Question 1

Can a 64 bit operating system be installed on this computer with
4 gig of memory ?

Accepted Answer

Yes on 64bit. 
I am almost certain I have 4 or 8 gigs of RAM running in mine.

The problem has been, unless they fixed it very recently, that the MS 64-bit operating system has no workable drivers for the on-board video (VGA or HDMI).

So, you can run 64-bit using generic video (can't run some sophisticated graphics software, like Movie Maker), run 32-bit with HD and modern drivers and everything works great, or get a half-high PCI video card that will work with 64-bit.

Question 2

I am considering purchasing this to serve as a HTPC. Is it capable of streaming Netflix without any problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes this unit will stream Netflix just fine as long as you download the drivers from the Intel website and do not use the one on the CD that it is shipped with (there not the latest version) just go to Intel`s website and search for GMA 3650 drivers. Also as a side note the bios needs flashed as well although if you look up the computer by the model number it will show no release of a bios update yet, The trick is to look up the motherboard that is in it and find the appropriate update for it (the one in mine is the D270S motherboard as would be the same in yours if you were to order one). The bios update is needed to update the video bios hence making the video play nice and smooth. The bios version mine had when it was shipped to me was version B35F1P01 the latest version that includes the newest video bios is B35F1P07.

Hope this helps.

Question 3

How do you think this unit would function running win 7 as a htpc? I have a spare ssd drive, memory, and win 7 key.

Accepted Answer

I would recommend looking at an Intel NUC over this device.  I have used multiple Atom processors with HTPC and limited success.  I have several NUC i3 and one NUC i5 and they are MUCH better for HTPC with network tuners.

Question 4

is a motherboard included with this case? Are drivers and cpu included? Is memory included.

ron

Accepted Answer

Ron,

The motherboard is in fact included with the case. As well as the Embedded Atom CPU, and PSU. The only needed components you will need is, 3.5 inch hard drive, memory, optical drive if you choose to have one, and OS of course. I for one used an external DVD drive to load the OS. Its a great system if you are on the fence about it. It is not a power house, but for basic Office and internet, video streaming it works great. Best of luck with your build!!!

Question 5

Can you put in a discrete video card to get around the driver/hd graphics [lack of]? I see it has a lci slot, but assume it's not PCIx…
thx for any comment

Accepted Answer

I solved the graphics issue by installing the 64bit version of Xubuntu 13.10. It's a lightweight easy to use linux distro that's perfect for low end computers.

Question 6

Can I use this computer to upload an audio stream to a Streaming Service Provider 24/7?

Accepted Answer

You need to provide way more info than this.  And even then its a pretty open ended question like, can i send this on a rover to Mars?

Lemme tell you what I do know:  this is a very capable little Atom based server.  I have been using this model for a couple of years now for low end Linux servers:  Untangle, Asterisk, FreePBX, etc.  Contrary to what some people have said this server runs 64bit versions of linux 2.6.32 and earlier just fine.   Some of the things I like about the box:  It's very quiet. It comes with a Realtek 8111 gigabit NIC, has room for two 3.5" hard drives or 1 3.5" hard drive and a DVDrom.  The only thing I can tell you about sound is that I have used both the elsa and sox applications with this onboard sound card successfully.

Question 7

Can the processor in this computer be swapped out for a more powerful one?

Accepted Answer

Not 100% sure, but I believe the CPU is permanently fixed to the motherboard on embedded systems such as this. So my guess would be no.

Question 8

How would this work as a low-cost NAS box running Linux-based FreeNAS?

2 SATA drives + gigabit seems to be the ticket & no graphics necessary for a NAS.  Looks hard to beat for the price.

Accepted Answer

Should work well if you can deal with some setup frustration, and can get along without an optical drive in the 5.25" bay.  I found the 3.5" slot unusable because of mounting hole alignment problems and proximity to the power supply.  I used a 3.5" adapter that holds two 2.5" drives, and mounted in it in the large bay with an additional 3.5" to 5.25" adapter.  Still had to bore out a couple of holes a little to get things to fit nicely.

Question 9

Will this run L4D2 on Steam?

Accepted Answer

If anything I would add at least a small profile 1GB PCI Video Card and enough ram memory just to be sure.

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