Charles Wirth
05-14-2007, 06:51 PM
Xtreme Theatre PC
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/12.jpg
Zalman HD160HT Case with 7” TFT LCD
Zalman CNPS8000 Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
Zalman ZM600-HP
Intel E6400 Dual Core CPU
Abit F-190HD Xpress 1250 Motherboard
Abit Airpace PCIE 80211b/g Wireless Adapter
2GB OCZ PC6400 Crossfire Edition
Dual Raptor 74GB in RAID 0 in pictured, dual Hitachi 400GB RAID 0 final
Lite-on Blu-Ray DVD-RW
Logitech harmony Remote
Zalman put together a pretty nice HTPC case but the price is a bit much at $529 with the 7” TFT LCD (Zero Defect) display included. The machine will be used for minimal gaming, PC functions, DVD playback to start and maybe video conferencing in the near future. I will start off with XP and load the media center disk that came with the unit. An add on video is planned after DX10 advancements have been made.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/11.jpg
Thanks OCZ for providing the ATI Certified 2Gig memory kit, the red heat spreaders and ATI logo completes the rig I have put together.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/4.jpg
Thanks Abit for the motherboard, it is the correct choice for this build and everything on the market without HDMI built in is a deal breaker for me. RAID functions need to be listed on the box and listed in the manual. I will run a few tests later to see how this board stands up. I will overclock the system test memory bandwidth later, getting operational to my satisfaction is the first hurdle.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/13.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/2.jpg
Many images borrowed from the respective company websites, many images taken throughout the build. I hope to answer many questions on what to expect with this case and how to build the best rig possible from what is off the shelf today. I will not be using anything pre-release or engineering samples.
A lot of new stuff, more than the usual PC build for sure. Getting stuff unpacked I check every part for damage, missing pieces or anything out of the ordinary. All parts from the respective manufactures was packed correctly with exception to the Abit motherboard, it is a mATX form factor in a ATX box, there is nothing to prevent the motherboard from sliding the box. My first one came broken and this one seems to be fine.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/10.jpg
The case was packed like all other cases, the cardboard is a bit more durable than you would find on other case boxes. I checked all sides and edges and there was no defects anywhere, I examined every inch for gap and finish, the case was flawless.
There is a ton of cables going in all directions, the fan controller has extenders that provide more than enough length on all leads. I used the Velcro cable ties that came with the extra power leads to secure the loose spots in the case.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/8.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/9.jpg
The hard drive and DVDROM drive cages are secured with one screw at the top for easy removal. That hard drive cage supports four drives total, the screws are provided for the custom shock mounting. The other cage supports on e 5.25” drive and 3.5” drive. Its best to hide extra wires and wire ties under these for best look when assembled so plan ahead.
There is a complete USB media reader built into the case, it is hidden with the rest of the front I/O jacks. The D-Sub 15 SVGA connector is wired out the back, it can be moved to adjust the length needed. I highly suggest removing this connector before installing the operating system to prevent the install from moving the hard drive from the C: position to G: or H:, this can be a problem with the Zalman install as I found out later.
The F-190HD motherboard SVGA is positioned on the far edge of the board, adjustment to the cable length was needed.
I went with the high performance, ultra quiet Zalman CNPS8000 heat sink, I use this for upright cases as I dislike the larger heat sinks hang after gravity takes effect. The finish on the base is a bit rough, minimal reflection can be seen.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/15.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/6.jpg
The Zalman ZM600-HP Power supply goes in with the fan facing the edge, one would think that was odd until you see that the air vents in the side of the case was made to fit. The power supply fits perfectly. It comes with self adhesive tie downs large enough for the main power bundle.
http://www.zalman.co.kr/upload/product/zm600_hp_s_p.jpg
http://www.zalman.co.kr/images/product_img/power/600hp_01.jpg
The motherboard lacks Firewire 1394, I will pick up a PCI adapter to complete the package. This build will have firewire when done, I have access to several high end cameras that use this port.
SLI or Crossfire would fit in this case, there is clearance from the drive cage, I can see thought must go into the cable management for best results. On normal cases it is the outer card near the edge of the case that gets hotter, but there is an air vent on that side for some air flow.
