Netizen's HTPC project

[Netizen1]

Guys, looking for some advice on a HTPC build. I've been using an aging Dell Inspiron 1525 for a while. It provides streaming such as the Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, as well as the downloads PC (to external hard drive), and some casual gaming for the wife while I'm studying.

For this project I want to keep costs within reason (and sanity) so I'm thinking about reusing some parts I have left over from upgrading friends/family's pc's.

Motherboards on hand:

• Viotech 3100+ :- http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=470
• MCP6P M2+ :- http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=370

I did some preliminary googling and I wanted to purchase a case before the Christmas 2013 rush kicks in. This case really caught my eye, SilverStone Crown CW03 (http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=161&area=en) but good lawd @ the price (US$ 720). Granted it comes with a 7" touchscreen, but really, that's just crazy.

So, can anyone recommend a case, locally, that I can start this project off with?

Also, has anyone locally heard about or used this, Ceton InfiniTV 4 as mentioned in this page; http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/how-to-build-home-theater-pc-htpc/

Might be interesting to integrate with Flow digital cable and unlock some PVR capabilities.

[TriniXaeno]

I love these sort of questions and await eagerly, the answers to follow.

Personally in need of a new HTPC setup myself. The misses confiscated the old HTPC system for a new business.

So my living room is missing the warm buzz of a PC at the moment.

Have my eye set on this baby.

Reason being, it is small and neat, perfect to fit into the component friendly living room space. Better still, it can do double duty as a light gaming rig. Good for some co-op Trine 2 action on the big screen.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZB1O0Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AZB1O0Y&linkCode=as2&tag=g12n7-20

The only reason I am staying my hand "is cause steambox" (tm)

[woodyear99]

I'm interested in this, just got a second tv and would like to get various streaming services along with HD downloads.

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[Arcmanov]

I say start from scratch with a mini-ITX system yes.

You can build a pretty kickass HTPC with the Cooler Master Elite 130.
You can still use a regular size PSU, and full size GPU if you want.
All of a sudden, upgrade options are no longer limited. 





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[TriniXaeno]

That is an absolutely brilliant idea. Best of both worlds.

Not as svelte as the Sapphire but you have the option of going full hog into a gaming rig by simply dropping in a full size GPU.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCXF4HI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BCXF4HI&linkCode=as2&tag=g12n7-20

Price of the case ain't bad either. Clocking around US$40.00

[VirtueTT]

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-130-Mini-ITX/dp/B00DRA4F06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379948468&sr=8-1&keywords=elite+130

Updated version of the case

[woodyear99]

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-130-Mini-ITX/dp/B00DRA4F06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379948468&sr=8-1&keywords=elite+130

Updated version of the case

1 - 2 month shipping though?

[Arcmanov]

Amazon can't seem to keep the 130 in stock. (Yes...I'm always checking )

If you don't intend on using an all-in-one LC kit, then the 120 does the job admirably

[trinigamer]

Was looking at this one myself. Primarily because its mATX and the shape will fit into most home theatre stands, it looks like it belongs there, only thing it will only take low profile cards.

http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Aluminum-Steel-Center-ML03B/dp/B004GGUAUE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=X46TC7ZL682V&coliid=IX397PAXT8OFL

[TriniXaeno]

Yeah, the 130 with that 1 - 2 months shipping was a deal breaker.

The 120 is available for immediate release though!

Can't go wrong.

And like myself, Netizen doesn't strike me as the water cooling type.

[Netizen1]

Was looking at this one myself. Primarily because its mATX and the shape will fit into most home theatre stands, it looks like it belongs there, only thing it will only take low profile cards.

http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Aluminum-Steel-Center-ML03B/dp/B004GGUAUE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=X46TC7ZL682V&coliid=IX397PAXT8OFL

This is one of the alternative cases I was looking at. Thing is, I really want to save the wait time by buying the case locally. So, again I ask, does anyone know a place locally that has HTPC cases available?

@ Arcman, lovely case there, but I don't think it'd fit in the home theatre stand. The options are very tempting, but the wait time is a killer...

The idea to go all new parts will be taken into consideration at the end of the week, I'd like to order everything by month end so it'd arrive before the Christmas shipping rush @ the ports...

Edit: Just realized I'm contradicting myself, damn you cold meds... If I'm ordering components for the HTPC, I can just as easily add the case to the order, and then deal with the fees *ouch_in_advance*

Oh and TriniWyatt, don't judge a book by its cover... I have two of these AIO water coolers: http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2321

[TriniXaeno]

I was judging a book by its 3dmark scores (or lack thereof) lol

[Arcmanov]

With Amazon Prime you can have your items within a week (well, that's IF you use Ezone).

[TriniXaeno]

GATT has an Amazon Prime account as well as a shipping service, so if you don't want to pay the US$79 a year for Amazon Prime, we can bring it in for you. Same lightning fast speed, without the additional cost.

[Spazosaurus]

Let's say an item reaches Gatt skybox Wednesday afternoon, assuming there are no holidays for the rest of the week, when is the earliest I can have items in hand?

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[TriniXaeno]

Flights are 5 days a week, so usually within two days.

If it gets in on Wednesday, should be processed and put on a flight to Trinidad on Thursday.

Arrive in Trinidad Thursday, processed and available for collection on Friday.

Boom Bang

[trinigamer]

Not sure about local suppliers, most likely Circuit Zone, the Wizz or Inter-PC might have that.

Newegg has the 120 for 34.99 until end September:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119261&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL092413&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL092413-_-EMC-092413-Index-_-ComputerCases-_-11119261-L012D

If you can buy off Newegg that is.

Might want to wait for Black Friday sales as well.

[Arcmanov]

I always in dem store...so let me spare you the trouble:  dey eh have none.   

Order from Amazon and done.  It'll be cheaper any which way you slice it.





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