Small Form Factor PCs

[peterd-5Yk8i0ShuGxAfugRpC6u6w at public.gmane.org (Peter Doherty)]

On Jun 11, 2011, at 23:49 , Chris O'Connell wrote:

> I'm looking for a very small form factor computer to install some home
> automation software on.  The software is not very resource intensive.  Here
> are the key requirements for the system:
> 1.  Must be able to power back up  without human intervention if power to
> the unit is lost.
> 2.  Should be small and less energy intensive than a regular PC.
> 3.  I would like it to be less than $500.
> 4.  Must be capable of running Windows (so either an AMD or INTEL cpu).
> 
> Can anyone make any suggestions about what might work well for me?  I was
> looking at the Dell Zino, but am unsure if a better option exists.

I built one myself with a Mini-ITX board with an integrated Intel Atom 330 (dual core, 1.6GHz)
I don't think the motherboard I bought 2 years ago is still around, but there are plenty of alternatives.  Most motherboards these days have a power on after failure option in the BIOS.
I used some spare SODIMMs, a cheap case, a couple lower power hard drives, and an 85+ efficient PSU.  The whole thing cost ~$400, and I've been very happy with it for the past couple years.
It uses ~40 watts at idle, and ~50 watts when it's cranking.

My suggestion, is therefore to build something yourself around a MiniITX platform.  :)

-peter