Computer Hardware Recommendation

I would like help designing a better hardware solution for my product. I currently use a PC104 Single Board Computer with a PC104 RS232 add-on card that we place into an Evercase Micro BTX case. Single Board Computer: [login to view URL] Add on RS232 Card: [login to view URL] This hardware runs Windows XP Professional with custom software we have written. Problems with existing hardware configuration: 1). The PC104 single board computer is expensive. At $300 for an Intel Celeron 650, it doesn't have a lot of horsepower and a failure of any one component (Video driver, ethernet driver, etc - requires the whole board be replaced). 2). The Evercase Micro BTX case has a high level of failures with the power supply. ## Deliverables Virtually any computer that can run Windows Xp could be suitable with the following necessities: 1). Some sort of hardware watchdog. Our custom application sends an I am alive message to a watchdog timer built into the single board computer. If the message is not received by the hardware (because Windows has locked up or our program is not running), it will power cycle the computer and reboot it. Watchdog could be a separate component as long as it will fit within the case and serve the function specified. 2). Ability to add 8, 16 or 24 internal RS232 Com ports. These ports need to be inside the computer case and not protrude out the back of the computer. We add additional wiring and package everything in a custom RJ45 backplane. (See pictures of existing hardware). 3). As detailed, our software is currently running on a Celeron 650, so there is no need for a quad core, or even dual core setup. We need something reliable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to service. 4). Total hardware cost should not exceed $600 for Motherboard, processor, memory, Rs232 add-on card(s), case, powersupply, and a Windows XP Professional license. 5). A "Power Cycle" to on is a nice to have. On most desktops, if the power goes off and then comes back on, the computer will not boot unless the "on" button is manually pressed. We would like the computer to boot itself back up in case of a power failure or power cycling without manual intervention. Deliverables will include: 1). Complete listing of equipment and vendor(s). Equipment should be highly available and be sold by large reputable vendors (like Newegg or comparable vendor). No close out vendors or limited availability components. 2). All hardware must be entirely contained within the case. ## Platform Windows XP Professional