Know any mini-PCs, <50W, for a MS

[IVB]

My MS is a VM, which can't access the USB port to run the Aeotec. My damn $200 mini-ITX can't run CQC as a master server. And it apparently has issues being a secondary server. I need to run the Aeotec for zWave, so I need a new MS.

But...I also want to put it in a location where I have very limited room. As in, I'd rather not have it physically be bigger than 7ish x 7ish x 1-2 inches. No mini towers.
And, I live in NorCal where power is expensive, so ideally <50W. I *could* go to 65W I guess but that seems a lot.

Struggling to find anything. I'd give up the power but it'll be hard to give up the size.

Used equipment is fine, i'd buy a new SSD since that's the most at-risk component.

Anyone know of anything? No desire to spend more than $500 as that seems crazy.

[kblagron]

You might take a look at the HP thin clients.  I have 4 and use 3 with CQC:

I have two HP T510's (8" x 8" x 2", and older technology) and use one as an IV on my touchscreen in the Kitchen.  I have another I used to use as my RDP server, but I have since put it out to pasture as a backup machine since we now have WebRIVA.  I haven't done this, but I think you can retrofit this model with a hard drive based on some youtube videos.  I use Windows 7 Embedded on them installed on a flash drive, and it is a pain in the a$$ to set them up, but what is nice is that they are setup, it runs in memory with limited access to the flash drive (EWF technology).

I also have two HP T610's (10" x 10" x 1.5").  Both of these I have replaced the flash drive with a hard drive and installed Windows 10 Pro on them (They have esata ports inside to install the drive).  I do use CQC on one of them (IV, Admin Tools).  I would see no reason why you couldn't use it as a MS.

All of these I got on ebay on the cheap - probably less than $50 bucks each.

They have newer models out that may have more processing power, etc.   I am using a 12 year old Dell Optiplex 745 as my Master Server, and until it dies, I am not thinking about changing.

[IVB]

I saw those, but the models confused me. Also after this experience with Win10embedded on the Minix, I'd rather get a full windows install for the MS.

I'll check out the T610's. It's slightly bigger than I had hoped but at 1.5" thick, not by much.

[jkmonroe]

(1) why can't you access your USB via your VM? ESX supports this, and I run a similar config. (2) what is the reason for wanting to move the MS? is it because you are trying to locate the z-stick in a better location?

If (2), why not check out a USB over IP device? I have a Digi AnywhereUSB in my hand right now and it works great.

https://www.digi.com/products/usb-and-se...er-ip-hubs

[ellisr63]

I use a Asus mini UN65.. I picked it up real cheap at frys when the newer model came out. It is a i5 about the size of a small stack of CDs. No fans, so it is dead quiet. You supply ram, and a MSata card.

[IVB]

I think FRys open box or other sale might be the ticket. Now just to shlep out there. Maybe tomorrow daytime.

[Dean Roddey]

You never need an excuse to go to Fryes.

[IVB]

Hmm. For $130 there's an HP 8000 Elite. Pentium E7500, 4GB of RAM. Think that'll be strong enough for an MS?

https://www.frys.com/product/8849282?sit...IN_RSLT_PG

[kblagron]

Hmm. For $130 there's an HP 8000 Elite. Pentium E7500, 4GB of RAM. Think that'll be strong enough for an MS?

https://www.frys.com/product/8849282?sit...IN_RSLT_PG

I am running my 11+ year old computer on a Intel Core Duo 6400 at 2.13 GHz and 4 GB of ram.  I also run the MS SQL Server 2012 on it that collects about 30 data points, and a few of the data points are each minute.  I think you will be fine with that one.

[ellisr63]

The NUCs are much smaller if space is a concern. They also have no fans so they are silent.