Don's HTPC

Well I've taken the first, very small steps:

I've removed the 350W PSU that came in the Antec case along with the Antec supplied 120mm case fan. I've installed the QT2400G 400W quiet PSU from Quiet PC. The fan in this PSU is a 120mm fan and automatically adjusts it's speed to provide necessary cooling and provide optimum "quiet".
I have two different 120MM case fans to try. The first is the Papst 4412FGL - reportedly, one of the quietest of the 120MMx25MM case fans. This is a 2-wire fan and does not allow for monitoring of fan speed. I have also ordered an AF120CT three wire fan from Quiet PC. This fan is a little more expensive, but does allow fan speed monitoring, and could end up being the overall, most quiet. Based on the outcome of these tests, I will determine which fan I will use on the input side of the case.
Guess I'm getting brave - I also mounted the digital card reader into one of the external 3.5 inch bays. I'm considering mounting the 80GB System drive in the other internal 3.5 inch bay just below the card reader. That will leave plenty of space for the SATA drives in the internal bays. Hmmmm gotta think on that.
Ok I couldn't help myself I also mounted the DVD/CD writer in the upper 5 1/4 bay.

I guess I'm still a little afraid of tackling the MB, Processor/CPU cooler, and memory. Maybe tomorrow!

OK, I now have received everything except the SATA drives and a few small miscellaneous items.

Guess I've got no excuse now --- and really, I know the ankle bone connects to the shin bone --- it's the thigh bone I haven't figured out. I think I'll just stare at it for a day or two.

Before I update the progress on this project, there are several sources that I would like to credit while I'm still very positive on the project. I received much valuble information and guidance(whether they knew it or not) regarding component selection..etc from folks at the AVS Forums as well as the folks at Silent PC Review who provide valuable and indepth reviews of components and systems. Most of the basic components were ordered from NewEgg who have excellent prices and outstanding customer service. Other "quiet" components and guidance came from Steve and the guys at Quiet PC who were very accomodating and helpful. Links to these businesses can be found in the "Links" area in the left sidebar.

Now, the update -- I received the Antec case and the two Papst case fans yesterday afternoon. They arrived in good condition and have been unpacked and are setting on my temporary work surface in my computer (play) room. I'm anticipating delivery of the base components from NewEgg later today. Man am I nervous -- I'll probably just stare at them for a few days until I get up the nerve to touch something.

Since the HTPC will be located in the main viewing/listening room, a primary objective is "QUIET" -- closely coupled with quiet is "COOL" as in not hot. Generally, I can quiet the machine by lowering fan speed or eliminating fans where possible -- hence, the added emphasis on "COOL" Quiet but Cool becomes a balancing act.

I finally located some 120mm Papst case fans and ordered a couple of them. These are arguably the quietest fans available with good performance. I found them at Directron for about $36 for the pair. One of these will replace the factory case fan that comes with the Antec case. The case has a place for an optional front 120mm fan and the second fan is for that if needed.
I mentioned earlier that I was researching 200GB SATA drives. There are only 3-4 manufacturers that have them available now. I selected a Seagate Barracuda 80GB for the system and application drive primarily for it's quiet operation. Seagate has announced a 200GB SATA, but I have been unable to locate one anywhere. Finally, I came across Insight in Arizona who had them in stock for $174. I jumped on a pair of those and they are enroute. These drives will be for video, music, and image storage.
I will implement them in a RAID configuration, and am trying to decide on RAID 0 or RAID 1. Redundancy, or Capacity ... hmmm that's the question.
The case and base components from Newegg have shipped and should arrive either Friday or Monday. The quiet 400W PSU and the Papst fans should be here tomorrow.
I'll get some component pictures before I begin assembly.

I've been researching components for the HTPC for a couple of months now and have made some decisions and placed on order components to build the basic machine.
It will be a Pentium 4 based machine with 1GM RAM, 80GB Hard Drive for OS and Applications, Windows XP Prof operating system, ATI Radeon video card.
The specific components are listed below, and are on order.

Antec SL3700BQE Black Mid-Tower Case
ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe Canterwood mother board
2x512 sticks of Crucial PC3200 for 1GB DDR Ram
Intel P4 2.8GHz 800MB FSB Processor
Zalman CNPS7000A-ALCU CPU cooler
Sapphire Radeon 9600XT 128MB/650 Video Card
Plextor PX-708S CD/DVD Combo writer
Atech USB Digital Card Reader
Seagate Barracuda 80GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Qtech QT 02400G 400W PSU
Gyration wireless RF Keyboard & Mouse

Later, additional storage will be added to provide for storage of video, music, and images. I'm currently researching 200GB SATA and expect to add at least 2 drives in a RAID configuration.
A Matrix Orbital display will be added to display current activity as well as critical system parameters such as fan speeds and temperatures of the CPU, video card, and internal case.
Various software/hardware will be added to provide DVD playback, timeshift recording, and general media center management. That will all come once I have a stable base system.

I currenty have a high end audio system which is made up almost exclusively of Linn components, and Linn Speakers.
The heart of the system is the Linn AV5103 processor which provides all input switching as well as Dolby digital 5.1 and DTS processing. The AV5103 feeds 5 100 watt Linn AV5105 power amps. Three of the AV5105 are wired active and drive the pair of Linn AV5140 main speakers. The fourth AV5105 drives the AV5120 center channel speaker, and the remaining AV5105 drives the pair of AV5110 rear channel speakers. Lastly, bass is provided by a Linn AV5150 Active isobarik bass speaker (that's Linn marketing-speak for a subwoofer)

Sources are 1. Denon DVD-5000, 2. Sony SAT-B55 Satellite receiver, 3. Lansonic DAS-750 digital audio server (60GB), and 4. Adcom GCD-600 5-disk CD player.

Video is output to a Proscan 38" standard definition CRT display.

My next major projet is the upgrade to HDTV. Having said that, everything above needs to be upgraded except for the Linn Audio setup. New display will likely be a 46" Samsung DLP. Satellite sources need to be upgraded to support HD, OTA needs to be upgraded to support HD, and general DVD playback needs to be upgraded and "Tivo" like timeshift recording capabilities added.

And, That leads me to the HTPC.