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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 67

post #1981 of 15486
3/27/11 at 11:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by b_scott View Post

that looks awesome, thanks assassin!


So my current toil is wondering how long a current SB HTPC build will "last" tech-wise. Will a current build still be useful in 4-5 years when I have a toddler/preschooler and using it for kids stuff, or will it out waaaaay outdated. Just trying to plan for the future and figuring out if this is cost effective, or just keeping my Tivo Premieres for now and paying for cable

For simple kids stuff? I would say that you would be fine.

You'll have this same question whenever you build except you'll be substituting "toddler" for "elementary/middle school" etc.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #1982 of 15486
3/27/11 at 11:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Don't sweat the case fans just yet. Hook them up however you can and see if they are too loud. If they are then you can look at ways of decreasing their speed or changing them. Most of the time they will be fine.

You can even unhook a few of the fans completely provided that your temps are acceptable. No one said that you HAVE to use all the fans just because they are there.

Yes, depending on the case you will have outlet fans +/- inlet fans. If you only have fans on one side of the case you should use them as outlet fans.

Some cases have 1 fan on one side and 2 on the other. The single fan should be used as the inlet fan and the 2 fans should be used as the outlet fans.

These cases are designed for all three fans to be installed as intakes to create positive pressure. The reason for this is that since you create positive pressure inside the case, air enters the case through the filtered fan ports only and exits through all the vents and other openings, helping ensure things keep clean in there.

It's not going to hurt anything if you change the set up, but they way are the installed out of the box makes sense.


Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryinnv View Post

I'm assuming all of the case fans are exhaust fans just by the fact that I feel the air coming out of the case?

All the "Grandia" cases (GD04/05/06) should have the fans installed as intake by default. You should be able to feel air coming out of the vents and various openings, but if you put your hands in front of the fans you should feel (all of) them sucking.
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post #1983 of 15486
3/27/11 at 12:05pm
Been following this thread for a couple of weeks; great info for us first-time HTPC builders (thanks assassin!). I've been stressing over trying to get the smallest case possible since I wanted to build 3 identical systems to go in the LR, BR and kitchen. Finally decided what the heck; I'll just build the main one first and worry about the others later. We have plenty of BDs and DVDs but I haven't done any ripping yet so this build is probably overkill for my current situation (play BDs, stream Netflix, Hulu, etc., OTA live and recorded TV via HDHR). But, I figured I might as well build something now that would allow for some expanded functionality over the next 3-4 years. I was trying to keep the cost under $500 but the SSD took care of that.

All from Newegg:

APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX
$49.99

GIGABYTE GA-H67N-USB3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
$114.99

Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
$124.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ
$44.99

A-DATA S596 Turbo AS596TB-64GM-C 2.5" Internal / External Solid State Drive (SSD)
$109.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$74.99

LG Electronics LightScribe 10x SATA Blu-ray Combo Internal Drive
$68.99

Rosewill 8" Sata Power Splitter Cable Model RCW-302
$3.99

Scythe SY1225SL12L 120mm "Slipstream" Case Fan
$13.99

Grand Total: $606.91

(Can I control W7MC with my Harmony 650 if I install an RF receiver, or do I need one of these?)
Rosewill WMC Remote control/Rcvr RRC-127 for Win 7
$24.99

I selected the 10x BD drive in case I decide to venture into ripping. Planning to mount the SSD on the side rail next to the 120mm fan.

If I've made some obvious noob mistake, please let me know. Comments, suggestions and/or recommendations? Thanks!
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post #1984 of 15486
3/27/11 at 12:12pm
You might consider sticking a Zacate board into one of the Mini-Box M350 ITX cases for your next two builds if you want smallest possible. The one I linked above is a bundle for the case + a picoPSU and power adapter.

One of those bundles + the ASUSRock Zacate board will set you back 180 dollars. Just need to add RAM, hard drive, OS and remote. Should help keep overall costs down.
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post #1985 of 15486
3/27/11 at 12:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdbrown View Post

Been following this thread for a couple of weeks; great info for us first-time HTPC builders (thanks assassin!).

If I've made some obvious noob mistake, please let me know. Comments, suggestions and/or recommendations? Thanks!

You're welcome! Thanks for contributing.

I have said it before in this thread (do a search) but I really don't like that case for i3 builds. I have used it a few times.

See if you spot in this picture why I don't like it...
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post #1986 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post


Don't sweat the case fans just yet. Hook them up however you can and see if they are too loud. If they are then you can look at ways of decreasing their speed or changing them. Most of the time they will be fine.

You can even unhook a few of the fans completely provided that your temps are acceptable. No one said that you HAVE to use all the fans just because they are there.

Yes, depending on the case you will have outlet fans +/- inlet fans. If you only have fans on one side of the case you should use them as outlet fans.

Some cases have 1 fan on one side and 2 on the other. The single fan should be used as the inlet fan and the 2 fans should be used as the outlet fans.

