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Moneual Labs MonCaso 312 HTPC case - Page 4

post #91 of 805
5/1/09 at 11:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Count de Monet View Post

Just a couple of questions before I order my case.

I wonder if the IR board software supports Windows 7?

I just got the Windows 7 RC (build 7100) installed yesterday and the IR board shows up as an "unknown device". Somewhat odd since I would have expected the Vista driver to work, but it could be that driver isn't included in the 7100 build.

Anyway I'm not going to bother with that since I have to use the eHome receiver anyway.
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post #92 of 805
5/2/09 at 1:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

I had no problems fitting my Gigabyte E7AUM-DS2H motherboard so must be specific to your MSI board.

I also had no problems matching my LG drive's button to the case. I don't think I said that - or did I?

The first PSU I tried (Gigabyte Odin) had no size issue, it's the ACEpower one I replaced it with that barely fits. I think most PSUs will fit with no problem.

Looking forward to seeing your pics!

Politby

If I ever mis-quoted you, I apoligize, I have read so many forums for different cases, I could have a few wires crossed.

A question on the drive, did you remove the drive front panel? or just the tray bezel only. I ask because I am concerned with the cases' Bluray front tray panel fitting correctly on the drive tray. I have not put it on yet, but it seems to fit right.

I agreen that the M/B is to blame for the fitting, I think it is the Component Video stack that is pushing the m/b back.

Again, sorry if I put any words in your mouth.

Michael.
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post #93 of 805
5/2/09 at 5:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

Politby

If I ever mis-quoted you, I apoligize, I have read so many forums for different cases, I could have a few wires crossed.

A question on the drive, did you remove the drive front panel? or just the tray bezel only. I ask because I am concerned with the cases' Bluray front tray panel fitting correctly on the drive tray. I have not put it on yet, but it seems to fit right.

I agreen that the M/B is to blame for the fitting, I think it is the Component Video stack that is pushing the m/b back.

Again, sorry if I put any words in your mouth.

Michael.

No problem, I'm not always sure what I've said where either.

I removed the tray bezel only. I found it easy to get the buttons to align, just don't tighten the screws holding the drive until you are sure the case button works.

I put the tray Blu-ray panel on from the front of the case after I had everything in place. I used a credit card to ensure there was gap between the panel and the lower edge of the cutout. Otherwise it is hard to get it in place without having it slide down and not fit symmetrically.
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post #94 of 805
5/2/09 at 8:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

No problem, I'm not always sure what I've said where either.

I removed the tray bezel only. I found it easy to get the buttons to align, just don't tighten the screws holding the drive until you are sure the case button works.

I put the tray Blu-ray panel on from the front of the case after I had everything in place. I used a credit card to ensure there was gap between the panel and the lower edge of the cutout. Otherwise it is hard to get it in place without having it slide down and not fit symmetrically.

Credit cards, thanks for the tip. I figured leaving the front drive bezel on as it was easier to activate the button. Well back to the grindstone of putting everything back together after a few hours sleep.

Michael
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post #95 of 805
5/2/09 at 11:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

Credit cards, thanks for the tip. I figured leaving the front drive bezel on as it was easier to activate the button. Well back to the grindstone of putting everything back together after a few hours sleep.

Michael

Good luck, and don't forget the pictures!
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post #96 of 805
5/3/09 at 3:13pm
Firstly, thanks to those who have given me advice during my build.

I built a HTPC based on the MSI Diva 7.1 board. Mainly for the onboard component video for my RPTV. I opted for the 7.1 board, because I will most probably be using an A/V receiver now and in the future. I used an AMD 5050e CPU and an AverMedia Duet Digital Tuner. The standard LG Bluray/HDDVD combo drive and a 1TB WD Green drive. The HDD was DOA (bummer) so I used a WD 160GB I had handy.

Got my components for NewEgg and the case and 40mm fans from FrozenCpu.

Here are a few pics of my setup.





Google Album of my pics.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mchrists...eat=directlink


I had some issues getting a few things going, but all is working right now. I still need to setup Bluray/HDDVD playback, but my HD OTA, DVD Library and other movies are doing fine.

Thanks goes out to the guys over at the "MSI 7411 sneak peak" thread (esp. Don)

Thanks again to everyone.
Michael
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post #97 of 805
5/4/09 at 1:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

Firstly, thanks to those who have given me advice during my build.

