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<blockquote data-quote="level20peon" data-source="post: 146617" data-attributes="member: 28613"><p>Hello guys,</p><p></p><p>I hereby want to introduce my HTPC. Maybe this helps some of you who are considering in buying new hardware or configuring existing Hardware or Software.</p><p></p><p>I started this project back in December 2006 so some details might be not up to date <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><em><strong>Here are the requirements I considered before I chose what parts to use</strong></em>:</span></p><p></p><p>- Low Power Usage (since I use the PC for Server-purposes it runs 24/7)</p><p>- Low- /No-Noise Design</p><p>- Decent performance</p><p>- Simple non exorbitant design</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><em><strong>So, first of all here is a list of used components</strong></em>:</span></p><p></p><p><u><strong>CPU</strong>: <a href="http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1830MHz) FCPGA6 2MB 65nm FSB667 <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/intel.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>Case</strong>: <a href="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa" target="_blank">Silverstone LC11MS HTPC-Case <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/silverstone.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>Mainboard</strong>: <a href="http://www.aopen.de/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2064" target="_blank">AOpen i945GTm-VHL Mainboard <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/aopen.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>TV-Card:</strong>: <a href="http://www.digital-everywhere.com/cms/en/cms_daten/html/13_09_04_11_09_11.html" target="_blank">Digital Everywhere FloppyDTV C/CI Full <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/digitaleverywhere.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>RAM:</strong>: <a href="http://www.corsair.com/products/notebook_memory.aspx" target="_blank">2x 1024MB Corsair SODIMM 667MHz DDR2 RAM <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/corsair.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>HDD</strong>: <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=249&ppmi=1155" target="_blank">Samsung HD103UJ 1000 GB 7200rpm 32MB HDD <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/samsung.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>PSU</strong>: <a href="http://www.hifiatx.com/html/index.html" target="_blank">mCubed EF16 external 165W PSU <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/mcubed.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>DVD-Drive</strong>: <a href="http://www.plextor-europe.com/products/px-760a.asp?choice=PX-760A" target="_blank">Plextor PX-760SA/T3K SATA CD-/DVD-Burner <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/plextor.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>GFX-Card</strong>: <a href="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html" target="_blank">Nvidia GeForce 6600LE passive <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/nvidia.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>CAM</strong>: <a href="http://www.alphacrypt.de/index_light.html" target="_blank">Alphacrypt Light CAM-Module <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/alphacrypt.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p><u><strong>Remote</strong>: <a href="http://www.gyration.com/p-21-universal-remote-control-for-pc-media-center-and-audiovideo-functions.aspx" target="_blank">Gyration GYR3101US <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/GYR3101US.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></u></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em><strong>miscellaneous parts</strong></em>:</p><p></p><p><u>GH-PELX16-C7 PCI-Express X16 flexible Riser card <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/riser.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></u></p><p><u>Cooler 120x120x25 Papst 4412 F/2GLL 0,72W 18db-max <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/papst.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></u></p><p><u>Cooler 80x80x25 Sharkoon Silent Eagle 8,9db-max <img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/Sharkoon.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></u></p><p></p><p><u>80-120 Cooler-adapter 80mm to 120mm</u></p><p></p><p></p><p>(<em>These parts alltogether cost around 1600€</em>)</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><em>System Setup</em>:</strong></span></p><p></p><p>As you can see I used a Socket 479 Mainboard which is a Notebook derivated model along with the <a href="http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG" target="_blank">Intel Core 2 Duo T5600</a> Notebook CPU. I also added an <a href="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html" target="_blank">Nvidia GeForce 6600LE</a> passive cooled GFX-card. These components ensure minimal power consumption over the long run while providing sufficient performance. The <a href="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html" target="_blank">GeForce 6600LE</a> is fully DirectX 9.0c compatible and provides enough performance to run MediaPortal smoothly while consuming as little power as possible (I had to use a flexible PCI-Express risercard). I ordered an <a href="http://ati.amd.com/products/RadeonX1300/specs.html" target="_blank">ati X1300</a> passive cooled card as well in order to test the video output quality but they seem to be nearly equal in quality and since the Nvidia card consumes less power for the same performance, I chose this one.