Building an HTPC or hack up a pc? [Archive]

Outlaw

01-28-2009, 07:25 PM

Just having another idea here that I don't have the funds to build.

Was looking into building an HTPC for my bro and started thinking of what I wanted. lol..

I was looking at the ones with the touch screens and though how small the cases were with that in there and then saw the price. They are crazy!

I was looking at an 8" LCD Touchscreen with USB connection and VGA input. Thought that would be cool to have in the case over those 6.5" ones. Then I saw the price again and it was $370 just for the monitor. OK, at least you get a bigger screen for it. But what about a Car Deck instead? 6-7" screen, multiple inputs.. under 300 for some and would take up about the same or less room in the pc. Or both? lol

I was looking at tower cases to mod. If using the 8" screen, the case is going to have to be at least 8" wide and that is a snug fit (width is 7.92"), and if the tower is set on its side, it has to be at least 8.2" wide (height is 8.16"). The depth is only (with the casing 5.5") so that wouldn't be a problem.

Then I was thinking of building the case out of aluminum or sheet metal. I'm thinking sheet metal because it is probably easier to get a hold of. But I don't know what would be a good thickness to support it, and how do you make perfect 90 degree bends without the proper tools?

Here's a picture of what I was thinking of the front.
http://i42.tinypic.com/fuyu7o.jpg

or the 120 can be side mounted and have another one on the other side. All the fans would run at low speeds to make the least amount of noise. I would like to be able to upgrade to better hardware in the future and the way the graphics cards are, depth would have to be considered. At this time I would probably put my current setup in the case (in my sig).

Any thoughts on this or what to do for a case?

Thanks,
Outlaw

rithunder916

01-28-2009, 08:48 PM

a cm stacker might be wide enough, could use that as a base, i'll check when i get home. otherwise i suggest building one by scratch. the car pc screens there are awesome! I used to have a mini-itx system in my car with a 6.5" touch screen and it was great for playing music and what not. you might be able to find one on ebay for cheaper. As for the Blue ray, I would try to stay away from it right now, since those drives are rather expensive (280 where i live) unless that is a must. you could also go with a cube case like the nxt rouge or microfly, those have a rather large front area, and could be modified to fit more stuff. as for the fans, Id say use either the 120's or a 92mm. to again give you more space.

Outlaw

01-29-2009, 01:59 PM

I'll have to check on those cases. All the cases I had found that were big enough were also really expensive (200+). I would try to stay with 120MM fans. With the size of the case, I don't think it would be a problem but would have to make sure once the build was on. I found a SATA Lite-On Blu-Ray player and DVD-RW for 90 bucks on newegg.
Link- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106270

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you or anyone else know any way for bending sheet metal/aluminum at 90 degree angles? I would be doing this in a garage or basement with limited tools.

rithunder916

01-29-2009, 03:42 PM

I do it by using a vice and a rubber mallet, depeding on how thick the metal is.

Outlaw

01-29-2009, 04:23 PM

I have one of those tools and its not the vice. What about using a wooden box that is the same size and then taking the mallet to form around that? Not sure how that would work though. Right now, I'm not sure how thick it is. Thick enough to support the pc and itself with 4 legs under it, but not too thick that I can't bend it. I'm sure that helps. haha

Thanks again.
Outlaw

rithunder916

01-30-2009, 02:26 PM

well the issue with the wood is that it bends. you could use a piece of angle iron and use that.

Mike

Outlaw

01-30-2009, 04:51 PM

Do you or anybody else know a good thickness of metal to use? I saw the rogue mod and it was talking about 1 and 2mm thick. Any good?

rithunder916

01-31-2009, 01:20 AM

for aluminum, thats all i would use.

MIke

Outlaw

02-02-2009, 10:25 AM

Cool. Thanks!

rithunder916

02-02-2009, 11:56 AM

No problem! Glad to help :)

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 03:11 PM

Since I didn't want to double post.

What do you guys think of the hardware in my sig for playing Blu-ray when this happens? I still need a better tv, but for now it would be played through component on our rear projection tv, or through DVI on our bedroom tv.

Being that it would be an htpc, I would upgrade the HD's to something larger (1TBs probably since they are so cheap now, and who knows what will be out when this happens).

rithunder916

02-10-2009, 03:55 PM

I would bump up the ram to 4 gb, but otherwise it looks ok to me.

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 04:29 PM

That memory kit is 100 or less now to so that wouldn't be a problem.

Is there a preferred OS to run on them? I was just thinking XP or Windows Media.

nevermind1534

02-10-2009, 05:57 PM

If the computer is capable of running it, vista is nice.

