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I've decided to start building out an HTPC for my living room that will basically take care of all of my entertainment needs in one package. The goal is to build a long lasting HTPC with top quality components, and a decent amount of storage in an aesthetically pleasing package.
I'd like to share my progress here guys in case someone else would want to replicate my efforts, or if anyone has feedback to share.
Step 1: The Case
In my mind, an HTPC absolutely requires a case that not only performs well, but is aesthetically pleasing when combined with your other components. After much debate and research, I drilled down to either the Moncaso 972 or the Zalman HD160XT Plus.
The 2 cases sounded to be very similar to one another in reviews, with the Zalman running a bit more expensive across the board. After much debate, I finally decided on the Zalman for a couple of reasons; I like the placement of the LCD screen better, and felt as if the Zalman provided a case that would be easier to keep cool. I figured since I'm dropping gaming components in here, I'd like a little more cooling capability.
And before I go futher, I'd like to address the LCD touch screen on these cases. Yes, I do realize it is mostly bling. While useful for media player applications, and a few other ideas, overall the touchscreen is overkill. Why do I want it? Because I LOVE the look. And more importantly, because I can...
So without further ado, here are some initial pictures:
1.) The Zalman was shipped as a box within a box. So the box pictured here was neatly tucked away in a recycled Nabisco box, meaning the actual Zalman box was in perfect condition:
2.) Upon opening the box, I was very pleased with the packing materials. I'll be keeping the box and foam for maximum safety when transporting my HTPC in a future move.
3.) Besides the case, you also get these goodies. The remote surprised me in that it was better quality than I expected.
4.) Some more pics of the case:
A.) Front, showing LCD:
B.) Rear:
C.) Top:
D.) Bottom:
E.) Guts:
F.) Front panel:
5.) And finally, this is who the Zalman will be hanging out with. (Yes, it does look like a nest of snakes behind my entertainment center, but I don't care as I'm looking for a new entertainment center as we speak.)
I'd like to share my progress here guys in case someone else would want to replicate my efforts, or if anyone has feedback to share.
Step 1: The Case
In my mind, an HTPC absolutely requires a case that not only performs well, but is aesthetically pleasing when combined with your other components. After much debate and research, I drilled down to either the Moncaso 972 or the Zalman HD160XT Plus.
The 2 cases sounded to be very similar to one another in reviews, with the Zalman running a bit more expensive across the board. After much debate, I finally decided on the Zalman for a couple of reasons; I like the placement of the LCD screen better, and felt as if the Zalman provided a case that would be easier to keep cool. I figured since I'm dropping gaming components in here, I'd like a little more cooling capability.
And before I go futher, I'd like to address the LCD touch screen on these cases. Yes, I do realize it is mostly bling. While useful for media player applications, and a few other ideas, overall the touchscreen is overkill. Why do I want it? Because I LOVE the look. And more importantly, because I can...
So without further ado, here are some initial pictures:
1.) The Zalman was shipped as a box within a box. So the box pictured here was neatly tucked away in a recycled Nabisco box, meaning the actual Zalman box was in perfect condition:
2.) Upon opening the box, I was very pleased with the packing materials. I'll be keeping the box and foam for maximum safety when transporting my HTPC in a future move.
3.) Besides the case, you also get these goodies. The remote surprised me in that it was better quality than I expected.
4.) Some more pics of the case:
A.) Front, showing LCD:
B.) Rear:
C.) Top:
D.) Bottom:
E.) Guts:
F.) Front panel:
5.) And finally, this is who the Zalman will be hanging out with. (Yes, it does look like a nest of snakes behind my entertainment center, but I don't care as I'm looking for a new entertainment center as we speak.)
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