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The GX 745 SFF is exactly the same size and appearance as the GX 620s we have for some of our public machines. So far, mostly good. The air flow in the GX 745 seems to be the same as the GX 620, which is superior to GX 270 and GX 280 SFF boxes as far as dust collecting inside. In my opinion SFF cases collect more dust bunnies then desktop cases. In my experience GX 620s collect less dust then GX 260s did - in the same location. These SFF boxes have One SATA connection on the mother board. Forget connecting a non USB hard drive to copy from. You can't connect to the CD drive connector as it is proprietary. If you place them vertically the cover will vibrate a bit from time to time. A bit of resilient weather stripping or double stick foam tape takes care of that. The base for Dell LCD monitors is wider than the SFF box so it looks a bit silly sitting on top of one. After the usual desk clutter ends up under the monitor the base not fitting doesn't matter. If theft is a concern, the standard desktop case is harder to hide. SFF boxes will fit in most backpacks. We lock our monitors and SFF machines in to one package with coated "aircraft" cable and pad locks. All system cables are run through the padlock too. We make our own security cables so cost is low. ACNS will have a REMBO image for the 745s by fall term, if that matters. The 745s come with both Analog and DVI so dual monitors is an easy option. Don Bosman Information Technologist Libraries, Michigan State University 100 Library East Lansing, MI 48824-1048 [log in to unmask] (517) 432-6123 ext 233 Fax (517) 432-8374 -----Original Message----- From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Peter J Murray Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:22 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MSUNAG] optiplex form factors I'm starting to think about what to order for next fiscal year, and I've been happy with Dell, and will probably be ordering Optiplex 745 machines with Core 2 Duo processors. I'm wavering though, on the form factor. I'm tempted to order the small form factor (not the ultra small form factor) to save space, so does anyone have any input on the smaller form factors vs the bigger ones? The components I'd order are exactly the same, so I'm talking from a perspective of heat, noise, dust, and space considerations. To make this email not so narrow focused, I'm also seeking discussion on rolling out Vista on new PCs ordered (I think upgrading older machines is probably not worthwhile). I've been using Vista on a personal machine and I like it, but that doesn't always translate to a good experience in the 'business' setting in which we run.