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 06:07 PM

nevermind1534

02-10-2009, 06:29 PM

Would Vista provide any benefits over XP or Media Center? (Other then using more resources which really is a negative). I run XP with a full Vista Theme on it now, which probably takes more resources then the actual OS does and it runs fine. Even with just 2GB in it, I almost never see it under 1.2GB Free. I know Vista supports DX10 but would that even improve movie quality? I know it is more towards gaming.

The eye candy. 64 bit (can't get that with media center). Will be supported longer. media center edition, I've heard has a specific list of hardware that is compatible with it.

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 07:32 PM

What about XP 64? I don't know that I want to spend all the money on Vista OS when Windows 7 is coming out, not to far down the road.

on newegg
Media Center- $115
XP 64- $140
Vista Home Basic 64- $90
Vista Business 64- $140
Vista Ultimate 64- $180

After looking at that, should I just wait to upgrade the OS and just run XP 32? It won't cost me extra. To get the eye candy at least they have full Vista themes that include Aero and the side bar with tons of options. I'm not trying to make an excuse not to get vista, but just looking for cost. I could put the 180 towards the ram and hd's or material for the HTPC. That could also buy the touch screen! lol Media Center is definitely out though. I thought it would have been cheaper.

Thanks for all the help.

nevermind1534

02-10-2009, 07:35 PM

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 07:42 PM

nevermind1534

02-10-2009, 07:47 PM

The prices I listed were for OEM copies. Screw it, i'll buy this! Win98 Second Full Edition (http://www.amazon.com/Windows-98-Second-FULL-Edition/dp/B0009FB618/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1234309264&sr=1-5) hahah or save some more on Windows 95 Full Edition (http://www.amazon.com/Windows-95-Operating-System-Software/dp/B000NG44AS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1234309337&sr=1-3) lol

lol. Newegg and some other retails had a $50 rebate when you buy an OEM copy of vista ultimate with a piece of hardware. Some also had a $10 off combo deal. If you want Win 98, I'll just give you my key. I don't need my copy of vista ultimate, so I'm not looking to get $180 out of it.

Outlaw

02-10-2009, 07:51 PM

There was Warcraft 2 for Win 98 i think that I got addicted to... none of that WoW stuff.. I pm'd you about it.. It's time to leave work though and I still cant get here from home, so I will have to check tomorrow for any updates.

Thanks again!

rithunder916

02-10-2009, 11:46 PM

Vista is awesome if you have the resources to run it. If you do go with vista, I highly suggest having more ram. Otherwise Vista home premium or ultimate is perfect! You could also give linux a shot with myth tv...if you want to try something free...

Outlaw

02-11-2009, 04:21 PM

Might have to look into Linux with Myth TV.. sounds interesting. Is there a specific distro of Linux since I know there are so many. Free is always good! especially if it works :D

Thanks guys!

nevermind1534

02-11-2009, 04:27 PM

oh yeah, I completely forgot about myth TV.

rithunder916

02-11-2009, 07:41 PM

I would use either ubuntu, fedora 10, or opensuse 11. They are all great distros!

Outlaw

02-12-2009, 04:51 PM

i've played around a little with Suse 10.2. I imagine it's probably the same but with updated software/hardware support? I will have to dl and try them out.

Thanks!

nevermind- Check your pm.

rithunder916

02-14-2009, 12:46 AM

I myself am a huge fan of Fedora, but open suse 11.1 looks really cool too! then there's always ubuntu....

But yes, dl them and check out which you like best. then go from there....better start the open suse first, it will take a while lol.

MIke

Zac

02-14-2009, 03:29 AM

I would recommend Ubuntu or Fedora.

Fedora Download (http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora)
Ubuntu Download (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download)

Both of them are free and easy to use + install.

rithunder916

02-15-2009, 03:23 AM

there's also a version of ubuntu with myth tv built in, i believe it's called mythbuntu.

rithunder916

02-15-2009, 03:23 AM

there's also a version of ubuntu with myth tv built in, i believe it's called mythbuntu.

Outlaw

02-16-2009, 11:15 AM

Thanks guys!

I'll have to do that. Didn't realize there were so many options for OS. lol

Here's pic of what I would like it to look like. Please keep in mind it was all mostly resized and may not be accurately proportioned.
http://i44.tinypic.com/24qs4t3.jpg

rithunder916

02-17-2009, 12:26 AM

Looks nice!

Outlaw

02-17-2009, 07:57 PM

Thanks. Hopefully it can be done like that though!

For the aluminum or sheet metal, I think it was said to be about 2mm, is that thick enough to support it in a U shape (top front and bottom as one piece)? or should I look for a thicker sheet?

rithunder916

02-17-2009, 09:46 PM

2mm should be fine for both, steel will be stronger, but heavier and harder to work with, unless you use heat.

