Mini-ITX HTPC

[enigma54]

I did a search and found many HTPC threads but very few using a mini-ITX form factor, which is what I want to use. I've been reading about the recently introduced Intel DG45FC mobo, which seems to have gotten good reviews. Has anyone built one of these? Can you recommend components and cases that will work well together? I want to build a HTPC for the kitchen to watch some TV and do some internet surfing.

Thanks!

[g0lden0rchard]

I like the Silverstone LC-11 case
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article228-page1.html

[Digital_Domain]

^Micro-ATX is larger compared to a mini-ITX board. Micro-ATX = 24.4cm x 24.4cm versus mini-ITX = 17cm x 17cm.

I'd suggest changing the title to something else. What you're trying to build is more like a slim PC rather than an HTPC. What kind of space do you have to work with? Some kitchens I know have limited counter space so a small footprint is sometimes wanted. Are you planning to wall mount it on the back splash with the computer under it, or have you thought about maybe mounting the computer inside the counters below? There's a lot of ways you can do this.

I'll just throw some stuff out. Check out PC cases used in car mods, specifically car PC's. They have cases that basically look like amps and are small enough to be hidden under the front car seats. Since it's going to be a mini-ITX and low power draw, check out Pico power supplies.

[ppl4golf]

I like the Silverstone LC-11 case
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article228-page1.html

Oh Please...do you know anything about the SilverStone LC11 ??

It is a nice and sexy case (I use one in my bedroom) but it is so 'restricted' that I'd consider it obsolete.

[ppl4golf]

I did a search and found many HTPC threads but very few using a mini-ITX form factor, which is what I want to use. I've been reading about the recently introduced Intel DG45FC mobo, which seems to have gotten good reviews. Has anyone built one of these? Can you recommend components and cases that will work well together? I want to build a HTPC for the kitchen to watch some TV and do some internet surfing.

Thanks!

Intel anything before X4500 is garb and I consider them not good enough as an all-in-one mobo (for me anyways, been there done that).

If you just surf and watch some SD content it's ok. If you look hard, you may find some 780G mobo in ITX format.


EDIT : I G'd the mobo in the 1st post and it is the new X4500HD chipset so it should do it (just not cheaply)

[mr_raider]

YEah I looked at it. Mobo selection is awful, too many compromises. If you want small, go mATX with a slim case and half-height PCI cards.

[enigma54]

^Micro-ATX is larger compared to a mini-ITX board. Micro-ATX = 24.4cm x 24.4cm versus mini-ITX = 17cm x 17cm.

I'd suggest changing the title to something else. What you're trying to build is more like a slim PC rather than an HTPC. What kind of space do you have to work with? Some kitchens I know have limited counter space so a small footprint is sometimes wanted. Are you planning to wall mount it on the back splash with the computer under it, or have you thought about maybe mounting the computer inside the counters below? There's a lot of ways you can do this.

I'll just throw some stuff out. Check out PC cases used in car mods, specifically car PC's. They have cases that basically look like amps and are small enough to be hidden under the front car seats. Since it's going to be a mini-ITX and low power draw, check out Pico power supplies.

I know mini-ITX is smaller than micro-ATX - mini-ITX is what I want. I have a good 6' of counter space where I want this computer and LCD to be located so I can even go with a full-size ATX, but I quite like the mini-ITX form factor.

I was hoping for specific component recommendations that people have used and know that they'll fit together in a specific mini-ITX case.

[Digital_Domain]

I know mini-ITX is smaller than micro-ATX - mini-ITX is what I want. I have a good 6' of counter space where I want this computer and LCD to be located so I can even go with a full-size ATX, but I quite like the mini-ITX form factor.

I was hoping for specific component recommendations that people have used and know that they'll fit together in a specific mini-ITX case.
The micro-ATX was more directed toward g0lden0rchard.

I've used a few VIA boards and generally always used a Pico power supply with them. Never really messed around with the cases though so I can't help there (they were mounted in tables, or had custom cases). Both Windows and linux distros work well on them. This was like 2-3 years ago, so I have no idea what's good or not now. Try looking into car PC's as they're the most likely to know what's good in the mini-ITX world. I can't remember the forum, but that's where I went when I was looking into mini-ITX.

[Bskll]

if you really want itx-sized computer, don't forget shuttle.

[morglum82]

I want to run a computer 24/7 as a server (asterisk mosty, but also ftp and http) and for torrenting.

I currently use my unslung NSLU2 and it works like a charm. Uses only about 10W and is completely silent.

