HTPC Build – Feedback Requested

[swoon]

That will be a very capable build. If you really want modular, you can also grab the OCZ ModXStream off of Newegg for $35 after rebate with code EMCKCJE26 right now. I have been using one for a year now and recommend it when it is at this price point. It is quiet. 500W for the PSU is of course total overkill for a system like this unless you plan to add a discrete GPU down the road.

EDIT: You could also use a PicoPSU. That would free up tons of room inside the case and take away any heat from the PSU.

[babgvant]

[quote=swoon]

EDIT: You could also use a PicoPSU. That would free up tons of room inside the case and take away any heat from the PSU.

[/quote]

Given the size and cooling capabilities of the chassis, I’m not sure a picoPSU is worth the cost.

[babgvant]

[quote=mikinho]

You may also want to consider the Intel CIR + Remote (see http://cgi.ebay.com/IR-Receiver-w-Cable-CIR-MB-MCE-Back-Lit-Remote-/330581178980?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf82c7a64)

It offers some advantages over the generic USB IR Receivers as it doesn’t use a USB port and can power on from S5.

 

Edit: Ignore me…looks like Aaron and Andrew already recommened it

[/quote]

It’s worth mentioning again 🙂  I just ordered another one of these receivers, it’s too bad you can’t ala carte anymore.

[swoon]

Personally, I wouldn’t pay for it in this case, but it will free up space more than a modular.

[babgvant]

[quote=scarpenter002]

• Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5″ Internal Hard Drive

[/quote]

Depending on the use case you may want to go with a faster hard drive.  Green drives are OK for single use w/ limited commercial scanning, but if you intend to do more than that a green drive may let you down.  I’ve been happiest with the WD Black drives but most 7200RPM drives with a decent amount of cache should do the job too.

[quote=scarpenter002]

• SilenX IXP-74-09 120mm Case Fan  (3 of these)

[/quote]

Given your build you won’t need this many fans – one is probably more than enough.

[scarpenter002]

Thanks babgvant

[quote=babgvant]

Depending on the use case you may want to go with a faster hard drive.  Green drives are OK for single use w/ limited commercial scanning, but if you intend to do more than that a green drive may let you down.  I’ve been happiest with the WD Black drives but most 7200RPM drives with a decent amount of cache should do the job too.

[/quote]

Actually there will be short period of time where I will be using this HTPC in a stand-alone mode, so I will be storing media on it.  Then later I will empty out the green drive and add it to my WHS.  I have a WD Caviar Blue 320GB 7200RPM SATA3 that I will pull out of my WHS and put into my HTPC.

[quote=babgvant]

Given your build you won’t need this many fans – one is probably more than enough.

[/quote]

Based on the air flow patterns, pulling in from the sides and pushing out the back, I am thinking of two fans, one on each side.  Also based on the reviews of this fan, they are said to be very quiet, but move a low volume of air, hence two.

Thanks,

Scott

[scarpenter002]

Thanks Aaron.

[quote=swoon]

500W for the PSU is of course total overkill for a system like this unless you plan to add a discrete GPU down the road.

[/quote]

I have been bit too many times for under sizing the PSU before, and I do want to have the option to add a higher end GPU later for gaming. 

What is the cost of higher rated PSU?  More power usage?  More sound?  More heat?  Or are the above only true based on actually pulling more power?  (i.e. if I add a discreet GPU later)

Thanks,

Scott

[scarpenter002]

Thanks Aaron, Andrew and Michael.  I have added this Intel CIR to my list.

[swoon]

The cost of using a higher wattage PSU than needed is power usage and a bit of extra heat though PSU cooling can remove this easily. 80Plus only guarantees that efficiency down to 20% load. Typically, efficiency takes a nose dive lower than 20%.

The OCZ I linked is fully capable of handling some good mid-range discrete GPUs like a GTX560 Ti.

[scarpenter002]

Thanks again Aaron.  I will take a look at the OCZ.  I am currently out of the country, so I will exchanging out some of the minor components once I pull the trigger, like the RAM, PSU, etc…   I will even switch out for a different I3 model if one is on sale.  It is a constant churn of sale items, and it will be dependent on the week I order as to the exact item list.

[Author]

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