Re: my question yesterday about low power PC suppliers
I hunted around on Google for a while and found an article on the (venerable) "Tom's Hardware" site about building a low power, but capable, system.
They built a 4Gb, Intel core 2 duo system that consumed only around 30 watts when running. I've ordered bits for a similar system, it uses a FoxConn motherboard with Intel G31 chipset. My parts cost for a 4Gb system with 7400 processor (the most expensive bit, 7300 was out of stock) and a 500Gb hard disk was about £250.
Compared with Mini-ITX systems and/or Intel Atom based systems this seems good value to me and gives me lots more processor power and room for expansion (i.e. adding hard disks).
When the bits come and I've built it I will report its actual power consumption.