So after trying to track this down for many months i finally got my hands on it from Arena PC here in AUS. Lets start on the Packaging:
Packaging
Probably the least important feature of this case but a great one nonetheless. The Hiper Slimline chassis came in a very compact stylish carry box- i don't think it is vital to upload that picture but it did look great, a change from the typical cardboard boxes the X15s etc come in.
Cosmetics
This is probably the most overlooked part of most HTPC cases in the market at the moment - bulky cases move over! My first impressions of this case was WOW. I mean, it is the same height as my DVD player (5.3cm this is) and i was very very impressed to say the least. However, that is when i scratched my head!
How will i fit a HTPC in this? More on this below in the technical side. Aesthetically, the Hiper Slimline is gorgeous, it has four rubber feet to stop the case from unwanted moving. Three vents two on the top and one on the side and has a mirror finish on the front.
The inside
This is where it got complicated
Although the case looked great on the outside, the inside was so compact it was a struggle installing everything. Luckily, they provided cable ties as well as slim IDE cables - this is where sata is really useful.
The problem with this case is compatibility. Initially i had tried using an Intel system with a Rack Sper III rackmount cooler but it was way too loud. After trying some fan controllers then the case overheated! Ultimately, Hiper realized this problem and so released a cooler for socket 939/754 The reason they stuck with only these sockets is that there are not many Intel boards with the correct onboard features. Onboard you say?
That is the second problem, only one expansion card is possible so obviously in a MCE system that has to be the tuner card (dual tuner here) So you would need onboard DVI / VGA which
luckily a boatload of these have just been released for HTPC users.
The system
Case: Hiper Slimline Media Chassis
www.arenapc.com.au
PSU: (above)
CPU: AMD 3500 s939
www.msy.com.au
M/B: DFI Infinity RS482
www.scorptec.com.au
HDD: 400gig SATA
www.msy.com.au
DVD: Pioneer slimline DVDRW
www.auspcmarket.com.au
HD: Fusion Dual tuner
www.scorptec.com.au
USB: Wireless dongle
www.msy.com.au
cooler: Silent Hiper CPU cooler
www.arenapc.com.au
Comments: The case managed to house these powerful components, having all that you would need for a HTPC, dual tuner powerful CPU, wireless etc. However, one set back was that i needed to purchase a slot loading slimline DVDRW which is about $160 compared to standard DVD drives which are $80
Temperature
Temperature in this case was perfect with the new cooler, no extra cooling was needed, the system is on almost all the time and has been running 100% okay.
Power supply
The most worrying thing about this case is the 200W PSU. Initially, I thought this would NEVER be able to feed my system but surprisingly it was very solid and has had no issues - i wonder what would happen if i tried my 7800GTX
CONCLUSION:
Despite the picky hardware - AMD 939/754 This HTPC is a real beauty. There is no other like it and it fits perfectly next to my (now redundant) DVD player and home theatre system.
My previous system was the x15 and the X11 but in comparison they are too big, the family loves this slimline design and anyone that comes over can hardly believe how powerful it is for its size
At only
$159 Well that is what i snapped it up at
I think it is higher now but around that price it really can not be beaten especially seeing as it comes with its own PSU!
MORE IMAGES:
Sorry about the large images i'm new to this.
NEXT I WILL BE REVIEWING THE NEW
IMON REMOTE WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON IT
