What about this barebones HTPC?

[PhoenixOrion]

I have 2.8C, PVR150 and HDTV wonder to go into a worthy box.

Thanks.

socket 478 barebones HTPC

Better suggestions/option out there for barebones at about the same price or less?

 

[wisdomtooth]

The problem with center-bay cases like that is that your optical drive might interfere or block the CPU heatsink, even with something as low-profile as the Zalman CNPS7000.

Also, $270 is kind of steep, if all it includes is only the case, PSU and mobo.

You can do MUCH better than that. A nice Silverstone LC04 case and your own MicroATX i865 motherboard wouldn't cost more than that.

HTH!

 

[AristoV300]

Why don't you look at a Shuttle box or something like that?

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Thanks for the suggestions...

I'm thinking of "slim" and silver so it won't be an eye sore when its right next to a silver yamaha dvx-s200p sitting on a silver tv stand

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
The problem with center-bay cases like that is that your optical drive might interfere or block the CPU heatsink, even with something as low-profile as the Zalman CNPS7000.

Also, $270 is kind of steep, if all it includes is only the case, PSU and mobo.

You can do MUCH better than that. A nice Silverstone LC04 case and your own MicroATX i865 motherboard wouldn't cost more than that.

HTH!

Just using newegg prices for comparison, the barebones come out $254.
With micro865 and lc04, it comes out $261. (does not include psu and built-in 7-card reader)

It looks like there's good clearance at the back of the optical drive from the hsf.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: PhoenixOrion

It looks like there's good clearance at the back of the optical drive from the hsf.

That photo shows you only the drive cage with NO DRIVE in it. I can guarantee even "shorty" drives that are 170mm long will stick out past the end of the drive cage by at least 30-40mm in that case.

Also, Newegg is THE WORST place to buy HTPC cases. I can get a Silverstone LC04 at other reputable vendors like this one for less than $150 whereas Newegg will charge you close to $180.

And the LC04 DOES come with a PSU.

Trip yourself over to HTPC News and browse their forums-- Lots of HTPC enthusiasts there where you can glean from their opinions and experiences.

HTH.

 

[mshan]

Antec Aria computer case, passively cooled BBA 9600 non-pro video card, and mATX mobo of your choice?

(ventilation in the Antec Aria is so so, so th rear exhaust fan will become fairly loud if you put a hot video card in there in addition to your P4 2.8c)

 

[airfoil]

You'll want this case when you've seen it. Kind of pricey, but I'm sure it will blend right in.

 

[airfoil]

And if you want a mATX form factor, check this out.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Ahanix does make some SWEET HTPC cases indeed.

I wouldn't go with the MCE601 though because it uses a proprietary PSU. The other D.Vine series that takes a standard ATX PSU are great cases though, even if they are pricey.

They just came out with the MCE301 and 302, which are MicroATX but will take standard ATX PSUs with a rear-mounted 80mm fan like the Seasonic Super Silencers. (120mm-fan ATX PSUs will NOT work with the 301 and 302.) The MCE301/302 are nice if you want mATX and are willing to live with low-profile cards.

Just wait until the sticker shock sets in though. :laugh:

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Thanks for good links on htpc.

Yes, I plan on using a standard atx psu around here somewhere, i think I have an extra aspire 420-watt.

But if I like a "slim" case already comes with its own psu then one less thing to worry about.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Originally posted by: mshan
Antec Aria computer case, passively cooled BBA 9600 non-pro video card, and mATX mobo of your choice?

(ventilation in the Antec Aria is so so, so th rear exhaust fan will become fairly loud if you put a hot video card in there in addition to your P4 2.8c)

I was thinking of just using integrated mobo graphics since I'll be using it with 2.8C coupled with pvr150.

 

[airfoil]

If you plan on installing Windows XP MCE 2005, make sure that integrated video supports DirectX 9 - or it simply wont work. Also, that onboard video solution must offer a TV out feature, unless the PVR 150 can do this (I dont know if it does).

 

[wisdomtooth]

Oy, those cubes are not gonna fit in very well with that Yamaha A/V receiver..

Definitely need a nice flat-laying HTPC case to blend in with that.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

ok.
i guess it will be ahanix vs silverstone....
now time to think it over a few days/weeks.

 

[mshan]

"was thinking of just using integrated mobo graphics since I'll be using it with 2.8C coupled with pvr150"

I also own an ATI HDTV Wonder and the picture with an ATI Radeon video card (Catalyst drivers) is just beautiful.

I used to own a Sapphire Radeon 9000 (8 bit) and now own a BBA 9700 Pro (I think 10 bit dacs) and there was a noticeable improvement in picture quality. I believe the ATI 9600 non-pro should also have 10 bit dacs and used to be recommended highly for use with projectors on various home theater forums. (given how flaky the HDTV Wonder can be about drivers and associated hardware, I would only get an Built By ATI video card for full compatability). If you don't mind the fan noise (or replace the fan with an Artic Cooling VGA Silencer rev. 3), a Built by ATI 9600 Pro or BBA 9600XT are also fine choices (I think the 9600XT is what ATI uses with the HDTV Wonder). I believe all of these cards are fairly cool from a heat generation point of view, so they won't excessively heat up these htpc computer cases.

YMMV.