OrigenAE M10 Build XBMC HTPC

[hourami]

Howdy folks,

So I decided to build a HTPC using the following components.

Zotac IONITX F-E Ion N330 Motherboard
Samsung SN-T083C 8x DVD±RW DL & RAM SATA Slimline Optical Drive
Crucial 4GB Kit (2x2GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory CL6 1.8V
Western Digital WD5000BEVT 500GB 2.5" Hard Drive SATAII 5400rpm 8MB Cache - OEM Scorpio Blue
OrigenAE M10 Mini-ITX HTPC Case Black

I just love the look of the OrigenAE case and so was my only choice really for this build.

Pics to follow

 

[hourami]

 

[hourami]

First of all it turns out I didn't need to purchase the samsung drive as a panasonic one is included in the box but isn't advertised ANYWHERE, so it may pot luck if you get one.

The build quality of the OrigenAE M10 is fantastic, it is so sturdy and looks a million bucks.

There were a few issues:

1) The PSU was a 24 pin connector and the mobo was 20 pin. It appears that 4 pins from the psu are 'removable' and detached easily.

2) I can't get the front screen to come on. The case comes with a VF310 and am not sure if I have connected it properly to the mobo but I think I have and help to confirm would be appreciated.

3) The WiFi is a NIGHTMARE on this. It is a Atheros and just will not work with Windows 7. It is very very intermittent so can come on for a minute and then disconnect straight away and I can't find a solution anywhere for this. I may have to resort to using an ethernet cable and homeplug.

I know no build is straight forward but it is SSSSOOOOOO frustrating.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Very nice indeed, what was the TCOB? (Total cost of build). I wish they would bring the price of the case down them are serious profits.

 

[Daveangle]

looks good, out of interest with the wireless, it looks like a laptop/netbook interface so could you not swap the card out for a more compatible one (dell for instance) I did this with my netbook, as I was having the same issues with an Atheros card, you should be able to find a dell one on an auction site for about £10, but probably best to do a little more research into its compatibility.

 

[hourami]

looks good, out of interest with the wireless, it looks like a laptop/netbook interface so could you not swap the card out for a more compatible one (dell for instance) I did this with my netbook, as I was having the same issues with an Atheros card, you should be able to find a dell one on an auction site for about £10, but probably best to do a little more research into its compatibility.

Thanks. For a product that is so crap it amazes me that so many manufacturers still use them!!

 

[hourami]

Very nice indeed, what was the TCOB? (Total cost of build). I wish they would bring the price of the case down them are serious profits.

The samsung drive is going back as you got a panasonic one in the box so all in about 450

 

[hourami]

Thanks. For a product that is so crap it amazes me that so many manufacturers still use them!!

I know it is stupid.

I ended up buying the 'worlds smallest wifi dongle' and using that to connect.

I have solved all my little problems with it except for a smal minor detail. The fans seems to be on 24/7 and it quite noisy. Is there something I haven't done or need to do in order to not have them on all the time. Are there silent fans that would fit into the case and over the CPU that would be much quieter than the ones that come in the box.

Thanks

 

[booyaka]

beautiful case but not cheap!!!

 

[gatecrasherlok]

Yeah i've been eyeing that case up too but the prie they are asking for is way too expensive.

 

[Deleted member 2277]

I know it is stupid.

I ended up buying the 'worlds smallest wifi dongle' and using that to connect.

I have solved all my little problems with it except for a smal minor detail. The fans seems to be on 24/7 and it quite noisy. Is there something I haven't done or need to do in order to not have them on all the time. Are there silent fans that would fit into the case and over the CPU that would be much quieter than the ones that come in the box.

Thanks

Hi hourami,

I am also planning on building a HTPC based on the Zotac Ionitx-F-E. Is the board ok to use for 1080p films etc, other than the wifi problem that you have experienced how have you found the board?