The thing is that I just installed asterisk on it and 32 MB of ram is on the short side.

Which means I'll want to get a small form computer.
I dont really care about the size. But I want to be as quiet as possible and consume the less power possible.

Question:
Do mATX computers needs more power than micro-ITX computers ? Any averages around?

Thanks,
S

[pluto]

Do mATX computers needs more power than micro-ITX computers ?

I don't think the form factor dictates the power consumption quite as much as the components you put in the PC. Obviously mATX allows more room for expansion (more hard drive, PCI/PCIE cards, etc.) so if you load the machine up with hardware its going to use more power. Also the power supply would have an impact, you want to size it for the equipment you are putting inside and not too large (or small).

I'm intrigued by building a mini-ITX HTPC but I'm really not that limited for space so I'm sticking to mATX for now, for the ability to add TV Tuners mostly. I did see a really tiny USB ATSC/QAM tuner from Asus (meant as an addon to their EEE box I guess) which is interesting however. There isn't much point in having a tiny little (HT)PC if you are going to have a bunch of extra USB devices dangling off of it IMHO - better to get something with a somewhat larger footprint and everything internal.

[enigma54]

I don't think the form factor dictates the power consumption quite as much as the components you put in the PC. Obviously mATX allows more room for expansion (more hard drive, PCI/PCIE cards, etc.) so if you load the machine up with hardware its going to use more power. Also the power supply would have an impact, you want to size it for the equipment you are putting inside and not too large (or small).

I'm intrigued by building a mini-ITX HTPC but I'm really not that limited for space so I'm sticking to mATX for now, for the ability to add TV Tuners mostly. I did see a really tiny USB ATSC/QAM tuner from Asus (meant as an addon to their EEE box I guess) which is interesting however. There isn't much point in having a tiny little (HT)PC if you are going to have a bunch of extra USB devices dangling off of it IMHO - better to get something with a somewhat larger footprint and everything internal.

What mATX cases have you looked at or are considering for HTPC? I'm really hooked on the Nexus Psile mini-ITX case and want to build a system around it, but not sure what components to use for it as i last put together a system 5 years ago and I'm not as familiar with the new chipsets and mobos:

http://www.psile.com/media/m370.jpg

[morglum82]

What mATX cases have you looked at or are considering for HTPC? I'm really hooked on the Nexus Psile mini-ITX case and want to build a system around it, but not sure what components to use for it as i last put together a system 5 years ago and I'm not as familiar with the new chipsets and mobos:

http://www.psile.com/media/m370.jpg

wow
that looks like the coolest case to get..
until you realize it's 400$ for the case (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31092&vpn=PILECASEBLK&manufacture=Nexus%20Technology%20USA)

[enigma54]

wow
that looks like the coolest case to get..
until you realize it's 400$ for the case (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31092&vpn=PILECASEBLK&manufacture=Nexus%20Technology%20USA)

That's why I didn't post it in Hot Deals! ;)

You have better suggestions for cases?

[mr_raider]

And no PSU! Considering I built a whole HTPC for 300$ using an Antec Minuet case, I'm not impressed.

[enigma54]

And no PSU! Considering I built a whole HTPC for 300$ using an Antec Minuet case, I'm not impressed.

I'm not going for best value here, but rather size and esthetics.

[ppl4golf]

And no PSU! Considering I built a whole HTPC for 300$ using an Antec Minuet case, I'm not impressed.

I love the Minuet case. In the kitchen, I am using a 3 years old wannabe version from AOpen with 200W PSU and I am still waiting for it to die so I can pick up the Minuet. I am all low-profile ready.

[lead]

I built one out of the nikao case that only cost 30 bucks. My experience with with building your own htpc is your always left with wanting more. What I mean is once its done you'll want it to do more.

I started just wanting something to play music and movies. Now it does that and runs a dual tuner pvr/streams to media tanks/plays video games/file server. I also added a printer server to it since it runs 24/7.

In the end you look back and what you really need is a motherboard with atleast 2 or more slots(remember new vid cards today run dual slot tuners), dual core atleast. Exceptionally energy efficiency with a working wol.

The fact hybrid power doesn't seem to work with nvidia/intel chipsets I'd go amd for htpc, even though mine was built around intel.

Itx usually has one slot either pcie-1x or just a pci. Not much room for expansion. Then you start chucking them in those itx towers with pico psu(pricey) only to find that it can't support multiple hard drives(no room not enough juice). I love itx they make great media tanks but lousey htpc's