This is my first HTPC build and I am quite pleased with the result. Due to budget constraints I could not afford to spend too much on specialized components so I bought this to allow room for future improvements. The components are as follows:

Antec Micro Fusion 350
Intel Pentium Duo Core E5200 2.5GHz
Asus P5QL-CM iG43
1x OCZ 2GB DDR2 800MHz
Seagate Momentus 5400.3 160GB
Samsung SH-223F DVD-RW SATA
Windows Vista x64






Currently I have disabled the Zalman HSF fan and an exhaust fan as this setup produces very little heat.

Looks nice.

How did the display set-up go for you?

Nice set-up!

One thing though, from the picture and the fact that you haven't said anything to the contrary, I'm guessing that you have kept the included Antec Tri-Cools? Can you hear the fans, even on low?

I'm in the process of replacing the remaining Tri-Cool 120mm's left in my HTPC in the bigger version of this case (without the display).

I know you said you're on a budget but you might consider replacing those fans with quieter 80mm fans - Nexus or Noctua with one of their included adapters.

How come you didnt use the mini ninja you bought?

I doubt it would fit in that case. It is a VERY tight fit in the Veris Remote case which uses 120 mm fans.

Thanks for the kind comments,

Trav1s - the pc is linked to the TV via the HDMI input, I had to get a DVI to HDMI cable to connect it to the motherboard though, and it works fine at 720p. I couldn't get it to the full 1080p because the TV doesn't support it

JamieG - yes I can hear the Antec fans on low even when the exhaust fan and HSF fan have already been disabled, I was quite dissapointed because those fans push out a lot of air on the low setting which is not all that quiet. I might replace with the Nexus/Noctua fans in the future, thanks for the suggestion!

...and yes I bought the mini ninja thinking that it would fit in the case but hell was I wrong, I installed it anyway to test it out and it stuck out by half an inch during testing that thing would still be cold to touch! Anyway I had to use my old Zalman cooler instead and it is still good running without the fan switched on.

That's unfortunate, considering the Ninja Mini was designed to fit inside the regular Fusion/NSK2480. Gotta double-check those tolerances when using aftermarker coolers!!

I was close to choosing this very case but the overall height was a concern. After seeing this build I am very happy with my choice. Minja is still a tall cooler!


Mr Spork... thanks for the info on the display. Also I am curious about set-up on the front display on the case. How did that set-up go?

Nice build. That is one sharp-looking case.

Sorry to bring back an old thread. Do you still have this set up? What kind of temperatures are you running at?

I have this case with an msi mobo an amd athlon x2 2.8 proc and its a noisy bugger!

If i set the smart fan temp to 45 my fans are on high constantly

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers
MMM

You should consider a down-blowing Scythe cooler and swap the fan!

I basically agree except I would use the Samuel 17 down blowing cooler (similar to the Scythe Big Shurekin but easier to mount) together with a Nexus fan.

I would remove both Antecs and replace one of them with a Nexus.

You could clip the Minja and clamp/solder the heatpipes shut, but that'd be risky.

Brendan

???

The heatpipes won't work if you open them. They are not at atmospheric pressure inside.