Ok, went ahead and ordered the cable, I'll post my results once it comes in. You think it's ok to combine a splitter to connect the 4th fan (CPU & 3 case fans)? Just want to make sure I don't damage anything.
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post #1987 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryinnv View Post

Ok, went ahead and ordered the cable, I'll post my results once it comes in. You think it's ok to combine a splitter to connect the 4th fan (CPU & 3 case fans)? Just want to make sure I don't damage anything.

I would NOT do this. Overloading your CPU header can be catastrophic.

Would something like this work for your situation?
Rosewill 12" PWM Splitter Model RCW-FPS-401
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...pk=RCW-FPS-401
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post #1988 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mesasone View Post

You might consider sticking a Zacate board into one of the Mini-Box M350 ITX cases for your next two builds if you want smallest possible.

Thanks for that recommendation. Only issue with that might be the Netflix streaming which, from what I've read previously, might be an issue (?)

Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I have said it before in this thread (do a search) but I really don't like that case for i3 builds.

Dang! In knew you were gonna say that. Yeah, I know; I picked up on that way back in the thread... Thanks for the pic though; that really highlights the issue. I suppose the next closest case is the Rosewill RC-CIX-01. I guess I can get over the exposed front USB and audio ports if it's really that much easier to work with and better for air flow. Or, I suppose I could replace the stock PSU with a picoPSU.
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post #1989 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdbrown View Post

Dang! In knew you were gonna say that. Yeah, I know; I picked up on that way back in the thread... Thanks for the pic though; that really highlights the issue. I suppose the next closest case is the Rosewill RC-CIX-01. I guess I can get over the exposed front USB and audio ports if it's really that much easier to work with and better for air flow. Or, I suppose I could replace the stock PSU with a picoPSU.

The picoPSU is an option.

I like the Rosewill case a lot. Its a little taller but the big difference is the PSU is in the front of the case and doesn't interfere at all with the CPU fan.
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post #1990 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:34pm
I have a number of old IDE drives, would it be a benefit to use one of these as a drive for my OS or am I better just creating a partition on the main drive?
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post #1991 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:34pm
micro-ATX cases seem a little large for regular home theater cabinets (with much room around them) but min-ITX boards only have one PCI-e port which is a dealbreaker. I want to be able to put a cable card board and a video card into it if I have to.
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post #1992 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by car421 View Post

I have a number of old IDE drives, would it be a benefit to use one of these as a drive for my OS or am I better just creating a partition on the main drive?

How old? All drives have a limited life span.

You can get a really small 160GB SATA drive for about $35 or so. To me that would be worth the peace of mind.
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post #1993 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

...As for the PSU I really like the SeaSonic.
The SeaSonic is one of the best 380 watt PSUs you can get period. Its a little pricier but worth it, imo. I have the Corsair VX model which was made by SeaSonic and I love it. A great PSU.

Right, with you...
Unfortunately the Seasonic 380W (£46.78) & 430W(£53.63) PSUs are out of stock on the site I was planning to order most of my gear [Scan].

They have a Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-430CX 430W, which is a "hot seller" priced at £35.52 and in stock, which looks quite good.
Otherwise I could order the Seasonic 380W from another site, but I'll have to pay two lots of shipping, meaning it would cost (£55.02)

I'd rather get the best parts & don't mind paying more, but if the Corsair 430W-CX is just as good, then I might as well just go for that and save £20.
What do you think?
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post #1994 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by b_scott View Post

micro-ATX cases seem a little large for regular home theater cabinets (with much room around them) but min-ITX boards only have one PCI-e port which is a dealbreaker. I want to be able to put a cable card board and a video card into it if I have to.

Yep.

I don't know what you are talking about with the micro-ATX case size though. There are 2 on the front page that can fit into most cabinets.
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post #1995 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

How old? All drives have a limited life span.

You can get a really small 160GB SATA drive for about $35 or so. To me that would be worth the peace of mind.

Not sure how old, probably have a mfgr date on the lables but I would guess 4 to 5 yrs old. I have 2 or 3 in a box of old parts.
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post #1996 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:38pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayBarratt View Post

Right, with you...
Unfortunately the Seasonic 380W (£46.78) & 430W(£53.63) PSUs are out of stock on the site I was planning to order most of my gear [Scan].

They have a Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-430CX 430W, which is a "hot seller" priced at £35.52 and in stock, which looks quite good.
Otherwise I could order the Seasonic 380W from another site, but I'll have to pay two lots of shipping, meaning it would cost (£55.02)

I'd rather get the best parts & don't mind paying more, but if the Corsair 430W-CX is just as good, then I might as well just go for that and save £20.
What do you think?

Well, its not as good but still is good enough.

I have used it before. Its not bad but its no where near as good as the SeaSonic (Corsair VX).
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post #1997 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Yep.

