I am putting together my first HTPC system over the course of the next few months and looking for any advice or suggestions.

I plan on using Ubuntu 9.10 (when it comes out in October) with MythTV (hopefully .22 soon ;)). The main use will be playing music, watching DVD rentals from Netflix, and recording and watching broadcast (OTA) HDTV. I also will take a look at things like Hulu, Boxee and XBMC once I get the basic setup done.

My goal is a quiet, energy efficient, and inexpensive build.

Components (prices as of 9-24-09)

Case: Antec New Solution NSK3480 = $90 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129035)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H = approx $130 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128363) not sure why but newegg currently shows is as a deactivated item
CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 = $83 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116091)
CPU cooler: Stock for now - consider Fan swap to Scythe DFS122512L-PWM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185049&Tpk=SCYTHE%20DFS122512L-PWM) if stock fan is to loud for my liking.
Hard Drive: Either the SAMSUNG EcoGreen F2 HD103SI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152173)1TB or SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185) both = $80 weighing speed vs noise.
Ram: Whatever well rated RAM is on sale. Not sure about 2gb = $33 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098) vs 4gb = $65 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122)
Optical drive: SAMSUNG DVD Burner SH-S223B = $32 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187)
HDTV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1250 = purchased for $37 after discounts and rebates (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028)
Card reader: SABRENT CRW-UINB 68-in-1 = $13 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820300608)
Wireless keyboard/mouse: SK-7500 Wireless = $30 (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/sk7500wireless.html)
Remote: Sony RM-VL600 = $20 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F7JCRA/ref=asc_df_B000F7JCRA918460?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000F7JCRA) but I already own it :D

Total approx = $560

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164127 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131318 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688 $60

And save $140

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164127 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131318 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688 $60

And save $140

Thanks for the suggestions. The first link is to a case. My concerns with this case is noise and airflow. The NSK3480 is well reviewed at SPCR (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article763-page1.html)and I have had bad luck in the past with inexpensive cases and noise

The next two links recomened using an ASUS motherboard with GeForce 8200 and an AMD Athlon II X2 240. I had disregarded AMD system as the GeForce 9300/9400 performs better with lower power usage (and thus lower noise) But after re-reading these reviews

http://techreport.com/articles.x/15690
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3432&p=1

Yes the 9xxx series is better then the 8xxx series but now I am trying to decide if the price difference is worth the performance difference for a HTPC.

Any thoughts?

Also it looks as if the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H is being discontinued as it seems like stock everywhere is getting low or is out. Anyone know if they are comming out with a replacement?

I have reviews Tux99's nice guide here

http://www.linuxtech.net/features/best_linux_htpc_motherboards.html

for some other motherboard options but haven't picked out one I like as well as the GA-E7AUM-DS2H

Also it looks as if the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H is being discontinued as it seems like stock everywhere is getting low or is out. Anyone know if they are comming out with a replacement?

I have reviews Tux99's nice guide here

http://www.linuxtech.net/features/best_linux_htpc_motherboards.html

for some other motherboard options but haven't picked out one I like as well as the GA-E7AUM-DS2H

Thanks for the compliment, if you can't get the Gigabyte at all anymore then get the Asus P5N7A-VM. It's almost equivalent unless you must have firewire on-board.
I haven't heard about the GA-E7AUM-DS2H being discontinued, I have seen some places ran out of stock, but at least here in Europe I saw places getting new stock too, so maybe it's just in very high demand.
Given that the GF9400 is a current chipset and there is no newer replacement for it, I would be surprised if the GA-E7AUM-DS2H is being discontinued.
(but then I have been surprised many times... ;) )

Thanks for the compliment, if you can't get the Gigabyte at all anymore then get the Asus P5N7A-VM. It's almost equivalent unless you must have firewire on-board.
I haven't heard about the GA-E7AUM-DS2H being discontinued, I have seen some places ran out of stock, but at least here in Europe I saw places getting new stock too, so maybe it's just in very high demand.
Given that the GF9400 is a current chipset and there is no newer replacement for it, I would be surprised if the GA-E7AUM-DS2H is being discontinued.
(but then I have been surprised many times... ;) )

I have been monitoring prices for a while and recently noticed it is out of stock/discontinued on many websites, and also the price has been rising (due to scarcity). I looked around and others have been noticing the same thing

http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-cinema-pcs/1064771-gigabyte-ga-e7aum-ds2h-discontinued-whats-replacement.html

I hope I am wrong but it seems like they are not producing any more.

Also I think I will stick with the nvidia 9xxx series. I plan on having the motherboard for a while and don't want to regret not spending a bit more for the better IGP.

