opinions on ITX hardware, cases, power supplies etc

[tvmaster2]

I'm looking at mini itx as a possible extender solution, with other possible uses down the road.
Is anyone using mini ITX motherboards, cases, etc for Sage Client/Server systems?
Any recommendations? The power supply seems to be the biggest mystery, aka 65w would be great to save power, but can it power two or three 2.5" drives, a cpu, etc?
Is there either a OTA HD tuner that fits these small footprints?
The Antec cases look nice...any other opinions?
I was looking at a Mac Mini at one point, but one of these ITX builds might be a better way to go...

thoughts?

[jchiso]

I haven't really messed with a mini-itx platform for client playback in about ten years now, but the biggest challenges used to be quietly cooling the system. That being said, you'd probably be better off going with a book-sized, barebones system. I just placed an order for this Foxconn E-350 system today for $155 with free shipping. Its specs are more than adequate for a fully-functional SageTV client.

[Fuzzy]

HEC compucase make some great mini-itx cases (sold through newegg). I've been using one for a year and a half or so, and it's great. I've got an i3-530 in it, and it plays back everything flawlessly. I haven't seen an E-350 in action, but it SHOULD be capable enough. As for the power supply. A 200W power supply will draw the same as a 65W power supply when connected to a fixed load < 65W. my i3 client maxes out at about 60W, with a single laptop harddrive. I'd shoot for the 100W range, as that should be enough for any HTPC class hardware.

[George M]

I have been thinking about building one of these also. I have a couple of client licences to use.

It would be great if people could list here the components that have proven to work for a sage client. On some threads I have read, the E350 did not seem to be adequate.

[wayner]

I am just putting together a mini-ITX system to act as a client. I am using an HDPlex H3.S case, the Zotac H67-ITX mobo, an i3-2100 CPU, an SSD and 4GB of RAM. The case uses heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum case body so there is no CPU fan. There will be no moving parts in the system so it will be totally silent. I will be using the on-board graphics of the Sandy Bridge CPU which should be plenty for an HTPC.

I don't know that I would use a mini-ITX for a server though. When it comes to a client there really isn't much need for more than one hard drive so power shouldn't be an issue. In fact this case is far bigger than I need since it has room for a 3.5" hard drive.

Here is the case that I am using. It is not cheap at around $300 including PSU and IR receiver/remote.


Antec's smallest case is the ISK-100 but it appears to have some issues and hasn't received very good reviews.

By the way, for hardware like this www.silentpcreview.com is an excellent resource.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by wayner

I am just putting together a mini-ITX system to act as a client. I am using an HDPlex H3.S case, the Zotac H67-ITX mobo, an i3-2100 CPU, an SSD and 4GB of RAM. The case uses heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum case body so there is no CPU fan. There will be no moving parts in the system so it will be totally silent. I will be using the on-board graphics of the Sandy Bridge CPU which should be plenty for an HTPC.

I don't know that I would use a mini-ITX for a server though. When it comes to a client there really isn't much need for more than one hard drive so power shouldn't be an issue. In fact this case is far bigger than I need since it has room for a 3.5" hard drive.

Here is the case that I am using. It is not cheap at around $300 including PSU and IR receiver/remote.


Antec's smallest case is the ISK-100 but it appears to have some issues and hasn't received very good reviews.

By the way, for hardware like this www.silentpcreview.com is an excellent resource.

nice - thanks... I like the quiet case, and the low wattage PS.

PS - what's the purpose of the remote control that's included with this case? Can it be programmed in any way to control SageClient software?

[PLUCKYHD]

If you are going intel I would definately use only a intel motherboard much better reliability and you get the intel NIC. the zotac's have had some reliability issues in my experience for htpc usage they are overkill.

[jchiso]

Originally Posted by George M

... It would be great if people could list here the components that have proven to work for a sage client. On some threads I have read, the E350 did not seem to be adequate.

An E350 would work for a Client with Windows7. I have not tried it with XP or Vista yet ...

[wayner]

Originally Posted by PLUCKYHD

If you are going intel I would definately use only a intel motherboard much better reliability and you get the intel NIC. the zotac's have had some reliability issues in my experience for htpc usage they are overkill.

Unfortunately I already bought my Zotac mobo a while ago and I don't think I can return it. The Intel is also a bit lower in terms of power consumption but I think it is a bit more expensive.

I bought all of my components and then the case took longer to arrive than expected.