[mythtv-users] The best, coolest cases ... please weigh in ...

[Colin McGregor]

On 10/3/08, Peter Pavlovich <pavlovich at gmail.com> wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I'm looking at starting to build my own MythTV box. I'd like to ask for
> suggestions / sources / experiences of and from others on this list
> regarding the best, coolest and most functional/flexible cases to use for
> this project. I would like a case which looks like a high-end audio/visual
> component if possible.

I have had great success with Silverstone cases, having built a
machine in a Lascala LC-13 case (now passed on to my mother), a
Lascala LC-14 (which acts as my main frontend (FE)/backend (BE)
machine), and a Silverstone SUGO SG02B-F (bought for use as a straight
FE box). All three of the above cases could pass as AV equipment. The
Silverstone SUGO SG02B-F is a small case, and in going small the
designers did seriously limit expansion options (so not a good BE or
BE/FE box, but can be a great FE box). So, while I do recommend the
SUGO SG02B-F with reservations, the LC-13 and LC-14 are great all
around cases where ever space is not a critical issue.

> Also, what is the best set of hardware components that people have had good
> success with (mainboard, CPU, video display card).

I've been basicly happy with all the nVidia based cards from a geForce
5500 to geForce 7200 card I've used. I would point out, look for the
fanless cards...

In CPUs, I am finding that an Athlon 3200+ is just good enough to
support HD (a bit faster would be nice...). So, almost any current
generation AMD / Intel CPU should be good enough for HD. Do make sure
you have enough RAM, my FE/BE box has 1.5 GB of RAM (which I think is
BARE minimum for HD).

The only part that I bought for MythTV that has ... not measured up
... was an ASUS M2N-MX SE Plus motherboard. Currently the M2N-MX SE
Plus is on its 4th (yes, fourth!!!) trip back to ASUS for service
having yet to show itself able to net boot (in spite of what is
claimed in the manual).... Very disappointing, especially given that I
have generally been very happy with ASUS hardware...

Other bits, not that long ago one of the electronic clearance shops
had a sale on Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 700 for under $20 each. I am
finding that to be nice when working on the MythTV box, as I can (and
do) use the keyboard as an oversized remote control. Also there is
something pleasantly strange about using a Microsoft product on a
Linux box :-) .

> Thanks to everyone in advance for your input and advice!

Hope this helps.

Colin McGregor

> Regards,
>
> Peter