[HTPC Build] HTPC case that takes full PCI cards

npike

n00b
Joined
Jan 29, 2007
Messages
8
Hello all,

Preparing to build a new HTPC and was wondering if I could harvest some suggestions for the case.

I am looking for a nice simple HTPC case that takes full sized expansion cards (so I can use a 8500gt) and preferably a micro-ATX motherboard. Price limit is about $120.
 
http://www.nmediapc.com/product 2n.htm

i like nmedia

i have the HTPC 288 BA and it is awsome... i have a microatx board w/ ATX PSU and full size cards.


i love the look also
288g.jpg

180l15.jpg
 
I really like the Antec NSK2400, I think I will go with that after reading several reviews.

My next question..

How beefy of a processor will I need to playback 1080i/p on a TV?

I plan on getting the fanless 8500GT for video, and hooking it to my HDTV via DVI->HDMI.

I am debating between a Pentium D, or a Core 2 Duo (models undecided for either of them)
 
I really like the Antec NSK2400, I think I will go with that after reading several reviews.

My next question..

How beefy of a processor will I need to playback 1080i/p on a TV?

I plan on getting the fanless 8500GT for video, and hooking it to my HDTV via DVI->HDMI.

I am debating between a Pentium D, or a Core 2 Duo (models undecided for either of them)
In theory, with that 8500GT you have, it will unload most/all of the video processing. So, a single core CPU will probably be just fine.
 
Would the 4300 C2D be fine? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115013

The 8500GT I am looking at is this puppy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125062

Thanks for the link to nV News, very interesting read.

My complete specs
Antec Solution Series NSK2400 Black
ASUS P5L-MX LGA 775 Intel 945G Micro ATX
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2
GIGABYTE GV-NX85T256H GeForce 8500GT 256MB
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM
Windows Vista Ultimate
 
Would the 4300 C2D be fine? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115013

The 8500GT I am looking at is this puppy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125062

Thanks for the link to nV News, very interesting read.

My complete specs
Antec Solution Series NSK2400 Black
ASUS P5L-MX LGA 775 Intel 945G Micro ATX
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2
GIGABYTE GV-NX85T256H GeForce 8500GT 256MB
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM
Windows Vista Ultimate
Your build looks very good to me.

Only thing is, I would recommend a mobo based on the 965 or P35 chipsets. They're just better :)
 
Nice build. I just built the same PC, with a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 and a Zalman ZM-600 HP instead. I'm looking to change my cpu fan to a super quiet fan instead. Any recommendation ?
 
Nice build. I just built the same PC, with a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 and a Zalman ZM-600 HP instead. I'm looking to change my cpu fan to a super quiet fan instead. Any recommendation ?

Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro. They work great in the DS3 and they are super quiet.
 
Silverstone LC-17 also ;)

I adore this case. I've got one sitting on my desk right now, waiting for the rest of the components to complete the HTPC I'm building for my girlfriend. Everything I've seen from SS is great, but I just love the aesthetics of the LC-17.

Did have to modify it some to fit my girlfriend's tastes, unfortunately. Red lighted feet, a couple of SilenX's red fans for the lighting and because they're so quiet, and swapped the power and HDD activity front LEDs out for red ones. Still very simple, but with an added, somewhat menacing, flair.
 
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