Mini ITX Motherboard for HTPC?

[coolamasta]

Hi all, I want to downsize my HTPC as its using too much space and is a bit over-spec'd for a HTPC, I currently have an Antec Fusion mATX system with Gigabyte mobo, E6600, 4GB RAM, ATI 4670, Creative X-Fi and a BluRay drive on Win 7.

I want to go for a much smaller ITX system now and need a case that can house a full size BluRay drive and not a slimline one, I've only found 1 so far (below) but im going to keep looking about for cases although if you know of any that are thin like this let me know...

I would like to find a well priced mini-ITX motherboard which will happily handle 1080P/BluRay playback with on board graphics using HDMI, as I will be loosing the X-Fi card I am a bit worried about loosing sound quality as I have decent 5.1 set up in my living room and it currently sounds brilliant and don't want to loose that, any suggestions?

Thanks for any help

 

[cmndr_andi]

Another case that fits the bill is the In-Win BP655.

As for a motherboard I would have a look at the Asus E35M1-I Deluxe (here is a review), this board uses the new fusion APU and is entirely passively cooled. It's onboard graphics happily accelerate 1080p video (including blu ray) as well as streamed HD video like youtube HD.

As for the sound system, may I ask what you current arrangement is - is it an AMP/AV reciever or just a set of 5.1 PC speakers?

If it is just PC speakers, then you could get a low profile PCI-E sound card like the ASUS Xonar DX, this is a really nice quality sound card and will fit in the case and motherboard I mentioned above.

 

[welshdragon]

What about a Thermaltake VL52021N2 Element Q 220W Mini ITX Case

Also I'm building a new fusion system. Using an Antec ISK100 case. However no drive bay so not really suitable for your needs.