DVD/Video/Audio System

[dsp]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of creating a dedicated video/DVD/Audio PC built on the MicroATX form factor. So which processor/motherboard should I go with. Integrated Network is preferable and on board 5.1/digital sound is would also be very nice.

Also an odd question, is it okay to build a case out of wood? If not, what are the reasons for this?

Thanks for any answers.

dsp

[Greebe]

I'm not really all that upto date with µATX hardware other than possibly suggesting the Tyan Tigercub... decient mb with AGP.

Sound... well how about a SB Audigy?

For video... well I would suggest waiting for M's next gen...

Making the case out of wood is ok... just make sure to have adequite ventilation and ground strap everything together. Tho looking at some of the µATX cases if the wood look is what your after, might be easier to buy a sweet case and just veneer it.

Have a look see at these...

http://www.gostyle.com/

[Wombat]

Yeah, a wood case would work, but air air air. Also, if you're putting it next to all that nice A/V stuff, consider at least some wire mesh to line the interior of the case, and give you some EM shielding.

Processors? A moderate speed Celeron might work nicely, or maybe a mobile Duron if AMD has their PowerNow! stuff on them these days. Try to get something that you can cool without a HS fan, though that may be tough if you don't have great airflow in the case.

There are some fanless power supplies, but they are usually the 235W variety. PC P&C has the "silencer" line, but that is a tad expensive.

I don't know about waiting for the next Matrox card. I mean, it will sure work, but might be overkill, and I assume you don't want to spend too much on this setup. Maybe an 8500DV, or even a G400 (DVD Max might be nice for you).

If you want lots of integrated stuff in a small factor, I *think* there might be some SiS-based boards that have you covered.

[Greebe]

maybe one of these mb's... http://usa.asus.com/mb/socketa/a7v266-m/overview.htm#

[Greebe]

For shielding I'd just use nickel spray paint and coat the interior. Or use Scotch 77+ sprayon adhesive and laminate with oven grade (the heavy stuff) aluminum foil.

[KvHagedorn]

Yes, the A7v266-m is probably the best current micro atx board you will find.

My two requirements for a micro board would be decent chipset (the Asus has a via266a) and agp slot (rare, but this one has it.)

Also:

Audio (Optional)
AC ' 97 Compliant 3D Software Audio

LAN (Optional)
Realtek 10/100 Mbps LAN Controller

I have no idea about the quality of these components, but getting these onboard means you can save the precious two pci slots for other things.

[KvHagedorn]

If you want the thing to fit into your audio rack, you might consider some of the rack mount server cases rather than trying to build something out of wood. I know it would be more expensive, but you would have a nice piece and it wouldn't limit you to the micro atx form factor. One thing though.. you would need some depth there. Lets see what I can find..

[dsp]

Thanks for the replies so far, maybe I should tell you some of the hardware I have to make it easier.

Celeron 850 (not of major importance)
G400 Dualhead (Definitely Using)
Audigy
etc.

The only problem is that on all uATX boards there are only a total of 3 usable slots one of which is the video card, and I'd like to fit a network card, TV-Tuner (obviously), Sound Card in there, with a possible RAID card (but maybe not).

I was definitely going without a fan on the heatsink, and would probably put two 80/92MM (quiet) fans up front with an equal amount at back.

One main reason I'd go with a wood case is that I'd be making it, unless you know of a cube style case with the motherboard at the bottom?

dsp

[edit]
This isn't going on a audio rack but rather is more of a floor stand type that is luggable.
[end edit]

[KvHagedorn]

http://www.elanvital.com.tw/products/servercases.htm

I own the S30T. Awesome case. The S30RM would work, but it's huge. A bit on the expensive side though. My S30T without the SCA module cost me about $375.00. But any rackmount is going to cost a lot. That R20 there looks pretty spiffy.. bet you'd lay out $1000 for that easily, with all the stuff there.

[Greebe]

OK that's just insane Chuck

[KvHagedorn]

Luggable? Heh.. no.. don't go with a rackmount case. Why not just get a standard mid-tower?

[KvHagedorn]

OK that's just insane Chuck

Hehe.. well it's General Hardware.. we're allowed to be a bit insane here.

If you think I'M nuts check out some of these weirdos.

[KvHagedorn]

Alright.. I'm now really wanting one of those R20s to put in my audio system rack.. That would be ultra cool.

BTW, DSP.. how exactly are you planning to use this in conjunction with your A/V system?

[KvHagedorn]

But wait! Check out this insaniac! It's Mad Max's computer!

[Wombat]

The case seems to do its job well.

The one thing that got me is the temperature display on page 2, where the computer apparently sports a cooler temp than the room. Nah.