This review helped convince me to go with the 9xxx

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/avivo-purevideo-clearvideo,2408.html

At this point it looks like Asus P5N7A-VM is my best bet.

At this point it looks like Asus P5N7A-VM is my best bet.
Well I've been hollering about this mobo for some time, but it's had no effect. By now there may be a better one, but this has served me well at least. Had to add a heatsink to the IGP tho.

Well I've been hollering about this mobo for some time, but it's had no effect. By now there may be a better one, but this has served me well at least. Had to add a heatsink to the IGP tho.

Thanks for the input! If I go with the ASUS I will make sure monitor the IGP temperature to be sure it is within spec. Looks like I have also have the same HDTV tuner as your system. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17079055#post17079055) Are you happy with your Hauppauge HVR-1250?

Yes it's been fine. You'll want to use azap to adjust your antenna. I don't like anything over 50C, so used Thermalright heatsinks.

Almost all my recording though is done with the R5000 in a Dish HD box. Got some wonderful movies, although my favorites are from P2P as they're rare and few know about them. (Altered States, Spy who Came In From the Cold, Danger Man, Jacob's Ladder, A Clockwork Orange, Blue Velvet, The Lover, Pretty Baby, The Prisoner, Tin Drum, etc)

Thanks for the suggestions. The first link is to a case. My concerns with this case is noise and airflow.
Cases don't make noise, only the hardware inside them do. I got one of these cases a while back and it will be the only case I buy from now on for mATX systems. It's well vemtilated, but get the case without a PSU and add a quite 120mm fan PSU for best results. i didn't use the included 92mm fan. The best part for me was it was short enough to fit on my dresser without having to turn it sideways. And the wife likes it too.:-)

Yes the 9xxx series is better then the 8xxx series but now I am trying to decide if the price difference is worth the performance difference for a HTPC.

Any thoughts?
It doesn't take a lot of power for HD. My first frontend machine in 2005 was a Duron 1600 and it worked pretty good clocked at 2000Mhz. And using XvMC, it worked fair at 1200Mhz. Any AMD X2 is plenty.

Of course if money isn't a object just get what you want.

Cases don't make noise, only the hardware inside them do.


I agree cases do not make noise by themselves but I do believe the case is the very important for a quiet system. The link below explains it better then I possibly could.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article75-page1.html

Just taking a look at the back of the cases the Antec NSK3480 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-129-035-07.jpg&Image=11-129-035-02.jpg%2c11-129-035-03.jpg%2c11-129-035-04.jpg%2c11-129-035-05.jpg%2c11-129-035-06.jpg%2c11-129-035-07.jpg%2c11-129-035-08.jpg%2c11-129-035-09.jpg%2c11-129-035-10.jpg%2c11-129-035-11.jpg%2c11-129-035-12.jpg%2c11-129-035-13.jpg%2c11-129-035-15.jpg%2c11-129-035-14.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&WaterMark=1&Item=N82E16811129035&Depa=1&Description=Antec%20New%20Solution%20NSK3480%20Black%2f%20Si lver%20Computer%20Case) has a much more open venting for both the power supply and the case then the Linkworld 727-08-2128FU+p04 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-164-127-S08&ISList=11-164-127-S01%2c11-164-127-S02%2c11-164-127-S03%2c11-164-127-S04%2c11-164-127-S05%2c11-164-127-S06%2c11-164-127-S07%2c11-164-127-S08%2c11-164-127-S09&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16811164127&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Linkworld%20727-08-2128FU%2bp04%20Black%2fWhite%20MicroATX%20Mini%20Tower%20Com puter%20Case%20430W%20Power%20Supply)


Of course if money isn't a object just get what you want.

Money does factor in to my decision but with the last computer I built I went a bit too cheap, specifically with the motherboard and case which are two components hard to upgrade / change later. Maybe I am swinging to far the other way on the price / performance balance but I think I am more comfortable on the performance side for this build. ;)

Just taking a look at the back of the cases the Antec NSK3480 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-129-035-07.jpg&Image=11-129-035-02.jpg%2c11-129-035-03.jpg%2c11-129-035-04.jpg%2c11-129-035-05.jpg%2c11-129-035-06.jpg%2c11-129-035-07.jpg%2c11-129-035-08.jpg%2c11-129-035-09.jpg%2c11-129-035-10.jpg%2c11-129-035-11.jpg%2c11-129-035-12.jpg%2c11-129-035-13.jpg%2c11-129-035-15.jpg%2c11-129-035-14.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&WaterMark=1&Item=N82E16811129035&Depa=1&Description=Antec%20New%20Solution%20NSK3480%20Black%2f%20Si lver%20Computer%20Case) has a much more open venting for both the power supply and the case then the Linkworld 727-08-2128FU+p04 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-164-127-S08&ISList=11-164-127-S01%2c11-164-127-S02%2c11-164-127-S03%2c11-164-127-S04%2c11-164-127-S05%2c11-164-127-S06%2c11-164-127-S07%2c11-164-127-S08%2c11-164-127-S09&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16811164127&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Linkworld%20727-08-2128FU%2bp04%20Black%2fWhite%20MicroATX%20Mini%20Tower%20Com puter%20Case%20430W%20Power%20Supply)

