HTPC build

SirChumpalot

SirChumpalot

SirChumpalot

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Joined
31 Oct 2012
Posts
290
Hi there,

As some of you may know, I've slowly been gathering the components for a HTPC. Progress has been slow, mainly due to time/work constraints. Poor excuses perhaps but there we go :)

Anyway, I have the following components:

Processor - i7 3770k (got it from work for cheap, couldn't resist and I know it's overkill)
Heatsink - Scythe Big Shuriken 2
Memory - Hyper 2 x 4GB
SSD - Samsung M4 256GB

I'm stuck on the case/motherboard combination. Mainly because I'm really looking to purchase either the Silverstone GD07/08. People have recommended the Asus P8Z77 - M Pro which I quite like the look of but it doesn't have wireless capability. Any suggestions please?

To give you a better idea of what I need this for, the main requirements are as follows:

- As quiet as possible. This really is quite an important factor. The Mrs will go crazy if it's loud in any way! :rolleyes:
- 1080p Blu Ray playback and video streaming - Netflix/Lovefilm etc
- Virtual server environment (MySql install, VmWare etc). Ubuntu/Win64bit install. (I realise I need more memory for what I want to accomplish here, that can come later - I just want to get it up and running for the time being).

I'm going against getting a dedicated video card at the moment. Mainly to reduce noise. I'd like if possible to be able to add this in the future and have my sights set on a 7850. This can come later though.

In terms of power, I was going to get the Corsair 580 Modular but this is no longer in stock. Could someone please recommend a suitable alternative. I'm guessing the build won't need much in the way of power. Noise is a factor too.

Thank you in advance. Look forward to hearing some suggestions.

David
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the suggestions.

I've never seen those pics of the GD07. It looks huge (as in tall). I'm guessing the GD08 is just as tall. Hmmm, think I may have miscalculated somewhat on case size. At over 17cm tall, this might be a little big...

Thanks for the suggestions on the motherboard and PSU.
 
To widen the choice of potential cases I could use, I'm thinking of swapping the Scythe for the Antec Kúhler H2O 620. I think the Scythe may also limit the addition of a gpu on some motherboard as well.

This is tough :(
 
Thanks Idleman,

I believe the SCythe will still fit in the Silverstone Milo, though with it's stock fan, which is fine. I'm not sure I'd be able to get a 7850 in there though? Unless they do them in a low-profile variety?

Thanks for your help.
David
 
SirChumpalot said:
Thanks Idleman,

I believe the SCythe will still fit in the Silverstone Milo, though with it's stock fan, which is fine. I'm not sure I'd be able to get a 7850 in there though? Unless they do them in a low-profile variety?

Thanks for your help.
David
Click to expand...

Sorry mate, I`ve been including that case in a few HTPS`s lately, but none required a Gpu, so overlooked the low profile spec.
Where exactly will the case be placed, on the floor or in a TV cabinet?
If the latter, what dimensions do you have, to play with?
 
Idleman said:
Sorry mate, I`ve been including that case in a few HTPS`s lately, but none required a Gpu, so overlooked the low profile spec.
Where exactly will the case be placed, on the floor or in a TV cabinet?
If the latter, what dimensions do you have, to play with?
Click to expand...

No problem. I did wonder!

It's going into a cabinet. Dimensions I have to play with is as follows:

Width - unlimited (well, over 50cm)
Height - 177mm
Depth 450mm

I'm thinking about going back to the original Silverstone case I looked at, the GD06. It'll fit. 3 in stock, under £100. 3 x 120mm fans included (though these might have to be replaced) What's not to like?

Only choice now is the motherboard. I'm literally going round and round in circles with this one. My problem is I want to use the Scythe Big Shuriken 2. This causes limitations in that it can cover ram slots (though shouldn't be an issue with my low-profile Hyper memory) and more importantly the PCI slot.

Integrated WIFI now isn't essential, I can buy a USB adapter or something to get around that.

It's just finding a motherboard that will house the scythe and allow for expansion later on down the line where graphics are concerned.

I appreciate your help

David
 
Tbh, I would be surprised if the Shuriken covered the Gpu slot. From what I have seen, there is quite a bit of clearance from the edge of the cooler to the slot.
 
Idleman said:
Tbh, I would be surprised if the Shuriken covered the Gpu slot. From what I have seen, there is quite a bit of clearance from the edge of the cooler to the slot.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this.

Do you foresee any problems with the following setup in terms of compatibility and being able to fit into the GD06?

Asus P8Z77 -M Pro
Scythe Shuriken 2 Rev 2

and somewhere down the line, a 7850.

Cheers
David
 
Scythe cooler JUST fits :)

20130524_214832_zpsed321a46.jpg


Loads of GPU room though. I love my Silverstone case!

20130524_215245_zps5c57dab0.jpg

20130524_215059_zpsc7bd5dc4.jpg
 
Yeah it is. It's a cracking board :) The CPU fan sits at about 700rpm and is utter silent. The 3 fractal fans are on a Zalman PCI slot fan controller set to minimum. Perfectly quiet, love it!
 
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