</p><p></p><p>The system temperature does not exceed about 45°C under heavy load at room temperatures around 28°C. Power consumption under heavy load does not exceed 70 Watts, consumption in idle mode is around 55 Watts!</p><p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa" target="_blank">Silverstone LC11MS</a> was the best choice in my case since its small, although providing enough space for my needs, it has a marvellous brushed alluminium design and last but not least a <a href="http://www.soundgraph.de/vfd.html" target="_blank">VFD Front panel display</a>.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 15px">Low Noise Design</span></em></strong>:</p><p></p><p>After installing all components it turned out that the system was way to loud. So I removed the preinstalled case fans and replaced the internal PSU by the external passive cooled <a href="http://www.hifiatx.com/html/index.html" target="_blank">mCubed EF16 165W PSU</a>. I additionally replaced the original CPU Cooler (about 70mm, very annoying sound) with a 120x120x25 Papst 4412 F/2GLL Cooler using a Cooler-adapter onto the original CPU heatsink. I eventually added a Sharkoon Silent Eagle 80x80 for sucking air out of the case (which was not really necessary at all but as it is not noticeable I was OK with it).</p><p></p><p><em>Afterwards the system looked something like this</em>:</p><p><img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/htpc1.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=249&ppmi=1155" target="_blank">Samsung HD103UJ HDD</a> was sort of quiet from the beginning, but not quiet enough for my taste. I then used the Samsung <a href="http://www.samsung.com/Products/HardDiskDrive/utilities/hutil.htm" target="_blank">HUTIL</a> application to turn on AAM (Automatic accoustic management) and put in some rubber silent brackets to make it even more quiet this way <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 15px">Remote control</span></em></strong>:</p><p></p><p>Well I then considered how to control the HTPC most efficiently. I tested some remote handheld trackballs (<a href="http://www.trust.com/products/product.aspx?artnr=14832" target="_blank">Trust</a> and <a href="http://www.targus.com/de/product_details.asp?sku=AMP01EU" target="_blank">Targus</a>) and the <a href="http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/DE/DE,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=10929" target="_blank">Logitech Harmony 525 </a>. The trackballs didn't provide enough functions in my opinion and the Harmony 525 does not work precisely enough in combination with the <a href="http://www.soundgraph.de/vfd.html" target="_blank">iMon VFD</a> which comes along with the <a href="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa" target="_blank">Silverstone LC11MS</a> Case.</p><p>So I decided to go a completely unusual way by ordering a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiimote" target="_blank">Wii Remote</a>. It is the standard input device for the Nintendo Wii gaming console. This nice piece of technology provides some very handy features. It is connected via Bluetooth and has a very unique interface design since it reacts on movement and relative positioning to an infrared target. I'm using <a href="http://carl.kenner.googlepages.com/glovepie" target="_blank">Glovepie</a>, an application which allows to freely create scripts to determine which input from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiimote" target="_blank">WiiMote</a> result in which action on the Computer. So for example a roll of a specified amount of degrees results in emulating the Mousewheel function, the buttons also are programmed the way I need them, the LED's which are normally used to indicate the player number are used to display the battery level.</p><p></p><p>I eventually replaced the WiiMote with a <a href="http://www.gyration.com/p-21-universal-remote-control-for-pc-media-center-and-audiovideo-functions.aspx" target="_blank">Gyration GYR3101US</a>. See <a href="https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/gyration_mce_remote_supported-t29641.html?p=194880#post194880" target="_blank">this</a> thread for more information about mapping it for MediaPortal.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 15px">Software used</span></em></strong>:</p><p></p><p>Since this computer isn't used as a dedicated MediaCenter PC I installed <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/germany/windowsserver2003/uebersicht/default.mspx" target="_blank">Windows Server 2003 SP2 R2</a> (I need this, because I use Active Directory, DNS Server and Fileserver on this Computer).