HTPC config and setup

Telstar · Post by **Telstar** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:30 am

Ok, it is more or less final, but I can do last-minute changes.

Case: Zalman HD135*
Mainboard: Intel DG965WH G965 (ATX)
CPU: E4400
CPU cooler: Scythe Ninja mini (fan at 7v)
Graphic: onboard, then a 2600HD/8600
Sound: onboard for now
TV-Tuner: USB DBV-T (existing)
LAN: onboard Gigabit
RAM: 2GB Transcend CL4
PSU: Corsair HX-520**, otherwise Corsair VX-450 OR Seasonic S12II-380
DVD-rom: Samsung S203B sata
HDD: 1x 1TB WD GreenPower
Backup HD: Seagate external eSATA/USB 750GB (existing)
Remote: Logitech Harmony 985 (existing)
OS Vista Premium x32

*Don't suggest me another case, because I can't find anything decent looking that doesn't cost 800$.

I just made a thread about cooling and silencing this case [and lost the post argh, gotta rewrite it all!] Here is it:
viewtopic.php?p=371254

**Will the hx-520 fit this case? I asked Zalman but I got no reply after 2 days. I will enquire Corsair support.
If the hx520 fits the case, I prefer it because in summer here can be HOT (around 35Â°C) and the vx450 is likely to squeal in those conditions.

There are any flaws in my setup? I don't think so, but i wanna be sure before ordering everything.

laguz1 · Post by **laguz1** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:39 am

why the hx520? if you are concerned about silence, the seasonic s12 II 380 would be perfect for that htpc...since 520 watts is overkill for those specs...

Telstar · Post by **Telstar** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:59 am

laguz1 wrote:why the hx520? if you are concerned about silence, the seasonic s12 II 380 would be perfect for that htpc...since 520 watts is overkill for those specs...

Because of the noise at high temperatures.
See the table here:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article751-page5.html
and here:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article753-page5.html

If you want the best noise performance from the S12II-380, use it in a system that draws no more than 250W (DC), and/or ensure that its immediate environmental temperature does not climb much above 30Â°C.

Unfortunately where I live the temp can go over 30Â°C for two months. High ambient = high load. And in that case this psu jumps to 39dBA. Which is still better than the VX-450 btw.
But I'm not exactly sure how the fan follows the temperatures. They compare 30Â°C with 300W load. What about 35Â°C?

Above 300W, the HX and most other models remain quieter than the VX450W.

I should invest in a ACDC btw

Conclusion: I'm not sure about the right psu for my system. The folks at jonnyguru headed me towards the Corsair units rather than the seasonics.

Telstar · Post by **Telstar** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 10:17 am

I happened by chance on a page showing a passively cooled MSI card with the HD2400 chipset and I didnt know it was so cheap! I had considered GF 8500/8600 and the price is around 80/100â‚¬ for those, so I ruled em out.

But now I'm reconsidering. I wont ever play games with this HTPC. Why wait months to get a more expensive card that has basically the same video quality and performance?
I could save almost all of those 35â‚¬ on the mainboard
BTW how hot is the 2400HD and how much power it requires? Could be more than the gf 8500.

Now besides the card, there is the mainboard chipset heat that I'm considering.
I own a P965 mainboard and the NB there is all but cold. So that0s ruled out
What about the G965 of the intel board that i have originally selected (because it has everything i need)?
What about this: ASUS P5L, which would really be cheaper, but how hot does the i945P chipset gets?

Thinking...