Ready to try my first HTPC Build

[kc10boom]

I have to put in my .02 saying Intel on the OS SSD. It is more expensive per GB but their toolbox is great, the drives rock solid, and Intel was one of the leaders on SSDs. They thoroughly test their firmware before release and are quick to update I use the Kingston HyperX on my game rig but Intel for the OS

[adam1991]

barnabas1969...check out the video regarding the ASUS mobo..(http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_ ... 55/P8Z77V/)
I guess the SSD is back in ..I think 64GB will be fine just for the OS.

Some pretty cool features...."Turn smartphones and tablets into a remote control", "Remote keyboard and mouse", "Easy file and screenshot transfers", "DLNA streaming", and more...I think ASUS did a great job on this board..It will keep me busy for a couple years

Regarding the Wifi...if this board does a good job, maybe I ditch my linksys WRT610N? or just not use the WiFi...

I was really pumped about this board, now you have me thinking

"streaming media" and "wifi" are mutually exclusive, as a practical matter. I really don't know what Asus is trying to accomplish here, other than to promise the moon but create heartache.

[Mike88]

Just a comment about remotes. Here's another one to consider.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... pk=rrc-126

The RRC-126, the RHRC-11001, and RHRC-11002 all seem to go on sale for about $14-$15 every so often. The RRC-126 is slightly narrower than the other two & may be too narrow or slim for big thumbs. I have one though & it works perfectly. The only difference I can see between the 11001 & 11002 is that the 111001 is billed as a learning remote. But the remote cannot learn anything, it's the IR receiver that learns your cable box commands. I bought one & had to return it. Also the 11001's IR receiver is quite a bit larger then the ones that come with either the 126 or 11002 remotes, probably because of it's connections & learning function. (my friend has an 11002 so I have also seen that one). It may be easier to hide or conceal the smaller IR receiver that comes with the 126 or 11002.

[kc10boom]

I just bought mine for the receiver to use with my Harmony remote

[CactusPilot]

I just bought mine for the receiver to use with my Harmony remote

Exactly what I intend to do also..I just want a good receiver that will work with my Harmony 900

[CactusPilot]

Just a comment about remotes. Here's another one to consider.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... pk=rrc-126

The RRC-126, the RHRC-11001, and RHRC-11002 all seem to go on sale for about $14-$15 every so often. The RRC-126 is slightly narrower than the other two & may be too narrow or slim for big thumbs. I have one though & it works perfectly. The only difference I can see between the 11001 & 11002 is that the 111001 is billed as a learning remote. But the remote cannot learn anything, it's the IR receiver that learns your cable box commands. I bought one & had to return it. Also the 11001's IR receiver is quite a bit larger then the ones that come with either the 126 or 11002 remotes, probably because of it's connections & learning function. (my friend has an 11002 so I have also seen that one). It may be easier to hide or conceal the smaller IR receiver that comes with the 126 or 11002.

Thanks for the input..However, looking at the picture, the RRC-126 has a huge USB receiver dongle..I don't want to have the flap on front of my case open all the time to accommodate that dongle..I would prefer a receiver that sits on top of the case and plugs into a usb port in the rear..

[CactusPilot]

YEAH! All parts are ordered..See post 33. Will report back at first boot

[Mike88]

The RRC-126 IR receiver looks the same as the one that came with my friend's RHRC-11002. I thought it was pretty small & is about 1" long front to back, about .75" wide & about .5" thick or tall. Shorter than a typical thumb drive but a little thicker. The RHRC-11001's learning IR receiver was a lot bigger all the way around.

The RRC-126 & RHRC-11002 also come with a USB extension cable that is approx 20" long so you could plug it into the back of your HTPC & place the actual IR receiver on top of the case. My HTPC is in a mini-tower case & hidden behind an end table with the IR receiver sort of hidden in the corner of the lower shelf next to some books.

The RHRC-11001 comes with some sort of multiple cable setup for the IR receiver . I never even unwrapped it before returning the unit.

[CactusPilot]

Ceton Echo looks very interesting so I had to jump in on the pre-order special over at ..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 20extender

I can't wait to put this build together....still waiting on a couple parts from Amazon...The waiting is the hardest part.

[CactusPilot]

Well, I'm a bit bummed out...The nMediaPC 2000B case just arrived today from Newegg damaged. The top right corner of case must have taken a fall. To top it off, when I flipped down the upper bezel it looks like someone had used a black Sharpie to it - to hide the scratch marks...Newegg is sending me a replacement case, but now I have to wait until it arrives...


I can't tell you how frustrating it is to look at all the new parts I ordered, and no case..Argh!

[newfiend]

Man that sucks, I had to order 3 AVR's from newegg once because of the same reason. Frustrating because of the same reason as well.. All the parts to put things together...just....sitting there.. Ugh! Feel your pain bro.

Sent from my SGH-i937 using Board Express

[barnabas1969]

I think everyone can agree that NewEgg is awesome, but there are bound to be problems occasionally.

Your package was probably delivered by this guy!

[CactusPilot]

YEAH! I finally got all the parts and the HTPC build is done. I have not installed the Ceton card yet. I am going to install all the recommended software first. I am using Assassin's blog as a guide, since this is my first HTPC build. I must say it's been very time consuming.

I would appreciate any input on the "must have" software, extras and recommendation.

Thank you

[bheav1]

Agree with SSD, specially using Ceton card for slow motion much smoother. For plugins Mediabrowser. Look hear for some very useful information: http://www.hack7mc.com/ There hasn't that much activity lately there, however it still provides a lot of usefull information.
I will be building a dedicated HTPC soon using a i3 3225 as you did. What is your impression of the Nmediapc case? I was leaning towards the 2000b myself?

[CactusPilot]

Agree with SSD, specially using Ceton card for slow motion much smoother. For plugins Mediabrowser. Look hear for some very useful information: http://www.hack7mc.com/ There hasn't that much activity lately there, however it still provides a lot of usefull information.
I will be building a dedicated HTPC soon using a i3 3225 as you did. What is your impression of the Nmediapc case? I was leaning towards the 2000b myself?

Thanks for the link on the site..good info.

The replacement nMediapc 2000B case arrived undamaged from newegg. I must say, it's a nice case, plenty of room inside for my full size motherboard, 3 hard drives, and Ceton card. "You can install up to 6 hard drives in this model. But, you have to follow the exact sequence to install them. If you don’t follow, the bottom drives will block the screw holes for the upper drive slots."
I personally removed one hard drive bracket from each side to have more room for the PSU cables.
I also bought the LCD module and it looks great. I have not got into programming it yet. I think it completes the "look" of the case.

It comes with two 80mm and one 120mm fan, but has a slot for an additional fan on the opposite side..Since, I am planning on leaving it on 24/7 I added another silent 120mm fan.

Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase...here is a link to the quick install guide..http://www.nmediapc.com/HTPC%202000/Qui ... e_2000.pdf.