small graphics intensive computer help

[maverickman4]

ok, so this is my first time posting and need some help, hopefully you guys can give me a good direction. i need a very small graphics intensive capable computer for a business workstation. i have about 10in x 12in x 3in to work with in a cabinet, keyboard, mouse and flat panel monitors are on a swing arm above the cabinet. the dell business ultra small form factor computers do fit and work for our computers that dont need to do anything important but cant handle anything requiring any rendering as they only have onboard video capability. im stumped as to where to go. on a side note i would like to consider myself on a high level of computer hardware and software capabilities. probably not to some people here but more then enough to complete this task and any obsticals i might need to overcome.

idea 1- get some kind of capable laptop and stick it in the space and use the external monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the station. problem might be heat and the screen would have to be closed so i would have to somehow set it up to still run. would be nice that they could take the computer home to work on if needed so double duty it could provid.

idea 2- get laptop internals and fit them in a small enough case and run it like a normal PC. problem is finding a small enough case and without having to make my own mounting holes. a lot of effort

idea 3- find some way over the top pre packaged mini pc with powerful graphics. problem. WAY overpriced and does not seem worth it. also not the easiest to find for my application and uses. mostly found for car and other odd needs as well as finding ones capable of rendering.

idea 4- some amazing idea you guys come up with that i am forgetting to think of :)

thanks in advance for any help and advice.
-Kirt

[Paul Komski]

By mini pc do you mean a DIY build using the ITX form factor (mini, pico, nano etc) might be what you want. Some are quite high end. Mini is about 6x6x3 inches I think and the others are smaller.

http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/motherboards.jsp?motherboard_id=670

Some Cases at http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=3

Google for ITX etc etc

Some Palm Tops have high specs too but don't know about the video support - I've long thought about playing with one.

[maverickman4]

By mini pc do you mean a DIY build using the ITX form factor (mini, pico, nano etc) might be what you want. Some are quite high end. Mini is about 6x6x3 inches I think and the others are smaller.

Some Palm Tops have high specs too but don't know about the video support - I've long thought about playing with one.


i have spent some time looking into the ITX form and yes they are crazy small and i would love to get my hands on one to mess around with. they also would fit in the space with much room to spare. unfortuanly you are right they dont have much as far as video support. and would probably not be worth buying only to find out it has little to no rendering capability other then regular onboard video quality.

mostly by mini pc i am refering to some independent online place that probably caters to car and other users that has pre packaged put together computers that generally have custom cases and are odd. but they are just like the itx i dont know if any of them would have any video capability.