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Looking to purchase within a couple weeks

W

WaywardProgeny

n00b
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
28
Going for my first HTPC build, hoping to be purchasing in about 2 weeks (ish).

Basic Desired Functions: DVD/BD Playback, Streaming Video, light gaming (classic emulation based)


Base Components:
CPU: Intel Core i3-2105 Sandy Bridge
Memory: G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333
Optical Drive: ASUS Black Blu-ray Drive
 (when back in stock)

Case Options:
Thermaltake Element Q

Or:
Thermaltake LANBOX Lite with SeaSonic X series 400W Fanless

Haven't selected a MotherBoard yet, it will partly depend on the case, already have a 64gb SSD for the build. So any suggestions/ experiances with the listed components appreciated.

*was cosidering the Intel BOXDH67CFB3 LGA 1155 Intel H67

Thanks
 
Vengance_01 said:
For emulation a ZCATE E350 build should be plenty and use way less power.
Click to expand...

From what I've read on Zacate, it doesn't do HD streaming too well with Netflix yet. I'd not recommend it to anyone who included streaming video as a requirement.
 
CrimandEvil said:
Just for emulation you don't really need all that much CPU.
Click to expand...

I'm not to concerned with the gaming/emulation aspect, pretty much any low grade cpu nowadays will be able to handle that without a problem.

Forgot to state that i'd like the budget to stay below 750 for the build. with the Element Q build, i can complete it below 500, where as the lanbox lite build would be under 650 (if not 600).

also might consider the SILVERSTONE MILO Series ML03B from that thread you posted CrimandEvil, though, the space restriction mention from some of the reviews concern me.
 
WaywardProgeny said:
I'm not to concerned with the gaming/emulation aspect, pretty much any low grade cpu nowadays will be able to handle that without a problem.

Forgot to state that i'd like the budget to stay below 750 for the build. with the Element Q build, i can complete it below 500, where as the lanbox lite build would be under 650 (if not 600).

also might consider the SILVERSTONE MILO Series ML03B from that thread you posted CrimandEvil, though, the space restriction mention from some of the reviews concern me.
Click to expand...

I have that case with a 550W PSU and a BD drive. My drive isn't too long (7.25" deep), so it works for me. It is tight between the end of the drive and the PSU, however, so you have limited room for the cables to connect to the drive. I don't see it has a problem as I'm not in this case at all, once I get it running. Just thought you might like to know, though.

I like the case.
 
AQ_OC said:
I have that case with a 550W PSU and a BD drive. My drive isn't too long (7.25" deep), so it works for me. It is tight between the end of the drive and the PSU, however, so you have limited room for the cables to connect to the drive. I don't see it has a problem as I'm not in this case at all, once I get it running. Just thought you might like to know, though.

I like the case.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the input. What brand PSU and BD drive are you using? i like the case look and layout so i might go with it over the other 2 choices.

~WP
 
I looked at yours and compared it to mine...I think they are the same size....also, most standard PSU units are the same size....so unless you are buying an extra large one or something, you should be good. The only issue is the smallish gap between the PSU and the end of the BD drive...use 90 degree angled cables into the BD drive. Route the cable bundle from the PSU under the BD drive...and if you get modular, it might be easier....
 
i would go with the element case because its super slick and has a psu too. its also very silimar in size and shape to my htpc case which i love very much. i have a 2100 on the gigabyte itx board in mine. also i really dont think you'll ned 8GB of ram in case you wanna shave off like $20, but with memory as cheap as it is these days its kind of whatever.
 
ekuest said:
i would go with the element case because its super slick and has a psu too. its also very silimar in size and shape to my htpc case which i love very much. i have a 2100 on the gigabyte itx board in mine. also i really dont think you'll ned 8GB of ram in case you wanna shave off like $20, but with memory as cheap as it is these days its kind of whatever.
Click to expand...


I have this case too:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147131

Same as the element case but cheaper, and don't have that ugly red...
 
