[mythtv-users] Getting Started

Thu Jan 20 14:39:39 EST 2005

I used that coolermaster case and I'd just like to say it's fantastic. 
It has a solid build (all metal, no junky plastic), looks great, and 
fits into my home theatre really well (it is a little deep, though, so 
beware if you have short shelves). It's not QUITE 2 vcrs tall... more 
like 1 VCR + a relatively small DVD player. :-)

The case won't disappoint anyone who likes things that look awesome. :-)

- Mark, he who likes things that look awesome.

Andy Long wrote:

>You may have troubles building one the size of a VCR, simply because
>there are not (as far as I know) any good MPEG2 encoder cards that are
>small (they make some half-sized cards for NIC's and stuff, but not
>encoders). Thus, right off the bat you're going to have something that
>might not be a lot wider than a VCR, but is still taller (like 2 vcrs
>stacked).
>
>Personally, I would recommend a micro-atx based case that supports
>full-sized PCI cards and that allows you to put in your own power
>supply (the power supply part isn't necessary, just handy if you plan
>on adding much to your PC.  Plus a lot of the power supplies that come
>with cases aren't good).
>
>(NOTE: I'm not trying to plug newegg.  They just have pictures and
>decent product desriptions for the stuff I'm talking about).
>
>I myself use this case from Coolermaster (around $80)
>http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-119-024&depa=1
>
>One of my friends has the Antec Aria and loves it (it comes with a
>power supply, but Antec makes pretty good ones). It's around $95
>http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-146&depa=1
>
>These are both just a matter of preference.  You might check around
>Newegg just to get an idea of what micro-atx cases are available.  You
>can also google for HTPC and you'll see quite a few nice (but
>expensive ones).  Companies like Athenatech (see newegg) make some
>that look nice and are pretty cheap, but I don't know much about them.
> Other people like epia systems, but I know nothing about them either.
>
>For fans, get big ones that spin slow.  They move a lot of air but
>make very little noise.  Zalman fans seem to be well liked for being
>quiet.
>http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=62&manufactory=1647&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1
>
>I personally like speeze fans b/c they're cheap, quiet and do a good
>job.   You can find them on Newegg too.  You could also go with
>watercooling, but pumping liquid around electronics makes me a bit
>nervous.
>
>A lot of people like motherboards based on the nForce chipset because
>they have fewer DMA problems.   However, many people also have no DMA
>problems on boards with VIA
>chipsets.  It just seems to be a matter of preference.  For small
>size, you'll want a microATX board.
>
>Athlon 64 CPUs seems to be well liked.  Great speed, not a lot of
>heat, and Linux actually supports utilitzing 64bit processing.  For
>price/performance, I'd go with one of those.
>
>This is all my 2-cents.  I know everyone out there has different
>opinions, many of which differ from mine.  I'd just try to do some
>research and use stuff that works well for other people.  You might
>also check out Jarod's guide, as he lists the equipment he has in
>several systems running mythtv.
>http://wilsonet.com/mythtv/fcmyth.php   (see section 2: hardware).
>
>-Andy
>
>
>
>On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 08:26:44 -0600, Bill Williams <billw at knology.net> wrote:
>  
>
>> I'm new to the list and MythTV!
>> 
>> I'm just starting to build a list of components to construct my first
>>MythTV system.  I'm an old guy in the IT business – been in it for 35 years
>>(yes, I worked with hand-wired core memory computers) – and built a lot of
>>my own systems.  However, I haven't built a system in about 10 years, so
>>right away I have to admit I'm totally out of touch with the mobo and case
>>market.
>> 
>> My goal is to build a PVR that's not much (if any) larger than an average
>>VCR, has the power necessary to really do the job, but also has low noise
>>and doesn't generate excessive heat.  My last system build experience was
>>with an Athlon Thunderbird and I'm not itching to build another system that
>>requires tons of cooling help – plus, cooling usually translates to noise,
>>which I don't want.  This machine is going into my stereo rack and a noisy
>>box will mess up our viewing fun.
>> 
>> I'm looking for pointers on a mobo and case that will get the job done. 
>>Cost matters less than hitting the noise, heat, and size targets because I
>>plan to take my time and buy components over a period of months.
>> 
>> I haven't had time to read through the archives.  I'm sure this question
>>has come up before, but if ya'll don't mind this will be a great opportunity
>>for those willing to recap and update whatever has gone before.
>> 
>> I look forward to hearing your recommendations and experiences.  Thanks in
>>advance for your patience with a noob!  :-)
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Bill Williams 
>>_______________________________________________
>>mythtv-users mailing list
>>mythtv-users at mythtv.org
>>http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>>
>>
>>
>>    
>>
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>>

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