Media PC spec

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 11:56

Hi,

Just wondering if people could give this the once over before I order, I am wanting a media PC, will be ruinning Vista media centre, hooked up to LCD TV via HDMI, I already have a TV card that I will be installing as well.

Just making sure im not making any huge mistakes on any of the bits of kit. it wont be used for gaming at all. just playing MP3s (may add X-fi at later date) and playing movies etc.

Thanks

jonshaw_uk · 27 Jul 2007 at 12:54

i got one of those media centre cases they are real good and look excellent in the flesh

spec looks good too

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 12:56

Did you have any trouble with the heatsink, just wondering if there are any height issues?

Supercow · 27 Jul 2007 at 13:34

Not sure that cooler's gonna fit mate.

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 13:35

Thats what I thought, any suggestions, I wont be overclocking the CPU so I just want something that will run as quiet as possible

squiffy · 27 Jul 2007 at 13:38

That cooler won't fit.
Also if you're on a budget get the NSK2400, cheaper and without the VFD
You'll need IR receiver and remote too.
Those Pioneers are loud.

Something like the Thermelright SL-120 might fit (low profile) it'll be quieter, do a google image search for that case you might find some configured systems with quiet cooler. The Zalman 7000 fits easily but not exactly quiet at 3000rpm.

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:14

thanks for the heads up on that case, didnt know it was even available

Just wondering how usefull the display would even be, id be sat about 3 metres from the thing so would I even be able to read it anyway. it does look nicer with the voume controls and display but its half the price without it.

I have a remote control with my current TV card so i should be OK.

Your right about the heatsink, looking at the pics there no way thats gonna fit, this one looks pretty promising

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-022-ZA&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=821

one final question, is that CPU OK, dont know much abou the current crop, my main pc is still on a AMD Opteron 146

, will it be up for the job or will i need a better one.

-Nick- · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:18

kidloco said:
thanks for the heads up on that case, didnt know it was even available

Just wondering how usefull the display would even be, id be sat about 3 metres from the thing so would I even be able to read it anyway. it does look nicer with the voume controls and display but its half the price without it.

I have a remote control with my current TV card so i should be OK.

Your right about the heatsink, looking at the pics there no way thats gonna fit, this one looks pretty promising

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-022-ZA&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=821

one final question, is that CPU OK, dont know much abou the current crop, my main pc is still on a AMD Opteron 146 , will it be up for the job or will i need a better one.

yea that cpu should hopefully o/c very well....you are going to o/c yes? just assuming cause you're getting an after market cooler

squiffy · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:20

VFD are useless feature, in a HTPC enviroment you'll switch it off (distracting)
Only if you can navigate music with the VFD, with the main screen off makes it worthwhile. Do you really need to read info on what chaper you're on? Time? And other useless info?

That Zalman is still quite loud at full.

Any dual core will be fine for HD, I have 4200X2 in the HTPC and copes with H264 1080p no problems.

yea that cpu should hopefully o/c very well....you are going to o/c yes? just assuming cause you're getting an after market cooler

I'm using a Scythe Ninja with fan at 800rpm, 4200x2 at stock, CAQ enabled. Just because buying a quieter cooler doesn't mean overclocking, just passive/quieter too.

have a remote control with my current TV card so i should be OK.

Come with IR reciever? Do you have all buttons to control MC operation?

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:22

yeh, will be overclocking it slightly

nothing crazy though. want to keep it cool and quiet still. would have thought 2.6 gig or so should be achievable without breaking a sweat.

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:24

squiffy said:
That Zalman is still quite loud at full.

.

Hmm, there must be something that will fit thats close to silent, struggling to find a better looking one then the Zalman though :confused:

squiffy · 27 Jul 2007 at 14:30

Tight fit, even with that Zalman. Lools like 12cm coolers are out

http://www.simonr.f2s.com/private/fusion/IMG_1323.JPG

My HTPC is a Silverstone TJ-08 btw.
I've used a NSK2400, good case. Easy to fit, plenty of room Not too sure about HD cooling though, there is no direct forced airflow.

kidloco · 27 Jul 2007 at 16:21

squiffy, I see you have a seperate sound card, just wondering how your dealing with your audio, dont know wether to just use the onboard, get a x-fi and use the analouge out into my Hi-fi amp, or use digital out, and feed that into say a squeezbox and use the DAC on there.

any thoughts