I built a HTPC based on the MSI Diva 7.1 board. Mainly for the onboard component video for my RPTV. I opted for the 7.1 board, because I will most probably be using an A/V receiver now and in the future. I used an AMD 5050e CPU and an AverMedia Duet Digital Tuner. The standard LG Bluray/HDDVD combo drive and a 1TB WD Green drive. The HDD was DOA (bummer) so I used a WD 160GB I had handy.

Got my components for NewEgg and the case and 40mm fans from FrozenCpu.

Here are a few pics of my setup.





Google Album of my pics.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mchrists...eat=directlink


I had some issues getting a few things going, but all is working right now. I still need to setup Bluray/HDDVD playback, but my HD OTA, DVD Library and other movies are doing fine.

Thanks goes out to the guys over at the "MSI 7411 sneak peak" thread (esp. Don)

Thanks again to everyone.
Michael

Very nice. It looks great in black too. What sort of temperatures are you seeing?
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post #98 of 805
5/4/09 at 9:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

Very nice. It looks great in black too. What sort of temperatures are you seeing?

With no case fans I am getting 51C on the proc maximum, my HDDs are running 44C, PCI bus at 44C.

I took the case cover off to see to allow the heat to escape. I will post again one I get my fans.
Even at full speed the original AMD CPU fan is quiet.

Michael
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post #99 of 805
5/4/09 at 9:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

With no case fans I am getting 51C on the proc maximum, my HDDs are running 44C, PCI bus at 44C.

I took the case cover off to see to allow the heat to escape. I will post again one I get my fans.
Even at full speed the original AMD CPU fan is quiet.

Michael

Okay, that's very similar to what I had before installing my 2 case fans. I think you will be pleased with the effect of those fans; you will se much lower temperatures over all.
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post #100 of 805
5/4/09 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

Firstly, thanks to those who have given me advice during my build.

I built a HTPC based on the MSI Diva 7.1 board. Mainly for the onboard component video for my RPTV. I opted for the 7.1 board, because I will most probably be using an A/V receiver now and in the future. I used an AMD 5050e CPU and an AverMedia Duet Digital Tuner. The standard LG Bluray/HDDVD combo drive and a 1TB WD Green drive. The HDD was DOA (bummer) so I used a WD 160GB I had handy.

Got my components for NewEgg and the case and 40mm fans from FrozenCpu.

Here are a few pics of my setup.





Google Album of my pics.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mchrists...eat=directlink


I had some issues getting a few things going, but all is working right now. I still need to setup Bluray/HDDVD playback, but my HD OTA, DVD Library and other movies are doing fine.

Thanks goes out to the guys over at the "MSI 7411 sneak peak" thread (esp. Don)

Thanks again to everyone.
Michael

nice setup by the way... i see tat u are a very big fan of Sony... anyway.. where did u get the stand for your A/V receiver and stuff
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post #101 of 805
5/4/09 at 5:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ziramendas View Post

nice setup by the way... i see tat u are a very big fan of Sony... anyway.. where did u get the stand for your A/V receiver and stuff

I got the stand about 10 years ago from a AV Store. The shelves are tempered glass.

As for SONY, I like the design and consistancy, especially of their ES range.
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post #102 of 805
5/6/09 at 12:56pm
My build is done now as well with this case although its not pretty since its a tight fit. I am also using the gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H mobo like Politby with corsair 2gb of ram (you cant use tall ram with this case the drive wont fit). I also bought a patriot 32gb SSD SATA and the LG BluRay/HD DVD drive. I put a Zalman CNPS8000 on my Intel Core 2 DUO 3.0ghz. I was a bit worried about aftermarket coolers fitting but it had plenty of space left. I am using the SILVERSTONE ST30NF 300W ATX Active PFC Power Supply without a fan with no case fans. I haven't run any temps yet but its still able to be touched after a full bluray movie via HDMI. The only real power use is the CPU and GPU on the mobo which with the air opening on the top of this case gets to vent well. I havent stress tested it for hours straight but I basically am just using this as a bluray/media player for my living room. I also have a full HTPC in my Home Theater Room and a Home Media server so there isnt a large HDD, video cards or tuners that would normally add heat. Nor have played with the remote too much. I guess I will need to do something for Arcsoft TMT but another MCE remote is cheap. Now to figure out how to retro fit it for this case....

