nmediapc HTPC cases

[dranockcir]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting one of these http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...160-005&DEPA=0
and was wondering if anyone has one or has heard anything about them good or bad. Usually I can find user comments on things like this but haven't been able to. Any Comments?

Thanks!

[mdmint]

I wouldn't touch it for numerous reasons:
Case
*appears to be limited to mini-ATX mobo (which is included)
*single exhaust fan of unknown size
*standard a/v equipment 17" wide, it's 15' wide so won't visually fit in.

Mobo included way funky:
*only 10/100 nic, where's the gigabit, please!
*only 3 pci slots
*built in video, I think not!
*no spdif audio output, and calling itself a Media HTPC, huh!

Much better HPTC case choices out there and MUCH better motherboards! Look at Ahanix & Silverstone HTPC cases for example.

[Scriber]

This Anandtech article may be of help.

[lovingHDTV]

I guess I would have to say "it depends" on what you want. Is it for a client or server?

For my client, I use a microATX board and a low-profile microATX case. I use the integrated video and digital sound, I don't see mention of a SPDIF. I don't need a large number of PCI slots because I don't have any PCI cards in the client machine. Those are all in the server box. The media card reader would be nice as would the LCD display, if you can get something to drive it.

I like the media connectivity in the front of the case hidden behind the doors as you will have access to them when you need them, but can also hide them normally. It looks to have a nice heat sink for the processor so heat may not be an issue for playback.

For a server, I would not get it for the reasons mdmint mentioned above and for my use as a client I would miss the SPDIF output.

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by lovingHDTV

I guess I would have to say "it depends" on what you want. Is it for a client or server?

Agreed, depends on what it'll be used for. If using as a PC not in Home Theater room integrated with other A/V equipment might work ok.

Noticed one other major missing item for being called a HTPC (as in Home Theater PC), NO output to TV of any kind! How the heck can it be called a HTPC without even composite TV out let alone quality TV out types and once again a HTPC that doesn't support digital audio output? Somehow to me support of DVDs and their audio tracks part of a HTPC, kiss a DVD with DTS audio goodbye.

[lovingHDTV]

Something I find interesting (sent NMediaPC an email) is that the chipset they use support AC'97 audio, but they don't have digital audio at all? Too bad, it does have potential though, maybe buy the case, and get your own uATX board with the tvout and digital audio?

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by lovingHDTV

Something I find interesting (sent NMediaPC an email) is that the chipset they use support AC'97 audio, but they don't have digital audio at all? Too bad, it does have potential though, maybe buy the case, and get your own uATX board with the tvout and digital audio?

I can't say for 100% sure the mobo doesn't have spdif but it's not listed in the specs and doesn't appear to be there from the pics. Same for TV out. Browsed NMediapc website and also could find nada about either. They do list a 42" Plasma TV as one of their Products and likely works directly off the vga (detail specs link for the Plasma not active yet.) Also interesting, clicked on their support link - technical support & FAQ "coming soon". Not exactly confidence inspiring, but then they're a newly formed in 2004 company.

[heffe2001]

Actually those are bundles that apprear to be made by Newegg, as the manufacturer's home page doesn't mention any bundles with boards included. That would be how they are getting HTPC in the name, without the proper outputs. I'd suggest if you like the case, get the bare case model (much cheaper), and put whatever MATX board you want in it...

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by heffe2001

Actually those are bundles that apprear to be made by Newegg, as the manufacturer's home page doesn't mention any bundles with boards included. That would be how they are getting HTPC in the name, without the proper outputs. I'd suggest if you like the case, get the bare case model (much cheaper), and put whatever MATX board you want in it...

Checkout nmediapc site again and package contents. With motherboard is exactly how they're marketing them. http://www.nmediapc.com/images/datasheet_B.pdf
and back page of data sheet
http://www.nmediapc.com/images/datasheet_F.pdf

[stanger89]

Personally, if it can't be powered by a standard ATX power supply or by a brick, I don't want it. Mini/uATX power supplies are too limiting from a sound and possibley power perspective.

You could probably do as good or better if you went with a nice full-ATX HTPC case:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_inf...roducts_id/156

Plus that nMedia thingy has a VIA chipset, which I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole while wearing a bunny suit.

[heffe2001]

Didn't dig that far into it, but the main products page doesn't show a bare-bones config. Wonder who's boards they are using?

[lovingHDTV]

Here is the response I got from techsupport:

Hi, David:
The motherboard built in with one SPDIFF audio port, if you need an
"out" on the back, you have to call and order a PCI bracket from the
motherboard manufactory. They all should have that.
Thanks,
Jack
Tech Support
nMedia System, Inc.

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by lovingHDTV

Here is the response I got from techsupport:

Hi, David:
The motherboard built in with one SPDIFF audio port, if you need an
"out" on the back, you have to call and order a PCI bracket from the
motherboard manufactory. They all should have that.
Thanks,
Jack
Tech Support
nMedia System, Inc.

Hmmm, should say so on the spec sheet IMO. Oh, and sure, call and order from mobo mfg, whoever that may be! Weak...

If you really love the case just plan on tossing the POS mobo as others have suggested.

[mls]

I wouldn't call it a "POS" without knowing anything about it. The majority of motherboards that have on-board sound, Firewire, or Game ports don't come with the extra jacks. To use all the extra on my Asus P4P800 Deluxe or my GigaByte GA-8IPE1000 motherboards I would also have to purchase the back panel jacks and cable assemblies seperately.

That's the way motherboard makers have done things for a long time now.

The problem in this situation though is that they are calling it an HTPC bundle. In which case, either the case maker should have the extra jacks/cabling as part of the case, or nMedia should be including it as part of the kit. However, since not all people would need them, there's really no reason they should have to either as long as they are available from somewhere (perhaps even your local computer shop).

Besides, the on-board AC97 audio probably does support analog 5:1 channel output anyway for those that don't have a use/need for SP/DIF. What does bother me though is that micro ATX power supply. Like stanger89, I'm not impressed with that part at all.

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by mls

I wouldn't call it a "POS" without knowing anything about it.

I'm with Stanger on this one, VIA was all I needed to know. The missing TV out and audio ports etc. just details.

[Scriber]

Not to defend a case I've never used or seen but FWIW Newegg sells the case w/o a mobo too which makes it a bit more attractive...

[mls]

They also have a bundle with an Intel 865g chipset board if you don't like VIA. For me, it's the micro ATX power supply I don't like. Had one of those fry a while back that was only running a lowly 233MHz Pentium board.

[mdmint]

Originally Posted by Scriber

Not to defend a case I've never used or seen but FWIW Newegg sells the case w/o a mobo too which makes it a bit more attractive...

Now for $128+ s/h I'll agree that's not a bad little case.

Originally Posted by mls

They also have a bundle with an Intel 865g chipset board if you don't like VIA. For me, it's the micro ATX power supply I don't like. Had one of those fry a while back that was only running a lowly 233MHz Pentium board.

If I liked the case I wouldn't let that stop me. Everything fails, including 750w high-end many many hundred $$$ Server power supplies.

[stanger89]

The problem I have with mini power supplies is they limit you terribly, ie you can't get them passive or with 120mm fans.

[mightyt]

dranockcir ... If you haven't already, you might check out this thread for other possible options and some good discussion ....

http://forums.sage.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=8058

I am going with the SilverStone LC10M ... Hope to pick it up on Friday!!