Pros and Cons of a mini PC

[Ctrav]

i am debating on whether i want to used a normal size tower for a build or a mini case. what are the pros and cons of the mini cases? i want something that will be versitile ( powerful, fast, but light, and hidable) could i build off of one of these?... http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category...Mini-Computers
tell me your experiences. and what you think...

[TwoRails]

I've never built one, but my understanding is they've come a long way in terms of all around power. The biggest problem is the lack of expandability, but that really depends on your needs. Other things are abated, such as drive space, with advent of 1 and 1.5 TB drives.

What do you want and expect out of it??

[Alaron]

Something to keep in mind if you want a powerful, gaming type system, is that not all of those small cases can handle full size power supplies.

If you don't need the portability, I would just go with a regular size case. You don't have to limit your upgrade options that way.

[Ed989]

I would also worry about being able to get sufficient airflow in those small cases to adequately cool a high powered gaming system.....

[not important]

I took one in on trade a few months back. I used it for a loaner when I had to take a PC to my shop and the last person that had it as a loaner loved it bought it. I've built 2 of them for customers and they are very pleased with them.
It did tend to run a little warm but far from enough to be concerned about. My biggest complaint was the fan that cooled the PSU.....it was very loud by my standards.
I used this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163112

[David M]

If you live in a tiny apartment in Tokyo it might make sense. It also frees up room for your Hello Kitty collection.

[bd1886]

I've built several and they tend to run a little warm. (Not too bad though.) Need to watch the length of your video card. You can build a decent gamer with them but not a monster because of heat and video card length restrictions. I have a customized Antec Aria that has pretty much been maxed out because of a proprietary 300w PSU. With the suggestion that not important made...you can use a standard sized PSU, use a decent card, and have the small form factor. Stay away from the Shuttles as they are expensive to replace motherboards on and have a limited upgrade path. A quality build using that Silverstone will serve you well and be inconspicuously small.

Additional comment: Use SATA hard drives and burners for the easy cable management.