Dual Raptors were chosen for superb playback, if these are found to be too small I will go with a pair of dual 400GB drives for maximum length recording/playback.
The display resolution is set to 1024x768 until I find the correct driver for this display, the default is incorrect so image quality is not optimal and not quite acceptable in my opinion. I searched the install CD as well for a display driver. After some time using the onboard display, 640x480 is the best viewing resolution for button size and clarity when viewing at a distance. 800x600 is the lowest resolution selectable without tweaking the system to enable other resolutions. This can be done with third party display software. Output from the HDMI is perfect at 1920x1080, using the TV for computer display is the best I have ever seen. Usable HD desktop with the HDMI
One of the first problems you will run into is QAM support from add on tuner cards. Nothing I have found so far works with Cox digital cable, standard cable channels work fine, so this prevents viewing of HD digital channels. Using the antenna quality depends on your antenna and placement, provided you are in a city that has OTA HD broadcasts. With a small cheap antenna reception works but often interruptions in signal.
The unit comes with Zini as the default multimedia center, it works pretty good and works with add on cards better than some of the standard software that came with the card, I did try Kworld, ATI 650, and a Avermedia PCIe. Of those the ATI did have the best quality and quicker channel selection, the kworld was the worst, avoid Kworld completely, it was a pain to get operational, the QAM support does not exist, very slow channels and often the application locked up.
I have been looking for a HDMI in capture card as this is what the system is lacking without proper QAM support for encrypted digital cable channels that you pay for it is useless for digital cable now.
I will need to do another followup after I play with cature cards and routing of audio and video sources. With current technology it is not cut and dry for the a complete 1080p system that I have planned, with comprimises I could settle for the Blackmagic 1080i HDMI cature card until more options become available.
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/
I will be updating with more images and a complete followup with what configuration I find to work the best. Its a pain to get the images of the black case.
I love the quality of this case as it pulls a premium cost partly due to the built in zero defect touch screen display. The front LCD panel is practical, I like its function and other multimedia program can take advange ot it. The touch screen works great as well, I am growing used to the remote control that I have not touched on in this write up.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/12.jpg
Zalman HD160HT Case with 7” TFT LCD
Zalman CNPS8000 Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
Zalman ZM600-HP
Intel E6400 Dual Core CPU
Abit F-190HD Xpress 1250 Motherboard
Abit Airpace PCIE 80211b/g Wireless Adapter
2GB OCZ PC6400 Crossfire Edition
Dual Raptor 74GB in RAID 0 in pictured, dual Hitachi 400GB RAID 0 final
Lite-on Blu-Ray DVD-RW
Logitech harmony Remote
Zalman put together a pretty nice HTPC case but the price is a bit much at $529 with the 7” TFT LCD (Zero Defect) display included. The machine will be used for minimal gaming, PC functions, DVD playback to start and maybe video conferencing in the near future. I will start off with XP and load the media center disk that came with the unit. An add on video is planned after DX10 advancements have been made.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/11.jpg
Thanks OCZ for providing the ATI Certified 2Gig memory kit, the red heat spreaders and ATI logo completes the rig I have put together.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/4.jpg
Thanks Abit for the motherboard, it is the correct choice for this build and everything on the market without HDMI built in is a deal breaker for me. RAID functions need to be listed on the box and listed in the manual. I will run a few tests later to see how this board stands up. I will overclock the system test memory bandwidth later, getting operational to my satisfaction is the first hurdle.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/13.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/2.jpg
Many images borrowed from the respective company websites, many images taken throughout the build. I hope to answer many questions on what to expect with this case and how to build the best rig possible from what is off the shelf today. I will not be using anything pre-release or engineering samples.
A lot of new stuff, more than the usual PC build for sure. Getting stuff unpacked I check every part for damage, missing pieces or anything out of the ordinary. All parts from the respective manufactures was packed correctly with exception to the Abit motherboard, it is a mATX form factor in a ATX box, there is nothing to prevent the motherboard from sliding the box. My first one came broken and this one seems to be fine.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/10.jpg
The case was packed like all other cases, the cardboard is a bit more durable than you would find on other case boxes. I checked all sides and edges and there was no defects anywhere, I examined every inch for gap and finish, the case was flawless.
