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Home Server Hacks has published steps for a Windows Home Server build using the Intel D945GSEJT Mini-ITX motherboard.

Their article acknowledges the low power consumption of the D945GSEJT board (their Kill A Watt measured 12-16W for the whole system) - quite impressive. Whether you are a fan of WHS or not, this is  a good example of what can be achieved with this low profile (20 mm!) and fanless board, which appears as a good alternative to the MSI IM-945GSE (MS-9830) Mini-ITX board for a fraction of the price…

Full article here.

D945GSEJT specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, up to 2 GB of DDR2 RAM
• Storage: 2 x SATA ports, 1 x IDE port
• Expansion slot: 1 x PCI slot, 1 x Mini-PCIe slot
• Video: integrated GMA 950 graphics, 1 x VGA output, 1 x DVI output, LVDS connectors (dual display)
• Audio: Realtek ALC662 HD Audio
• LAN: 1 x Realtek RTL8111DL Gigabit Ethernet
• I/O:  7 x USB ports (3 x external, 1 x internal), 2 x Serial (internal), 1 x Parallel (internal), PS/2 connector (internal)

D945GSEJT product page here.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, dvi, Intel, mini motherboard, mini-itx, N270, WHS

Intel has launched the D945GSEJT and DG41MJ  Mini-ITX motherboards.

The D945GSEJT Mini-ITX board uses the Atom N270 processor combined with the 945GSE chipset and ICH7M southbridge with an height of only 20 mm, and runs fanless. It features DVI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and has 1 PCI and 1 Mini-PCIe slot. It uses 12V DC external power.

D945GSEJT specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, up to 2 GB of DDR2 RAM
• Storage: 2 x SATA ports, 1 x IDE port
• Expansion slot: 1 x PCI slot, 1 x Mini-PCIe slot
• Video: integrated GMA 950 graphics, 1 x VGA output, 1 x DVI output, LVDS connectors (dual display)
• Audio: Realtek ALC662 HD Audio
• LAN: 1 x Realtek RTL8111DL Gigabit Ethernet
• I/O:  7 x USB ports (3 x external, 1 x internal), 2 x Serial (internal), 1 x Parallel (internal), PS/2 connector (internal)

D945GSEJT product page here.

The DG41MJ Mini-ITX board uses the G41 Express chipset and supports Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Duo processors up to 65W TDP. It features DVI output, 3 SATA ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and has 1 PCI slot.

DG41MJ  Specifications:

• CPU: LGA775 socket, supports Intel Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Duo/Celeron processors up to 65W TDP
• Chipset: Intel G41 Express
• RAM: 2 x 240-pin DIMM, up to 8 GB of DDR2 667/800 RAM
• Storage: 3 x SATA ports
• Expansion slot: 1 x PCI slot
• Video: integrated GMA X4500 graphics, 1 x VGA output, 1 x DVI output
• Audio: Realtek ALC888VC HD Audio with S/PDIF output
• LAN:  Realtek RTL8111D Gigabit Ethernet
• I/O:  8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 x external, 4 x internal), 1 x Serial (internal), 1 x Parallel, PS/2 connector

DG41MJ Product page here.

[Via Tweaktown]

[Updated: added product page for D945GSEJT]

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, Core 2 Duo, core 2 quad, dvi, fanless, G41, Intel, mini motherboard, mini-itx, N270

Logic Supply is providing some details on the upcoming Intel D945GSEJT Mini-ITX motherboard.

Intel’s new Mini-ITX form factor mainboard, the D945GSEJT (expected release mid Q2′09), is a low-profile, super-slim platform featuring an Atom processor and mobile chipset.

This low profile Mini-ITX motherboard should feature the 945GSE chipset, Atom N270 CPU and Gigabit Ethernet, along with DVI output and a Mini PCIe slot.

