AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › mini HTPC build (Habey EMC-800B, i3-2100T, SSD, etc.) - KEEPING IT SIMPLE
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

mini HTPC build (Habey EMC-800B, i3-2100T, SSD, etc.) - KEEPING IT SIMPLE - Page 3

post #61 of 364
6/23/11 at 1:01am
Mike, what about the 40mm tall Scythe Kozuti, would this fit in the smaller Habey case (2.25" height)?
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #62 of 364
6/23/11 at 1:31am
Thread Starter 
No idea.
Reply
Reply
post #63 of 364
6/23/11 at 1:37am
Great to see that, like myself, you do not sleep, lol.

About how much space at the bottom of the case is there before the CPU cooler starts? What I'm trying to say here is, how much clearance should I add to the CPU cooler with this case?
Reply
Reply
post #64 of 364
6/23/11 at 1:41am
Thread Starter 
Actually I just woke!

All I can say is that the stock i3-2100t low profile cooler just fits. From what I understand the normal i3-2100 cooler does not fit, though I've never tried.

This is with the EMC-800b. I've never used the 600.
Reply
Reply
post #65 of 364
6/23/11 at 6:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_Boulanger View Post

Actually I just woke!

All I can say is that the stock i3-2100t low profile cooler just fits. From what I understand the normal i3-2100 cooler does not fit, though I've never tried.

This is with the EMC-800b. I've never used the 600.

I can confirm that getting i3-2100 stock cooler to fit in the 800 case is a challenge. I had to mount the HDD behind the ODD as it wouldn't fit underneath, but could still not quite close the lid all the way.

Over the weekend I installed the GELID cooler http://www.directron.com/ssilenceiplus.html and everything now fits, although I kept the HDD mounted behind the ODD as I figured it gives the CPU cooler some moore breathing room.

/Anders
Reply
Reply
post #66 of 364
6/23/11 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andersa View Post
I can confirm that getting i3-2100 stock cooler to fit in the 800 case is a challenge. I had to mount the HDD behind the ODD as it wouldn't fit underneath, but could still not quite close the lid all the way.

Over the weekend I installed the GELID cooler http://www.directron.com/ssilenceiplus.html and everything now fits, although I kept the HDD mounted behind the ODD as I figured it gives the CPU cooler some moore breathing room.

/Anders
1. How easy was install of the GELID cooler?

2. How loud is the cooler?

3. How are the temps?

Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #67 of 364
6/23/11 at 2:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post
1. How easy was install of the GELID cooler?

2. How loud is the cooler?

3. How are the temps?

Thanks!

Coincidentally enough I just helped a friend do the same thing (i3 2100 + GELID cooler).

Install of the cooler itself is pretty easy (do it before you put the motheboard into the case). The case itself was a pain to work with, but that's what you get with a small size.

Cooler is quiet (comparable to stock if not quieter). I can't say exact temps because the side 5010 fan wasn't on when I did initial testing, but very roughly CPU temps in the 50-60 playing back 1080p h.264 material using CPU Decoding. This was both trying the CPU at 3.1ghz and also downclocking to 2100t 2.5ghz speeds. Further testing is needed, but my friend said it's solidified in the 50's with the side case fan on now @2.5ghz.
Reply
Reply
post #68 of 364
6/23/11 at 2:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genro View Post
Coincidentally enough I just helped a friend do the same thing (i3 2100 + GELID cooler).

Install of the cooler itself is pretty easy (do it before you put the motheboard into the case). The case itself was a pain to work with, but that's what you get with a small size.

Cooler is quiet (comparable to stock if not quieter). I can't say exact temps because the side 5010 fan wasn't on when I did initial testing, but very roughly CPU temps in the 50-60 playing back 1080p h.264 material using CPU Decoding. This was both trying the CPU at 3.1ghz and also downclocking to 2100t 2.5ghz speeds. Further testing is needed, but my friend said it's solidified in the 50's with the side case fan on now @2.5ghz.
Your experience match mine. The fan is quiet, installation easy but requires the MB to be removed as there are nuts under the MB, and the temps are 50-60C playing BDs.

-Anders
Reply
Reply
post #69 of 364
6/23/11 at 8:20pm
I wonder how much extra room you get with the new mini-ITX thin board from Intel and if it gains enough room to fit a stock cooler.
Reply
Reply
post #70 of 364
6/25/11 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

I wonder how much extra room you get with the new mini-ITX thin board from Intel and if it gains enough room to fit a stock cooler.

Which Intel board are you talking about, Star?
Reply
Reply
post #71 of 364
6/26/11 at 4:53am
Mike - would you consider using this setup (Habey case & i3) as your main HTPC, or only as clients/extenders?

I like the setup but am concerned that it would limit future growth
Reply
Reply
post #72 of 364
6/26/11 at 5:30am
Thread Starter 
Well for me the main limiting factor would be the single 2.5" hard disk spot. Since I have a server for my storage it's not really an issue.

