I need to build a low end computer that draws less power idle for tasks like downloading. It doesn't have to be fancy just that it won't draw a huge amount of power from the grid. I left my computer on forever and recently turned it off when not used and the savings on my electrical bill was significant. Any pointers on this?

I suppose it comes down to how LOW you want to go.

About the ultimate in low power is the AMD Geode offerings or something in the way of VIA chips for microITX motherboards.

NOT looking at a lot of horsepower there, but enough to run XP and do office type stuff and downloading.

A couple links to help get you started if you're interested.

VIA: http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiativ [...] /mini-itx/

AMD Geode: http://wwwd.amd.com/catalog/salesc [...] 800+500MHz

So how about those mini form factor computers?

How much am I expected to spend on a simple computer that is based on a AMD Geode anyways (not going to use a case)

their power draw is comparable to a laptop right?

I second VIA, awesome for low power builds. This is the psu you should get, super small, plenty of power for most thing VIA, and it's cheap.

Silent PC Review article

Also, check out Mini-ITX.com, that link leads to their store, but they plently of great articles and stuff too.

I've been thinking about it, and you'd probably be happier and be less expensive to go VIA. I haven't found much on the Geode line from AMD.

Here's the MB and proc:

http://www.google.com/products?q=v [...] h+Products

And cases:

http://www.google.com/products?q=v [...] ch&show=dd

Plus the ITX standard is compatible with more standard PC parts I believe

EDIT: Well, it looks like I found this on the Geode finally: http://www.google.com/products?q=a [...] ch&show=dd

I built my media server on VIAs EPIA platform. With two 320GB HDDs it draws 23 watts when usage is high, and as low as 11 when the drives have been idled.

It's a bloody useless PC - but it's fine for serving music and movies across the Wifi network to my media streamers.

Saves about $27 a month in power.

Yes, I believe their powerdraw would compare to a laptop.

I saw in shops they sold PC's the size of a playstation 2. I wonder is that what mini ITX is? dont need to be a super powerful PC.. I just need something that can run bittorrent and/or bots like OpenKore (I found a private server that allows botting..)

thanks for the advise... might actually look into this...

Just get a lowend Core2 like the e4300 at stock speed or a 65W amd chip. Get a case that has a PSU maybe a 400W or something. A large passive cooler and an exhaust fan. Set your pc's power saving settings to go to sleep when you aren't using it. Just stick with a single hard drive and that's all. Either that or get one of those slim PC from dell or HP or something. They use the lower powered laptop chips and use very low power.

Fry's used to sell a Geode 1750NX machine with 128MB RAM, 40GB HDD, and a CDRW for $99. With Linspire. Or whatever they're called now. Awesome deal, I wish I would have taken advantage of it.

Super link...alot of cool tinker toys for the big boys .

My underclocked/undervolted Dell Inspiron 1200 laptop has a power consumption figure of 9 watts when the lid is closed (screen off).

i built one low power computer with scrap lying in the garage recently.
Specs:
Pentium 166 MMX underclocked to 133Mhz @1.8V
128 MB SDRAM
20 GB 2.5" Laptop HDD
SiS 530 based mother board
Dlink Ethernet adapter.

The whole setup now draws very little power. Removed the stock hearsink that was stuck and replaced it with an old P3 heatsink with the fan removed. It barely gets warm to touch.

I get more than 20 hours backup on my 300VA UPS running on a 60Ah car battery.

During the day i can completely run the computer off the grid via 40W Solar Panels.

You can get better power efficiency if you use the newer Mini ITX or Pico ITX boards.....but for this config i did not spend a dime.