Sparhawk

Here's the story so far: Things in Bold are new THIS is the latest update

I've been commissioned to build a HTPC for my brother
Features he has requested:
- Quiet
- Semi-powerful
- quiet
- Games playable (see videocard for playability range)
- Movie watching
- oh did I mention quiet

I have some components already:
- AGP All-In-Wonder X800 GPU with a RF remote
- 1 GB DDR2 Ram (PC2-4200 512MBx2)
- Monitor/TV
- DVD Drive
- 550W Mushkin PSU
- 2 CF to IDE converters/holders
- Mobo http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...facture=ASRock

I still need:
- 2 CF cards >4 GB for a raid 0 windows (XP most likely) partition.
- CPU (LGA 775 socket mobo)
- Case (hence the worklog)
- PSU (may have one kicking around)
- Extra HD for movie backup or other installs

My thoughts:
- I'm still in the very initial planning phase and will be until I can see the mobo and get some CF cards for cheap.
- Using CF cards because boot time would be faster and they are as silent as they come.
- I'm thinking of building something to resemble a side-table or a coffee table meaning the top of the case would be a functional surface for other equipment, remotes, etc.
- The main components would be housed directly under the top surface.
- A removable mobo tray or the ability to detach the top of the unit.
- Nice wood like rosewood or oak probably not a metal exterior since wood is much easier(relatively) to work with. This would be amazing... Brazilian Bloodwood
- Possibility of using some metal within the case to mount internal devices (guts of computer) since 50C+ on stained wood is not the best plan.
- All would be made from scratch or close to it.

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Sparhawk

So, I'm looking at a couple CPUs for this and it looks like its either a quad Q6600 or a dual-core Pentium E2160

Both are really great overclockers but the E2160 is only $79.95 vs $264.95 for the quad.

Any thoughts? any experience overclocking the E2160?

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chesterp

Good plans. I recomend the e2160, then get the AC7 Pro. You don't really need a quad for HTPC honestly. I would have said no to the MOBO and GPU. I would have gotten a cheap MicroATX 775 mobo then a 3470 ATI card.

List if I were doing the HTPC:

-e2160
-4GB(2X2GB) G.Skill
-(2) 500GB HDD
-BluRay Drive
-HD3470/8500GT
-Silverstone MicroATX case ~ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163050
-Asus P5N-MX
-450W Corsair

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Sparhawk

I'm assuming this is the cooler you speak of:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ctic%20Cooling

looks like it has good reviews + it's cheap.

The reason for the videocard is that we already have it and the motherboard is compatible with both AGP and PCI-E which allows for future upgrade potential.

Trying to keep costs down but the 500GB drives are a good idea because a 500GB WD HD is about $99 in my area.

I'll be posting some pics of my sketches pretty soon.

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Sparhawk

My initial planning:
The final design will be fairly similar on the inside.
However, the outer design is still being hammered out regarding materials and overall look.

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Sparhawk

First update in quite some time. I've been planning in my free time and this summer I should finally be able to actually start building the darn thing.

I'm throwing ideas around about what to do with temperature hot spots in the case.

The main area I'm concerned about is underneath the motherboard.
-The bare wood or laminate that I might use is probably pretty flammable and the standard height of the mobo standoffs might not be high enough. That and normally the bottom is over metal which transfers heat away better than wood.
-My ideas so far have been directing airflow beneath the board or covering the bottom with a layer of aluminum foil, which in theory would both fireproof the bottom and spread heat around better than the wood.

any ideas for this?

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Sparhawk

Made the first cuts today.

Picked up a full sheet of 3/4" oak plywood and some 2x2 leg material.

Will try to post pics of current plans and the pieces at some point.

Updates will probably come on weekends since I have very little time after work.

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j0z3

Without pics im going nowhere. get the e2160 is good.

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CattleRustler

maybe use double-hieght standoffs (5/8") or stack multiples of regular hieght ones (5/16") and put a bottom vent and fan, as either an intake or an exhaust. That should eliminate any worries. I always wanted to try an intake under the mobo to see if it helped cool the cpu and nb areas to any degree that was worthwhile

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Sparhawk

I'm probably going to just mount a motherboard plate from an older PC inside the case and then just have the regular standoffs.

It would be neat to see what air flow underneath would do, but I'm already cutting quite a few holes in the bottom panel.

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