Sam Flex or maybe not

Hello Amigans,

I am really thinking to move back to the Amiga OS within this year, because I really like what is happening within the last 2 years. Also even on my very old Windows machine my main activities are bugfixing ones.

So I thought that I can do that on the Amiga, too, while then it should be more fun, right?

Back to my topic:

Now I am wondering what should I buy? The Sam including the M9 Radeon, or the Flex one?

The pro for the "normal would be, that you can use 2 graphic cards, which sounds somehow very nice to me.
The contra would be the 512Mb limitation.

For the Flex it is the other way around.

2x512MB sounds nice but only one graphics adapter (or could I use 2 PCI cards?)

Looking forward to hear your comments.

Brotsalami

@brotsalami

I would go the Flex way and buy a gfx card with 256mb gfx ram :D

@brotsalami

After owning a MicroA1 with the limited onboard graphics and single PCI slot, I would definately spring for the Flex.

OS 4.1 can use alot of graphics memory especially in high resolutions with compositing turned on. Adding a 256MB Radeon 9250 gives you lots of breathing room. Not to mention the Flex can have 1GB of RAM...so with both of those points, plus still two free PCI slots, I think the Flex is the way to go at this point.

However, if you prefer a very small compact system and won't require really high-resolutions the existing Sam440 is probably a better choice.

thank you very much.

That helps me a lot and gives me some more time to save money until the flex is there.

I searched for some Flex-ATX cases, but I didn't find a real decent one. Also Flex-ATX doesn't look like a super popular standard.

Anybody knows a good, nice looking case. Something that doesn't look like a CD-Player or a Windows machine, maybe?

Thanks again.

@brotsalami

I've never brought a tower case for a pc because I've always used an Amiga system.

I ended up picking up a Thermaltake Matrix VD2000BNS and I have to say I don't think I'd use anything else... lol

It cost $200.00 for it but I'm sold, I'm going to buy another shortly and put it away to host my next SAM... probably won't get a flex, not powerful enough.

Go for it now though do not wait, the NG Amiga is GREAT!

but look, I just brought another A4000 auction, MAD as a maggot I tell ya that's number 9 heh

@Slayer

"... probably won't get a flex, not powerful enough."

what do you get then?

@brotsalami

Quote:

I'm referring to me as in 2ND machine, I already have a SAMep 440 non flex model...

for my next SAM, I want a 1gig UP processor

sorry to confuse you

Quote:

I'm waiting for the flex myself, so I did some searching for a case. Basically search for a micro ATX case, the flex I think (99% sure, can anyone else confirm it) fits nicely in one of those.

There are plenty of such cases, I'm leaning towards a cube one:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Silverstone/Sugo_SG02

Vesalia has an Apevia series: http://www.vesalia.de/r0e_cases_cubes.htm

@MrZammler

thank you for that information. I checked some mini-ATX cases and a cube seems to be the most interesting one.

The Tower and Desktop system are awfully huge. Many have like 6 PCI slots, which are not needed.

@everybody

thank you very much, I think I will pop in from time to time until I have a SAM, then it will get worse

@brotsalami

Quote:

thanks for the heads up

seriously though, You'll be more than welcome

btw, what's this darn obsession with having small cpu cases, put it on the floor and it needs some weight, also, more space inside means ease of evaluation and installation. Take it easy

Beware that a 256MB gfx-card is currently not supported, apparently 128MB is the maximum currently supported. I hope 256MB is supported in the future, since I already bought one (untested in my Sam)...

I think Flex is slightly better option, but it entirely depends on your needs.

Here is the case I use for my Sam, which I *believe* should also house the Flex version:
http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=10542
(Get them while they are still in stock! LinItx seems like a good company.)

@ChrisH

I don't think the Flex will fit in that case.

The case is for Mini-ITX which is smaller than Flex-ATX.

Also if you look at the back View, you will notice that it only has two PCI expansion slots, so I don't think the Flex will fit in.

width of the case is 22,5cm

width of the Flex is 21,6cm

This might be a little bit too tight.

@brotsalami
Not sure where I got the impression that it accepts Flex-ATX, but this seems to confirm it:
"The case is set up to accept either mini-ITX form factor or Flex-ATX form factor"
(it is also a very nice review, which I do remember looking at before purchasing it)

edit: That review is for the Morex 668, but the 669 seems almost identical (the front facia is different).