</p><p></p><p>Based on this OS I installed the newest Drivers for my Hardware, reconfigured the OS, since it normally isn't able to handle multimedia like it is needed for MediaPortal and then continued to the HTPC part. (I skip the detailed Multimedia configuration part, you can ask if you are interested <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> )</p><p></p><p>I am using a singleseat Server / client configuration of MediaPortal but I won't describe this part in more details... everybody should know how this works <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" /> </p><p></p><p><em>The mediacenter now looks kind of this</em>:</p><p><img src="http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/htpc2.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I hope that this article was worth reading for some of you. If you would like to know further details just ask <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite6" alt=":cool:" title="Cool :cool:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":cool:" /> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So long...</p><p></p><p>-level20peon</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="level20peon, post: 146617, member: 28613"] Hello guys, I hereby want to introduce my HTPC. Maybe this helps some of you who are considering in buying new hardware or configuring existing Hardware or Software. I started this project back in December 2006 so some details might be not up to date ;) [SIZE="4"][I][B]Here are the requirements I considered before I chose what parts to use[/B][/I]:[/SIZE] - Low Power Usage (since I use the PC for Server-purposes it runs 24/7) - Low- /No-Noise Design - Decent performance - Simple non exorbitant design [SIZE="4"][I][B]So, first of all here is a list of used components[/B][/I]:[/SIZE] [U][B]CPU[/B]: [URL="http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG"]Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1830MHz) FCPGA6 2MB 65nm FSB667 [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/intel.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]Case[/B]: [URL="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa"]Silverstone LC11MS HTPC-Case [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/silverstone.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]Mainboard[/B]: [URL="http://www.aopen.de/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2064"]AOpen i945GTm-VHL Mainboard [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/aopen.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]TV-Card:[/B]: [URL="http://www.digital-everywhere.com/cms/en/cms_daten/html/13_09_04_11_09_11.html"]Digital Everywhere FloppyDTV C/CI Full [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/digitaleverywhere.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]RAM:[/B]: [URL="http://www.corsair.com/products/notebook_memory.aspx"]2x 1024MB Corsair SODIMM 667MHz DDR2 RAM [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/corsair.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]HDD[/B]: [URL="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=249&ppmi=1155"]Samsung HD103UJ 1000 GB 7200rpm 32MB HDD [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/samsung.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]PSU[/B]: [URL="http://www.hifiatx.com/html/index.html"]mCubed EF16 external 165W PSU [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/mcubed.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]DVD-Drive[/B]: [URL="http://www.plextor-europe.com/products/px-760a.asp?choice=PX-760A"]Plextor PX-760SA/T3K SATA CD-/DVD-Burner [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/plextor.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]GFX-Card[/B]: [URL="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html"]Nvidia GeForce 6600LE passive [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/nvidia.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]CAM[/B]: [URL="http://www.alphacrypt.de/index_light.html"]Alphacrypt Light CAM-Module [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/alphacrypt.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [U][B]Remote[/B]: [URL="http://www.gyration.com/p-21-universal-remote-control-for-pc-media-center-and-audiovideo-functions.aspx"]Gyration GYR3101US [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/GYR3101US.gif[/IMG][/URL][/U] [I][B]miscellaneous parts[/B][/I]: [U]GH-PELX16-C7 PCI-Express X16 flexible Riser card [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/riser.gif[/IMG][/U] [U]Cooler 120x120x25 Papst 4412 F/2GLL 0,72W 18db-max [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/papst.gif[/IMG][/U] [U]Cooler 80x80x25 Sharkoon Silent Eagle 8,9db-max [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/Sharkoon.gif[/IMG][/U] [U]80-120 Cooler-adapter 80mm to 120mm[/U] ([I]These parts alltogether cost around 1600€[/I]) [SIZE="4"][B][I]System Setup[/I]:[/B][/SIZE] As you can see I used a Socket 479 Mainboard which is a Notebook derivated model along with the [URL="http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG"]Intel Core 2 Duo T5600[/URL] Notebook CPU. I also added an [URL="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html"]Nvidia GeForce 6600LE[/URL] passive cooled GFX-card. These components ensure minimal power consumption over the long run while providing sufficient performance. The [URL="http://www.nvidia.de/page/specs_6600.html"]GeForce 6600LE[/URL] is fully DirectX 9.0c compatible and provides enough performance to run MediaPortal smoothly while consuming as little power