HTPC #2 - Hardware Assembly

All the parts have arrived, and I'm ready to put this puppy together. Please refer to post #1 for a component list.

This job went quickly, and my biggest problem was identifying the different screws that came with the case. :) This isn't the smallest mini-ITX case out there, so there was a little room to maneuver cables around to get everything in.

The motherboard has everything! There's no way I'll need 14 USB connections, or 7 SATA devices. Nor will I ever use all of the different audio outs. Flexibility is the key here, and I have lots of options.

Note about fans. I wasn't aware that the i3 processor had a fan included in the package, but I'm glad it did. The separate fan I ordered was huge, and it's hard to imagine it fitting in any case, let alone an ITX box. It's going back to Newegg.

I don't think that even this Intel fan would fit in some of the low profile HTPC cases available. An alternate cooling method would be required.

The 2GB hard drive mounted sideways next to the motherboard, leaving room for yet another device under the full sized optical drive.

With everything connected and the case buttoned up, I fired up the Ubuntu 10.04 RC live CD. HDMI video worked fine (no audio yet), and all of the components were functional.

Now I'm waiting for 10.04 to be released in final form before I start the permanent OS install.

HTPC #1 - The Order

For a couple of months now, I've been researching a home theater PC (HTPC) project. Now that my tax refund is on the way, I finally hit the checkout button on my wish list.

I had a couple of goals for this project. First, I wanted to make this unit small and quiet. A mini-ITX form factor fills that bill nicely. Unfortunately, that also limits motherboard and other component choices.

Second, I wanted a decent processor that would last a few years. An Atom was quickly ruled out.

Next, sufficient onboard graphics. Since I'm using a small case, there isn't much room for extra boards, especially a large and possibly hot video card. Here's where I hit some trouble. The boards with a good system like the Nvidia ION seem to all use the Atom processor. Boards that take a beefier processor don't work with ION. The Intel i3 has graphics processing built in, so I went with that.

Other desired attributes:

• HDMI Video Out
• Optical Audio Out
• Compatibiliy with Linux and Boxee or XBMC
• DVD Playback and Burn
• WiFi Networking

Why WiFi? It would be difficult and unsightly to run network cable from the media stand downstairs to the router. Using .11n WiFi lets me transfer what I need from the 'Net. Since I'll be storing my media files locally, I won't need the network for normal playback.

Here's the list of components:

• Zotac H55ITX-A-E Motherboard
• Intel Core i3-54 3.06 GHz Processor
• CPU Fan
• 4GB RAM
• Seagate 2TB SATA Drive
• Samsung CD/DVD Burner
• Apex ITX Case w/250W Power Supply

Everything will arrive in a few days, and the assembly and software installation begins.