OS2 World.Com Forum

Subject  :  The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  28 Jul, 2004 on 23:16
Are there any interest of trying to get proper support for VIA NICs and as well the rest of the chipset used on the mini-itx boards such as EPIA-V from VIA? It would be really great if one could set up OS2 servers on this kind of system, here is some few lines from VIA's home page:

The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX Mainboard is the newest member of the Mini-ITX family. The VIA-V Series continues to deliver the industries smallest, most highly integrated, and most flexible x86 platform to OEMs and System Integrators looking for cost effective solutions that offer the maximum set of features without sacrificing design flexibility. Offering the choice of a VIA Edenâ„¢ ESP processor core for fanless systems with power sensitive requirements, or a VIA C3â„¢ E-Series processor for more multimedia rich applications, the EPIA-V Mini-ITX mainboard also features embedded onboard graphics, audio and optional TV-Out support. The VIA EPIA V Series Mini-ITX mainboard is the ideal platform for an almost unlimited variety of Extreme Value PC, Information Appliance, Set Top Box, Personal Video Recorder, and Industrial PC designs.

Measuring just 170mm x 170mm, the VIA EPIA V Series Mini-ITX mainboard is 30% smaller than the smallest Flex-ATX platforms, while maintaining Micro ATX chassis compliancy. It also provides the smallest and coolest processing environment available, including an optional fanless configuration. The VIA Apollo PLE133 North Bridge features integrated graphics with 2D/3D acceleration and DVD Motion Compensation, accompanied by onboard SoundBlasterâ„¢ and SoundBlasterâ„¢ Pro compatible audio, delivering key multimedia capabilities. Onboard 10/100 LAN, floppy disk drive connector, optional TV-Out, an additional PCI slot, 2 USB ports, and a full set of I/O features provide ample connectivity and expansion options.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Rodders rapier.data@ntlworld.com
Date  :  29 Jul, 2004 on 09:16
Yes - excellent idea. I can then have a neat quiet PC to run the house & Internet connection and junk Windoze.

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  29 Jul, 2004 on 16:17
Some of the mini-itx sites have a section of 'case mods' (where they use unusuall 'non standard pc box' type cases to house the mini-itx (ie; a toy aircraft carrier, a humidor, etc). It would be nice to do something like that but with OS/2 or eCS running as the os.

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  29 Jul, 2004 on 21:31

Rodders (29 Jul, 2004 09:16):
Yes - excellent idea. I can then have a neat quiet PC to run the house & Internet connection and junk Windoze.

Exactly the same idea I have the most noisy thing on this system would be the harddrive; depending on what case one uses. There are mini-itx cases as well with either internal or external power supply.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Sebadoh sys3175@optonline.net
Date  :  29 Jul, 2004 on 22:10
most of the devices on this board are already supported by OS/2

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  30 Jul, 2004 on 14:52
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects.asp
mini-itx project cases that are really unsuall.

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/windowsxpbox/
I have an OS/2 Warp ver 3 box that it would be neat to do this with but running OS/2 Warp ver 3/4 or eCS instead of Win.

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  30 Jul, 2004 on 23:31

Sebadoh (29 Jul, 2004 22:10):
most of the devices on this board are already supported by OS/2

So there are full support for the NIC (got url)?! Anything else I wouldn't care for, ie sound support, etc. The IDE works so no problem there, and the gfx I can live with low resolution since I would set up this kind of system as server.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  30 Jul, 2004 on 23:44

BigWarpGuy (29 Jul, 2004 16:17):
Some of the mini-itx sites have a section of 'case mods' (where they use unusuall 'non standard pc box' type cases to house the mini-itx (ie; a toy aircraft carrier, a humidor, etc). It would be nice to do something like that but with OS/2 or eCS running as the os.

There is actually also a Nano-ITX from VIA as well, measures 120 x 120 mm and costs around the the double of what the mini-itx board mentioned in the first post.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  31 Jul, 2004 on 01:46
There is actually also a Nano-ITX from VIA as well, measures 120 x 120 mm and costs around the the double of what the mini-itx board mentioned in the first post.
I can imagine the unique 'cases' that could be used with it (running OS/2
or eCS?).

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  02 Aug, 2004 on 11:01

BigWarpGuy (31 Jul, 2004 01:46):
I can imagine the unique 'cases' that could be used with it (running OS/2
or eCS?).

