Recommend me a new (small) HTPC

corwin

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2006
8,644
9
81
So my new entertainment center doesn't have room for my current HTPC, so I'm going to have to get something smaller, much smaller hopefully. Don't need a tuner card in it just wireless and plenty of storage since I use for backups of all my files as well, might have to go to external file storage?

Currently have:

Silverstone GD01B-R Case
Jetway HA06-using integrated HD3200 video
Phenom II x4 955 BE
4gb DDR2 1066
80gb sata OS disk
3x 1tb sata in raid 5
BD-ROM
DVD/RW
MCE remote

For size I need it to be around 5" tall and 12" deep, width isn't really an issue as I have over 2'...

Anything comparable in a mini-ITX system? I want/need redundant storage of some kind to safe guard pictures and videos that can't be replaced, most ITX systems I've seen don't really have room for multiple drives let alone a RAID chipset.

Bonus points for being able to re-use some of my existing parts...
 

Fox5

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2005
5,957
7
81
For your redudent storage, why don't you do an external backup?
You can find mini-ITX boards with esata ports and hook something up external, or do a remote backup solution. (ie, over your network)
 

Shadowknight

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
3,959
3
81
What about an Apple TV, and have it access the files off a server on your network? They're supposed to release a new version later this year that will support 1080p, otherwise, the current one is limited to 720p. There's some way to install XBMC on it, either via some hack, or by installing linux on it.
 
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velillen

Platinum Member
Jul 12, 2006
2,120
1
81
Even a mini-itx would really work. most of the smaller cases i've seen are 5+ inches high. Some are only 10 inches deep or so but then you have to have room for cables as well. like shadowknight mentioned why not go with a network media player of some sort? WDTV Live PLus with custom firmware can offer lots of options. You could even just then you use pc as the storage center for all your files.
 

corwin

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2006
8,644
9
81
I'm thinking now that a NAS of some sort might be the best route to go with now...I did enjoy the ocassional web surfing with my old one but now my 50" TV is almost 20' away and I'm not thinking that would be very convenient to read, thanks for the suggestions and now to find a NAS
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,484
17,955
126
put file server somewhere else, get a cable drop here, hook up media player, done?