Overall I feel for the $$$ for this setup is decent. Kind of bummed that the case went up in price but I posted a discount that helped me!
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post #103 of 805
5/6/09 at 2:19pm
huddadudda

When you get a chance, would like to see pics. I am interested in how people handle overall layout of their system, since there is not a lot of room in there.

Temps wise, you can see what Politby and I have had. But I believe we have tv tuners and the like. I put 2 HDD in mine, as I plan to record all my HD onto the 1TB.

I just install my two rear case fans (40x28mm). I chose fans with PWM, so I can control the speed. Speaking of, has anyone used speedfan with this mobo?

Glad to hear another has finished a setup. I bought pretty much everything spending approx $700. So I am pretty happy with my setup. As for the case I think Moneual could make some improvements in some design enhancements, but overall good look and feel at the end.

Michael.
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post #104 of 805
5/7/09 at 12:30am
Just occurred to me I hadn't posted a picture of what mine looks like with the TV tuner installed. The pic below still has the stock Intel HSF which I have since replaced with a Scythe Shuriken.

It really is pretty packed.

I think there is a real danger of the Xonar HDAV Slim audio card I'm planning to add not being able to fit without hitting the CAM module that sticks out of the FloppyDTV tuner.

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post #105 of 805
5/7/09 at 6:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mchristsen View Post

With no case fans I am getting 51C on the proc maximum, my HDDs are running 44C, PCI bus at 44C.

I took the case cover off to see to allow the heat to escape. I will post again one I get my fans.
Even at full speed the original AMD CPU fan is quiet.

Michael

Is 51C considered within normal operating specs for CPUs?

My plan is to use the least amount of fans.

I like the idea of the Silverstone fanless PSU. I don't really care about higher temps as long as they are within the manufacturer's specs for normal operation.

What I have picked out so far from Neweggs:

- Moncaso 312B
- GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H
- intel Q9400 (overkill?)
- 8GB Kingston Low Profile KVR800D2N5K2/4G
- Hitachi or WD 320GB 7200rpm laptop hdd 1-platter (is it possible to mount 2.5in SATA?)
- no optical for now
- Vista Ultimate x64
- Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

My #1 goal is low noise and 1080p MKV playback using DXVA.
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post #106 of 805
5/7/09 at 7:44am
Here are my idle temps (system sitting idle all day while I was at work). CPU fan runs at 485 rpm.

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post #107 of 805
5/7/09 at 8:49am
Here are the case fans I added.



Yes I know the screws don't match, no mounting hardware came with them, so i havd to improvise. I originally had them pulling air out, but I turned them around to push air in.

They are running at 4500 rpm (50% or so) and are barely audible. At full speed they are jet engines and actually push a lot of air (18cfm).

I am using speedfan to control the speeds to see how things go. I don't let them get about 60% as they become anoying. I may switch over to the bios PWM control, don't know yet. We will see.
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post #108 of 805
5/7/09 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iatacs19 View Post


{snip}

- Moncaso 312B
- GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H
- intel Q9400 (overkill?)
- 8GB Kingston Low Profile KVR800D2N5K2/4G
- Hitachi or WD 320GB 7200rpm laptop hdd 1-platter (is it possible to mount 2.5in SATA?)
- no optical for now
- Vista Ultimate x64
- Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

The Q9400 is definitely overkill if you're planning to use the system as a playback machine. Not if you are planning to do heavy re-encoding of video. I use an E5200 (Pentium dual core) in my system - same mobo as yours - and it works great using hardware acceleration. I use the MPC-HC standalone H.264 decoder for all H.264 content except live TV which uses Microsoft's own H.264 codec.

You won't have much use for 8GB in a HTPC either, even if you're running a 64-bit OS. Okay, memory is cheap so OTOH why not.

My hard drive is a WD Scorpio 2.5" 320GB, just get some brackets so you can mount the 2.5" drive in one of the 3.5" slots. Works great.
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post #109 of 805
5/11/09 at 7:09am
Hello everyone,

I'm also planning a new HTPC project using this case which should arrive this Wednesday. I am currently still researching parts for compatibility and came across this forum while searching for heat sinks. This is what I posted over at the Silent PC forum.
Quote:


With TV season about to end in a few short weeks, I've started planning my next HTPC project.