I don't know what you are talking about with the micro-ATX case size though. There are 2 on the front page that can fit into most cabinets.

I measured my cabinet and the nMedia one is 16" by 17" - that barely clears the sides and depth of my cabinet. It would fit, but I wouldn't be able to put anything directly above it too close.
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post #1998 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by car421 View Post

Not sure how old, probably have a mfgr date on the lables but I would guess 4 to 5 yrs old. I have 2 or 3 in a box of old parts.

Totally up to you but I would probably pass. The $35 is worth it to me.

To each his own though. No real obvious right or wrong here.
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post #1999 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by b_scott View Post

I measured my cabinet and the nMedia one is 16" by 17" - that barely clears the sides and depth of my cabinet. It would fit, but I wouldn't be able to put anything directly above it too close.

What about the Silverstone GD05B? Its only 13" deep.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ies/B0036WTDGQ

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...-166-_-Product
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post #2000 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:52pm
Question about this combo - This motherboard - ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX and this case - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B.
The case has a All in one Card Reader in the front and I can't seem to find if the motherboard supports that. It is a feature that I would utilize with transfering pics to the HTPC.
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post #2001 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by car421 View Post

Question about this combo - This motherboard - ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX and this case - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B.
The case has a All in one Card Reader in the front and I can't seem to find if the motherboard supports that. It is a feature that I would utilize with transfering pics to the HTPC.

It connects to the USB header.
http://www.nmediapc.com/HTPC%201000/...Guide_1000.pdf
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post #2002 of 15486
3/27/11 at 1:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

What about the Silverstone GD05B? Its only 13" deep.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ies/B0036WTDGQ

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...-166-_-Product

I've thought about that one too, but it's just as wide. I have much more height than anything else. Also the fans shoot out the side, and I don't know if that'd be great when there is only an inch or so clearance on the side. Hmmmm

in that case, any reason to go with the GB05 over the GB04? I've heard the 04 has brushed aluminum front.
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post #2003 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

It connects to the USB header.
http://www.nmediapc.com/HTPC%201000/...Guide_1000.pdf

Thanks. I feel like a dope. I was doing all kinds of searches on the motherboard and didn't think to look at the case manual.
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post #2004 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by b_scott View Post

I've thought about that one too, but it's just as wide. I have much more height than anything else. Also the fans shoot out the side, and I don't know if that'd be great when there is only an inch or so clearance on the side. Hmmmm

in that case, any reason to go with the GB05 over the GB04? I've heard the 04 has brushed aluminum front.

Either one. Both are very nice.
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post #2005 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by car421 View Post

Thanks. I feel like a dope. I was doing all kinds of searches on the motherboard and didn't think to look at the case manual.

That's what we're here for.
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post #2006 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:05pm
what's the best place to get a Windows 7 Home or Premium key? I bought an extra one for my Ultimate disc online for around $40 a year ago but that site is gone now.
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post #2007 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:21pm
So thinking of getting this most basic HDMI cable [bargain at £3.95]
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1m-sc...ends-v13b-spec

Just to check, something like this premium version, wouldn't make any difference/be a total waste of money - £21.00 ?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/18m-i...dmi-a-male-v67
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post #2008 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:30pm
OK, so this is what I have on order so far -
Case - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B - 69.99 at Newegg
P/S - Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W - 39.99 at Amazon
MOBO - ASUS LGA 1156/ Intel H55/ DDR3 2133OC- mATX Motherboard P7H55-M Pro - 99.99 at Amazon
Processor - Intel i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz - 119.99 at Amazon
HD - Western Digital 2 TB Caviar Green SATA Intellipower 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD20EARS - 79.99 at Amazon

The best part is everything I ordered from Amazon was free shipping with prime and I had gift cards to cover it all.
My out of pocket so far is the 86.56 for the case + shipping at Newegg.
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post #2009 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Yes, depending on the case you will have outlet fans +/- inlet fans. If you only have fans on one side of the case you should use them as outlet fans.

Some cases have 1 fan on one side and 2 on the other. The single fan should be used as the inlet fan and the 2 fans should be used as the outlet fans.

And definitely read your case manual or reviews on your case. For example the Silverstone GB04/05 are "positive air flow" type cases where you have 2 to 3 fans blowing in but none blowing out. Air pressure blows the air out as that is how the case is designed. Don't configure the fans against how the case is designed or else you're in for a world of trouble.

A more standard case like my mid-tower has 2 fans blowing in on the front and 2 fans blowing out in the back and 1 fan blowing out on the top. So it really all depends.
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post #2010 of 15486
3/27/11 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayBarratt View Post

So thinking of getting this most basic HDMI cable [bargain at £3.95]
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1m-sc...ends-v13b-spec

Just to check, something like this premium version, wouldn't make any difference/be a total waste of money - £21.00 ?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/18m-i...dmi-a-male-v67

Personally I don't like the swivel.

What about something like this?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/15m-r...gen-free-1080p
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