[mythtv-users] Dell C521 as a frontend

[Mark Chang]

On 11/30/06, Hydrian <hydrian at tygerclan.net> wrote:
>
>  Ello all,
>      I was wondering if anybody has experimented with a Dell C251 as a linux
> machine and possibly as MythTV frontend.  At least spec wise is looks
> perfect for me.  DVI and digital audio out.  If any body has played with
> one, what were the noise levels like with that machine?  At sub $400, it
> looks like a reasonably  priced frontend.

1) The C521 and the E521 are based upon the nForce 430 chipset. Dell's
implementation is busted with respect to USB. Google "linux E521" and
you will see. Basically, USB peripherals experience random disconnects
or lockups. No fixes as of yet.
2) The C521 does not have DVI output with the on-board 6150 chipset.
It is only VGA. You must purchase a PCIe-16x card to get DVI.
3) You need to buy low-profile PCI cards. The PVR-150 is available in
low-profile, and there are several nvidia cards that are low-profile,
but the selection is limited compared to full-height expansion slots.

I am using an E521 as a combined fe/be box. It is sufficiently fast
and stupendously quiet. I do not have USB peripherals attached, so I
am not experiencing lockups. However, I am annoyed that this problem
exists.

The C521 is smaller with the same amount of "stuff". I suspect it to
be louder simply from a thermal management perspective. I have a
GX280, which is of similar form factor. It is not the quietest machine
under load simply because of the small fans.

-- 
Mark L. Chang