Question 1

This Mini PC include the Motherboard,ram,HDD, ? or is just the case

Accepted Answer

This purchase includes a case, external power supply and motherboard with integrated cpu & video (d-sub & HDMI).

You will need to provide memory (I used 8GB of PC3 12800 in one, but the other would only run with 4GB which was fine for my purposes, but I didn't pursue support as 4GB was quite adequate for Untangle).

If not using PXE (present in bios by untested by myself) you'll also need an OS & storage device. I've also had success USB booting with a diverse group of USB flash & optical drives.

Question 2

Does this have room/support 2 hard drives at one time?

Accepted Answer

I don't think it is designed for it, but I think its possible.

The hard drive sits in a tray that is suspended over the chassis with screws from the under side.

You should be able to hang one hard drive under the tray by the 4 screws, then affix the second one with double back tape or velcro to the top side, or drill holes on the side of the tray maybe?

Hope this helps

Question 3

Can this take a 3.5" HDD, or does it have to be 2.5"?

Accepted Answer

2.5" only. But, if you were clever and could figure out a way to mount a 3.5 maybe. But, I would think that it would be too much load on the power supply.

Question 4

Does this have hdmi ports?

Accepted Answer

It has one full size HDMI on the back near the VGA connector. It is visible in some of the photos.

Question 5

Does this come with Windows installed?

Accepted Answer

No, you will need to add a Hard Drive, Memory, and install an operating system. Most people use this for low End PC's or Appliances, like a Linux or Unix based firewall. I personally user them for PFSENSE.

Make sure the Windows version you are installing is supported.

I normally order the memory and a inexpensive SSD.

Question 6

Can this machine boot from the SD card? Or must I buy a SATA hard drive in order to install and boot an OS and run programs?

Accepted Answer

it does not have an SD card reader, however I successfully am running Ubuntu 12.04 on a USB 3.0 flash drive in the front USB 2.0 port. Booting from the USB 3.0 ports is sadly not supported at this time, but maybe with future firmware updates. if you install a SD card reader, or use a USB>SD you shouldn't have any problems provided your host operating system supports SD booting

Question 7

What is the chipeas Ram I can get for this one?

Accepted Answer

As of today (March 2, 2014), a 4Gb stick of DDR3 Memory is about $40.   There are 2 slots, total of 8Gb Max.

I use these to run Untangle Firewall/Webfilter.   The Dual Network Cards make it ideal.   Untangle has 64bit version that can address the entire 8Gb (though I usually only use 4Gb).  Add a SSD and it is a very nice Firewall.

Question 8

I'd like to have this boot up after power failure without having to manually hit the switch. Is this momentary switch like an ATX or a simple on/off?

Accepted Answer

It has a soft ATX power switch, but it also has a BIOS setting that tells it how to respond to a power failure.   Under the power tab you can set the PC to turn itself back on after loss of AC power.

Question 9

Does it have a fan for the cpu? if so is it loud?

Accepted Answer

I believe there are models with and without a fan.  Mine has a fan, but it is quiet enough that i don't even notice it.  I use it as a firewall/NAT with UnTangle (along with an SSD), and it works great.

Question 10

How hot does this get on its own? I am considering putting it in a location that gets very little ventilation.

Accepted Answer

It's not getting anywhere near unreasonable temps for me and I have it a closet that gets no ventilation other than what can come in through cracks under and around the closet doors.   Temps are staying under 28c for me.

BUT your results might be very different because

1) Our closet  is rather large so it still has a good amount of air to circulate.  Our closet is about  8'x9'x3' so roughly 216 cubic feet of air available

2)  The closet location itself is cool and probably never gets above 75 Fahrenheit.

3)  I'm running Pfsense on it and thus far it's barely been using any processing power. I've never seen it go above 20% CPU utilization.

4) Because I was also worried about temps in a non ventilated space I added an additional system fan, which it doesn't seem like I needed.

Questions & Answers