as possible (I had to use a flexible PCI-Express risercard). I ordered an [URL="http://ati.amd.com/products/RadeonX1300/specs.html"]ati X1300[/URL] passive cooled card as well in order to test the video output quality but they seem to be nearly equal in quality and since the Nvidia card consumes less power for the same performance, I chose this one. The system temperature does not exceed about 45°C under heavy load at room temperatures around 28°C. Power consumption under heavy load does not exceed 70 Watts, consumption in idle mode is around 55 Watts! The [URL="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa"]Silverstone LC11MS[/URL] was the best choice in my case since its small, although providing enough space for my needs, it has a marvellous brushed alluminium design and last but not least a [URL="http://www.soundgraph.de/vfd.html"]VFD Front panel display[/URL]. [B][I][SIZE="4"]Low Noise Design[/SIZE][/I][/B]: After installing all components it turned out that the system was way to loud. So I removed the preinstalled case fans and replaced the internal PSU by the external passive cooled [URL="http://www.hifiatx.com/html/index.html"]mCubed EF16 165W PSU[/URL]. I additionally replaced the original CPU Cooler (about 70mm, very annoying sound) with a 120x120x25 Papst 4412 F/2GLL Cooler using a Cooler-adapter onto the original CPU heatsink. I eventually added a Sharkoon Silent Eagle 80x80 for sucking air out of the case (which was not really necessary at all but as it is not noticeable I was OK with it). [I]Afterwards the system looked something like this[/I]: [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/htpc1.gif[/IMG] The [URL="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=61&subtype=63&model_cd=249&ppmi=1155"]Samsung HD103UJ HDD[/URL] was sort of quiet from the beginning, but not quiet enough for my taste. I then used the Samsung [URL="http://www.samsung.com/Products/HardDiskDrive/utilities/hutil.htm"]HUTIL[/URL] application to turn on AAM (Automatic accoustic management) and put in some rubber silent brackets to make it even more quiet this way :). [B][I][SIZE="4"]Remote control[/SIZE][/I][/B]: Well I then considered how to control the HTPC most efficiently. I tested some remote handheld trackballs ([URL="http://www.trust.com/products/product.aspx?artnr=14832"]Trust[/URL] and [URL="http://www.targus.com/de/product_details.asp?sku=AMP01EU"]Targus[/URL]) and the [URL="http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/DE/DE,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=10929"]Logitech Harmony 525 [/URL]. The trackballs didn't provide enough functions in my opinion and the Harmony 525 does not work precisely enough in combination with the [URL="http://www.soundgraph.de/vfd.html"]iMon VFD[/URL] which comes along with the [URL="http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc11&area=usa"]Silverstone LC11MS[/URL] Case. So I decided to go a completely unusual way by ordering a [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiimote"]Wii Remote[/URL]. It is the standard input device for the Nintendo Wii gaming console. This nice piece of technology provides some very handy features. It is connected via Bluetooth and has a very unique interface design since it reacts on movement and relative positioning to an infrared target. I'm using [URL="http://carl.kenner.googlepages.com/glovepie"]Glovepie[/URL], an application which allows to freely create scripts to determine which input from the [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiimote"]WiiMote[/URL] result in which action on the Computer. So for example a roll of a specified amount of degrees results in emulating the Mousewheel function, the buttons also are programmed the way I need them, the LED's which are normally used to indicate the player number are used to display the battery level. I eventually replaced the WiiMote with a [URL="http://www.gyration.com/p-21-universal-remote-control-for-pc-media-center-and-audiovideo-functions.aspx"]Gyration GYR3101US[/URL]. See [URL="https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/gyration_mce_remote_supported-t29641.html?p=194880#post194880"]this[/URL] thread for more information about mapping it for MediaPortal. [B][I][SIZE="4"]Software used[/SIZE][/I][/B]: Since this computer isn't used as a dedicated MediaCenter PC I installed [URL="http://www.microsoft.com/germany/windowsserver2003/uebersicht/default.mspx"]Windows Server 2003 SP2 R2[/URL] (I need this, because I use Active Directory, DNS Server and Fileserver on this Computer). Based on this OS I installed the newest Drivers for my Hardware, reconfigured the OS, since it normally isn't able to handle multimedia like it is needed for MediaPortal and then continued to the HTPC part. (I skip the detailed Multimedia configuration part, you can ask if you are interested ;) ) I am using a singleseat Server / client configuration of MediaPortal but I won't describe this part in more details... everybody should know how this works :P [I]The mediacenter now looks kind of this[/I]: [IMG]http://sickos.org/~w4r/FTP/htpc/htpc2.gif[/IMG] I hope that this article was worth reading for some of you. If you would like to know further details just ask :cool: So long... -level20peon [/QUOTE]
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