regular atx psu.
u will need a reduced size psu.
those things dont exactly put out much power.
cooling is another problem since you wont be able to place tall heatsinks in it.

the regular setup you mentioned above is fine. it will fit well, matx mobo, etc. you can even add more than 1gb ram if the mobo allows.
as long as youre not using this rig for power intensive stuff i.e. gaming, since these things have limited power supply, it will work just fine.

Quantum Reality

Hmm - interesting. *files that away for a future project idea*

Meantime I decided to be a little more prosaic and get this case, which has that really handy handle on it. It's pretty roomy inside too even when a microATX board is in. The only small issue is to be careful with the slot covers when you break them off - do so before the motherboard is in as you might accidentally scratch some traces.

Otherwise, though, I'd definitely recommend that Apex TK-381 case as a poor man's LAN gamer box carryall.

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