Well, installing OS2 should work out; main issue is if the integrated VIA network card works - if not useless. But, if that works, I would be happy. Since if running this as server I wouldn't need any kind of high res or audio. Also I can't really find anything regarding the VIA GPU used, so doubt that there is any kind of graphic drivers for OS2.

But, proper LAN support I would buy a card and set up a mini server. Well, might do that anyway, just need to set it up with another OS, such as linux or something.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  09 Aug, 2004 on 01:34

Kim (02 Aug, 2004 11:01):
Well, installing OS2 should work out; main issue is if the integrated VIA network card works - if not useless. But, if that works, I would be happy.

LAN and Sound works!
I've got an VIA EPIA M9000 (933MHz version - not sold any more), but it's the CLE266 Chipset. The same components are used on the M10000 boards (1GHz CPU).
Graphic workes in VESA mode, since ~2 years ago. SciTech build a little workaround for the buggy VESA BIOS, that VIA/S3 created.
TV-OUT also works.

UPDATE:
Sound driver: http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/cgi-bin/h-search?key=823x
NIC driver: I used one of the VIA-Rhine driver from the VIA.ZIP package from Chuck McKinnis
http://pws.prserv.net/mckinnis/nicpak/


Regards,
Juergen Ulbts (Germany)

*** Java Movie Database - http://www.jmdb.de ***


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  cyberspittle cyberspittle@yahoo.com
Date  :  11 Aug, 2004 on 08:48
I installed eCS 1.1 on my VIA EPIA. It is a 1 GHz VIA CPU. I used VBE mode for video. I couldn't get sound working. I also didn't try network as I have an external 56k modem. It is a snappy box. Using it for internet (email and web) works out fine. I like the low power consumption ... it is hooked up to a flat screen, so it is energy efficient all around. I'll have to say that the 40cm fan on the power supply is noisy, but with headphones cranking my favorite CDs from the DVD drive's headphone out, I rarely notice.

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  e-co
Date  :  12 Aug, 2004 on 11:23
Hello cyberspittle,

Can you post report about supported hardware to this database -- http://en.ecomstation.ru/hardware.php
(adding new report -- http://en.ecomstation.ru/hardware.php?action=new)


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  cyberspittle cyberspittle@yahoo.com
Date  :  13 Aug, 2004 on 06:32
e-co,

I'll do that as soon as I can. Right now I'm between jobs and staying with family, as my household goods are in storage .


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  15 Aug, 2004 on 19:33
Based on above feedback I'm really going to look into pick a mini board to bet set up as a mini intranet webserver and file server.

Thanks for the feedback!


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  cyberspittle cyberspittle@yahoo.com
Date  :  16 Aug, 2004 on 08:01
Be sure to check out the VIA EPIA write up on OS/2 voice.

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  16 Aug, 2004 on 09:00
You wouldn't have an url; i made a search for VIA at os2 voice and no trace found..

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  16 Aug, 2004 on 18:10
http://www.os2voice.org/vnl/past_issues/VNL0404H/vnewsf6.htm
Could this be what you are looking for? It does mention the VIA Epia board/boxes.

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  16 Aug, 2004 on 18:27
Thanks, that was the article I guess was mentioned earlier, kind of like the system Frank Wochatz review. Really small and tiny, only flaw would be that it used 2.5" disk - guess that it's hard to get a 3.5" disk into the box


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  21 Aug, 2004 on 15:32
A little bit off topic, but still Mini-ITX...

I should get a Pentium M (1.4GHz) and a DFI-ACP G5M100 next week.
The mainboard is in Mini-ITX format, but with much more power than the VIA EPIA package. The Pentium M should be 4-6 times faster than the currently sold 1-1.2 GHz VIA CPUs.
The downside is, the Mainboard is REALLY expensive (260,00 EUR) but I got the Pentium M for 43,00 EUR at eBay and couldn't resist to try this package to replace my EPIA M9000 System.

