Completed Upgrade time, help and advice needed (1 Viewer)

[Bigtime5001]

Hi Guys,

need some advice if u dont mind before I take the plunge, my current setup is as follows:

Case: Chenbro Mozart
Mbd: Intel D965WGH
Ram: Samsung 2gb 2600 DDR2
CPU: Intel core 2 Duo 1.86
Hdd: 3X WD 500GB SATA RE2 16MB Cache
Video: ATI Radeon x600
Tuner: Hauppage HVR1300
Media Centre Remote
O/S: Windows XP Pro running latest SVN of Media Portal
32" Sharp Aquos Lcd

Think thats all of it....lol

Now I have decide to do a fresh install on the machine and whilst I am at it put everything In a nice shiny new case. Only problem I just Cant decide on the best case to get.

My current case is a little on the large size and would prefer something smaller I have looked at the Antec Fusion which looks like a good choice, ok yes I know I would have to change my Mbd to a Micro-ATX but I cant see that realy being a problem.

From what I read on the net the fusion has no built in support for the Microsoft remote does anyone know if this is correct ?

Also what do people think about using optical for the sound to an amp, currently I run from the onboard optical output to my AV reciever. Am I going to notice any difference if I change to a mbd that does not have the optical out ?

Sorry if this was a little long winded but thanks for any help and suggestions

 

[trevor]

I looked at the fusion as well, from what I read it does not have an IR receiver, just a vfd and there is no room for a IR receiver - there are some reviews on the web but cant remember the URL's. The IR support it seems is for the remote IR receiver that comes with the MCE cards.

Trevor

 

[G.B. Wolf]

As I bought the Fusion a couple of weeks ago: No, there isn't any IR-receiver build in.

A nice review I bookmarked can be found here.

Am I going to notice any difference if I change to a mbd that does not have the optical out ?

I couldn't recognize any difference between optical and SP/DIF.

 

[Bigtime5001]

Thanx for the reply guys,

I have nearly made my mind up on this, looks like if I go for the antec fusion, I am going to have to change my mbd to an Intel d965OT. Still abit dubious about going to a smaller case but we will see.