I am also upgrading the main HTPC in my theater room and re-using the existing case I have there. This PC will be doing most of my tuner recordings so I did go with an i5 though the i3 would probably be fine. I also added a 1TB drive along with an SSD for Recorded TV storage.
Reply
Reply
post #73 of 364
6/26/11 at 12:47pm
Mike, would this cable work for the slim ODD drive and allow it to be connected to the motherboard and Habey's PSU: Linkworld 12" serial-ATA convert to serial-ATA cable for notebook /slim optical drive?

Does the Habey's PSU have a molex connection?

Also, can you take pictures of the bottom of the case? I'm curious about air flow possibilities there.

My idea is to turn the Habey on its side in order to fit it into a smaller area on my desk. I would use thumbscrews as the case feet, and possibly Dremel out some airflow slots out of the sides and front, maybe even the back. I would then epoxy some modders mesh to the inside of the case to fit these airflow slots. I just might add a 50mm or 60mm fan or two to the front of the case to get the airflow moving.
Reply
Reply
post #74 of 364
6/27/11 at 11:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Mike, would this cable work for the slim ODD drive and allow it to be connected to the motherboard and Habey's PSU: Linkworld 12" serial-ATA convert to serial-ATA cable for notebook /slim optical drive?
Looks like the right one.


Quote:
Does the Habey's PSU have a molex connection?
Yes, I believe it has a single molex connector.


Quote:
Also, can you take pictures of the bottom of the case? I'm curious about air flow possibilities there.
Sorry, don't have access to the PC at the moment but the bottom is flat with vents around the edge - exactly how it looks on top.
Reply
Reply
post #75 of 364
6/27/11 at 4:31pm
Mike, not only do I thank you, my whole new HTPC build thanks you for making this an even easier decision on which parts to acquire. I shall therefore make conference pertaining to such things mentioned here today. Again, thank you, and God bless everyone!
Reply
Reply
post #76 of 364
6/28/11 at 7:02am
What are the benefits of the Intel mobo over say an asus h61 for about $85?
Reply
Reply
post #77 of 364
6/28/11 at 7:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_Boulanger View Post

Actually I just woke!

All I can say is that the stock i3-2100t low profile cooler just fits. From what I understand the normal i3-2100 cooler does not fit, though I've never tried.

This is with the EMC-800b. I've never used the 600.

I installed the i3-2100t into the EMC-600S case and it fits fine. Just make sure your HD doesn't interfere with the fan. There are two locations you can mount the HD so it isn't an issue.

I set the system up and it doesn't run too hot although I don't have it in full service yet. The Aluminum case does take care of a lot of the heat. It's a tight fit but it can be done. I am using the ASRock H67 ITX MB and a Patriot Torqx 2 32GB SSD HD

Hope this helps
Reply
Reply
post #78 of 364
6/28/11 at 9:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Mike, not only do I thank you, my whole new HTPC build thanks you for making this an even easier decision on which parts to acquire. I shall therefore make conference pertaining to such things mentioned here today. Again, thank you, and God bless everyone!

Hope it works out for you! Please share your results!


Quote:


What are the benefits of the Intel mobo over say an asus h61 for about $85?

Perhaps none. I'm a huge fan of Intel motherboards in general. I've found them to be rock solid, with only a couple exceptions, in the hundreds (probably thousands) I've used. I've had less luck with ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc... So, it's rare that I buy a non-Intel board.

The H67 is overkill, but Intel's H61 Mini-ITX board does not have HDMI so I went with the H67.
Reply
Reply
post #79 of 364
6/28/11 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by swazi1 View Post
What are the benefits of the Intel mobo over say an asus h61 for about $85?
I ordered the ASUS mobo that you have mentioned, I'll let you know my results!
Reply
Reply
post #80 of 364
6/28/11 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth

I ordered the ASUS mobo that you have mentioned, I'll let you know my results!
I'm guessing there is no ir built into the mobo on the asus?
Reply
Reply
post #81 of 364
6/28/11 at 2:02pm
More than likely not, I haven't received the mobo yet.
Reply
Reply
post #82 of 364
6/29/11 at 3:39am
Hi
nice build I have some Q's
what is the total cost?
can it stream HD Audio format ?
best regard
Reply
Reply
post #83 of 364
6/29/11 at 4:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Hi
nice build I have some Q's
what is the total cost?
can it stream HD Audio format ?
best regard

I don't recall my exact cost because I was able to get some rebates and other deals, but it's really not many components - easy to price out yourself at NewEgg or wherever.

Yes it is capable of streaming HD audio, though I'm not doing that in my kitchen or master bedroom.
Reply
Reply
post #84 of 364
6/30/11 at 1:36am
thanks a lot man vfrtfe
Reply
Reply
post #85 of 364
7/1/11 at 11:04pm
I am glad to have found this thread. I'm going to build a very similar machine soon but against my better judgment I'm going to use the Habey silver case. I'll post the specs and some pictures as I'm building it.

