Need a close to silent HTPC

[boomhower]

I'm building a HTPC and the internals are pretty much sorted out. The case and cooling is my main holdup. I'm trying to decide between a couple of Silverstones, the ML03 and GD06. I like the physical size of the ML03 better as it's much slimmer. But the trade-off is it takes 80mm fans and limits CPU cooling options due to the height. The larger case utilizes 120mm fans and has room for Silverstone's passive HS. There will be no overclocking and should be pretty low on the demands of the hardware with playing 1080P videos from a HD being the most strenuous. Probably the most strenuous thing it will ever do is play a 1080P video while streaming another one to a media box in another room.

The smaller case is a good bit cheaper but cost is a secondary concern to being quiet. Is there a CPU HSF that will adequately cool it and will fit in the ML03? Are there quiet 80mm fans that will move enough airflow to keep it cool in an entertainment center.(not enclosed, it will be open on the from but surrounded on the other sides. It's got to be silent to keep from screwing up the movie experience, which is why I am so concerned about it.

The CPU will be an Intel G530. There will be no dedicated GPU.

Thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[biostud]

ASrock also has some nice mini pc's based around mobile chips, but they're a bit more expensive.

http://www.asrock.com/nettop/index.us.asp

 

[boomhower]

ASrock also has some nice mini pc's based around mobile chips, but they're a bit more expensive.

http://www.asrock.com/nettop/index.us.asp

I don't need tiny, limiting to 2.5" HDs is a deal breaker. Those are just to limiting.

 

[brakteat]

I can recommend a passive case from HD-Plex (http://hd-plex.com). I use the H3.S case for my workstation but it makes a great silent HTPC, or near silent if you want a 3.5 Hard drive or you pick the H3.SODD version which also has place for a BD-drive.

I recently wrote a review of the H3.S case at the forum: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2213467

/Chris

 

[mcveigh]

I've had a HTPC for about 7 years now. I still use the same case (an older coolermaster)
I hate not having 120mm fans. the smaller cases look nicer but you are much more limited for quiet fans and cooling solutions. Also a larger case just gives more room for heat to dissipate.
Honestly I would go for the GD06... I am in fact thinking about getting that case but for the locking front door. (my toddlers like to push buttons and play with anything with lights )