The only thing I miss is TV-Out. Maybe I throw in my old G400.
Here are the specs of the motherboard.
http://www.dfi-acp.com/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_acp_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=2803&CATEGORY_TYPE=null

=======================================================
CPU
# Intel® Pentium® M / Celeron® M processor (478-pin)
- 400MHz system bus
- Supports 64-bit host data bus and 32-bit addressing

CPU Socket
# mPGA479M (Socket 479)

Chipset
# Intel® 855GME chipset
- Intel® 855GME Graphics Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)
- Intel® 82801DB I/O Controller Hub (ICH4)

System Memory
# Two 184-pin DDR SDRAM DIMM sockets
# 2.5V unbuffered PC1600 (DDR200), PC2100 (DDR266) or PC2700 (DDR333)
DDR SDRAM DIMM with ECC support
# Supports 128Mbit, 256Mbit and 512Mbit technologies providing maximum
capacity of 1GB with x16 devices and up to 2GB with high density
512Mbit technology

BIOS
# Award BIOS, Windows® 98SE/2000/ME/XP Plug and Play compatible
# 4Mbit flash memory

Power Management
# Supports ACPI STR (Suspend to RAM) function
# Wake-On-Events include:
- Wake-On-PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse
- Wake-On-USB
- Wake-On-LAN
- RTC timer to power-on the system
# AC power failure recovery

Hardware Monitor
# Monitors CPU/system temperature and overheat alarm
# Monitors 5VSB(V)/VBAT(V)/1.5V/3.3V/5V/±12V/CPU(V) voltages and
failure alarm
# Monitors CPU/chassis/2nd fan speed and failure alarm
# Read back capability that displays temperature, voltage
and fan speed
# Watchdog timer function

Audio
# Realtek ALC202A
# 18-bit stereo full-duplex codec with independent variable sampling rate
# High quality differential CD input
# True stereo line level outputs
# S/PDIF-out interface
# 2-channel audio output
# Speaker-out jack supports 2W amplifier providing better audio
quality to the headphone or speakers

LAN
# Intel 82562EM fast ethernet controller
- Basic 10/100 Client Connection
- IEEE 802.3, 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX compliant physical layer interface
- IEEE 802.3u Auto-Negotiation
- 48-pin SSOP, 3.3V device
# Intel 82551QM fast ethernet controller
- Integrated IEEE 802.3, 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX compatible PHY
- Glueless 32-bit PCI master interface
- Glueless CardBus master interface
- 128 Kbyte Flash interface
- Thin BGA 15 mm2 package

Graphics
# Up to 64MB of dynamic video memory allocation
# Display core frequency at 133/200/250MHz
# Render core frequency at 100/133/166/200/250MHz
# Intel® Dual-Frequency Graphics Technology
# 2D graphics engine
- Optimized 128-bit BLT engine
- 32-bit Alpha Blended cursor
- 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit color
# 3D graphics engine
- Enhanced Hardware Binning Instruction Set
- Bi-Cubic Filtering
- Linear Gamma Blending for Video Mixer Rendering (VMR)
- Video Mixer Rendering (VMR)
- 3D setup and render engine
- DirectX and OpenGL pixelization rules
- 266-MegaTexel/s peak performance
- 16- and 24-bit Z-buffering; 16- and 24-bit W-buf
- Optimal 3D resolution
- Double and triple render buffer
# Graphics Power Management
- Dynamic Frequency Switching
- Memory Self-Refresh During C3
- Intel® Display Power Saving Technology

Display
# Dedicated LFP (Local Flat Panel) interface
- Supports data format up to 24-bpp
# Analog display
- 350MHz integrated 24-bit RAMDAC
- Pixel resolution up to 1600x1200 at 85Hz and up to 2048x1536 at 75Hz

LFP (Local Flat Panel) LVDS Interface
# Single- or dual-channel LVDS panel support up to UXGA panel resolution
with frequency range from 25MHz to 112MHz (single/dual channel)
# Integrated PWM interface for LCD backlight inverter control

IDE
# Supports ATA/33, ATA/66 and ATA/100 hard drives
# PIO Mode 4 Enhanced IDE (data transfer rate up to 14MB/sec.)
# Bus mastering reduces CPU utilization during disk transfer
# Supports ATAPI CD-ROM, LS-120 and ZIP

Rear Panel I/O Ports
# 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
# 2 RJ45 LAN ports
# 3 DB-9 serial ports
# 1 DB-15 VGA port
# 1 mini-DIN-6 PS/2 mouse port
# 1 mini-DIN-6 PS/2 keyboard port
# 3 audio jacks: speaker-out, line-in and mic-in

