Best of Breed HTPC Case

[mightyt]

I currently have your run of the mill PC sitting in my entertainment center. Was considering upgrading my son's PC, but thought maybe I'd invest in my Sage Server and give him the PC. I am tired of all the fan noise coming from the PC , and besides, rather than put money for better components in to this PC I'd just consider building a new one from the ground up. So, here are my questions ...

I have looked around for some time for real HTPC cases that would disappear in to my entertainment center like any normal piece of CE A/V equipment. Not really interested in the Shuttle type cases you would find at Frys or CompUSA.

1 - What are the best of breed cases for HTPC?
2 - Is it possible to find any that support 4 PCI slots and 4 internal HD's?
3 - Should I wait around for BTX MoBo's and cases with PCIe?

Probably asking a lot ... but any thoughts, experiences, links would be appreciated.

Thanks, T.

[dagar]

Ahanix D5 (a new version due out sometime this decade) www.ahanix.com and the HT-400 (company just changed names) most readily fit the bill. Silverstonetek.com makes a few nice cases which are more polarizing in their style. If you have the bucks, Google for the "Heatsink case". That is a simply amazing case ... but it'll cost you!

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Pro...ases/ht400.asp

Cases don't care about PCIe and I wouldn't lose sleep at night over BTX.

Personally I'd avoid making the HTPC the server as well. It saves noise, power, heat, etc. All of those requirements become expensive in a single box. Unless you don't care about heat, noise, etc.

For more info check http://www.htpcnews.com

[salsbst]

Heatsink case:
http://www.atechfabrication.com/

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by dagar

Personally I'd avoid making the HTPC the server as well. It saves noise, power, heat, etc. All of those requirements become expensive in a single box. Unless you don't care about heat, noise, etc.

Thanks for the advice and info ...

Not sure what you mean ... Today my Sage Server sits in the same entertainment center as my TV and other A/V equipment. Are you saying not to replace the regular PC with a new HTPC style case and noiseless components?

T.

[salsbst]

When you say "Sage Server" it implies that you are using SageTV in a client/server configuration. Many of us who do this keep the server in a back room / closet / basement. In such cases, it makes no sense to use a custom HTPC-type case for the server.

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by salsbst

When you say "Sage Server" it implies that you are using SageTV in a client/server configuration. Many of us who do this keep the server in a back room / closet / basement. In such cases, it makes no sense to use a custom HTPC-type case for the server.

What I have is a PC in with the TV, etc. and load it up with SageTV (the server software). I also have a PC on my network that accesses the server which uses SageTV Client. So, I guess this is client/server ... Isn't this the prefered model?

[kny3twalker]

one good place to look is pcalchemy.com

they have all the SilverStone Cases and Ahanix(misspelled) Cases

they look great and are not quite as expensive as the HT 400B and Atech Cases

the best are the Atech Cases if you are willing to pay for it

[stanger89]

I've got a D.Vine 4 and IMO it's the best of the Ahanix line since it take full size components (ATX motherboard, power supply). And it definitely blends into the rack (see pick). But the ATech Fab cases are definitely in a league of their own.

[mightyt]

Very Cool ...

I have compiled your recommendation with some pix of each and approx. costs ... Wish I had the $$ for the HeatSync Case ...

Thanks for you advice ... T.

[natesneat2000]

This is so obvioiusly the BEST HTPC case. Especially on a tight budget, with a PSU, behind a closed door, and with no one ever seeing it . I'm sold.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...156-011&depa=1

For some reason, this forum seems to make me stupid first the whole Plextor deal, then not posting the link--maybe it has to do with newegg

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by natesneat2000

This is so obviously the BEST HTPC case. Especially on a tight budget, with a PSU, behind a closed door, and with no one ever seeing it . I'm sold.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...156-011&depa=1

For some reason, this forum seems to make me stupid first the whole Plextor deal, then not posting the link--maybe it has to do with newegg

No doubt for ~$15 you can get a better deal on a vanilla case with lots of room ... However, that isn't really where I was going ... review my original post ... am looking for an HTPC case for the Entertainment Center that blends in with typical A/V equipment and yet has as much space as possible for slots and HD's.