Full article here.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, dvi, Intel, mini motherboard, mini-itx, N270

In a previous article, I was recommending the Asus EeeBox B204 and B206 over the MSI WindBOX due to their better features.

Asus latest addition - the Eee Box B208 - adds one more compelling reason to go for the EeeBox family: the dual core Intel Atom 330 CPU. If still used with the 945GSE chipset, it should only maginally increase power consumption (Atom 330 Max TDP: 8W vs. Atom N270 Max TDB: 2.5W).

Here is a comparison table of the current Asus EeeBox models with Atom CPUs*:

*: note to overload the table, only Atom-based Eee Box models have been included. The Celeron-based Eee Box B201 and B203 models have been ignored.

Technorati Tags: 270, 330, 945gse, Asus, atom, dvi, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard

Asus has unveiled the EeeBox B208 nettop computer.

The Eee Box B208 features the dual-core Intel atom N330 CPU, ATI Radeon HD 4350 discrete graphics, HDMI output, remote control, bluetooth and an integrated battery acting as UPS.

The EeeBox PC HD mini desktop PC is the latest addition to the EeeBox PC family. This newest incarnation now allows users to enjoy crisp and clear high definition content by means of a HD hardware decoder. Still retaining its svelte design, the EeeBox PC HD’s portability lets you turn virtually any space into a high definition entertainment zone for maximum enjoyment.

Worth noting is that the EeeBox B208 comes with Window Vista Home Basic or Business.

EeeBox B208 specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom 330 CPU (1.6GHz dual core)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM standard
• Display: ATI Radeon HD 4350 Discrete Graphics with 256 MB RAM, 1 x HDMI output
• Audio: Realtek ALC662 5.1 Channel HD Audio (with S/PDIF out)
• Storage: 160GB, 250GB or 320GB 2.5in SATA hard drive
• LAN: 1 x Gigabit
• WLAN: 1 x 802.11b/g/n
• I/O: 4 x USB 2.0
• Other: Bluetooth, built-in battery for UPS function, card reader, remote control, stand

Product page here.

[Update: The product page does not specify the chipset used for the EeeBox B208. Assuming at this stage that it is the Intel 945GSE chipset + ICH7M. The use of the Intel 945GC chipset - only valid combination according to Intel - may not fit within the TDP supported by the EeeBox.]

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard, N330

ITOX has lauched the NP101-D16C mini-ITX motherboard.

This Mini-ITX board uses the Atom N270 processor combined with the 945GSE chipset and ICH7M southbridge, which allows for low power consumption and the board to run fanless.

The ITOX NP101-D16C Mini-ITX product is ideal for cost-sensitive applied computing and x86embedded systems applications including medical electronics, industrial control, security &surveillance, telecommunications, ATM/POS, digital signage, gaming and kiosk systems.

NP101-D16C Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM:  1 x 240-pin DIMM, up to 2 GB of DDR2 400/533 RAM
• Storage: 2 x SATA ports, 1 x IDE port
• Expansion slot: 1 x PCI slot, 1 x PCIe x1 slot
• Video: integrated GMA 950 graphics, 1 x VGA output, 1 x LVDS connector, 1 x SDVO for optional DVI or LVDS interfaces
• Audio: Realtek 262 2-channel HD audio, S/PDIF input/ouput interface
• LAN: 2 x Realtek RTL8111C PCIe Gigabit Ethernet
• I/O:  8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 x external 4 x internal), 2 x Serial, PS/2 connectors

This board has a 12V DC power input.

Read the press release here.

Product page here.

ITOX also has  the NP100-N16C board, which features DVI output and has a 20-pin ATX power connector.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, fanless, ITOX, mini motherboard, mini-itx, N270

MSI has recently released its WinBOX, targetting it for industrial/embedded use.

Some may consider it as a viable alternative to the Eee Box, given its similar size, performance and low power characteristics.

