Wife friendly HTPC

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

Miroslav Stefanovic

Honorable
Aug 25, 2013
1
0
10,510
Hi All, I've been reading these threads and I'm more confused than ever. Here is my question:

I'm ditching the cable, and I have installed digital antenna, now it's time for HTPC

Approximate Purchase Date: Now - next few weeks
Budget Range: 500-600 USD or more if needed
System Usage: HTPC exlusively. digital OTA HD PVR plus media center

Already have:

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner w/ IR Remote PCI-E x 1
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036

OS: probably win 7, but not oposed to linux ( XBMC is the solution in mind, but others are also an option )

Case : I was looking at : SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum skin reinforced plastic front panel, 0.8mm SECC body MILO Series ML03B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

but that is totaly optional if case looks simillar .

I'm located in Toronto, Canada,

Parts Preferences: prefer intel CPU ( I have an I3 in mind)
Case should be able to hide IR sensor inside and be on the quiet side.

I don't mind buying Intel NUC or some other pre-made PC where Remote control will work, and TV tuner card can be installed internally.. Should fit nicely in the living room environment.

My main concern is to have case and MB which would fit and be able to have all the parts needed. Also, not sure of all the parts I will need.

Anyone?


 
Solution
aevm
I'd look at the newegg reviews, see what kind of PSU and MB others have used with the case. Since the case is tiny, it does limit your choices.

Here's a sample:



Pros: Good looking, inexpensive case. Good component layout for easy installation. Once assembled it feels very sturdy like a piece of A/V equiptment. It has plenty of vents and fan mounting areas. USB 3.0 connectors on face plate. Space to mount 1 full height 5.25" optical drive,1x2.5" and 2x3.5" drives. Plenty of room for a low profile video card if needed. This case makes for an excellent HTPC case.

Cons: Difficult to line up optical drive flush with face plate.

Other Thoughts: First off heed the warning of a short optical drive. My LG GGC H20L was too long. I can...
Sort by date Sort by votes
aevm

aevm

Illustrious
May 18, 2007
11,974
0
41,960
I'd look at the newegg reviews, see what kind of PSU and MB others have used with the case. Since the case is tiny, it does limit your choices.

Here's a sample:



Pros: Good looking, inexpensive case. Good component layout for easy installation. Once assembled it feels very sturdy like a piece of A/V equiptment. It has plenty of vents and fan mounting areas. USB 3.0 connectors on face plate. Space to mount 1 full height 5.25" optical drive,1x2.5" and 2x3.5" drives. Plenty of room for a low profile video card if needed. This case makes for an excellent HTPC case.

Cons: Difficult to line up optical drive flush with face plate.

Other Thoughts: First off heed the warning of a short optical drive. My LG GGC H20L was too long. I can confirm the LG UH10LS20 does fit. It is a snug fit, if you can use 90 degree connectors on the back it is very helpful. Be prepared to practice cable management 101. Was able to mount optical drive, 2.5" SSD, and 2x3.5" hard drives( 1 clone drive for SSD and 1 data drive for music, videos, pictures and recorded tv. You get a nice case for the money.

ASRock H55M/USB3 R2.0
Intel Core i3-540 with stock fan
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W PSU
LG Black Blu-ray Disc Combo SATA UH10LS20
Corsair P128 SSD
WD 1TB green 3.5" hard drive
WD 160GB 3.5" hard drive
ENERMAX UC-8EB 80mm Case Fanx2

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom