New HTPC build. Newbie requesting sanity check.

[hawksfc]

So after much reading here's my newbie build.

I'm planning it as a dedicated HTPC - no gaming. I've only gone for one HDD as it'll be networked with another machine that has all our storage and backup.

It'll be connected to a Philips 32PF9966/79 (32" LCD) which has a panel resolution of 1366x768p. Sound will be directed to a Yamaha receiver via Optical

Case Silverstone LC17
PSU Antec Neo HE 430W
MOBO Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R
CPU Intel E6750
RAM Corsair 2x1gb 667mhz DDR2
TUNER AVerTV Duo Hybrid PCI-E
GPU Gigabyte GV-RX26P512H
HDD 400G Samsung SATAII
OPTICAL Pioneer DVR-212D SATA DVD
REMOTE Microsoft remote
Windows Vista

- I've been chewing my nails over the GPU. I've gone for ATI as I got nervous reading the issues using Nvidia 8600GT drivers with Vista.

- The case has 5 80mm fan slots. Are the standard fans noisy? I hear larger diameter fans perform better. Will it fit 120mm fans?

- The motherboard seems to have the features I need for the price I was looking at spending. Similarly priced Asus motherboards didn't appear to have optical audio out...

Are there any glaring omissions or things I should be aware of? A sanity check from some of you more experienced in HTPC would be much appreciated.

[vlad]

WOW, good build - first time on my memory - mate you are sane
Seriously, good build.
Just one thing - 500 GB is a better value per GB, IMHO

[badapple]

Hi hawksfc,

Personally I'd recommend a 2 HDD setup, especially for a dual tuner rig.

It's best to have the Recorded TV location and the OS + apps on separate drives in my experience.

[DDH]

Seems sane to me .... but then that's not saying much

As for case fans, the Zalman ZMF1 80mm are nice and quiet. In a Silverstone LC20 I have one push from the front, and two pull at the back, nice and cool.

[philzgr8]

Good build I agree. Mind you i wouldn't get carried away with talk of problems with Nvidia graphics as I reckon they are pretty much sorted now if you have recent hardware. The latest drivers appear to be quite solid and include overscan compensation. These will no doubt improve over time too. My reading of posts tells me that there are as many problems with ATI as there are with Nvidia and my take on it is that mostly these issues are related to underpowered or outdated hardware.

[hawksfc]

Thanks for the feedback people. I'll look into those case fans, DDH and will check out the 500GB Samsung prices, Vlad. I might get a second, smaller HDD for the OS - we'll see after a chat with the lady and final pricing.

philzgr8 - points noted. In the past I've used Nvidia in workstations without a hitch. The debate between the 2 will run until the end of time I think its a case of just picking one in your budget that is quiet and has the connections you need. If doesn't work - put it on ebay!

[philzgr8]

Originally Posted by hawksfc

Thanks for the feedback people. I'll look into those case fans, DDH and will check out the 500GB Samsung prices, Vlad. I might get a second, smaller HDD for the OS - we'll see after a chat with the lady and final pricing.

philzgr8 - points noted. In the past I've used Nvidia in workstations without a hitch. The debate between the 2 will run until the end of time I think its a case of just picking one in your budget that is quiet and has the connections you need. If doesn't work - put it on ebay!

Quite right. I'm not advocating one over the other but simply pointing out that people's natural tendency is to promote what they are using... as do I, but the truth from what I'm reading is that there's not much between them to choose.

[jel]

A couple of things you may want to consider:
Use a Western Digital HDD - the new AAKS series drives are quieter than the Seagates.
(yes, Seagate used to be the king of quiet). Also another vote for 2 HDDs, One OS, one recorded data.

Maybe a less powerful CPU = less heat. Like you say, no games, and the GPU will do alot of the work if you are using it for HD-DVD/Blueray

[Redwight]

Personally the silverstone fans were not an issue, the GPU and CPU fans were but they got changed and I added a couple of extra's for the HDD bay.