[jackh]

I have been looking at these forums for so long, researched so many options, online providers, local providers, etc, that I'm finally properly confused.

In particular the problem I am finding is that from up here in Canada (and NOT in Toronto or Vancouver but in a rather smaller city) the availability of parts and unknown shipping costs make budgeting a herculean and frustrating task.

While I'd like to build my own following one of eskro's builds (since I would belong to Group #4 or #5) the prospect of matching compatible components, possibly making mistakes in the way, the time needed to get it working... the kids screaming "is it ready yet, dad?"... you get the picture, right?

My requirements are fairly straightforward:
-XBMC as primary application
-Silent, high WAF
-1080P content to be pulled from a NAS somewhere else in the home
-720P web streaming (maybe 1080P in the future, but this is not a must now)
-Based on Linux OS: Open Source or Die !!!
-Need to be able to go out of XBMC for regular browsing and other stuff, otherwise I'd go with OpenELEC.

Sooooooooooooo, unless you are already bored, here's what I found: the Zotac ZBOX-ID41-PLUS-U at CAD270

Sounds like a reasonable price? Will it do what I want?

THANKS!

[thethirdnut]

The silent part is likely in jeopardy. Tightly packed box + small high-rpm fan = annoyance.

That's the reason I leaned towards a larger, HT quality case that allows for a larger low-rpm fan(s). http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Produc...sp?idx=369

Case used in XBMC1 listed below - it looks like another piece of AV gear. High WAF.

[eskro]

to do what u want,
i suggest the Zotac ZBOXHD-ND22-U
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Zotac-ZBOXHD-ND22...2c5de74f22

then you just need to add 2GB of memory to it
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp..._-20134693

and a small 8gb SSD
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6820139427

and your set for linux!!

[MidnightWatcher]

+1 for the Zotac ND22. See link in my signature.

For the memory, I'd recommend either 2x1GB sticks or 2x2GB sticks instead of just one.

[thethirdnut]

ahem.

[ZBOX HD11] Help! Install new cooler at
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=109169

[jackh]

to do what u want,
i suggest the Zotac ZBOXHD-ND22-U
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Zotac-ZBOXHD-ND22...2c5de74f22

then you just need to add 2GB of memory to it
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp..._-20134693

and a small 8gb SSD
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6820139427

and your set for linux!!

OK, OK. Let me add this up: CAD$226 + 13 + 40 = 279 plus S&H. Not too bad I guess.

Regarding temperature and noise, the suggested ND22 is a Celeron processor as opposed to the Atom in the ID41. Does it run cooler? @MidnightWatcher: What's your experience with the ND22?

Now back to:

That's the reason I leaned towards a larger, HT quality case that allows for a larger low-rpm fan(s). http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Pr...ad.asp?idx=369

THAT's what I call a cool case! Not cheap at $190, but really nice!!
EDIT: I just found it here for Canucks. $190 and special order. Ouch.

As Freddie used to sing, I'm torn between the lover and the love you leave behind... What do I do, what do I do!!??

Alright, calm down. Let's break this (budgetary) problem apart and analyze it.
Eskro: By looking at your builds, it looks like this build of yours is similarly spec'd to the ND22, probably somewhat better? If so, replacing the case for that sweet Zalman takes the bill to somewhere around $390. Damn. Is my math right?

I'm so screwed... this is what happens for falling in love with XBMC. In any case, THANKS for all this advice guys. It's just great.

[MidnightWatcher]

Experience with the ND22 has been excellent. The CPU is superior to any Atom-based offering, and it will handle XBMC skins that will choke an Atom. The ND22 is also much better for web browsing, especially when you have multiple tabs opened. It will also play games with respectable frame rates where the Atom will not. Also, I think calling the SU2300 a 'Celeron' is a bit of a misnomer. It's closer to a Core2Duo.

The only thing I would suggest with the ND22 is to set the CPU fan speed to 50% in the BIOS. It's not 100% silent and I can hear it a bit when nothing else is on, but while watching TV I can't hear it at all.

[thethirdnut]

The thing about a high-quality, 3rd party case is that there's no reason you couldn't get 10+ years of use out of it throughout multiple generations of HTPC.

A good looking case will still look the same over time as long as not abused. Home theater equipment will also always be available in the classic black matte finish.

The tailor-made PC's typically have very few parts that are reusable. Once obsolete they're in the landfill.

[jackh]

The only thing I would suggest with the ND22 is to set the CPU fan speed to 50% in the BIOS. It's not 100% silent and I can hear it a bit when nothing else is on, but while watching TV I can't hear it at all.

Awesome insight; thanks !!

[eskro]

The only thing I would suggest with the ND22 is to set the CPU fan speed to 50% in the BIOS. It's not 100% silent and I can hear it a bit when nothing else is on, but while watching TV I can't hear it at all.

+1