Building a HTPC/server with an old Core 2 Duo (E6300)
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 2:21 pm
Hi everyone! Great website and great forums!
I've been thinking about building a HTPC/server for a long time, but I just couldn't justify the idea for myself. I got to the point however, where a separate (staging/testing) LAMP server would be very useful, so finally I have something reasonable to hold on to. And I'm looking for a LAMP/HTPC/backup solution. I've been reading the site and forums for some time, but I'm still a complete noob with regards to getting all the power and thermal requirements together (I have some vague idea after reading reviews and searching the forums).
I've deiced to merge building a small server with an update to my everyday box and I'll have some parts left: Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz (to be replaced by Core 2 Quad) and 2x1GB DDR2 800 (to be replaced by 2x2GB DDR2 800). This leaves me with a mini-ITX socket 775 mb.
So, my starting point: C2D E6300 (1.86), Zotac 9300 or Intel DG45FC board, 2x1GB DDR2. Does it make sense at all? (If it doesn't just skip the longish part below...)
The PC will be placed behind a TV. We don't watch TV much, so no real problem with heat generated by it. Sometimes we spend time in that room without any devices (TV, stereo) on, so the PC should be as quiet as possible.
My current ideas, I have no clue which could turn out to be the most quiet and stable. I don't put any particular weights to case shape or extra possibilities, I've mentioned them just to show which options I've been considering. Still, sound and stability are more important than discrete graphics or extra storage space.
1.
Case: Antec ISK300-150 (or ISK300-65)
MB: Intel
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 1TB 2.5 HDD
Optical drive: maybe later
There was a review at the SPCR website, actually including a C2D and a Zotac 9300 board. The result is kind of tight (CPU 67C with two Noctua fans), the test did not include a second HDD or a DVD drive.
Doubts: Only 2.5 HDD, power brick to put somewhere
2.
Case: Sugo SG-05 300W or 450W
MB: Zotac
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: maybe later
Possibility to install a discrete video card is a plus (for my 720p TV a 300W PSU won't be a limitation here).
Doubts: power efficiency? noise?
3.
Case: Lian Li PC-Q07 with some modular ATX PSU (which one?)
MB: Intel or Zotac
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: ASUS DVD-ROM SATA drive (it's pretty quiet)
It seems to be possible to install discrete graphics too, but it's more tight. If the PSU fan is going to face the CPU, do you think it is possible to go fanless on the CPU (with some bigger heatsink)?
Doubts: aluminium case means vibrations and noise?
4.
Case: Chenbro ES30068 150W
MB: Intel
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: maybe later
Now I don't think I'll need much more storage (250GB+80GB+DVD burner has been perfectly sufficient for the last couple of years) before the board and cpu become obsolete, but what if I do? This is the only case allowing for easy expansion of storage (one extra 3.5 HDD).
Doubts: much less reviewed than the above, external power brick again.
Which one do you think would be the most quiet option?
I've been thinking about building a HTPC/server for a long time, but I just couldn't justify the idea for myself. I got to the point however, where a separate (staging/testing) LAMP server would be very useful, so finally I have something reasonable to hold on to. And I'm looking for a LAMP/HTPC/backup solution. I've been reading the site and forums for some time, but I'm still a complete noob with regards to getting all the power and thermal requirements together (I have some vague idea after reading reviews and searching the forums).
I've deiced to merge building a small server with an update to my everyday box and I'll have some parts left: Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz (to be replaced by Core 2 Quad) and 2x1GB DDR2 800 (to be replaced by 2x2GB DDR2 800). This leaves me with a mini-ITX socket 775 mb.
So, my starting point: C2D E6300 (1.86), Zotac 9300 or Intel DG45FC board, 2x1GB DDR2. Does it make sense at all? (If it doesn't just skip the longish part below...)
The PC will be placed behind a TV. We don't watch TV much, so no real problem with heat generated by it. Sometimes we spend time in that room without any devices (TV, stereo) on, so the PC should be as quiet as possible.
My current ideas, I have no clue which could turn out to be the most quiet and stable. I don't put any particular weights to case shape or extra possibilities, I've mentioned them just to show which options I've been considering. Still, sound and stability are more important than discrete graphics or extra storage space.
1.
Case: Antec ISK300-150 (or ISK300-65)
MB: Intel
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 1TB 2.5 HDD
Optical drive: maybe later
There was a review at the SPCR website, actually including a C2D and a Zotac 9300 board. The result is kind of tight (CPU 67C with two Noctua fans), the test did not include a second HDD or a DVD drive.
Doubts: Only 2.5 HDD, power brick to put somewhere
2.
Case: Sugo SG-05 300W or 450W
MB: Zotac
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: maybe later
Possibility to install a discrete video card is a plus (for my 720p TV a 300W PSU won't be a limitation here).
Doubts: power efficiency? noise?
3.
Case: Lian Li PC-Q07 with some modular ATX PSU (which one?)
MB: Intel or Zotac
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: ASUS DVD-ROM SATA drive (it's pretty quiet)
It seems to be possible to install discrete graphics too, but it's more tight. If the PSU fan is going to face the CPU, do you think it is possible to go fanless on the CPU (with some bigger heatsink)?
Doubts: aluminium case means vibrations and noise?
4.
Case: Chenbro ES30068 150W
MB: Intel
Disk drives: SSD 32-60GB + 2TB 3.5 HDD (like Caviar Green or Samsung Eco)
Optical drive: maybe later
Now I don't think I'll need much more storage (250GB+80GB+DVD burner has been perfectly sufficient for the last couple of years) before the board and cpu become obsolete, but what if I do? This is the only case allowing for easy expansion of storage (one extra 3.5 HDD).
Doubts: much less reviewed than the above, external power brick again.
Which one do you think would be the most quiet option?