syversen wrote:I'm building my own HTPC/STB/PVR and I'm trying to identify an affordably priced, nice looking, black, quiet case and power supply that would be suitable for sitting underneath my TV.
It would need to support a Mobo with 2 PCI slots. PS would need to be 200W MINIMUM, 300W preferred. (That's a discussion for another forum I imagine...
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
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Suggestions, experiences, and links would be awesome. I am pretty confident I'm not the only one out there looking for this!
I recently built an HTPC with the same intentions. This is what I used:
CoolerMaster ATC-610-GX1
Intel D845GERG2L motherboard
Intel P4-2.53 (533MHz)
Kingston HyperX DDR2700 512MB
Enermax EG365P-VE(FCA)
Swinftech MCX4000 heatsink w/ 92MM Panaflo M1A
WD1200JB (120MB HD)
Samsung SM-348B DVD/CDR Combo
Plextor Premium (52x CDR; very quiet and tons of tweaks.
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
Logitech Cordless MX DUO Keyb/Mous
The case has a 60MM rear fan that is loud at 12V; grommets alleviated the problem. The fan is over the rear panel so clearance doesn't allow a 80MM fan, and is too close to the AGP slot to allow using a 60 to 80 adapter; there is vent space next to it to allow--somewhat tight--modding a 80MM fan. There's space but nowhere to attach front fans but I am thinking on L-shape bending drive brackets from _hump usa_ to fit 2 80MM L1As.
I tried cooling the CPU with a 92MM Vantec Stealth, later a 80MM L1A but hi temps--specially w/ the Stealth--proved this futile due to the low airflow in the case without front fans. I am now using a 92MM M1A which is quiet, but it does produce air turbulence noise at 12V. A 30min cpuburn test stabilized at 53C with a room temp of around 73-74F; This was in an open TV/VCR stand w/ 3-4 inches of side clearance for the side vents.
The PSU has a speed control knob, and the 92MM fan on top (in this case) helps air flow. I would love to try a 120MM Fortron, but I am swapping this box with my dad and taking his 2.8C setup.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
He doesn't care for 5.1 just yet, so he will use the built-in audio. Note the front panel 1394a port will need a 1394 card with an internal port; e.g. the Koutech KW-582v2 is WHQL certified on W2K.
The case will need some kind of air duct to quiet down further, the PSU could probably use M1As with a L1A fitted on the front, the front of the case could get padded to cover around the drive openings.
The setup looks great with plenty of HD space for a jukebox/movie box.
You can take a look at a similar setup
here.
Hope this helps.