Here is a comparison table of the MSI WindBOX and current Asus EeeBox models*:

*: note to overload the table, only Atom-based Eee Box models have been included. The Celeron-based Eee Box B201 and B203 models have been ignored.

Looking at the comparison table above, the Eee Box models come with much better features (Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11n, S/PDIF output, DVI or HDMI output) than the WinBOX. The WinBOX may be sllent thanks to its fanless design (and provided it is equiped with a SSD drive); this is however not sufficient to compensate for the lower features it offers.

The Asus Eee Box models are a better choice; with the B204 and B206 models being the ones to go to take benefit of their discrete graphics in a small form factor and quiet (26dB) HTPC configuration.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, comparison, Eee Box, EeeBox, MSI, N270, Wind BOX, WindBOX

Commell has announced the LV-67D industrial Mini-ITX motherboard.

This Mini-ITX board uses the Atom N270 processor combined with the 945GSE chipset and ICH7M southbridge, which allows for low power consumption.

The board offers an excellent solution for embedded market such as digital signage, kiosks, POS, thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, commercial and industrial control.

LV-67D Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, up to 2 GB of DDR2 RAM
• Storage: 2 x SATA ports, 1 x IDE port, 1 x CF socket
• Expansion slot: 1 x PCI slot, 1 x Mini-PCI slot, 1 x Mini-PCIe slot
• Video: integrated GMA 950 graphics, 1 x VGA output, LVDS connectors (dual display), optional secondary LVDS or DVI
• Audio: Realtek ALC888 HD Audio with S/PDIF output
• LAN: 2 x Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet
• I/O:  8 x USB 2.0 ports, 6 x Serial, PS/2 connectors, GPIO interface: Digital I/O (4 in, 4 out)

Read the press release here.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, Commell, dvi, industrial, mini motherboard, mini-itx, N270

Portwell has announced the WEBS series, a family of embedded system solutions based on Intel Atom CPUs.

Each member of American Portwell Technology’s WEBS family utilizes Intel’s Atom™ processor to provide: low power consumption; high performance-per-watt advantages; fanless design for mission-critical applications; versatile storage interface and easy data access; and a compact and user-friendly design that makes installation and maintenance a snap.

The WEBS series consists of the following:

• WEBS-2120: based on Nano-ITX motherboard with Intel Atom Z510/Z530 CPU and US15W chipset;  power consumption of 5W.
• WEBS-1310/1320: based on ECX motherboard with Intel Atom Z510/Z530 CPU and US15W chipset; power consumption of 5W.
• WEBS-3330/4330: based on Mini-ITX motherboard with Intel Atom N270 CPU and 945GSE + ICH7M chipset; power consumption of 10W.

Each system supports on 200-pin SODIMM for up to 2GB DDR2 RAM, CF slot, 2.5″ hard drive (IDE for WEBS-1310/1320, SATA for WEBS-2120/3330/4330), Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports for the WEBS-3330/4330).

The WEBS-3330 and WEBS-4330 feature dual display with VGA and DVI output. The WEBS-2120, WEBS-1310 and WEBS-1320 feature a SD slot.

WEBS-2120 product page here.

WEBS-1320 product page here.

WEBS-3330 product page here.

WEBS-4330 product page here.

[Via Embedded Computing Design]

Technorati Tags: 945gse, atom, ecx, embedded, fanless, mini motherboard, mini-itx, nano-itx, portwell, us15w

More details on the new EeeBox B204 and B206 are becoming available, following Asus announcement.

For example eeepc.it as some details based on the Eee Box user manual (download the user manual here).

Looking at the user manual, the remote control uses an external USB receiver (instead of an infrared received integrated to the Eee Box itself). There is also reference to a “TV function” in the manual - maybe Asus is going to offer an external TV tuner in the future?

Other than that, the only visible difference on the Eee Box itself is the presence of the HDMI port instead of the DVI port on the B202.

Here is a comparison table of the EeeBox models - current and upcoming:

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, Eee Box, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard, N270