Not if you take the vents in the left side panel into account. As for the PSU vent, I wouldn't use either of there PSU's, as they are both 80mm fans. Buy the case without PSU and use a PSU with a 120mm fan if you are worried about noise.

Not if you take the vents in the left side panel into account. As for the PSU vent, I wouldn't use either of there PSU's, as they are both 80mm fans. Buy the case without PSU and use a PSU with a 120mm fan if you are worried about noise.

The Apevia XM-500 come with a silent 500W 120mm fan ATX PSU plus quiet 80mm exhaust fan x 2, just FYI-


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090690+50001998&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&Subcategory=690&description=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=


I have two of these cases and consider them unbeatable for the price- they have excellent build quality, internal layout, and take full size ATX mobos, even though the external case dimensions are smaller than most mATX-only cases- kinda like the Tardis in Dr Who ;)

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131318 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688 $60



I second these recommendations- you don't want an OS monopoly- why would you want a CPU monopoly? ;)

The Apevia XM-500 come with a silent 500W 120mm fan ATX PSU plus quiet 80mm exhaust fan x 2, just FYI-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090690+50001998&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&Subcategory=690&description=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

I have two of these cases and consider them unbeatable for the price- they have excellent build quality, internal layout, and take full size ATX mobos, even though the external case dimensions are smaller than most mATX-only cases- kinda like the Tardis in Dr Who ;)
And they are also way too big to fit on my dresser. Not to mention considerably more expensive.:-)

And they are also way too big to fit on my dresser. Not to mention considerably more expensive.:-)

This fits/looks good on your dresser!? ;)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164127

Not if you take the vents in the left side panel into account. As for the PSU vent, I wouldn't use either of there PSU's, as they are both 80mm fans. Buy the case without PSU and use a PSU with a 120mm fan if you are worried about noise.

That is true but it is still restricted on the exhaust side of things which can cause more noise from the fan trying harder to push the air thru (more turbulence). The PSU actually should be OK (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article684-page4.html) as far as noise. Not as quiet as a *good* 120mm PSU but I will probably try it out to start.

I also like the dual chambers of the NSK3480. Power supply fans ramp up with heat. Separating into two chambers keeps the heat from the CPU, motherboard etc from flowing through the PSU. It keeps the PSU cooler, thus slower fan speed, thus quieter (all other things being equal obviously)

The NSK3480 with the supplied fan (set to low) and PSU is tested to be at around 25 dBA@1m (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article763-page5.html). I figure this was a good starting point.

Also my concern with buying a separate power supply it by the time I buy a quiet PSU and a case it will be more expensive then the 3480

And they are also way too big to fit on my dresser. Not to mention considerably more expensive.:-)

I second that assessment - Price seems OK for what you get but it is to deep for my shelf.

I second these recommendations- you don't want an OS monopoly- why would you want a CPU monopoly? ;)

Competition in the CPU market is a good thing! But I have (now) decided I want the more up to date Nvidia IGP (9xxx vs 8xxx). If an AMD motherboard had an GeForce 9xxxx I would have a harder decision ;)

I think your choices are fine. The Asus MB and the E6300 are a good combo. The IGP should be fine for use as an HTPC. An AMD alternative would be the 785G chipset with a 65 watt Athlon II X2, but I'm not sure how well it plays with Linux.

I just finished building a system with the NSK3480 and used Krick's Mod (http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51264&highlight=kricks+3480) to help with cable management and air flow. I also installed the Scythe Mini Ninja (http://scythe-usa.com/product/cpu/045/scmnj1100-detail.html) CPU cooler and ran it passively, and swapped the included Scythe fan into the Antec EW 380 PSU (this will void the PSU warranty, but it runs a little quiter). I also ditched the Tri-Cool fan that came with the case and installed a Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D (http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/002/sflex_detail.html) 800 rpm 120 mm fan. Finally, I covered the CPU intake grill on the side panel with clear packing tape to make sure all the fresh air was being drawn in through the front of the case and over the southbridge and other components.

Also, 2 GB RAM is fine for HTPC - but get 4GB if you can afford it.