New Gear:
Case: Moneual MONCOSA 312B
Motherboard: Gigabyte E7AUM-DS2H mATX Nvidia 9400 HDMI
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3GHz
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB SATA 2.0
Optical: Plextor Blu Ray
HDTV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213
Memory: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
PSU:PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS370X 370w

Reused Gear:
HDD:
WD Scorpio 160GB 2.5 SATA
SAMSUNG Spinpoint M6 HM500LI 500GB 2.5 SATA
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB SATA 2.0
WiFI: Netgear WG111 v.2
Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth
Antenna: Terrestrial Digital DB2 Multi-Directional HDTV

I still haven't decided on a CPU heatsink.

The case is smaller than my old Antec NSK 2400 and taller than my GMC AVC-S7-B cases and can hold 3 3.5 HDDs. I'm planning on using the 160gb as the OS and progams, the 500gb for music (no, I don't have that much music), a 1tb for recording HDTV and the other 1TB for ripped media. Might seem like overkill but I don't plan on building another HTPC for some time to come. I don't anything about running RAID setups and I'm not sure it would be better or not.

The 2 2.5 drives will be held in a bracket that I bought from A-Tech.



The case uses low profile cards and has limited space for fans which means I may not be able to use passive cooling on the CPU. I still have some things that I want to try with some of those Scythe slim fans.

It's hard to tell from the case picture but I'm pretty sure that there is no vibration dampening for the HDDs. So that's another thing to look into. I'm planning on ordering the case in the next week or so.

The 2 choices for CPU heat sinks are now out of the question since I have read over this topic. The Nexus LOW-700 and the Thermalright APX-140. And I also have to look into the sizes of the Blu Ray players. The Plextor is 185mm.

I was going to look into the 40mm fans and I'm glad to see that it's working out for people. I will also check into some modular PSUs. I would still like a low powered and quiet running unit. I'll be checking in and post how the new project is going and be sure to get some pictures.
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post #110 of 805
5/11/09 at 7:45am
Definately go for modular PSU as it will free up space in an aleready cramped enviroment, but also allow for some airflow from the bottome vents, especially with the 3 HDD youa re going to run.
I am so-so on the 40mm fans. Noise levels from 40mm can creap up fast with the slightest increase of speed. My temps were a little lower, but not as much as i would have expected. I think the case would have been better off with either a 60/80mm side fan or front fan (under the HDD).

Anyway good luck.
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post #111 of 805
5/11/09 at 8:50am
Thanks. And I would like to know how that Shuriken is working out for Politby. And with the originally planned Nexus LOW-7000, Was the clearance problem with the heat sinks width or height (including the fan)?

I'm looking over PSUs and Blu Ray drive units lengths too.
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post #112 of 805
5/11/09 at 10:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackal55 View Post

Thanks. And I would like to know how that Shuriken is working out for Politby. And with the originally planned Nexus LOW-7000, Was the clearance problem with the heat sinks width or height (including the fan)?

I'm looking over PSUs and Blu Ray drive units lengths too.

The clearance problem with the Nexus was with the optical drive, with that cooler there is no room for an optical drive as deep as the current crop of BD/HD DVD drives (>170mm).

The Shuriken works great. There were no clearance problems with it, neither horizontally nor vertically. It never goes above 1,000 rpm in my system even when I play Blu-rays. Recommended!

I have two Adda 40mm fans pushing air out the back - I think they are 10 mm thick so much smaller than the ones mchristsen are using. They are completely inaudible from my viewing distance even though they are running at 12V.

The fact I have an active cooler on my GPU definitely helps airflow. My case is just lukewarm to the touch even when running high loads on the processor. Now I have an E5200 which runs very cool and uses little power, and I also have just one 2.5" hard drive. The TV tuner does generate some heat though.

Basically all I can hear is the PSU fan - which isn't particularly quiet in the cheapo PSU I am using.
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post #113 of 805
5/11/09 at 11:22am
Thanks. I'll go for the Shuriken. And I've changed my PSU option to the Seasonic M12II-430 with modular cables. Now I have to decide on the Blu Ray drive.

From what I can tell from the pictures, there is no vibration dampening for HDDs. That's really a shame and surprising for a PC case, especially for HTPC these days. By just widening the 2 HDD cages a few millimeters they could have given us that option. I'll see what I can do in a few days when I get the case.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions guys.
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post #114 of 805
5/11/09 at 12:09pm
Just order one of these cases and all the components for a HTPC (sans the digital tuner for now). Will post pics of the build when it is received.
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post #115 of 805
5/12/09 at 4:51pm
Hi guys i was just wondering as i haven't fully decided on the spec of my HTPC would this case take a ITX mobo or just mATX.
Well i am still waiting for it to turn up, hopefully soon.
As i was looking at either a intel/GF9400 or Atom330/GF9400. Not sure which one yet. Any advise?

