First HTPC Build

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Boney

Member
Aug 10, 2005
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I've built plenty of pc's but this is my first htpc build so i wanted to make sure that it will do the things i want it to do.

Im just going to run windows MCE to store all my dvd's and have it in one single area and also play my music. In the future I might upgrade it to be able to record tv.

Another thing is that i want it to run as cool and quiet as possible.

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811204022

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813188007

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103037

HDD:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148108

Ram:
Used 1gig ddr400 kingston

DVD r/w, Used

Video Card:
used ati x800pro

Power:
antec truepower 400w used


So will this setup play on my backup dvd's at full quality and be a silent killer? Im not looking to game or anything on this machine - its literally just going to be a dvd - music machine. So am I using too much processor?

Any ideas/comments appreciated

ty

 
S

Slugbait

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,633
3
81
So am I using too much processor?
Click to expand...
Ain't no such thing. But I digress, it should be perfect, especially when you make the machine a full HTPC later.

You didn't link to the HSF you need to buy. This proc runs pretty cool, so pick something quiet...

The Antec might be a bit loud...the only one I ever bought was.

Nice looking case. The three fans might be a bit loud, tho. I have my Cooler Master ATC-600 inside a stereo rack, and the included case fans are in a box somewhere (really loud), but the machine's been running 24/7 without the fans for over a year now and doesn't overheat. If you need the air flow, you might need quieter fans, but I don't think you'll need them at all.

Not much reason to go with MCE if you don't do TV recording/timeshifting. And you're gonna want the remote, too. But always good to have MCE if you're gonna get a capture card later.

Your DVD drive is going to play a large role in how quiet the machine is while playing DVDs...which do you have?
 
D

Double Trouble

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,270
103
106
A few comments:

That case is not going to be very quiet. It's got 2 x 60mm fans, and 1 x 80 mm fan, plus a heatsink fan on the processor, plus a fan on the video card, and one in the power supply. Also, the case does not have rubber or silicone lines to keep vibration noise down. That's going to be fine for a regular PC, but very very loud for a HTPC.

There are many other cases available, but I'd suggest looking at the antec fusion or some of the silverstone cases.

With regard to motherboard, you could look at one of the nvidia 6150 based motherboards -- built in video that supports HD output, without having to add the extra heat and noise of a video card.

Just my 2 cents.





 
dfuze

dfuze

Lifer
Feb 15, 2006
11,953
0
71
You might also want to replace the chipset fan with a Zalman heatsink on the motherboard to make it even more quiet. Also, if you are not looking to game, you might be able to find a cheaper motherboard, the one you selected has SLI. You might want more pci slots later for an add on audio card and tv card in the future.

As for the processor, I wouldn't worry about it being overkill. Why go for slower just to save $10 when the extra power may come in handy if you multitask.
 
adammthompson

adammthompson

Member
Dec 5, 2005
177
5
81
An Antec NSK2400 case would be nice although it comes w/ a power supply, which you might not want. I second tagej's recommendation of a mobo w/ Nvidia 6150 graphics (preferably one with fanless chipset heatsinks). Use a nice Thermalright CPU heatsink like the XP-90C or the XP-120 (if it will fit) with a good quiet fan.

Also, you might consider looking for used components. There seem to be a lot of good deals on used 939 stuff these days.
 
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