I/O Connectors
# 1 connector for 2 additional external USB 2.0/1.1 ports
# 1 connector for LCD brightness control
# 1 connector for LVDS LCD panel
# 1 connector for LCD power
# 1 front audio connector for line-out and mic-in jacks
# 1 CD-in internal audio connector
# 1 S/PDIF-out connector
# 1 connector for IrDA interface
# 1 44-pin IDE 2 connector for 2.5" HDD
# 1 40-pin IDE 1 connector for 3.5" HDD
# 1 floppy connector (FPC connector type)
# 1 ATX power supply connector
# 1 Wake-On-LAN connector
# 3 fan connectors

Expansion Slots
# 1 PCI slot for PCI expansion card or customized riser card slot for
1, 2 or 3 PCI slots expansion (for low profile PCI card only)
# 1 mini PCI socket (124-pin)

Compatibility
# PCI 2.2 and AC97 compliant

PCB
# 6 layers, mini board (Mini-ITX compatible)
# 17cm (6.7") x 17cm (6.7")
=======================================================


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  23 Aug, 2004 on 18:52

magog (21 Aug, 2004 15:33):
A little bit off topic, but still Mini-ITX...

I should get a Pentium M (1.4GHz) and a DFI-ACP G5M100 next week.
The mainboard is in Mini-ITX format, but with much more power than the VIA EPIA package. The Pentium M should be 4-6 times faster than the currently sold 1-1.2 GHz VIA CPUs.
The downside is, the Mainboard is REALLY expensive (260,00 EUR) but I got the Pentium M for 43,00 EUR at eBay and couldn't resist to try this package to replace my EPIA M9000 System.


Well, interesting board and are looking forward to hear something more about the installing OS2. Short review or something. Agree about using Pentium M gives more boost to the system if it's needed.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  24 Aug, 2004 on 18:14
Well, here is another good source regarding mini-itx boards:

http://www.mini-itx.com/

/Kim


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  30 Aug, 2004 on 20:20
Hi Kim!

Thanks for the link but I think I know most of the Mini-ITX resources.
I'm still waiting for the mainboard. I hope it finally arrives tomorrow so I can start to reinstall the system.
I'll install eCS on it and also Debian. It will work as my video recording device (VDR) using Linux. The old EPIA has done the same job in the past.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  30 Aug, 2004 on 20:29
Here is a source for other parts/accesories for the mini-itx at http://www.mini-box.com .

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  03 Sep, 2004 on 00:20
Today I finally got the DFI-ACP G5M100-N mainboard for the Pentium M processor, but the Pentium M CPU I got last week from eBay is not working.
I already expected that, because it was shipped within a motorcycle magazine...I found the processor on page 158, where it was stuck with a adhesive tape.
I've never seen such a crappy packaging.
The seller already said I would get the money back and now I need to look for another CPU.
I hope to get it in about 7-10 days.

One other thing....
I think I've said the DFI mainboard has 4 COM ports and not LPT port. Well today I found out it has also an LPT port, but it has not been advertised on the webpages. So it looks I don't have to create a USB2LPT device for my graphic LCD (240x64 Pixel).
If someone want's more details of the LCD, some pictures can be found here:
http://www.twam.info/index-cat,2,menu,.6.8.10,seite,10,.html


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  13 Sep, 2004 on 21:19
Just an update!

The system is working now. I had not enough time to test everything, but I just connect the harddrive from my main system and could boot OS/2 without any problem.
Well, the sound and network didn't work, but without installing the correct drivers that's pretty obvious.
SNAP did detect the onboard graphic chipset on bootup.

I'll create my own case in the next couple of weeks and hope to have that finished by the end of october.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  ecsguy
Date  :  19 Oct, 2004 on 16:24
Most of the VIA mini-ITX boards use either the VIA PLE133 or CLE266 chipset. The video is part of the chipset.

Scitech does not support these chipsets in accelerated mode.

This is an informal poll (it is not sponored by Scitech)
Please post a message here as to how many copies of Scitech SNAP you would "really" buy if they added support for these chips.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  19 Oct, 2004 on 18:13
* I'll create my own case in the next couple of weeks
* and hope to have that finished by the end of october.
Will it be a unique case like those at http://www.mini-itx.com ? Perhaps you could document/photograph the process and submit to the site? It could show the end product running OS/2-eCS(?).