Outlaw

02-18-2009, 09:38 AM

Hopefully I won't have to use steel. Don't have a torch or anything really to heat up the metal. Still need to find a metal brake that doesn't have hydraulics in it, but one that would allow me to make the bends needed without having to cut the metal.

rithunder916

02-18-2009, 03:48 PM

try going to northern tool, they might have something. if not, try harbor freight, they again might have one. I've been to both places and have seen them there, so chances are either one will work..

Outlaw

02-18-2009, 04:30 PM

Sweet, don't think I've heard of northern tool around here but there is a harbor freight. Always forget its there and they usually carry some of the "oddball" tools other places don't. Also got a co-worker that has a 2nd job working at a metal place where they might be able to get me the aluminum. Not sure on pricing yet though.

Thanks!

Got the Blu-Ray player for the PC yesterday too! Can't wait to hook it up!

Outlaw

02-20-2009, 04:21 PM

Got a quote for a 60"x40" sheet aluminum at .1" (2.54mm) thickness came to $130. The size is obviously bigger then needed but more is better plus I need a practice piece and any support braces from whats left over.

The case itself seems huge. dimensions figured are 20(w)x20(d)x11(h) not including any feet. I tried to do another mock up if interested i could post it. It put the monitor in the middle over the dvd drives and a 120mm on each side. there would also be a media card/usb/audo card under the fan on one side and the power buttons on the other. It didn't make the case any smaller though like I was hopping (probably cuz I added another front fan). I spose I could probably just mount on the sides?

rithunder916

02-20-2009, 08:18 PM

Where did the drives go? in a HTPC you want the drives up front. I myself would leave the screen off center, and keep the 120 where it is. You could always move the fan into the middle, and have the drives off to the left.

Mike

Outlaw

02-22-2009, 10:44 AM

With the screen and drives in the middle the hd's to the left and right of that behind each fan. Is there a "best way" to get more HD space? Just guessing, I could get 3 HD's behind that 1 120mm. I would probably do an OS drive, 160GB or something like that (they're cheap), and 2 larger 500GB+ each with a raid 1 possibly.

rithunder916

02-22-2009, 12:45 PM

well, you could stack them on their sides. If space is really a concern you can pick up a few laptop drives. you should be able to fit 4 drives behind that 120mm fan, so that should be fine. SOunds like a good plan too! don't be afraid to take from other machines, like cooler-master has a 120mm hdd drive bay from their cm stacker. Scavenge!

Mike

Outlaw

02-22-2009, 02:02 PM

I can probably get some cheap cases from a used pc store near by. If I wanted to pull the tray out of my main rig now, I could have it hold 4 HD's and I think its a 92mm fan for the front. I would just have to drill and top some holes for the bay. Could probably scrap an old Gateway I got too for the bays, but I think there is only 2 or 3 HD bays.

rithunder916

02-23-2009, 12:38 AM

see why re-invent the wheel! it's what I do myself :) always taking old cases and destroying and hacking up for parts! i have drive cages, and mobo trays, and fan holders, etc! its great cause if i get a case that needs a part, or I do a mod that needs something, i can pull from what i have, instead of making something!

Outlaw

02-23-2009, 11:05 AM

The only problem with cutting up the one case I would just have to literally pull the tray out the front, is a very thick steel (compared to most). I don't think I'll be using it for the motherboard area. lol I don't plan to buy 100pack of cutting disks or jigsaw blades. Depending on how everything actually gets situated in it, I may have room for another set of 3 HD's (for expansion). not sure if the PSU is going "above" the motherboard or "below it" which it would then be behind the monitor. If it goes above it, I would probably have enough room for 6 3.5" HD's hopefully saving some cost of not having to buy new 2.5". I'll see if i can get one of my master crafted paint images done. lol

Thanks

rithunder916

02-23-2009, 11:33 AM

you could put the hdd's above the mother board. If it's possible, I would make the psu have its own area, so you don't have to worry about it interfering with anything else.

Mike

billygoat333

02-23-2009, 12:21 PM

you should stealth your drives :) would look much sweeter. love the idea though, gonna look sweet! /2 cents :D

Outlaw

02-23-2009, 01:11 PM

Billygaot333- When you say stealth, your talking about puting a piece of metal or material over that, so it looks flush except for the cutout? I would have to practice first, this build/mod would be my first so I'm not sure on cutting and bending yet, but it would be cool.

rithunder916- How do you mean above the motherboard? Like putting HD mounts on the top of the case? An HD lined ceiling? lol I like the PSU in it's own little area too. Keep the heat out of the main part too.

