Project Absolution - HTPC + Network media Server

[muzzle79]

Project Absolution - HTPC + Network media Server


I started out buying components to build a new media server for my network.
Two weeks later I've decided I'm going to do a complete new build for Both the Media Server and my HTPC.

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I've decided to keep the work logs together on these projects since it's one big worklog.
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ONKY RECEIVER HTPC MOD

First part of the Project and the simplest ( or so it seems) is to build a new HTPC.
I want the HTPC to seem like it's a normal integrated component in the Theater setup.
Thats when I decided I was going to convert an Onkyo 7.1 receiver that had died into a system.
So I ordered the following parts from newegg for the HTPC. I'm debating on making it a completely passively cooled system.

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GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail had a slickdeals $15.00 off code bringing it to $67


Parts I have already for this project
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2.5" 120gb sata HD
Griffin power mate (to mod original volume swith)
Vista x64 Ultimate

Parts I still need
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CPU Heatsink
VFD to replace original
Low wattage power suppy to gut and put into case.
Possibly a QAM OTA HD tuner
Custom Fabricated parts.

I won't be putting a dvd drive in this system as it's strictly for streaming media from the media server.

I gutted the beast and wound up with this.

I plan on replacing the VFD and wiring up the Headphone jack.
The volume knob is going to have a Griffin Power mate installed.

MEDIA STORAGE SERVER

I've decided not to install the 4 1tb hd's I purchased for my current media server, but to hold off and build a new open solaris ZFS based server.
I'm ripping all my dvds (full image) onto the server for remote access.

Parts I have already for this project
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c2d E6600 + heatsink
Asus p5b Deluxe mobo.
4gb crucial ddr2 ram

4x Seagate 1tb 32mb cache sata hd's


Parts I still need
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Good Solid construction rack with redundant power supplies.
Removable sata trays is a possibility but not a necessity. (I do like Okie's setup though and it's inspired me)
sata raid controller card (need to support minimum 16 hard drives)

 

[muzzle79]

Here's some pics showing my plans...

 

[criccio]

Awesome idea! Sub'ed!

 

[Shambler]

The Power Mate idea is absolutely genius /jaw drop

Legit!

 

[CLock3]

Yeah, that's awesome that the PowerMate works out perfect for this. Good thinking with that. This should end up real nice.

 

[iGamer]

really am looking forward to seeing this!!! As I have an old Yamaha 5.1 Receiver I may do the same thing too.

 

[muzzle79]

Parts still haven't arrived, but that hasn't stopped me from ordering a few parts.
USB number pad, RED VFD, and a few other parts ...
AVS FORUM with details on the remote i plan on using (saw this in the HTPC forum)
should be more pics mid week

 

[muzzle79]

parts have started to arrive, so i'm going to get the OS sorted as I work on the front LCD bezel and components.

This weekend I should be able to begin fabrication on the case itself.

 

[Adidas4275]

looks great, i got the sythe ninja mini over the AC64 LP cooler....

the powermate idea will be a good one if you get it to work how you would like.


how will you use the buttons?

 

[muzzle79]

how will you use the buttons?

I bought a usb keypad and i'm going to mess around with remaping the keys after I hardwire the button on the front to it.