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  Kim
Date  :  19 Oct, 2004 on 22:50

BigWarpGuy (19 Oct, 2004 18:13):
* I'll create my own case in the next couple of weeks
* and hope to have that finished by the end of october.
Will it be a unique case like those at http://www.mini-itx.com ? Perhaps you could document/photograph the process and submit to the site? It could show the end product running OS/2-eCS(?).

That would be a great idea; to write an article/review of setting up a os2 based itx system.

/Kim


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  cyberspittle cyberspittle@yahoo.com
Date  :  20 Oct, 2004 on 22:06

ecsguy (19 Oct, 2004 16:24):
Most of the VIA mini-ITX boards use either the VIA PLE133 or CLE266 chipset. The video is part of the chipset.

Scitech does not support these chipsets in accelerated mode.

This is an informal poll (it is not sponored by Scitech)
Please post a message here as to how many copies of Scitech SNAP you would "really" buy if they added support for these chips.


You don't need accelerated support for this chipset. eCS 1.1 flies on this mobo with included video - be sure to use SciTech Softwares "VBE" mode. That is the way I'm running it. There is room for a PCI video card in the one slot, if you really want faster video, but there is no point. Are you seriously going to game on this mobo? You would be better off adding a Hauppage card for movies, sound card, modem, or additional NIC to use OS/2 as a firewall. If anything, I would like sound support.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  21 Oct, 2004 on 15:10
WOW, awesome board.

Don't forget to document and take photos of the steps to get it to working. I know I would like to see how you do it. I have no doubt others would too.

---
BigWarpGuy
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  ecsguy
Date  :  22 Oct, 2004 on 16:25
Which model VIA board do you have and what is the cpu speed?

VIA seems to have open source drivers for Linux.
Does Alsa support the sound on the VIA mini-ITX board?


cyberspittle (21 Oct, 2004 21:53):
You don't need accelerated support for this chipset. eCS 1.1 flies on this mobo with included video - be sure to use SciTech Softwares "VBE" mode. That is the way I'm running it. There is room for a PCI video card in the one slot, if you really want faster video, but there is no point. Are you seriously going to game on this mobo? You would be better off adding a Hauppage card for movies, sound card, modem, or additional NIC to use OS/2 as a firewall. If anything, I would like sound support.

Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  cyberspittle cyberspittle@yahoo.com
Date  :  23 Oct, 2004 on 19:31

ecsguy (22 Oct, 2004 16:25):
Which model VIA board do you have and what is the cpu speed?

VIA seems to have open source drivers for Linux.
Does Alsa support the sound on the VIA mini-ITX board?


cyberspittle (21 Oct, 2004 21:53):
You don't need accelerated support for this chipset. eCS 1.1 flies on this mobo with included video - be sure to use SciTech Softwares "VBE" mode. That is the way I'm running it. There is room for a PCI video card in the one slot, if you really want faster video, but there is no point. Are you seriously going to game on this mobo? You would be better off adding a Hauppage card for movies, sound card, modem, or additional NIC to use OS/2 as a firewall. If anything, I would like sound support.

ECSGuy, I've got VIAs EPIA M with a 1 Ghz and 512MBs RAM. Setup as follows:

20 GB Hard Drive (Win XP Pro, eCS 1.1, and RedHat Linux).
DVD Drive.
External 56K Modem.
Planar 15" Flat Screen Monitor.
Bose 2-speaker setup.
No Floppy drives.
Did I say no Floppy Drives?
No Floppy Drives.
The case is an HTPC case.

I think this is a great system that doesn't take up much space.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  magog
Date  :  07 Feb, 2005 on 15:45
My Pentium M powered DFI G5M100-N is running for quite a while but I haven't posted the pictures.
So here we go.

As you can see I've not yet completed the front of the "modded" CD-Player case (got a defect Sony from eBay; height 9,5 cm incl. the feet it stands on; 8,5 cm max inner height).
I've replaced the Pioneer-DVD SlotIn drive last week with a brand new Toshiba SD-M1912 (much less noisy; identical in construction as Samsung TS-H352A - Samsung/Toshiba merged production/development/buying parts).
There is only one 8cm fan (Low Noise fan from Papst) in the system which blows the air out of the case.
The air get's into the case left and right of the backside of the case. You can see on the right my selfmade air tunnel over the cpu and the chipsets heat sink.
You can't hear anything from this system and it's really COOL.

One included picture as appetizer.

