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<blockquote data-quote="guytpetj" data-source="post: 603032" data-attributes="member: 12087">After building 3 custom HTPC's (2 x Coolermaster CM-260 and a Thermaltake Mozart SX) I went the other way. I bought a simple small PC of the shelf.<img src="http://cdn.gateway.com/media/products/large/sx2800-07.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />This computer has the same glossy black finish as my Sony AV receiver and Bluray player, and size wise it has the same hight as the other two components stacked, so it fits perfectly next to it.This computer has all what you need for a HTPC and is super quite, I can't hear it running 10ft away, you have to listen real hard to hear the computer noise. <a href="http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668602.php" target="_blank">Gateway Official Site: Shop - Desktops - SX2800 07 Desktop Product Details</a>. Simple, powerful and cheap computer that does it all. For me this is the perfect MediaPortal client (with enough power and options to be my back-up media/TV server)One lesson I learned is that no matter how hard you try to build a silent HTPC that can do all, it always ends up creating more noise and heat then wat you really wanted.Another lessonI learned is that VFD's and other displays are eye candy and may give a bit of WOW factor, but it realy does not add to the experience watching the media on the big screen. More often it gives you a lot of pain trying to make it work seamlessly.Before I forget, one word of advice; Don't go for a 5400rpm HDD, go for 7200rpm, if noise is a problem go for a 2-1/2&quot; drive.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="guytpetj, post: 603032, member: 12087"] After building 3 custom HTPC's (2 x Coolermaster CM-260 and a Thermaltake Mozart SX) I went the other way. I bought a simple small PC of the shelf. [IMG]http://cdn.gateway.com/media/products/large/sx2800-07.jpg[/IMG] This computer has the same glossy black finish as my Sony AV receiver and Bluray player, and size wise it has the same hight as the other two components stacked, so it fits perfectly next to it. This computer has all what you need for a HTPC and is super quite, I can't hear it running 10ft away, you have to listen real hard to hear the computer noise. [url=http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668602.php]Gateway Official Site: Shop - Desktops - SX2800 07 Desktop Product Details[/url]. Simple, powerful and cheap computer that does it all. For me this is the perfect MediaPortal client (with enough power and options to be my back-up media/TV server) One lesson I learned is that no matter how hard you try to build a silent HTPC that can do all, it always ends up creating more noise and heat then wat you really wanted. Another lessonI learned is that VFD's and other displays are eye candy and may give a bit of WOW factor, but it realy does not add to the experience watching the media on the big screen. More often it gives you a lot of pain trying to make it work seamlessly. Before I forget, one word of advice; Don't go for a 5400rpm HDD, go for 7200rpm, if noise is a problem go for a 2-1/2" drive. [/QUOTE]

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