HTPC suggestions

[jlf]

Hello,

I am looking into parts for my first build.

I've gone away from the suggested 4850e builds and have some overkill in the below spec but plan to use the box for some video conversion and it will most likely be used more than just a "PVR" as time goes on.

Spec's are;

Case Thermaltake DH 101
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista 64 bit
Remote Control Logitech Harmony One
Mainboard ASUS P5e3
RAM Kingston 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL7 DIMM (Kit of 2)
Heatsink/Fan Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme
Processor Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600/ 2.40GHz/ 2x4MB Cache/ 1066FSB/ LGA775
TV Tuner Hauppauge HVR2200 MCE
PSU Corsair VX-450 450W ATX
Video Card Asus EAH3650SLN-HTDI-512 RADEON HD3650, 512MB, DDR3, PCIE
Wireless Networking TP-Link TL-WN651G 108M Wireless PCI Card
Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar GP 1TB 7200RPM 16MB Serial ATA II
Optical Drive Pioneer BDC-S02BK Blu-Ray Combo Drive

The PC will be about 3 metres from we're I'll be sitting and am wondering how noisy it might be?

Thanks in advance,
Justin

[ApoLakay]

Originally Posted by jlf

The PC will be about 3 metres from we're I'll be sitting and am wondering how noisy it might be?

That's a pretty impressive list you got there. I assumed you would be doing a bit of gaming considering your CPU you've chosen.

Most noise will most likely come from the PSU, GPU card, heatsink, BD drive or HDD. You've covered the PSU & the heatsink.

I used the same PSU so I can confirm that they are quite & although I ended up using a heatsink different from the Ultra-120, I did consider it due to its reputation for quiteness.

I have not used the GPU you've chosen, but my 9600GT with a fan only makes a noise on start-up but dead silent once it's up. That leaves the noise from the HDD & BD dirve.

The noise from the HDD is unavoidable as in Vista there are a lot of activities (indexing, defrag, etc) going on in the background. Some people turn off these activities by default to minimise HDD activity. I have a Seagate & WD HDD and they are the same as far as noise is concern. Some people are saying that Samsung HDD's are quieter.

The Pioneer BD makes a bit of noise but it makes a noise when you use it, which means that either you are watching a movie or playing a game. Either will make a lot more noise.

[jlf]

Thanks for the reply ApoLakay.

Yes, the box will be used for some gaming too.

I'm in two minds wth the Samsung drives as I've had problems with them in the past. I've read that the GP series from WD aren't very noisy and compare well with the Samsung's.

[ApoLakay]

Originally Posted by jlf

Thanks for the reply ApoLakay.

Yes, the box will be used for some gaming too.

I'm in two minds wth the Samsung drives as I've had problems with them in the past. I've read that the GP series from WD aren't very noisy and compare well with the Samsung's.

Yeah, can't comment with the realiabity of Samsung as I've never used them myself. I've always been using either a Seagate or WD.

The WD are not too bad. My 320G's are noisy but the 750G is very silent, so it is likely that the 1TB is silent too. Like I said, there are ways of minimising the noise if you're bothered by it.

[Mox]

The only thing i would change if you are going to use it for gaimg would be to change the video card to a 4850, they are an awsome card for a good price.

[vlad]

Drop 64-bit Vista. You will have only troubles. Go 32-bit.