Associate
- Joined
- 26 Jan 2009
- Posts
- 848
- Location
- Amsterdam
I'm kinda new to the whole HTPC thing, in general I've stuck to beastly desktops without concern for noise or the like, so I'm kinda out my depth here.
Basically, I cannibalised an old desktop I had with an ASUS P5KPL-VM G31 motherboard, E2160 and 2GB of DDR2 and put it an own-brand el-cheapo HTPC case from a certain competitor. I also took the BD-DVD drive from my desktop and put it in this case.
The main things I need to think about, are:
- I need a graphics card. The on board graphics are Intel GMA3100 and there's only a VGA port even if it could handle Bluray decoding. I'm thinking a silent HD5450 (mainly because the 5 series has audio bitstreaming), although it seems OcUK don't stock these anymore?
- I need some fans. There's space for 2x120mm and 2x80mm. Suggestions folks? Aiming for as silent as possible. I may also need a replacement HSF for the E2160 as it's using the stock Intel one which is kinda noisy.
- I reckon I need a better PSU. I don't mind using an el-cheapo case since it's just plastic, but I'd rather not have a cheap PSU. (It's 500W. It came with the case, and case+psu was £40. Speaks for itself really.) The advantage of the one that came with the case is that it has the bare minimum number of cables, I'm guessing I'd have to go modular. Someone said they're looking at the OCZ 500W Modular one, I think that'll do.
Have I missed anything?
Cheers!
Basically, I cannibalised an old desktop I had with an ASUS P5KPL-VM G31 motherboard, E2160 and 2GB of DDR2 and put it an own-brand el-cheapo HTPC case from a certain competitor. I also took the BD-DVD drive from my desktop and put it in this case.
The main things I need to think about, are:
- I need a graphics card. The on board graphics are Intel GMA3100 and there's only a VGA port even if it could handle Bluray decoding. I'm thinking a silent HD5450 (mainly because the 5 series has audio bitstreaming), although it seems OcUK don't stock these anymore?
- I need some fans. There's space for 2x120mm and 2x80mm. Suggestions folks? Aiming for as silent as possible. I may also need a replacement HSF for the E2160 as it's using the stock Intel one which is kinda noisy.
- I reckon I need a better PSU. I don't mind using an el-cheapo case since it's just plastic, but I'd rather not have a cheap PSU. (It's 500W. It came with the case, and case+psu was £40. Speaks for itself really.) The advantage of the one that came with the case is that it has the bare minimum number of cables, I'm guessing I'd have to go modular. Someone said they're looking at the OCZ 500W Modular one, I think that'll do.
Have I missed anything?
Cheers!
I would just use the built in GMA3100 if it could do Bluray decoding and HDMI.