There is a ton of cables going in all directions, the fan controller has extenders that provide more than enough length on all leads. I used the Velcro cable ties that came with the extra power leads to secure the loose spots in the case.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/8.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/9.jpg
The hard drive and DVDROM drive cages are secured with one screw at the top for easy removal. That hard drive cage supports four drives total, the screws are provided for the custom shock mounting. The other cage supports on e 5.25” drive and 3.5” drive. Its best to hide extra wires and wire ties under these for best look when assembled so plan ahead.
There is a complete USB media reader built into the case, it is hidden with the rest of the front I/O jacks. The D-Sub 15 SVGA connector is wired out the back, it can be moved to adjust the length needed. I highly suggest removing this connector before installing the operating system to prevent the install from moving the hard drive from the C: position to G: or H:, this can be a problem with the Zalman install as I found out later.
The F-190HD motherboard SVGA is positioned on the far edge of the board, adjustment to the cable length was needed.
I went with the high performance, ultra quiet Zalman CNPS8000 heat sink, I use this for upright cases as I dislike the larger heat sinks hang after gravity takes effect. The finish on the base is a bit rough, minimal reflection can be seen.
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/15.jpg
http://fugger.netfirms.com/hd/6.jpg
The Zalman ZM600-HP Power supply goes in with the fan facing the edge, one would think that was odd until you see that the air vents in the side of the case was made to fit. The power supply fits perfectly. It comes with self adhesive tie downs large enough for the main power bundle.
http://www.zalman.co.kr/upload/product/zm600_hp_s_p.jpg
http://www.zalman.co.kr/images/product_img/power/600hp_01.jpg
The motherboard lacks Firewire 1394, I will pick up a PCI adapter to complete the package. This build will have firewire when done, I have access to several high end cameras that use this port.
SLI or Crossfire would fit in this case, there is clearance from the drive cage, I can see thought must go into the cable management for best results. On normal cases it is the outer card near the edge of the case that gets hotter, but there is an air vent on that side for some air flow.
Dual Raptors were chosen for superb playback, if these are found to be too small I will go with a pair of dual 400GB drives for maximum length recording/playback.
The display resolution is set to 1024x768 until I find the correct driver for this display, the default is incorrect so image quality is not optimal and not quite acceptable in my opinion. I searched the install CD as well for a display driver. After some time using the onboard display, 640x480 is the best viewing resolution for button size and clarity when viewing at a distance. 800x600 is the lowest resolution selectable without tweaking the system to enable other resolutions. This can be done with third party display software. Output from the HDMI is perfect at 1920x1080, using the TV for computer display is the best I have ever seen. Usable HD desktop with the HDMI
One of the first problems you will run into is QAM support from add on tuner cards. Nothing I have found so far works with Cox digital cable, standard cable channels work fine, so this prevents viewing of HD digital channels. Using the antenna quality depends on your antenna and placement, provided you are in a city that has OTA HD broadcasts. With a small cheap antenna reception works but often interruptions in signal.
The unit comes with Zini as the default multimedia center, it works pretty good and works with add on cards better than some of the standard software that came with the card, I did try Kworld, ATI 650, and a Avermedia PCIe. Of those the ATI did have the best quality and quicker channel selection, the kworld was the worst, avoid Kworld completely, it was a pain to get operational, the QAM support does not exist, very slow channels and often the application locked up.
I have been looking for a HDMI in capture card as this is what the system is lacking without proper QAM support for encrypted digital cable channels that you pay for it is useless for digital cable now.
I will need to do another followup after I play with cature cards and routing of audio and video sources. With current technology it is not cut and dry for the a complete 1080p system that I have planned, with comprimises I could settle for the Blackmagic 1080i HDMI cature card until more options become available.
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/
I will be updating with more images and a complete followup with what configuration I find to work the best. Its a pain to get the images of the black case.
I love the quality of this case as it pulls a premium cost partly due to the built in zero defect touch screen display. The front LCD panel is practical, I like its function and other multimedia program can take advange ot it. The touch screen works great as well, I am growing used to the remote control that I have not touched on in this write up.