Anybody else play with blu-ray and non HDCP hardware?
I have the blu-ray player, 8800GTS (HDCP if I remember correctly), but not an HDCP or monitor with HDMI. I was able to get the video to play(used a software) but after a little while it will BSOD then shutdown the computer. I'm probably going to do another fresh install of XP just incase when I was playing with services it doesn't like it.

billygoat333

02-23-2009, 01:15 PM

Billygoat333- When you say stealth, your talking about puting a piece of metal or material over that, so it looks flush except for the cutout? I would have to practice first, this build/mod would be my first so I'm not sure on cutting and bending yet, but it would be cool.

exactly. :) always a first time for everything!

rithunder916

02-23-2009, 02:09 PM

Yea, exactly! flip them upside down, and place them on the top of the computer case! You should have more than enough space up there, for 6 hdd's, and if you make the top panel "flip up" then you'll have really easy access! Then Id use some modders mesh, and a few fans to push air around, so they can breath some! It would be cool, and unique!

Outlaw

02-23-2009, 07:31 PM

Since I think there is going to be enough room if it stays 20" deep. Here is what I think it could look like. Not sure on exact dimensions so this is just a guess.

Thick black is the actual aluminum. Grey is as labeled mesh. If it would work, I would be able to put 6 HD's on the right sid alone and still have room behind the monitor for whatever (dust?) lol or more HD's later on. The picked height if I went with the 10.4" screen would have to be about 11" tall so there would definitely be room to mount on the roof of the case. I still think this case is going to be huge and hopefully fit on most shelving.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2rysuat.jpg

Eclecticos

02-23-2009, 11:23 PM

I would like to see a pop-up LCD. One that is concealed at the top of the case.
Would be even better if it popped up automatically or was motorized
by a linear actuator, and activated with a membrane switch or software.

rithunder916

02-24-2009, 12:26 PM

I agree with that extra room you could get a flip out touch screen. and maybe a fan speed controller?

Outlaw

02-25-2009, 10:39 AM

I don't know anything about them or how they work.

But what about where the monitor would be in the front, there is the aluminum panel there. When you turn it on, the panel flips up (or have a garage door effect) and then the monitor slides up to the front of the case? lol

The fan controller, I can do or buy.

Any actuators that don't cost in the 150's?

rithunder916

02-25-2009, 12:10 PM

What you do if find one that was designed for a car. Google Car PC flip out touch screen, and you should find something made by lilput.

Outlaw

02-26-2009, 02:20 PM

they don't look that hard to build. I saw a post with sketchup pictures and ones people made. The only part would be the controller and getting it to work correctly.

rithunder916

02-26-2009, 02:39 PM

its not to hard at all, just time consuming, so i myself would rather just buy one haha.

Outlaw

03-06-2009, 02:56 PM

What about 3MM? Is that going to be too thick? I am able to get "as much as I need" for free but its 3MM or 1/8" thick.

rithunder916

03-07-2009, 10:49 PM

I don't see why you couldn't work with it, it will be heavier than expected, and it will be a bit harder to work with, but free off sets all the extra work!

MIke

Outlaw

03-08-2009, 10:56 AM

Hopefully it won't be too heavy. I still want to be able to put this on the entertainment shelf without breaking anything. If I keep the one a friend and I built, I don't see a problem as it's made of 3/4" Plywood. It's most of the store bought ones I would worry about with their laminate and particle board. lol Thanks

Oh and about working with the metal. A co-worker has access to a metal shop with hydraulic brake presses and he said I could give him the sheets and where and what I want bent and he could take it in for me.

Update-
According to http://www.matweb.com/tools/weightcalculator.aspx, it is going to weigh approx. 25LBS before anything is added to it. yikes! lol But still not as bad as the case I am using now.

rithunder916

03-10-2009, 11:34 AM

25 pounds is nothing. My fully loaded CM stacker is more than that!

Mike

Outlaw

03-20-2009, 06:16 PM

Do you have it sitting on a particle board shelf over a tv or other entertainment equipment? lol

rithunder916

03-22-2009, 05:33 PM

I did have it on a particle board book shelf at one point in time. it held up just fine, so I wouldn't be to worried about it.

Outlaw

03-23-2009, 10:02 AM

Cool, thanks. Might just have to keep our entertainment center for a while then. The shelving we have now is that really cheap particle board and plastic. Says each shelf can support 25lbs. Not sure I would even want to get close to that. lol

Outlaw

04-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Still waiting to hear about the aluminum. Going to call him tonight. What do you think of separating the main hardware (motherboard/gfx, psu, and hd) from the monitor, dvd, and power buttons? The problem i found with that so far is I am limited to a 3ft Sata cable for the BD-Rom drive unless I can get connectors to convert it to eSata and back or I would have to get an eSata Card.