Case - Silverstone GD01S-MXR
Fundamentals, Snares and Experiences during our Testing Phase
Our foremost criterion when we were choosing the case for the HTPC was that the remote control IR sensor should be integrated in the face of the case. We didn’t want an ugly external solution that plugs in to the motherboard’s USB connector and then has to be taped in place to mar the aesthetics of our system. Also, the infrared receiver has to have auxiliary power available even in standby mode or when the PC is off. Otherwise, we won’t be able to wake up the HTPC from standby mode.
The case needs two 5.25” drive bays for the optical drive and the CI module that decrypts Pay TV stations using a smartcard. If we had to install a separate IR-receiver on the front of the unit, the case would need to offer three drive bays.
In most cases, desktop enclosures are the best suited for use in the living room because of their horizontal design. Aesthetically, they also fit in better because of their resemblance to hi-fi components. Towers, on the other hand, tend to stick out like a sore thumb in the living room. While there are specific desktop HTPC enclosures in the market, they are usually limited to only two 5.25“ drive bays.
Tom’s Hardware chose the Silverstone GD01S-MXR. Although it is not one of the cheaper models around at €180, it does come bundled with the iMon remote control. The infrared receiver is integrated into the unit’s front. When the PC is off, the infrared sensor draws its auxiliary power directly from the power supply using a bundled adapter. In short – a very easy setup.
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1. While you concentrated on the IR functionality of the case, you didn't mention the noise the supplied fans create. Given you've gone to all that trouble (and expense) of finding a fanless power supply why do you not consider case fan noise. Is it because the case is supplied with low noise fans? Have you measured the noise? What is the noise?
2. If you are so concerned about noise why not suggest that video data is stored on a server somewhere else and the OS be put on Compact Flash.
€30 to eliminate "data" noise completely for the life of you system seems positively cheap. Hard drive quietening solutions are not as effective or as cheap.
3. Is it me or does the case look like it would take up half your lounge(unless your lounge is the size of London)? Not exactly small it is? I can't think of anyone's living room that it wouldn't look intrusive in.
2.Agreed, i'm definatly going to go the compact flash option, and have a networked media server somewhere where it won't be as obtrusive.
3.Agreed again, what is it with these so called HTpc boxes that are big enough to hold a swimming pool? we have mATX mainboards, and half height cards, why not use them?
my inital idea is to get an HP DC7700 small form factor machine, still on the big side for a media centre machine, but a third the size of that offering. still fit a normal size 5.25" optical drive, and 3.5" hard disk. still got pciE x1, pciE x16, and 2x normal pci slots for half height cards. got a pciE NV8500 with HDMI, 4Gb ram (don't want paging on a compact flash drive)...
anyway, my only question is, how are you able to get dual satallite tuners to work with one CAM smart card module?
I did a similar thread over at avforums.co.uk a long while a go...
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348233
My media machine had to be low profile, and comes with a true low profile HDMI VGA card. (Sapphire 1600 HDMI etc)
The case has a has a IR port (and display) built in, and comes from standby with a normal MCE remote.
It is currently only running HD-DVDs, but i do intend to change to a multi HD drive.
I didn't bother with tuner cards as we don't get HD broadcasts via terrestial TV. (YET!)
It is near silent when running, and didn't cost the earth!
Bye Bye...
I did a similar thread over at avforums.co.uk a long while a go...
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348233
My media machine had to be low profile, and comes with a true low profile HDMI VGA card. (Sapphire 1600 HDMI etc)
The case has a has a IR port (and display) built in, and comes from standby with a normal MCE remote.
It is currently only running HD-DVDs, but i do intend to change to a multi HD drive.
I didn't bother with tuner cards as we don't get HD broadcasts via terrestial TV. (YET!)
It is near silent when running, and didn't cost the earth!
Bye Bye...
as use on Asus P5E V(M)HDMI!
Although I have been using a HTPC with Windows MCE(XP and Vista) for the last 2 and half years, im afraid early next year I will be dropping it. I have come to realise that to run, and keep up to date my Media Center is a constant and expensive hassle, with worries about heat, silence, power consumption, speed, drivers, cpu consumption, codecs, configuration etc.
I will admit that a well spec'd HTPC is very flexible, should be less hassle and can look good too, but it is still not perfect for something the Mrs can use! Even though she does see its uses and has been sold on the idea I cringe evertime i have to tell her to restart the TV! They are still not perfect as a living room entertainment device for the average user.
Early next year Sony releases the PlayTV twin tuner for the PS3. This is where my money is going next. It can do Photos, Music, Videos, uPnp network streaming, internet browsing, HD and Blu-Ray and now a full twin tuner PVR but is also quiet, user friendly and hassle free. Thats without even mentioning the gaming, all for £300!
Yes, i understand the HTPC is more flexible and upgradeable but I hope you all see my point?