small form factor media type PC

[maxnik]

Hello,
i'm trying to build a small form factor PC. Main purpose - downloading and watching russian tv series on my regular TV.
I have P4 socket 478 CPU, 2G of PC3200 RAM, Antec PSU, Radeo 9800PRO AGP video card and 250G PATA WD HD.

So basically I'll be looking for Case, microATX mobo, Optical drive. Maybe I could put a TV tuner card. I was thinking of trying to put a Linux distro, not sure which - but hoping the one that would be easiest to install and configure.

So this is what i'm thinking:
Ultra Case
Biostar Mobo
LiteOn DVD burner

Am I missing anything. My goal is to spend as little as possible, without sacrificing to much.
Other options are welcome.
thank you
-maxnik

[glc]

I really do not like Via chipsets for Intel processors - but the good 478's are getting REALLY hard to find. If you can find a name brand micro board with an Intel 865G chipset, you will have a much better machine. ZZF does have an Asrock:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=245014

Not a great manufacturer but it's going to be a better board than that Biostar - not because Biostar is bad but because of the chipset. Too bad the Intel D865GLC is out of stock - that was a winner.

[maxnik]

ok I'll replace mobo with the Asrock one. I actually was thinking about that one for the same chipset reason, but I was thinking of having onboard video as a back up.

Another question - does anyone know of DVD-burners that are shorter, that case is not very deep from front to back...

[hitchface]

They are all going to be about the same size. After all, it needs to fit a CD, right?

[glc]

The Asrock has onboard video - all 865G boards do. That's what "Intel Extreme Graphics" is. When you put an AGP card in, it automatically disables.

Not necessarily true, hitch - they come in all kinds of different lengths.

[flanzig1]

I just set up a box with the Asrock P4i65G. Nice little board,easy to set up,comes with a bunch of cables and plug-in do-dads. Couple of thing to note: Couple of the USB ports on the back have to be disabled if connecting case USB ports and can't use over sized CPU heatsinks due to the location of the Chipset heatsink.

[maxnik]

thank for the advice.
i've already ordered the part. I did get the Asrock. I'll be using stock heatsink that came with my P4 Prescott. I hope those cooling fans will be sufficient. That CPU runs pretty hot.