HTPC platforms - Notebook Consideration

[UaVaj]

considering an HTPC w/ 3D support. based on the HTPC sticky of assassin guide. an i3-2100 is the cpu to get. that means lga1155 build.

now to the important part. size. obviously a full tower or full desktop is out.

~$370
1) mini-itx platform. even this is still kinda bulky.
case = lian ii PC-Q09FN (11.6 x 5.5 x 7.5).
mb = any mini-itx 6 series
cpu/gpu = i3-2100 3.1GHz w/ HD 2000
ram = 4gb ddr3 dimm
hd = 128gb ssd

~$360
2) mini-itx slim platform. this should blend in well on the tv stand.
case = lian ii PC-Q05 (11.1 x 1.8 x 12)
mb = intel dh61ag
cpu/gpu = i3-2100 3.1GHz w/ HD 2000
ram = 4gb ddr3 sodimm
hd = 128gb ssd

~$350
3) 15.6" notebook platform.
case = hp 2000 (14.8 x 1.3 x 9.7)
mb = hp
cpu/gpu - i3-3110m 2.4GHz w/ HD 4000
ram = 4gb ddr3 sodimm
hd = 750gb hd

 

[Alan G]

I've been using an i3-3225 with a Gigabyte H77N WiFi MoBo and 4GB RAM for my recent HTPC builds and it works just fine. I've used Lian Li PC Q27 (passively cooled) case but I think I'm going to take a look at the Silverstone GD05 case for the next one as it has a lower profile than the Lian Li case. You might want to take a look at it.

 

[UaVaj]

thanks for recommendation. both: lian li PC-Q27 and Silverstone BD05 are too too bulky for my taste. imho - they both would be classified as regular tower/desktop.

need to be slim (hence consideration of an actual notebook). only case worth considering for a lga1155 build is the lian ii PC-Q05 (size of a notebook).

 

[tech4u]

My build is a Lian Li PC Q27 with an i5670K cooled with a Antec Kuhler H2O 620, it has a Silverstone SFX ST45SF-G PSU, Samsung 840 Pro SSD 256GB, 8 gb DDR3 Ram. Never gets over 105 F. Also has a an ASUS HD7750 video card. Very fast and cool for a small system.