Help with Mini-ITX HTPC build

acc156 · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:41

Hi Im building my first htpc which will be used almost solely for playing movies (mkv. avi. ect) using xbmc. I'd just like my build to be checked out to make sure its all compatible plus any suggestions. Here's what I'm going for;

In-Win BM648 Mini-ITX case
Zotac GeForce 9300-ITX
Intel E5200
OCZ Gold Edition 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5
Noctua NF-R8 80mm Silent Case Fan - I'd like the htpc to be as quiet as possible (other suggestions welcome)
LG CH08LS10 8x Blu-Ray Reader or LG DVD-RW - still not sure about bothering with Blu-Ray

A few questions;

1) I'll need a remote control and have no idea what to buy. A bluetooth remote would be preferable but I think the Sony PS3 is the only option. I would like the remote to NOT have a giant receiver as I want the system to be as compact as possible. I do have an iMon Soundgraph which could be used but then I would lose the 5.25" bay. The remote will be used to navigate XBMC.

2) Is it worth replacing the stock CPU cooler? If so what are my options with a full 5.25" drive reducing the cooler height?

3) Ideally I would like a second 2.5" HD for the OS to leave the 1TB Western Digital for media only. Should I get a 30GB SDD or a standard drive?

Thanks for the help.

DotA · 20 Aug 2009 at 16:33

1. its not cheep but its bluetooth and small. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-135-LG&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=1277

2. not sure on

3. the zotec 9300s have only 2 SATAs unless they have released the next version,so you will only be able to use 1 HDD and optical drive or 2HDD.

Grimgoth · 20 Aug 2009 at 18:02

1) the imon soundgraph is definately no no, you don't have that many bays to play around with in the first place.
2) I have a slimline dvd drive, but I put a low profile arctic freezer pro instead of stock, no problems.
3) what DotA said. Also, there is no more room for that second drive- especially if you are using the 5.25 bay for a full size optical disc drive, rather than a slimline. with a slimline I believe you have an option for a second hd, but howy you'd get one more sata connection is beyond me.

acc156 · 20 Aug 2009 at 19:01

Thanks for the feedback. Im going to forget about the second HD and the imon soundgraph. Instead im going to get an Antec Multimedia Station (usb dongle with remote) for xbmc. As for the cpu cooler ill just keep the stock and change it if i find it too loud.

iraiguana · 21 Aug 2009 at 19:34

That case has room for:

1x 3.5" HDD
1x 2.5" HDD
Then additional options:
Either
1x 5.25" drive
OR
1x Slimeline optical drive +
1x 3.5" drive.

So you could fit up to 3 HDD's and an optical drive in that case. Make sure you have the required connections on the board for all the devices you wish to attach.