You can directly access the pictures here:
http://www.informatik.uni-oldenburg.de/~julbts/videorechner/


Regards,
Juergen Ulbts (Germany)

*** Java Movie Database - http://www.jmdb.de ***
*** Work on new version has been resumed ***
*** Webpage has been updated ***


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  15 Mar, 2005 on 20:46
I have three mini-itx boards on order. I am looking to ways to cool it (I have a hard drive cooler that I can take apart and use it cool the 'box'). I have a spare cdrom drive. I will be looking for a small power supply. I want to try to insert into an OS/2 Warp ver 4 box (similar to what was done with a WinXP box or the Linux box at http://www.mini-itx.com/projects.asp ) running eComStation (since one can boot from the eCS cdrom).

I am planning (does not necessarily mean succeed at) installing the other two into a Lost In Space Jupiter 2 toy and a shell of a TI-99/4A computer.

I will document all three and see if they will post it at http://www.mini-itx.com/projects.asp .

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BigWarpGuy
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OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
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Subject  :  Source for really small power supplies?
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  17 Mar, 2005 on 19:25
Where would there be a good source for really small power supplies for the mini-itx boards? I know they have some at http://www.mini-itx.com but I was wondering if there are any ohter places.

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BigWarpGuy
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OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
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Subject  :  FYI; case parts source(?).
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  06 Apr, 2005 on 14:28
http://www.logicsupply.com/
For those who live in the USA (or this side of the ocean), there is the above link for a place that sells mini-itx boards and supplies.

http://www.mouser.com
I have an older catalogue of this company on cdrom. It has a led plug that would/could fit onto a mainboard. I am checking out the web site to see if they still have it. They have alot of electronic supplies. I will also look for switches for main boards too.

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BigWarpGuy
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OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
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Subject  :  Re:Source for really small power supplies?
Author  :  MattiP
Date  :  07 Apr, 2005 on 06:28

BigWarpGuy (17 Mar, 2005 19:25):
Where would there be a good source for really small power supplies for the mini-itx boards? I know they have some at http://www.mini-itx.com but I was wondering if there are any ohter places.

http://www.linitx.com/ has a wide range of different power suplies.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  07 Apr, 2005 on 14:02
Thanks. I will definitely check it out. The 'boxes' that I want to install a mini-itx inside of do not have alot of space for a power supply (at least not a regular power supply - like the one in my desktop).

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BigWarpGuy
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OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
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Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  user_ecs user_ecs@yahoo.com
Date  :  12 Apr, 2005 on 23:44
On most VIA mini-ITX boards Scitech SNAP only runs in un-accelerated mode (VBE). In the past VIA made it hard to get specs.

The mini-ITX would be a lot better if you could get accelerated video.

VIA just releases open sourced video drivers for most of the mini-ITX boards (even the older ones)

If you want accelerated video on mini-ITX you should make sure Scitech knows by posting on the Scitech OS/2 forum
news://news.scitechsoft.com/scitech.snap.graphics.os2

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http://www.theregister.com/2005/04/12/via_open_source/

VIA uploads graphics core driver source code
By Tony Smith
Published Tuesday 12th April 2005 12:14 GMT

The chipset maker said it had made driver code available for S3 Graphics' UniChrome family of graphics cores integrated into its CLE266, CN400, PM800 and PM880 North Bridge components. The drivers support Linux kernel 2.6.x.

VIA has also posted driver source code for S3's ProSavage and ProSavage DDR integrated graphics controllers, it said. The latter are found in VIA's KM/KN/PM/P4M/P4N266, VT8372, VT8375, VT8613, VT8703A and VT8751 chipsets. The following chipsets integrate the regular ProSavage: PL133/T, KL133/A, KM133/A series, VT8361/4, VT8364A, VT8365, VT8365A and VT8604.

The drivers are available for download at viaarena.com.


Subject  :  Re:The VIA EPIA-V Series Mini-ITX motherboard
Author  :  BigWarpGuy
Date  :  13 Apr, 2005 on 14:24
Thanks for the information. I will try to do as you suggested. I am still gathering parts for the Warp box pc. I am looking for the led connctors and switches that connect to the board (without having to salvage them from a pc box). I found one source at http://www.mouser.com where they have the leds, cable and connctor that can be used on a main board. I found another possible source for switches. It won't be long before I start building my WarpPC.

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BigWarpGuy
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OS/2 Warp-ed/eComStation-ed to the very end.
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