One question though, I was going to go with the Pentium G620 (Sand Bridge, no hyperthreading), NOT the "T" version instead of the i3 2100T. I saw some mentions of the heat sink possible being a little taller, can anyone speak to this?

Also, here is a very thorough look comparing processors to the i3 sandy bridge, including the Pentium Sandy Bridges. This is what I based my decision on and I think it's worth a hard look if you're considering a build like this thread is discussing.

(You'll have to piece this together as I'm new and the board won't allow me to post links, but it's worth it
www
.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/pentium-g850-g840-g620.html

Thanks for all the insight guys!
Reply
Reply
post #86 of 364
7/2/11 at 4:12am
Thread Starter 
I have not used the Pentium series Sandy Bridges yet, but I'm fairly certain the stock coolers are the same.

I can say than the non-T i3s definitely have a taller cooler that you will have issues fitting into the Habey.

Good luck!
Reply
Reply
post #87 of 364
7/2/11 at 7:38am
I have the G620T and it has the same low profile cooler.
Reply
Reply
post #88 of 364
7/2/11 at 1:12pm
So I bit earlier this week and ordered the following
Habey 800
Asus P8H61-I
Intel G620

Got the parts last night and put it together today minus the HDD & DVD.

So far I am dissapointed in the case.

First of all the build quality is not good. The case has a few scuffs. Not enough to send it back as a sharpie can probably make it less noticable. Also the drive tray is bent and of poor quality. Hopefully the PSU is better quality...

Second - for all those wondering and on the fence - the stock cooler with the G620 does not fit. I still need to install the DVD and will report back. But basically the bottom portion of the drive tray touches the top of the heatsink. Thus it will not be possible to install a HDD. Also without the HDD I still need to slide the bottom portion of the tray all the way forward (it slides to get the DVD in the correct position) to make it sit close enough to be able to close the lid.

Third - HEAT!! - without drive installed I can only boot into BIOS. Closing the lid, idling in BIOS undervolted to .975 the CPU temp swiftly leveled out at 55c, with mobo in the high 40s. The case is hot to the touch and obviously does not dissipate heat well. Removing the lid drops the CPU down to ~40. As a quick test I put the case on its side so that air could enter from one side vent at the bottom and go out the top at the other vent. This dropped the temp from 55 to ~50.

In any case still need to do some testing and install Win7. Will do this tomorrow (hopefully) and will report back when I have more info
Reply
Reply
post #89 of 364
7/2/11 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by swazi1 View Post

So I bit earlier this week and ordered the following
Habey 800
Asus P8H61-I
Intel G620

Got the parts last night and put it together today minus the HDD & DVD.

So far I am dissapointed in the case.

First of all the build quality is not good. The case has a few scuffs. Not enough to send it back as a sharpie can probably make it less noticable. Also the drive tray is bent and of poor quality. Hopefully the PSU is better quality...

Second - for all those wondering and on the fence - the stock cooler with the G620 does not fit. I still need to install the DVD and will report back. But basically the bottom portion of the drive tray touches the top of the heatsink. Thus it will not be possible to install a HDD. Also without the HDD I still need to slide the bottom portion of the tray all the way forward (it slides to get the DVD in the correct position) to make it sit close enough to be able to close the lid.

Third - HEAT!! - without drive installed I can only boot into BIOS. Closing the lid, idling in BIOS undervolted to .975 the CPU temp swiftly leveled out at 55c, with mobo in the high 40s. The case is hot to the touch and obviously does not dissipate heat well. Removing the lid drops the CPU down to ~40. As a quick test I put the case on its side so that air could enter from one side vent at the bottom and go out the top at the other vent. This dropped the temp from 55 to ~50.

In any case still need to do some testing and install Win7. Will do this tomorrow (hopefully) and will report back when I have more info

Intel G620 is like the i3 2100, not underclocked like the 2100t or my G620t.

Both t models come with the low profile cpu fan.

Also temperature readings, those aren't really bad. I put some aftermarket thermal grease on my heat sink and I average around 54-61. Perfectly acceptable, and I do not have a side fan installed which I am sure might help. I certainly wanted something close to 40 and below, but given the tiny enclosure it wasn't crazy seeing the numbers being reported.

As for the heat of the case, that too could be considered normal as the heat is dissipating to the metal of the case. I could be making this up, but I think it is a good thing. I'd imagine that with a plastic case that the heat would sit there and you could have crazy high temps.

My system by the way is:

Intel G620t
Habey 600
Asus P8H61-I
Reply
Reply
post #90 of 364
7/2/11 at 2:15pm
Yeah I realize the metal case is a good thing - What I mean is that the hot air is trapped inside the case and does not vent out well on it's own.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers
AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › mini HTPC build (Habey EMC-800B, i3-2100T, SSD, etc.) - KEEPING IT SIMPLE