Fanless mini computer

dan_ · Expire: 2016-12-19

I need to change my PC and, as I'm quite uncomfortable with the sound of the computer fans and HD, I've searched for a fanless solution.
The one that looks more attractive to me is FitPC4 Pro, in a quad core configuration with 16GB of RAM and an 128GB internal SSD :
https://store.tinygreenpc.com/tiny-green-pcs/fit-pc4/fit-pc4-pro.html
For documents I'll use external HD.

Is any of you using FitPC4 Pro? How reliable is it?
Would it be good enough for comfortably running Photoshop CS6 and the last Lightroom?

Tedat · Joined: 08 Nov 2011 Posts: 800 Location: Berlin/Germany

this AMD isn't the fastest CPU... it's about 25% slower than the smallest Core i3 (first generation), but Photoshop and Lightroom will run with this. Some filters in PS may take a while, but at least the SSD will reduce the load times.. "normal" processing should work fast enough.

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7554 Location: Hong Kong

This mini PC comes with a slow CPU are not recommend for Photoshop/Lightroom. It may be OK with 8-10MP raw but it will be slow with 16MP+ raw. I would recommend you at least buy a Haswell Core i3 or i5. There are some noise-less fan which will help you to reduce the noise.

dan_ · Expire: 2016-12-19

Thanks Tedat.
As I am neither playing games nor doing much video editing I think it should be good enough for me.
I'll order it today.

dan_ · Expire: 2016-12-19

Thanks calvin83. You posted your answer while I was typing.
You make me think twice.

They have an i7 version as well:
http://www.tinygreenpc.com/fit-pc/intense-pc.aspx
Do you think it should be much better for the extra money?

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7554 Location: Hong Kong

I would not suggest you buying those so called set-top-box sized PC. They are more expensive compare to following solutions with less processing power.

With little DIY work, I would consider Intel NUC Kit or similar Barebones Kit. What you need is to put memory and mSATA SSD and it will work after you installed your OS. The fan is not noisy IMHO. I suggest buy one with the i5 CPU. If you are familiar with a bit of PC DIY work, this is the one to go.
http://www.legitreviews.com/intel-nuc-kit-d54250wyk-review-the-nuc-gets-haswell-power_124251

If you really out of box completely silent solution, you may consider something like the link below. I am not familiar with brand in EU so you have to do your own research. The price may be a bit more expensive than the above solution.
http://www.atlastsolutions.com/fanless/

Update:
It may be possible to turn a PC to fan-less though the use of water cooling system. I do not if we can do it on your PC. There are also other way to reduce the noise: put it far way, put something between you can the PC etc.

dan_ · Expire: 2016-12-19

Thanks a lot calvin83!
I'm now looking closer at the NUC solutions.

std · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 1827 Location: Bulgaria

You can also check this http://quietpc.co.uk/sys-a480
Not mini but quet.
I have the same case and cooler and it's a good one.

dan_ · Expire: 2016-12-19

Thanks for the link Stefan, I'll look at that solution, too.