mITX HTPC build - Advice needed

wait a sec, so you want a 2TB hard drive that act as OS drive + storage drive?

It'll store all of it's own media yes, BR-rips, music etc.

It won't be needed for anything more advanced then that storage wise.

Ok so, is the APEX case too big?

we need to know,,,

Just took some measurements - it would fit with about an inch room above, but to be honest, I'm not to keen on the plastic front! and confused why it has a 3.5" drive bay shield!

I much prefer the LC19 I mentioned earlier, full aluminium, and only 2.68 inches tall! Would would go lovely in my entertainment unit.

Just going back to the onboard CPU/GPU - just comparing the Atom D525 w/ ion2 with the E-350 with Radeon HD 6310, which one is the better performer?

wilco3d Wrote:Just took some measurements - it would fit with about an inch room above, but to be honest, I'm not to keen on the plastic front! and confused why it has a 3.5" drive bay shield!

I much prefer the LC19 I mentioned earlier, full aluminium, and only 2.68 inches tall! Would would go lovely in my entertainment unit.

i see, and i'm suggesting to go with whatever make you happier!

wilco3d Wrote:Just going back to the onboard CPU/GPU - just comparing the Atom D525 w/ ion2 with the E-350 with Radeon HD 6310, which one is the better performer?

i don't have the atom d525, but my asrock e350m1 w/ hd 6310 can playback everything i threw at it so far.

eskro Wrote:WiFi-G on the ZOTAC GF9300-K-E is reviewed as not so good,,,

Not to change the subject - I have this board running Linux. Mileage may vary on Windows, can't comment on that.
The WiFi card (board actually) stopped working, but would work for a while after a reboot. Eventually my system would not boot unless I unplugged it from the board. Sent it back for replacement, same problem. The replacement worked fine if the cover was off the case, so I turned the card around and stood it upright, installed a small fan to blow air over the chip and it works fine. I get 20 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up, will hold a solid signal. Don't know for sure if the problem is the board or poor air flow thru the case (MI-008) more than likely both, but I got it working. If you can find this board cheap, or for any current owner with this problem and don't mind the looks on the outside (back) of the case, it would be very easy to mount the WiFi card on the outside of the case to eliminate the extra fan, or if you have a card in the slot.

........ end of hijack.

wilco3d, btw, post#8 i created took me an Hour to create....
searching for UK prices took me some time man,,,
ok back on topic...

if you like the LC19 case,
why not go with the SilverStone ML03B??

Here's your complete system!!
a build like this would be perfect!!
with amazing WiFi capabilities!!!

CPU: Intel Pentium G840
CASE: SilverStone ML03B
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-H61M-S2-B3
HDD: Deskstar 5K3000 2TB
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 380W
GPU: ASUS HD5450
RAM: Kingston HyperX 4GB (2x2GB)
WiFi: ASUS PCE-N13
TOTAL of --> ~£314,24 Shipped to your door!!

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciate it! I'll be ordering in the week :-)

so your set on?