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HTPC mini-ITX case and pico PSU

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:54 pm
by vadar007
I am specing out a HPTC system I want to build that will met the following reqs:
1) Stream digital content (video, photos, music) from a NAS server (LAN Contected) via XBMC
2) Stream web content e.g. NetFlix, YouTube, etc.
3) Be able to play Blu-Ray DVDs and down
4) Run dead quite
5) Small form factor
6) Standard 5.25" internal drive slot

I have settled on the following MOBO and CPU:
GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Intel i3 540

Every mini-ITX case seems to have an issue with power supply placement vs internal drive placement vs CPU cooler clearance. However if I go with a picoPSU it seems to open up the possibilities.

1) Will a picoPSU-120 provide enough power to supply the mobo and internal drives (Blu-Ray and one HDD)?
2) The cases that seem to work well with this scenario are the APEX MI-008 and ThermalTake Element Q cases. Any pros/cons given the supplied PSU will be removed?