HTPC Build

SiM · #1 10-06-2008, 02:31

It is finally done! Well a couple of things are not working properly including windows and spdif...
I tried to nlite Windows but I didn't do a good job so I will just reinstall the full thing...
I foolishly bought a mobo that did not have spdif built in, it does have a 3 pin spdif output on the mobo and I had a couple of PCI bracket adapters lying around but I have got it working yet...

Objectives:
Play HD-DVDs
Stream ripped HD video off NAS (NAS has not been built yet)
Have a nice mediaportal front end

OK first the spec and cost analysis (most are bought used from forums so don't expect to find them for these prices in scan):

Antec NSK 2480 case - £45
Intel E2200 - £36
Scythe Mini Ninja Cooler - £28 new
2GB Geil 4-4-4-12 DDR2 - £25
Gigabyte GA-945GCM S2L mATX mobo - £25
Xpertvision HD 2600 Pro - £20 (I bought this for £37 new a year ago, but I estimate its worth £20 now)
40GB Hard drive - spare lying around (I actually got it free)
Keyboard Keysonic wireless RF - £28 new (HAS CRAP RANGE!!)
HDMI cable - £4
Media Remote - £18 new
Xbox HD-DVD drive - £13 new (amazon.de)

Total: £242

Pictures:

How it looks closed, haven't put it on the shelf yet as I am still making changes.

How it looks inside, birds eye view. This is some of my best cable management ever (see other thread for proof

)

Passive mini ninja.... well its really next to two 120mm fans. I get 30 idle in the bios, have not looked at any other temps yet

POS keyboard. I need to decide whether to send it back under the DSR as the range is terrible, although I might be able to extend range enough with a USB extension cable...

Testing:
So far only tested Bourne Identity HD-DVD which played back flawlessly without GPU acceleration. I need to get GPU acceleration working too

Managed to overclock CPU to 2.36ghz without changing any other settings/voltages... It might go higher, but stability is more important for this build, it does everything it needs to do at stock anyway.

To do:
Reinstall windows

setup the remote - I really haven't got a clue. I need to figure out how to get it to turn on the damn PC
Mod HD-DVD drive into internal
Get it online! (and on network, got switch and cables on their way from scan)
Get a HDMI compatible amp (although that might not be in the near future so need to sort out spdif)

Clunk · #2 10-06-2008, 03:09

Good job

Doesn't it vibrate on the glass unit?

And I notice, horror of horrors, Xbox on the glass unit, which results in deafness and mental anguish

How come you've gone for HD-DVD and not blu-ray?

SiM · #3 10-06-2008, 03:23

Well I haven't tried it on the glass unit yet, but it does have lots of rubber on the feet so I think it should be ok. It does seem like a lot of thought went into the case. I am very pleased with it

HD-DVD is cheap. Look at my collection of films:

I could have bought a blu-ray drive and may be 3 or 4 films for the same cost as all of this and the Xbox drive.
Will buy a blu-ray burner in the future though

Kelainefes · #4 10-06-2008, 03:33

Nice build

let us know how it performs.
Nice movies there, but "Pan's Labyrinth?"

SiM · #5 10-06-2008, 03:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelainefes

Nice build

let us know how it performs.
Nice movies there, but "Pan's Labyrinth?"

Cheer mate, will keep you guys updated after I do a reinstall. I might put a faster drive in as this is only sata 1...

Pan's Lab is meant to be quite good... I haven't seen it, but a friend recommended it and its got a high imdb rating which was enough to convince me to buy it