Advice on converting my current rig into a SFF please...

gee3000

gee3000

gee3000

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Hey,

I've now become sick of sitting at a desk! On a pc all day at work, then on my home pc in the evening;

  • Case: Fractal Design Define R2
  • Mobo: Abit IP35 Pro XE
  • CPU: E8400 (LGA775) @ 3.6ghz
  • CPU COOLER: Corsair H50
  • RAM: 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS2 PC6400
  • GPU: HD5770 1GB (can't remember which brand lol)
  • PSU: Corsair HX520w
  • HDD: 1TB + 2TB Samsung F'somethings.
  • Some decent DVDRW drive
I use my home PC for all general use ie browsing, chatting, movies, downloaded tv shows, music and light/moderate gaming (CSS, BFBC2, bit of PLOPS). It's quite past its prime now anyway so I thoughd I'd convert it into a HTPC/NAS server, stick a sofa in my room and use it for file storage and streaming (local and over internet) and outputting my media to a TV which I will enjoy from a new sofa instead of a computer chair. I won't be gaming as much on this system as I'll be buying a PS3 or Xbox 360 sometime next year which I can also enjoy from the comfort of a sofa/bed.

So the plan in terms of hardware is to move/put the following parts into a new Fractal Design Array R2 NAS Case inc. 300w SFX PSU;

  • CPU: E8400 (LGA775) @ Stock or mild overclock
  • CPU COOLER: Corsair H50
  • RAM: 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS2 PC6400
  • HDD: 1tb + 2tb + additional drives when necessary
And adding the following to complete the build;

  • + MOBO: Zotac GF9300-I-E (Socket 775) DDR2 Mini ITX Motherboard
  • + Graphics card -- I could stick my 5770 in here but it's far too loud. I'd prefer something decent spec but quieter, perhaps a passively cooled one since I won't be gaming on this pc? - recommend one please?
  • + TV Tuner card (USB?) -- I'd like to watch/record Virgin tv through my HTPC if possible? - recommend one please?
  • + Remote control -- To control music/movies etc I suppose? - recommend one please?
  • + Wireless keyboard/mouse -- or something like the logitech di novo mini for the odd typing?
I need advice on if the conversion will be compatible (mainly the new mobo with the existing components i'm using from my current rig?. Will the 300w PSU included with the Array R2 handle this system fine?

Do I use Windows 7 Media Center to handle the music/movie playback etc? (I've never touched a HTPC before) are there better options available? I'd like to still browse, download files (mainly movies, tv shows) and organise my files as usual so will likely stick to Windows 7.

Would also appreciate any other tips or words of experience anyone can give me before I take the plunge and order the bits.

Once this one is sorted I may consider building a separate gaming rig but only if I feel the need for one..

Thanks :)
 
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Having read around for a few hours this evening I've been put off the Fractal Design Array R2. I've also looked around at various Silverstone cases as they're popular but they just don't appeal to me :\

CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
I would get a Lian LI PC-Q08:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-186-LL
Click to expand...

I like that Lian Li PC-Q08 but I've been reluctant to go for it because it looks a bit large for SFF. Plus I was hoping to front-mount the H50 rad so that it would intake cool air (optimal performance), rather than as a rear-mount in which case it would be feeding on hot air from the inside of the case and exhausting it, not optimal for a rad..

Other than those little snags the PC-Q08 looks good... but I wish there was something better :\ Otherwise I'd be better off sticking to my big ass Define R2 lol :(
 
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Any idea about allowance/restrictions for fitting a H50 in the Q08? Front-mount or top-mount? Preferably in push/pull.

Reading this guys thread it seems he fitted it onto the roof with a thin Scythe fan but it's not clear and I've Trusted him a message asking for pics:
» http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=17263946

Edit: He's mounted the H50 onto the roof using a thin Scythe fan. Apparently you can use a regular fan too buy using this 300w micro-atx psu by a company called FSP which comes with a plate that enables you to position the PSU a little lower, allowing more space at the top for the H50 rad and fan.

What effort! :o
 
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I already have a H50 in my current system and I'm trying to reuse as many parts as possible. I'm personally very pleased with its noise level, even with a couple Apache 120mm fans on it I can't hear it much.

I know I'll have trouble mounting it though, either having to use a slim 12mm fan (low performance) or have almost half a regular 25mm fan being covered by the PSU (waste of performance) ;/

There are alternative smaller SFX PSU's (Be Quiet BN134 or Silverstone ST45SF) which will allow more space at the roof, making a H50 + regular 25mm fan a considerable option, but again I'm trying to reuse existing parts to keep cost down. Apparently the BN134 at around £45 delivered is a better option than the SF45SF. I've calculated my systems power consumption as 238w max (278w safety) so the BN134 should cover it if necessary..

What are the other cooler options? There's a max height restriction of 100mm due to the PSU floating over the CPU socket. I know the Scythe Shuriken is one but is its cooling performance decent and noise low? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-026-SY
 
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