AQ_OC said:
I looked at yours and compared it to mine...I think they are the same size....also, most standard PSU units are the same size....so unless you are buying an extra large one or something, you should be good. The only issue is the smallish gap between the PSU and the end of the BD drive...use 90 degree angled cables into the BD drive. Route the cable bundle from the PSU under the BD drive...and if you get modular, it might be easier....
Click to expand...

I did a draw up of dimension (with some rounding) and it appears that the ODD and PSU would over hang each other by about a half an inch to an inch. So it probably wouldn't work with the selected PSU. So I may have to select a different Case or PSU. . .

Though I may be off in my calculations. . .
 
optical drives and psus can both be of varying lengths. i know psus can vary quite a few inches between 1500W beasts and some smaller 500W ones. someone in the power supply subforum might be able to help you nail down a quality, shorter psu.
 
WaywardProgeny said:
I did a draw up of dimension (with some rounding) and it appears that the ODD and PSU would over hang each other by about a half an inch to an inch. So it probably wouldn't work with the selected PSU. So I may have to select a different Case or PSU. . .

Though I may be off in my calculations. . .
Click to expand...

I can't imagine why you'd need a bigger PSU for this application. There must be plenty of standard size PSU around.
 
AQ_OC said:
I can't imagine why you'd need a bigger PSU for this application. There must be plenty of standard size PSU around.
Click to expand...

I know that the 400w is overkill for the build, i just liked the fanless and modular setup it offered. May just stick with the case and get the SILVERSTONE 450W SFX still way more power than i need but a smaller PSU with ATX mounting bracket. either that or back to original case/psu options. . .
 
if you were thinking fanless then the psu is probably much bigger/heavier than it needs to be. go with a fanned normal psu and it will be plenty quiet compared to everything else.
 
Both of my HTPC have fans, but since I don't sit close to them I can't hear them...even when all sound sources are off. The model PSU that have 120mm fans are really quiet. Personally, I wouldn't pay for a fanless PSU.
 
I see the reason for your concern. I don't think I would worry, though, as you won't be drawing close to 300W....I like the ST50F-P, too.
 
Alright new build layout:

Case: SILVERSTONE ML03B
PSU:SILVERSTONE ST45SF 450W (would like modular, but figured id better go for the safe size)
MoBo: MSI H67MA-E35 (B3) (might go ITX, but this one looks like the best bet)
CPU: Intel Core i3-2105 Sandy Bridge
RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) (more than i need, but it's cheap)
ODD: LITE-ON Black 12X BD-ROM (or should i wait for the Asus to be back in?)

And maybe 2 x SAMSUNG EcoGreen 2TB (1 might go in this build for temp storage till I can put together a WHS, other for my gaming/general rig)

Any final thoughts/suggestions/opinions? (will look into combo(s) when i go to hit the 'BUY' button)

EDIT: Oh and i did forget to mention on the opening post that it will at some point be streaming content from a WHS.
 
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Try not to get that case from Newegg.com as it's a bit overpriced at $75 shipped IMO since that's not that much cheaper than the larger Silverstone GD05 and GD04 cases. Pick up the case from Amazon.com since they offer free shipping on that case.

I don't think the PSU size is that huge of an issue with that case to the point where you're gonna have to spend $85 on a SFF PSU of dubious quality. Then again, I don't exactly trust the ST50F either on account of it being FSP made. With that said, it's only $5 more and is the better value despite it being really overkill for your needs.
 
Danny Bui said:
Try not to get that case from Newegg.com as it's a bit overpriced at $75 shipped IMO since that's not that much cheaper than the larger Silverstone GD05 and GD04 cases. Pick up the case from Amazon.com since they offer free shipping on that case.

I don't think the PSU size is that huge of an issue with that case to the point where you're gonna have to spend $85 on a SFF PSU of dubious quality. Then again, I don't exactly trust the ST50F either on account of it being FSP made. With that said, it's only $5 more and is the better value despite it being really overkill for your needs.
Click to expand...

Good point on the case, thank you.

As for the psu, I'm mainly concerned with the space limitations of the case, the ST50F leaves +/- 1.5 inches (by my semi-not-to-accurate measurements), not including cabling space, which shouldn't take up that much space. . .
 
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