new htpc: s939 or am2?

[The Boston Dangler]

after some window shopping, i must withdraw my 939 recommendation. are you committed to matx? silverstone makes similar-sized cases that take full atx boards and power supplies.

good mobo options for ATX, AM2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127007

 

[Operandi]

I wouldn't go with H20 for it's noise characteristics. Go check out the SPCR forums and you'll see 90% of the people using air not water, and for a reason.

Air cooling can be just as quiet if not quieter then water if pick the right components and setup the machine properly.

Every machine I build for home use is built with very low noise in mind. In my experience the key is using big heatsinks that are able to utilize large slow RPM fans. Another huge beneficial feature is dynamic fan control (another reason to go with the Abit board) over the CPU and system fans; letting them run at very low RPM at idle and kick up the RPMs as the load increases.

 

[KayKay]

939 x2 chips are hard to find these days... strongly recommend against it!