There were several great suggestions made along these lines.

You are right though, for a hidden HPTC that would be a good deal ...

Thanks, T.

[silkshadow]

This is the case I was using before trying to make my server 2003 box into a HTPC: http://www.silverpcs.com/product/CS_PC9300. I am hoping it will become a Sage client but hope is fading fast as I am having too mcuh difficulties getting Sage working right.

[natesneat2000]

</sarcasm> I would never put one of this where it could be seen or heard

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by natesneat2000

This is so obvioiusly the BEST HTPC case. Especially on a tight budget, with a PSU, behind a closed door, and with no one ever seeing it . I'm sold.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...156-011&depa=1

Actually this is the best cheapo case I know of. Slide in/out drive bays, between my (2) fiends and me, we've got like 5-6 of these cases.

[krutaw]

Originally Posted by mightyt

I currently have your run of the mill PC sitting in my entertainment center.

Have you thought about throwing the sage "server" in a closet somewhere and running ethernet cable and using MVP's to show video on the tv's? I ask only because they're not only fairly stylish, but also provide a very nice output to the tv from what I've read.

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by krutaw

Have you thought about throwing the sage "server" in a closet somewhere and running ethernet cable and using MVP's to show video on the tv's? I ask only because they're not only fairly stylish, but also provide a very nice output to the tv from what I've read.

Yep ... With Matt's providing the MVP Client for SageTV in another thread I am seriously considering it ... my problem is still getting the cable (any cable) to the Entertainment Center. But, that is an option to consider ...

Thanks, T.

[krutaw]

Originally Posted by mightyt

Yep ... With Matt's providing the MVP Client for SageTV in another thread I am seriously considering it ... my problem is still getting the cable (any cable) to the Entertainment Center. But, that is an option to consider ...

Thanks, T.

Umm.. Do you have regular coax running to the entertainment center? If so, why not use it to pull an ethernet cable to the same spot?

Basically what I'm talking about is tracing back the coax to it's source (usually not to far). Then attaching a pull cord (get the good stuff - nylon so it doesn't break) and pulling the cable back to it's source. Then attach an ethernet cable to the coax/nylon connection and pull it back to where it was originally. Thus, you would have coax and ethernet where you have the coax connected originally, and with a faceplate from the hardware store, you're in business with an ethernet and coax jack.

I know it's a tidbit of work, but way worth it to get everything wired up the way you need it.

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by krutaw

Umm.. Do you have regular coax running to the entertainment center? If so, why not use it to pull an Ethernet cable to the same spot?

Basically what I'm talking about is tracing back the coax to it's source (usually not to far). Then attaching a pull cord (get the good stuff - nylon so it doesn't break) and pulling the cable back to its source. Then attach an Ethernet cable to the coax/nylon connection and pull it back to where it was originally. Thus, you would have coax and ethernet where you have the coax connected originally, and with a faceplate from the hardware store, you're in business with an Ethernet and coax jack.

I know it's a tidbit of work, but way worth it to get everything wired up the way you need it.

Yes, I do ... but being a two story house the cable is probably running somewhere between the two floors. If it were one story with an attic, I might consider snaking it. The way it is now I am not very confident I would be successful. I'd probably just jack up the coax.

BTW ... Anyone have any idea when the HeatSync Case will arrive on the streets or about how much it will cost? It looks very interesting, but I am not sure I want to wait too long.

Thanks, T.

[dagar]

They are available now. The are custom built by the guy and (I think) it takes a couple of months to show up.

[salsbst]

The 3000, 4000 and 5000 lines are all in production. The batches scheduled for shipping 12/20/04 are still open for orders.

The 6000 is not yet in production.