NES PC Suggestions???

[Eric1213]

I'm building a computer inside of a NES case. I'm going to use a mini itx motherboard, and slim cd drive, laptop hard drive, and some sort of power supply. I'm wondering what kind of mini itx board would be the best. Also, what power supply should I use. I'm planning on using the computer for basic home use. Theres not a lot of room inside, so I need to keep things small. Any suggestions??? I also need to know if I should get a board with a fan, or if not, do I need to buy an extra fan?

[simon275]

Airflow is always a priority as HDD's, CPU and other mobo components produce heats. So maybe put one big fan in the top or a couple of really small fans in the front and/or back to get some airflow happening.

You might be able to get away with a small VIA power supply that you can buy with VIA Mini ITX boards. Or maybe try a mini atx PSU or a Shuttle PSU see what will fit.

Hope this helps.

[Drew]

Shuttle idea seconded, they're tiny PSUs.

Welcome to the boards ^.^

[Crimson Sky]

HERE (http://www.mini-box.com/site/index.html) is a great place for mini power supplies. First calculate your power needs in wattage. All you'll need is a 80-100 watt laptop style PSU for the entire system. Get one of those and a laptop brick and you're in business.

[d_stilgar]

If you want to talk to some experts, you can go to the forums at oldschoolsystems.com. The community is small though, and definately post a worklog here. I've built an NES PC before and would help but I am leaving for a trip and do not know how much internet access I will have. I will post some good links when I can though.

[Crimson Sky]

I think we are more than qualified to give advice on a mini-itx system ;)

[intergalacticman]

use laptop components...

[Eric1213]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will try one of the suggested power supplies.

Also, I was wondering how to actually physically attach the pieces to the case. Do i tape them? Solder them? Glue them? Staple them? Attach with screws?? How do they stay in place??

[d_stilgar]

http://www.epiacenter.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=39
http://www.bwi.com/category/741

Here is a link to a list of motherboards. I would try to find one form that list. VIA is a good company. As stated before Mini-Box has small power supplies. The following link is to a dated tutorial. I'm making a new one, but it really won't be done for a while. When I finish my tutorial I will post it here and will also replace the tutorial I am linking to.

http://oldschoolsystems.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3

[nevermind1534]

I think I'm going to use this http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813121333 motherboard for mine. It's 64-bit and based off of the core2duo processors. It's apparently a ton faster than a VIA C3 or C7, and a lot faster than even a Pentium 4 running at twice the GHZ. it also uses only about 19 watts.

[d_stilgar]

That's a good board, and will work well for basic stuff and simple multimedia playback.

You can PM me if you want detailed help. I've helped at least four other people on these boards put parts lists together for NES PCs. Have you checked out mini-box for the PSU yet?

Good luck!

[nevermind1534]

Yes, I have. I think I'm going to get their 90W pico PSU kit. In addition to that, I think I'm going to get:

Kingston ValueRAM 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Desktop Memory Model KVR533D2/1GR - Retail for $19.99
Model #: KVR533D2/1GR
newegg Item #: N82E16820144209

Western Digital Scorpio WD1200BEVSRTL 120GB 5400 RPM SATA 1.5Gb/s Notebook Hard Drive - Retail for $69.99
Model #: WD1200BEVSRTL
Item #: N82E16822136045

and

SAMSUNG Slim 8X DVD±R DVD Burner Black EIDE/ATAPI Model SN-S082H - OEM for $45.99
Model #: SN-S082H
Item #: N82E16827151162

I like your idea with making it look original. I was thinking about doing something like that just before I found yours a few months back. I found another one on the internet today, although I have yet to see one completed.

[halcyonforever]

I think the kicker for you is going to be that a vertical video card may be too tall...

I checked and it does have a on-board video but it may be limited for gaming by that.

[nevermind1534]

It's not really optimized for gaming to begin with, although I don't have to mount it vertically if i get something like what d_stilgar's first one had for the video card.