Hi,

I'm considering building a completely silent HTPC. On the computer case short list currently are the HDPLEX H3.SODD and H5.ODD. The prior has space for a 5.25" Slim slot-in Blu-ray drive, and the latter a 5.25" Full height Blu-ray drive.

From what I've heard Slim Blu-ray drives drives are supposed to be noisier than Full height drives. Is that true? Or are there any Slim slot-in Blu-ray drives that are as silent as the most quiet Full height drives?

The H5.ODD is not for sale - I currently have a fanless HTPC (Not HDPLEX) with a slim BluRay and there is no point in getting a fanless PC when playing bluray in a slim slot drive, it's very noisy. It can be heard 10 feet away as it's spinning. I had purposely done research on the quietest slim slot Bluray drive available, but it was still too noisy for my taste. I have also a very quiet full size bluray drive (internal in a "quiet" enclosure), and it's much quieter. I cannot hear it 10 feet away.

My preference would be internal full size bluray drive, so no more purchases for me until they have thoses cases available, I'll be happy when those types of cases come out.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Streacom_FC5_OD_Case looks nice too, but still no full size slot. Even the FC10, which looks much roomier and supports full size expansion cards, but again, no full size BlueRay slot.

Doesn't anyone have any experiences or opinions on this?

@gbessens:

Thanks for your comment. I missed that before! Then it was as I feared, and one should stay away from slim 5.25" drives to avoid noise.

I noticed that the HDPLEX H5.ODD has a note on their web site saying "Notify me when this product becomes available", so I guess you're right it's not available yet. I think I'll wait until it is then. I also hope they'll add a mounting option for having a PowerBrick PSU inside the case.