Quote Originally Posted by zads View Post
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UPDATE: Monday 11/23/2009
The parts arrive! The 30 day build timeline has started!
Here is a summary of my design concept:
My design concept is to build a small form factor gaming system for use in a Home theater environment, to maximize portability and minimize wasted space, without giving up expansion or upgrade options.
Here were my design requirements:
1. Keep components cool and system stable 24/7/365, even while overclocking.
2. Keep the whole system quiet, to allow for use in a home theater-type environment.
3. Design to allow future upgradability.
4. Minimize wasted space. I don’t need 5x DVD-ROMs, 8x 3.5” HDD, etc,. Plus a massive “box” wouldn’t look good next to modern consumer electronics- LCD or Plasma TV, Home theater surround sound amplifier, etc,.

Here is my concept design, dimensions are: 400mm x 319mm x 146mm
Using 3/16” thickness acrylic for all walls.
Watercooling for CPU and GPU in a single loop with 240mm radiator.
PSU mounting above CPU area, since this is a water cooling-only case, I don’t need any clearance for HSF.
This does require 90 degree elbow fittings into and out of the CPU water block, though.


UPDATE: 12/03/2009 Another system build primary sponsor!
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...98#post4137957

Zads,

Concept wise I am not sure there is practicality, a Home Theatre application with gaming in mind is fine, portability however for what purpose? As you would know the PC in a Home Theatre app is the brains to the thing and gives its users much more flexibility in media types, if for instance your streaming all content for use through it, and you move it to go to a LAN (I am just assuming here the purpose for portability) then the Home Theater is kinda dead for all other users and there is 2 distinct learning curves in using the equipment then for those that weren't the builder, aside from the configuration differences.

Anyway a couple of thoughts, have you looked at the CEDIA standards for Home Theater to see if you can build the box to suit. (Would offer many choices in mounting, for instance you might be able to rack mount it in a high end home theater app. I assume however if you want to game on it in the HT then you have to work out how to remote the controls supplied (Mouse and KB) or aesthetically place the case near the seating position.

If you were kinda looking at the single guy/gal who has the screen and not much else. I would look at a light weight caddy that can double as a LAN trolley and book stand/gaming station for the room where it is going to sit.

I am sure you thought about all of that stuff, so just airing some thoughts. Look forward to see how it all works out.