Media PC case?

[imported_browsing]

I've currently got a P5W DH Deluxe in a Antec 180b that I'm using as a media PC. This case just seems like overkill for the task, so I was considering switching out to something that might be a little more portable. I don't really mind if I had to go with a micro ATX case/mobo combination but I don't know what is out there that might actually be worth the cost. It seems like a lot of microATXs aren't worth much.

Just wondering what others have or if they've got any suggestions.

 

[WoodButcher]

Does your mobo give you HDMI out?
mine does!

 

[imported_browsing]

I've got a DVI to HDMI adapter that I got online for about $2. It works fine; I'd just like a more workable case.

 

[WoodButcher]

Workable? Smaller cases get tight fast, my MATX board is in an ATX case w/ water and things can be tight. If you look in the gallery, mine is the 2nd or 3rd down I've posted a few cases. The TJ-08 is really tight but as all my cases are modded I get outstanding temps. My only bitch about MATX is that in general the OC is not as good as the ATX counterparts.

 

[imported_browsing]

That's exactly what I was worried about. I'm planning on keeping this system running regular with no overclocks but I know a lot of the mATX boards have issues with reliability. I'd like to get a barebones combo, but I don't want to end up with a board I'll have to junk after a few weeks. Should any of the (relatively) newer 775 boards have enough reliability for a system like this?

Also, what mATX mobo do you use? Does the HDMI perform well enough for bluray playback or would it still need a card for that?

 

[DSF]

So portability is a priority? Does the media PC get moved between TVs/houses?

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: browsing
That's exactly what I was worried about. I'm planning on keeping this system running regular with no overclocks but I know a lot of the mATX boards have issues with reliability. I'd like to get a barebones combo, but I don't want to end up with a board I'll have to junk after a few weeks. Should any of the (relatively) newer 775 boards have enough reliability for a system like this?

Also, what mATX mobo do you use? Does the HDMI perform well enough for bluray playback or would it still need a card for that?

I love my board, Asus, P5E-VM HDMI, I've booted and run super PI @ 3.8 on my quad, ridiculous volts though so I backed down. I have not used the HDMI but if you google I'm sure you'll find answers. There was a thread at XS that caused me to get it when it came out, $130 or 40 I paid, and have had no problems. I wouldn't buy a barebones w/o knowing I've got the best parts.

 

[imported_browsing]

Yes, the PC will probably see a bit of traveling. My parents have a hi-def TV but they don't have a blu-ray yet, and probably won't for a while, so I bring the case with me when we want to watch a hi-def movie.

I'll have to look into the Asus P5E-VM HDMI.

I was thinking this Thermaltake VF1000BWS but I'd really like to keep the case as simple (and cheap) as possible. Something with a handle would be helpful.

I'd heard someone say something about new mATXs coming out at the end of November, has anything new been offered up recently? If I'm going to have to drop $140 or so on a board, I'd definitely want the latest and greatest for the money.

 

[WoodButcher]

Here's another but if you want HDMI you'll need a vid card with the output. I just saw this at XS.

DFI LANParty JR P45-T2RS+4870

 

[imported_browsing]

Thanks for the head's up on the newer board. That looks better than the board I'm using in my main system. Tempted to just do a few more rebuilds for everything. Also, that board is pci-e x8 instead of x16. Do mATXs usually not run at a full x16 or is the performance difference negligible?

 

[WoodButcher]

Most of what I read about it was good but JonnyGuru did a review that reported it to be less than stellar, here. I don't know, If I were to build a new system I think I would give it a shot, as it stands I'm quite pleased with what I have,,,,,,,

 

[Spike]

Have you considered the Antec Solo? I just moved my HTPC setup to that case and love it. It fits full ATX boards but the case is very small and has insulation for sound dampening. It also has the bungies for HDD mounting (can fit 3 in bungies or 4 mounted conventionally) to keep them quiet.

The downsides of the case is the price (currently $99.99 with no psu), the size (can get tight on the inside) and the 92mm fan spots in front as opposed to 120mm. Since my setup is simple the size is not a problem and my setup is fairly low heat producing so I don't even use a front fan. I found the case for $55 shipped a few weeks ago from newegg so if your willing to wait they do have sales.

There are tons of other great small cases out there this is just the only one I have experience with, apart from the Aspire X-Qpack 2 which is great for a lanbox but just ok or even bad for a main rig.