Cheers.
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post #116 of 805
5/12/09 at 5:17pm
My case is due tomorrow, but in my experience getting a case that will m-ATX and ITX is almost impossible. I doubt this case is any different, I'll confirm tomorrow.

-PGPfan
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post #117 of 805
5/12/09 at 5:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by politby View Post

I have two Adda 40mm fans pushing air out the back - I think they are 10 mm thick so much smaller than the ones mchristsen are using. They are completely inaudible from my viewing distance even though they are running at 12V.

I have 40mm x 28mm fans and at 100% they are loud, but push a tremdous amount of air. So i run them between 48% - 55%. They are inaudable while viewing at my 10' viewing distance. The stock AMD fan for the 5050e runs at 2500rpm (80%) most of the time. Even at 100% / 2900rpm, you can't hear it. I had them pushing cool air int he case, but turned them around today to pull air out. I might have had a screw loose, because they are quieter than before.

The Corsair PSU is slient and has a larger clearence gapto the ODD than other PSUs I've seen (due to it being shorter). Also the stock CPU fan does not cause a problem.

I don't truely trust the temperature and fan speed reporting from the Board/CPU. E.g., the 5050e reports a running temp of 19C. Considering the Heatsink is warmer than ambient (touch), I am not sure this is so. Also the SYS1 and PWR1 fan headers report two different speeds of the 40mm fans, set at the same PWM level (even in bios).

All minor things! For those new builders out there, do research your heatsinks, PSUs, memory height and ODD.
Good Luck.
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post #118 of 805
5/13/09 at 11:38am
Hello Moncaso 312 builders,
About 2 months ago I started the research for components to use for HTPC and I got interested with the Moncaso chassis. So, once it was available, I have ordered all of the components and put them together over the weekend without any issues. All the info in this forum was very helpful and helped a lot in the build. My build includes:

MB: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500, 3.16GHz
PSU: Silent FSP ZEN 400 ATX
Memory: OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB)
HD: 2ea mirrored Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB, ST31500341AS
Optical: LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM GGC-H20L
OS: Win 7RC build 7100

I intend to do the following and am looking for any advise, or recommendations:
1. Replace the Intel cooler with one of those: Noise limit-SilentFlux Media, Zalman-CNPS8700 or Scythe-Shuriken
2. Should I put a fan or replace the heatsink on the chipset
3. I'm looking for advise on selecting AV receiver and on selecting 2ea 40mm system fans
5. Should I replace the silent PSU with a faned version?

I have ordered all the components except for the chassis from Newegg.
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post #119 of 805
5/13/09 at 9:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brusky View Post

Hello Moncaso 312 builders,
About 2 months ago I started the research for components to use for HTPC and I got interested with the Moncaso chassis. So, once it was available, I have ordered all of the components and put them together over the weekend without any issues. All the info in this forum was very helpful and helped a lot in the build. My build includes:

MB: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500, 3.16GHz
PSU: Silent FSP ZEN 400 ATX
Memory: OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB)
HD: 2ea mirrored Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB, ST31500341AS
Optical: LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM GGC-H20L
OS: Win 7RC build 7100

I intend to do the following and am looking for any advise, or recommendations:
1. Replace the Intel cooler with one of those: Noise limit-SilentFlux Media, Zalman-CNPS8700 or Scythe-Shuriken
2. Should I put a fan or replace the heatsink on the chipset
3. I'm looking for advise on selecting AV receiver and on selecting 2ea 40mm system fans
5. Should I replace the silent PSU with a faned version?

I have ordered all the components except for the chassis from Newegg.

I have a Corsair PSU that has a fan, and I never hear it. I would choose modular over Fanless.
I would ask Politby on the fans. My jury is out on mine.
The Heatsink on the Northbridge i think is sufficient, but I think the one on the southbridge is insufficent.
Can't comment on Intel coolers - defer to politby.
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post #120 of 805
5/13/09 at 11:22pm
Is it possible to mount a Zotac IONITX-A motherboard in this case? On the Moneual Labs site it states Micro ATX, but nothing else. The Zotac board is Mini-ATX though. I wouldn't mind picking up one of those ION boards and running XBMC on linux with VDPAU.
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