Shuttle or other SFF for a HTPC?

[lchyi]

I'm wondering if there are any major disadvantage to making at HTPC out of a shuttle. I mean, it wouldn't require a new, hot processor or an expensive video card so heat wouldn't be an issue. By getting an AIW and an Audigy 2ZS it'd be perfect. Any issues I should be aware of?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

SFF are perfect for HTPC, and the Shuttle SN45G featuring Soundstorm offers dedicated ports that make it a very good choice for the application, and would save considerable bank over the 2ZS.

 

[lchyi]

Ahh, sounds awesome, but problem is I already have a stick of 512mb 333 HyperX and a P4 2.4B waiting at home. So I decided to go with the cheaper SS51G (-$80 from the SN45G). That way, an Audigy2 ZS would end up making the system just as expensive. There isn't anything wrong with the SS51G is there? But damn, an integrated solution would be perfect so I can free up a PCI slot.

edit: Actually, it says the SS51G has a Realtek ALC 650, isn't that the same as the SN45G SFF?

 

[faolan]

Nothing wrong with the SS51, it was my first Shuttle (got replaced with an SB51 while waiting on an RMA, an RMA due to a manufacturing defect in my case). A friend of mine still has his SS51 chugging along, nearly two years since he bought it. My SS51 is about to see a revival with it replacing my P3 800 HTPC soon.

Not really sure if you need the Audigy though. The SS51 does have an optical out port that can be used to get surround sound off DVDs and such, as long as your receiver can decode Doby and such.

 

[lchyi]

Here's what I plan on getting:

Shuttle SS51G - $162.00
Pentium 2.4B - $0.00
Hyper-X 512mb PC2700 - $0.00
WD2000JB - $117.50
Radeon 9600 AIW - $139.00
Audigy2 ZS (maybe) - $85.99
NEC 8X DVD+/-RW - $69.99
Logitech z-640 - $49.99
Logitech MX Duo - $69.99

Total: $694.46 w/ Audigy2, $607.97 w/o

Not bad eh?