Even without any mods, the stock Tri-Cool and EW 380 are pretty quiet. Just be sure your cablegami is superb to allow for decent air flow.

Thanks for the suggestions. The first link is to a case. My concerns with this case is noise and airflow. The NSK3480 is well reviewed at SPCR (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article763-page1.html)and I have had bad luck in the past with inexpensive cases and noise

The next two links recomened using an ASUS motherboard with GeForce 8200 and an AMD Athlon II X2 240. I had disregarded AMD system as the GeForce 9300/9400 performs better with lower power usage (and thus lower noise) But after re-reading these reviews

http://techreport.com/articles.x/15690
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3432&p=1

Yes the 9xxx series is better then the 8xxx series but now I am trying to decide if the price difference is worth the performance difference for a HTPC.

Any thoughts?

Also it looks as if the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H is being discontinued as it seems like stock everywhere is getting low or is out. Anyone know if they are comming out with a replacement?

I have reviews Tux99's nice guide here

http://www.linuxtech.net/features/best_linux_htpc_motherboards.html

for some other motherboard options but haven't picked out one I like as well as the GA-E7AUM-DS2H

the 8 series is the same exact thing as the 9 series. 8300 = 9300
this is true with nvidia video cards too.

I think your choices are fine. The Asus MB and the E6300 are a good combo. The IGP should be fine for use as an HTPC. An AMD alternative would be the 785G chipset with a 65 watt Athlon II X2, but I'm not sure how well it plays with Linux.

I just finished building a system with the NSK3480 and used Krick's Mod (http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51264&highlight=kricks+3480) to help with cable management and air flow. I also installed the Scythe Mini Ninja (http://scythe-usa.com/product/cpu/045/scmnj1100-detail.html) CPU cooler and ran it passively, and swapped the included Scythe fan into the Antec EW 380 PSU (this will void the PSU warranty, but it runs a little quiter). I also ditched the Tri-Cool fan that came with the case and installed a Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D (http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/002/sflex_detail.html) 800 rpm 120 mm fan. Finally, I covered the CPU intake grill on the side panel with clear packing tape to make sure all the fresh air was being drawn in through the front of the case and over the southbridge and other components.

Also, 2 GB RAM is fine for HTPC - but get 4GB if you can afford it.

Even without any mods, the stock Tri-Cool and EW 380 are pretty quiet. Just be sure your cablegami is superb to allow for decent air flow.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I want to stick with nVidia as I have had good luck with it when using Linux and also for the VDPAU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VDPAU)

I have seen Krick's Mod at SPCR and am very impressed with it. I have seen mods such as you have done at the forums on SPCR (thanks for another good example of what can be done), but lately I am thinking I will start out with stock everything and see how I like it. Otherwise I won't know how good I have it after the mods ;) As you say the stock setup should be fairly quiet and it gives a baseline.

I was going to be as neat as possible with my cables, and shove the extras in the top (right below the optical drive)

I like the idea of 4GB of ram just so I can allocate 512 MB to the video. I am thinking it is worth the $30 (also I hope to wait until I find a good sale:D)

the 8 series is the same exact thing as the 9 series. 8300 = 9300
this is true with nvidia video cards too.

Ummm No? Not sure what you are saying here, but the 9 series is not the same as the 8 series.

This fits/looks good on your dresser!? ;)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164127

Yes. The depth of the case is only about 15" allowing it to sit on the end without having to turn it sideways or at an angle. It's perfect. And My wife likes it, which is big plus, compared to the mid tower I had before, or the 3 VCR's, Tivo, RCA PVR, and a cluster f**k of cables I had before that. Even the old mid tower looked better than all that junk stacked up there.

Yes. The depth of the case is only about 15" allowing it to sit on the end without having to turn it sideways or at an angle. It's perfect. And My wife likes it, which is big plus, compared to the mid tower I had before, or the 3 VCR's, Tivo, RCA PVR, and a cluster f**k of cables I had before that. Even the old mid tower looked better than all that junk stacked up there.

I was just pulling your chain ;)

I've had several Linkworld cases in the past couple years and they've all been nice, with bild quality a notch above most no name generic cases, but not in the Antec or Apevia league.

The case you linked does look nice, and the memory card readers is a bonus. Looks like a great value considering the PSU, card reader, and included fan- if only it had free shipping...

The case you linked does look nice, and the memory card readers is a bonus. Looks like a great value considering the PSU, card reader, and included fan- if only it had free shipping...

I got mine off ebay for $39.99 with free shipping. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised when I got it. And although I replaced the PSU, the one that came with it was fairly quiet and has enough power that it is now powering a Phenom II X4 system with several drives without any problems. If I could find another one for $40 shipped I'd buy a couple more of them just to have around.