2013-03-10, 23:56
Top priority: 0 dB, noiseless, fanless, no moving parts
Specifications:
CPU: Intel i3-3225, 3.3 GHz, TDP 55W, HD 4000
MoBo: Gigabyte Z77N-Wifi
RAM: Corsair XMS3 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
Case: Hdplex H3.S + 80W PSU + Hdplex internal IR receiver
SSD: Kingston ssdnow V300 120GB
Price: 600 euro ~ 780 $
HDD: do not need one, I have a file server
Keyboard: Rii Mini Wireless
Remote: Logitech Harmony 300
Case
The most difficult choice for me was the fanless case. After a lot of reading I have found 3 cases: Impactics, Streacom FC8 Evo and Hdplex H3.S. I wanted to be 100% sure there will be no compatibility issue during the build. So, based on reviews, infos from forums, but also the replies I got to my emails from the seller/reseller, I have ordered the Hdplex H3.S.
The H3.S comes fully loaded - if you look at the package content on their website, you will see they really understand what customer care means. Building the HTPC is quite easy (of course it takes more time than a desktop system) - just follow the installation guide.
Here are some pics with the build.
Tests
I checked the CPU temp and power consumption in three different scenarios:
1. Prime 95 stress test
2. h264 playback
3. Idle
This idle temp has been taken after 15 min since I stopped Prime95. So, next day I did a different test - just start the system and after 5 hours of "idle" - the CPU temp was 33°C.
IR receiver
I have configured a new device Microsoft MCE-1039 in my Logitech Harmony 300 remote - just like the Hdplex website says and my remote works like a charm. I can turn off the computer and turn it on from complete off state S5.
I had only to assign the Return key. so I can go back in XBMC menus.
Final thoughts:
I am extremely happy with the final result.
The TDP 55W from i3-3225 can be misleading,but, as you could see this is a very low power consumption CPU.
I have to thank Larry from Hdplex for the great quality case and for being so helpful.
Even though I do not have many posts here, I have to thank you all for helping me make such a good choice.
My setup:
Specifications:
CPU: Intel i3-3225, 3.3 GHz, TDP 55W, HD 4000
MoBo: Gigabyte Z77N-Wifi
RAM: Corsair XMS3 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
Case: Hdplex H3.S + 80W PSU + Hdplex internal IR receiver
SSD: Kingston ssdnow V300 120GB
Price: 600 euro ~ 780 $
HDD: do not need one, I have a file server
Keyboard: Rii Mini Wireless
Remote: Logitech Harmony 300
Case
The most difficult choice for me was the fanless case. After a lot of reading I have found 3 cases: Impactics, Streacom FC8 Evo and Hdplex H3.S. I wanted to be 100% sure there will be no compatibility issue during the build. So, based on reviews, infos from forums, but also the replies I got to my emails from the seller/reseller, I have ordered the Hdplex H3.S.
The H3.S comes fully loaded - if you look at the package content on their website, you will see they really understand what customer care means. Building the HTPC is quite easy (of course it takes more time than a desktop system) - just follow the installation guide.
Here are some pics with the build.
Tests
I checked the CPU temp and power consumption in three different scenarios:
1. Prime 95 stress test
2. h264 playback
3. Idle
This idle temp has been taken after 15 min since I stopped Prime95. So, next day I did a different test - just start the system and after 5 hours of "idle" - the CPU temp was 33°C.
IR receiver
I have configured a new device Microsoft MCE-1039 in my Logitech Harmony 300 remote - just like the Hdplex website says and my remote works like a charm. I can turn off the computer and turn it on from complete off state S5.
I had only to assign the Return key. so I can go back in XBMC menus.
Final thoughts:
I am extremely happy with the final result.
The TDP 55W from i3-3225 can be misleading,but, as you could see this is a very low power consumption CPU.
I have to thank Larry from Hdplex for the great quality case and for being so helpful.
Even though I do not have many posts here, I have to thank you all for helping me make such a good choice.
My setup: