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case for mini itx FE solution

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pshem.k at gmail

Nov 10, 2009, 4:40 PM

Post #1 of 31 (5540 views)
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case for mini itx FE solution

Hi All,

I've been reading the list for quite some time, lurking behind the
screen. I search the archives (of both the NZ and general list) and
haven't found a good answer yet.
My current FE is on its last legs (hardware errors around video card
mainly, some issues with booting) and before it goes I would like to
build a new one. The first one was build a bit as an experiment using
pretty much random components, but since the rest of the family got
used to the 'record and watch later' there is no coming back ;-) (and
the WAF is quite high atm, don't want it to drop due to hardware
failures)
Since random (and ugly) is not an option for our lounge any more (so I
was told), I started looking for something more 'aesthetically
pleasing' options (and not too loud either).
The idea is that I'll use the ZOTAC ion-itx motherboard (either A or D
variant, depending on the case power supply options
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=10270
) and use pxe to boot it over the network from the BE. The CPU
together with GPU should have enough grunt to pull even 1080p and the
GUI (please correct me here if I'm wrong).

The only problem is finding the right case for it.
I found the Nexus Psile case
(http://www.psile.com/index.php?page=catalog_details&CID=1 ) but i'm
not sure if it can take any internal IR receiver (I've asked the
manufacturer, but no reply so far).
Then I had a look at mCubed HFX Micro M2
(http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=257
), but it weights quite a lot, and shipping it over here looks a bit
pricey. Besides - I don't think I need all that heat dissipation
capability with the Intel Atom on board.

I had a look at some of the Silverstone cases and they look quite
nice, but I'm not sure about the IR receivers either (and the ML02
doesn't really appeal to me).

Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
that seats in the lounge?

kind regards
Pshem

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ross.jemima at gmail

Nov 10, 2009, 10:43 PM

Post #2 of 31 (5435 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I've been reading the list for quite some time, lurking behind the
> screen. I search the archives (of both the NZ and general list) and
> haven't found a good answer yet.
> My current FE is on its last legs (hardware errors around video card
> mainly, some issues with booting) and before it goes I would like to
> build a new one. The first one was build a bit as an experiment using
> pretty much random components, but since the rest of the family got
> used to the 'record and watch later' there is no coming back ;-) (and
> the WAF is quite high atm, don't want it to drop due to hardware
> failures)
> Since random (and ugly) is not an option for our lounge any more (so I
> was told), I started looking for something more 'aesthetically
> pleasing' options (and not too loud either).
> The idea is that I'll use the ZOTAC ion-itx motherboard (either A or D
> variant, depending on the case power supply options
> http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=10270
> ) and use pxe to boot it over the network from the BE. The CPU
> together with GPU should have enough grunt to pull even 1080p and the
> GUI (please correct me here if I'm wrong).
>
> The only problem is finding the right case for it.
> I found the Nexus Psile case
> (http://www.psile.com/index.php?page=catalog_details&CID=1 ) but i'm
> not sure if it can take any internal IR receiver (I've asked the
> manufacturer, but no reply so far).
> Then I had a look at mCubed HFX Micro M2
> (http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=257
> ), but it weights quite a lot, and shipping it over here looks a bit
> pricey. Besides - I don't think I need all that heat dissipation
> capability with the Intel Atom on board.
>
> I had a look at some of the Silverstone cases and they look quite
> nice, but I'm not sure about the IR receivers either (and the ML02
> doesn't really appeal to me).
>
> Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
> that seats in the lounge?
>
> kind regards
> Pshem
>
>
>
Interesting question. I've been thinking about something similar.
Thing I was thinking though is if everything is integrated into the
motherboard and with network boot there is no HDD; why do you need all
that space inside the case? I've been looking for one that's just bug
enough to fit the zotac ion in and set for passive cooling. From what I
remember about the Ions, some include DC power adapters so no PSU is
needed either.

Thoughts anyone?

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pshem.k at gmail

Nov 11, 2009, 1:21 AM

Post #3 of 31 (5430 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

I guess, you probably don't need a lot of space (though, the dual core
Atom version comes with a fan), but it's quite difficult to find a
nice looking case that is really small. I managed to find a few fully
build systems that look quite nice, but none of the cases is available
as a standalone product. If you want something functional, that you
won't have too look at I think M350
(http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure ) is a good
choice.

kind regards
Pshem

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hads at nice

Nov 11, 2009, 2:02 AM

Post #4 of 31 (5439 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Wed, 2009-11-11 at 22:21 +1300, Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
> If you want something functional, that you
> won't have too look at I think M350
> (http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure ) is a good
> choice.

If you check the shipping from mini-box you might think again :)

hads

--
http://nicegear.co.nz
New Zealand's Open Source Hardware Supplier

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jfp at clearfield

Nov 11, 2009, 2:48 PM

Post #5 of 31 (5417 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

> The only problem is finding the right case for it.

I've been looking as well and the best I've come up with so far in the
fanless variety is this, it's not beautiful, but not ugly either.
(Eye of the beholder etc...)

http://www.procase.co.nz/pc/cs3500.html
More details on the UK site:
http://www.pcicase.co.uk/index.php?pag=productd&cid=77&pid=433&p=morex3500miniitxpccase.html

And it appears to be available locally:
http://directit.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=67

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Phone (+64-9) 358 2081 Clearfield Software Ltd
Fax (+64-9) 358 2083 1st Floor 8-10 Whitaker Place
Mob (+64-21) 640 779 P O Box 3901 Auckland, New Zealand
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pshem.k at gmail

Nov 11, 2009, 3:26 PM

Post #6 of 31 (5417 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

2009/11/12 Jean-Francois Pirus <jfp [at] clearfield>:
>
>> The only problem is finding the right case for it.
>
> I've been looking as well and the best I've come up with so far in the
> fanless variety is this, it's not beautiful, but not ugly either.
> (Eye of the beholder etc...)
>
> http://www.procase.co.nz/pc/cs3500.html
> More details on the UK site:
> http://www.pcicase.co.uk/index.php?pag=productd&cid=77&pid=433&p=morex3500miniitxpccase.html
>
> And it appears to be available locally:
> http://directit.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=67

I must say that for what it looks like it's quite expensive ;->

I guess I'll have to live with an external IR receiver (since pretty
much none of the cases has an internal one), *sight*

kind regards
Pshem

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hads at nice

Nov 11, 2009, 3:30 PM

Post #7 of 31 (5414 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Thu, 2009-11-12 at 11:48 +1300, Jean-Francois Pirus wrote:
> I've been looking as well and the best I've come up with so far in the
> fanless variety is this, it's not beautiful, but not ugly either.
> (Eye of the beholder etc...)
>
> http://www.procase.co.nz/pc/cs3500.html

I used one of those cases just the other day as a new PC for my mother.
I don't know how it would look under a TV but as a small case they look
just fine.

hads

Commercial bit: I can also source them if anyone wants one, get in touch
off list.

--
http://nicegear.co.nz
New Zealand's Open Source Hardware Supplier

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ross.jemima at gmail

Nov 11, 2009, 3:50 PM

Post #8 of 31 (5412 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
> I guess I'll have to live with an external IR receiver (since pretty
> much none of the cases has an internal one), *sight*
>
>
How big are the IR receivers? Surely you could try modifying the case
to include one (note I haven't looked into it myself yet).

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nick.rout at gmail

Nov 11, 2009, 4:31 PM

Post #9 of 31 (5409 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Thu, Nov 12, 2009 at 12:26 PM, Pshem Kowalczyk <pshem.k [at] gmail> wrote:
> 2009/11/12 Jean-Francois Pirus <jfp [at] clearfield>:
>>
>>> The only problem is finding the right case for it.
>>
>> I've been looking as well and the best I've come up with so far in the
>> fanless variety is this, it's not beautiful, but not ugly either.
>> (Eye of the beholder etc...)
>>
>> http://www.procase.co.nz/pc/cs3500.html
>> More details on the UK site:
>> http://www.pcicase.co.uk/index.php?pag=productd&cid=77&pid=433&p=morex3500miniitxpccase.html
>>
>> And it appears to be available locally:
>> http://directit.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=67
>
> I must say that for what it looks like it's quite expensive ;->
>
> I guess I'll have to live with an external IR receiver (since pretty
> much none of the cases has an internal one), *sight*

Fankly I would look at using something/anything that is lying around
the house for a case. Look at http://mini-itx.com for inspiration :)

With the external power supply your choices are pretty wide. Some of
the examples there may not be pretty, but they would be a talking
point :)

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ross.jemima at gmail

Nov 12, 2009, 10:38 PM

Post #10 of 31 (5363 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

What about the Zotac ZOTAC MAG HD-NS01? Its ideal except that it
doesn't really need the HDD (which you might be able to remove). Is
this unit using one of the ion motherboards or a customised one since
some of the ports appear to be on the front?

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pshem.k at gmail

Nov 13, 2009, 12:21 PM

Post #11 of 31 (5333 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

Looks like a very interesting product. One thing I find missing is an
dvd writer, but i guess for such a small case its not really a
problem.

kind regards
Pshem

2009/11/13 Ross and Jemima Knudsen <ross.jemima [at] gmail>:
> What about the Zotac ZOTAC MAG HD-NS01? Its ideal except that it
> doesn't really need the HDD (which you might be able to remove). Is
> this unit using one of the ion motherboards or a customised one since
> some of the ports appear to be on the front?
>
> _______________________________________________
> mythtvnz mailing list
> mythtvnz [at] lists
> http://lists.ourshack.com/mailman/listinfo/mythtvnz
> Archives http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/mythtvnz/
>

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hads at nice

Nov 13, 2009, 7:23 PM

Post #12 of 31 (5327 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Fri, 2009-11-13 at 19:38 +1300, Ross and Jemima Knudsen wrote:
> What about the Zotac ZOTAC MAG HD-NS01? Its ideal except that it
> doesn't really need the HDD (which you might be able to remove).

These are cool, I'm currently looking to see if we can bring some of
these or the dual core versions in.

hads

--
http://nicegear.co.nz
New Zealand's Open Source Hardware Supplier

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steven at openmedia

Nov 13, 2009, 7:51 PM

Post #13 of 31 (5336 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On 14/11/2009, at 4:23 PM, Hadley Rich wrote:

> On Fri, 2009-11-13 at 19:38 +1300, Ross and Jemima Knudsen wrote:
>> What about the Zotac ZOTAC MAG HD-NS01? Its ideal except that it
>> doesn't really need the HDD (which you might be able to remove).
>
> These are cool, I'm currently looking to see if we can bring some of
> these or the dual core versions in.
>
> hads

Nice. Love to hear about the pricing.

Steven Ellis - Technical Director
OpenMedia Limited
email - steven [at] openmedia
website - http://www.openmedia.co.nz

hads at nice

Nov 13, 2009, 8:02 PM

Post #14 of 31 (5328 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Sat, 2009-11-14 at 16:51 +1300, Steven Ellis wrote:
> Nice. Love to hear about the pricing.

At the moment it all depends on shipping - we got a little stung last
time. I'll certainly let you know how it goes though.

It's exciting to have the possibility of a pre-built system like this
without having Windows forced on you by either the manufacturer or local
distributors.

hads

--
http://nicegear.co.nz
New Zealand's Open Source Hardware Supplier

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mythtvnz at hotblack

Nov 14, 2009, 2:11 AM

Post #15 of 31 (5298 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On 14/11/09 5:02 PM, Hadley Rich wrote:
> At the moment it all depends on shipping - we got a little stung last
> time. I'll certainly let you know how it goes though.
>

I'm keen to hear the options as well. 8)

- Wade

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nick.rout at gmail

Nov 14, 2009, 11:21 AM

Post #16 of 31 (5272 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 11:11 PM, Wade Maxfield <mythtvnz [at] hotblack> wrote:
> On 14/11/09 5:02 PM, Hadley Rich wrote:
>> At the moment it all depends on shipping - we got a little stung last
>> time. I'll certainly let you know how it goes though.
>>
>
> I'm keen to hear the options as well. �8)

+1

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tortise at paradise

Nov 18, 2009, 8:02 PM

Post #17 of 31 (4985 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nick Rout" <nick.rout [at] gmail>
To: "MythTV in NZ" <mythtvnz [at] lists>
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:31 PM
Subject: Re: [mythtvnz] case for mini itx FE solution

> Fankly I would look at using something/anything that is lying around
> the house for a case. Look at http://mini-itx.com for inspiration :)
>
> With the external power supply your choices are pretty wide. Some of
> the examples there may not be pretty, but they would be a talking
> point :)
>
> _______________________________________________

I've realised an old IBM mini tower PC case I have with a 500 series CPU (motherboard pretty much useless without an IBM BIOS
update - that I could never source) is in some respects an ideal fit as it will presumably accept a mini-itx motherboard, has an 85W
ATX PS built in, the CD could be replaced with a DVD if required, and there is some ventilation present by virtue of the internal
space and PS fan draw. The PS fan noise in these is minimal as the majority of the noise comes from the HDD and/or CPU fan - that
may well be un-necessary with a dual Zotac CPU in this box.

Must be some desktop like systems that are similarly suitable. I noted one possibility on trademe for $1.50!

Visual aesthetics? Someone will probably comment!

For me part of the criteria to meet is that the front end be able to play 1080i files/ streams on VLC, (without the benefit of
vdpau) I presume the dual CPU unit is not up to that - but perhaps it is?

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stephen_agent at jsw

Nov 18, 2009, 11:07 PM

Post #18 of 31 (4987 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:02:29 +1300, you wrote:

>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Nick Rout" <nick.rout [at] gmail>
>To: "MythTV in NZ" <mythtvnz [at] lists>
>Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:31 PM
>Subject: Re: [mythtvnz] case for mini itx FE solution
>
>
>> Fankly I would look at using something/anything that is lying around
>> the house for a case. Look at http://mini-itx.com for inspiration :)
>>
>> With the external power supply your choices are pretty wide. Some of
>> the examples there may not be pretty, but they would be a talking
>> point :)
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>
>I've realised an old IBM mini tower PC case I have with a 500 series CPU (motherboard pretty much useless without an IBM BIOS
>update - that I could never source) is in some respects an ideal fit as it will presumably accept a mini-itx motherboard, has an 85W
>ATX PS built in, the CD could be replaced with a DVD if required, and there is some ventilation present by virtue of the internal
>space and PS fan draw. The PS fan noise in these is minimal as the majority of the noise comes from the HDD and/or CPU fan - that
>may well be un-necessary with a dual Zotac CPU in this box.
>
>Must be some desktop like systems that are similarly suitable. I noted one possibility on trademe for $1.50!
>
>Visual aesthetics? Someone will probably comment!
>
>For me part of the criteria to meet is that the front end be able to play 1080i files/ streams on VLC, (without the benefit of
>vdpau) I presume the dual CPU unit is not up to that - but perhaps it is?

Unlikely. The only people reporting any success with CPU only on
1080i had > 3 GHz CPUs. Maybe the newer code will benefit from
multiple cores, but the success reported used only one core for video
decode.

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steven at openmedia

Nov 19, 2009, 12:07 AM

Post #19 of 31 (4983 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On 19/11/2009, at 5:02 PM, Tortise wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Nick Rout" <nick.rout [at] gmail>
> To: "MythTV in NZ" <mythtvnz [at] lists>
> Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [mythtvnz] case for mini itx FE solution
>
>
>> Fankly I would look at using something/anything that is lying around
>> the house for a case. Look at http://mini-itx.com for inspiration :)
>>
>> With the external power supply your choices are pretty wide. Some of
>> the examples there may not be pretty, but they would be a talking
>> point :)
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>
> I've realised an old IBM mini tower PC case I have with a 500 series CPU (motherboard pretty much useless without an IBM BIOS
> update - that I could never source) is in some respects an ideal fit as it will presumably accept a mini-itx motherboard, has an 85W
> ATX PS built in, the CD could be replaced with a DVD if required, and there is some ventilation present by virtue of the internal
> space and PS fan draw. The PS fan noise in these is minimal as the majority of the noise comes from the HDD and/or CPU fan - that
> may well be un-necessary with a dual Zotac CPU in this box.
>
> Must be some desktop like systems that are similarly suitable. I noted one possibility on trademe for $1.50!
>
> Visual aesthetics? Someone will probably comment!
>
> For me part of the criteria to meet is that the front end be able to play 1080i files/ streams on VLC, (without the benefit of
> vdpau) I presume the dual CPU unit is not up to that - but perhaps it is?
>

What are you streaming at 1080i that can only be played with VLC?

Steven Ellis - Technical Director
OpenMedia Limited
email - steven [at] openmedia
website - http://www.openmedia.co.nz

tortise at paradise

Nov 19, 2009, 12:59 AM

Post #20 of 31 (4983 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

From: Steven Ellis
To: MythTV in NZ
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:07 PM
Subject: Re: [mythtvnz] case for mini itx FE solution

> What are you streaming at 1080i that can only be played with VLC?

Nothing special (Freeview TV3), mplayer is also said to take a HDHomerun stream (which I understand can also be taken from a PCI
tuner, I expect most of them one way or another)

VLC is just a reliable benchmark that has always worked well for me, given the CPU hurdle. mplayer's not been so reliable for me,
however it does seem to be getting better (and vdpau is of course great for otherwise lowering the CPU requirement).

JYA's pre 0.22 packages would also play some files using the simple command format of "mythtv avfile.ts" etc, also using vdpau,
however this functionality seems to no longer work, in at least off the shelf 0.22.

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g8ecj at gilks

Nov 19, 2009, 1:53 AM

Post #21 of 31 (4972 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

> JYA's pre 0.22 packages would also play some files using the simple
> command format of "mythtv avfile.ts" etc, also using vdpau,
> however this functionality seems to no longer work, in at least off the
> shelf 0.22.

Its called mythavtest now (at least on my home compiled system it is...)

--
Robin Gilks

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andrew at etc

Dec 1, 2009, 2:35 PM

Post #22 of 31 (4224 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Wed, 2009-11-11 at 13:40 +1300, Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:

> Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
> that seats in the lounge?

I took an old '80's CD player, gutted it and put a mini-itx board and
DVD drive in it. It looks very retro in my stereo cabinet.

One of the long-term goals is to wire up the buttons on the front panel
so they can control MythTV.

Cheers!

--
Andrew Ruthven, Wellington, New Zealand
At home: andrew [at] etc | linux.conf.au 2010
| Follow the signs. Visit Wellington!
| http://www.lca2010.org.nz

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nick.rout at gmail

Dec 1, 2009, 3:32 PM

Post #23 of 31 (4218 views)
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Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM, Andrew Ruthven <andrew [at] etc> wrote:
> On Wed, 2009-11-11 at 13:40 +1300, Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
>
>> Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
>> that seats in the lounge?
>
> I took an old '80's CD player, gutted it and put a mini-itx board and
> DVD drive in it. �It looks very retro in my stereo cabinet.
>
> One of the long-term goals is to wire up the buttons on the front panel
> so they can control MythTV.

I read a howto once on using a standard keyboard chip to wire up to
buttons to emulate keystrokes. Of course myth works with keyboards
natively and this setup would work well.

The keyboard works something like a grid, each key is identified by a
row and column. When you short row x and colunn 4 it produces a
certain key. Work out which two inputs to the keyboard chip for each
key you want.

I didn't explain that very well. I shall google for original article...

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nick.rout at gmail

Dec 1, 2009, 3:40 PM

Post #24 of 31 (4216 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:32 PM, Nick Rout <nick.rout [at] gmail> wrote:
> On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM, Andrew Ruthven <andrew [at] etc> wrote:
>> On Wed, 2009-11-11 at 13:40 +1300, Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
>>
>>> Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
>>> that seats in the lounge?
>>
>> I took an old '80's CD player, gutted it and put a mini-itx board and
>> DVD drive in it. �It looks very retro in my stereo cabinet.
>>
>> One of the long-term goals is to wire up the buttons on the front panel
>> so they can control MythTV.
>
> I read a howto once on using a standard keyboard chip to wire up to
> buttons to emulate keystrokes. Of course myth works with keyboards
> natively and this setup would work well.
>
> The keyboard works something like a grid, each key is identified by a
> row and column. When you short row x and colunn 4 it produces a
> certain key. Work out which two inputs to the keyboard chip for each
> key you want.
>
> I didn't explain that very well. I shall google for original article...
>

I think this probably does the job: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMwxrVXTH5A

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g8ecj at gilks

Dec 1, 2009, 4:51 PM

Post #25 of 31 (4219 views)
Permalink

Re: case for mini itx FE solution [In reply to]

> On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM, Andrew Ruthven <andrew [at] etc> wrote:
>> On Wed, 2009-11-11 at 13:40 +1300, Pshem Kowalczyk wrote:
>>
>>> Hence the question - what case would/do you use for the mini-itx board
>>> that seats in the lounge?
>>
>> I took an old '80's CD player, gutted it and put a mini-itx board and
>> DVD drive in it. �It looks very retro in my stereo cabinet.
>>
>> One of the long-term goals is to wire up the buttons on the front panel
>> so they can control MythTV.
>
> I read a howto once on using a standard keyboard chip to wire up to
> buttons to emulate keystrokes. Of course myth works with keyboards
> natively and this setup would work well.
>
> The keyboard works something like a grid, each key is identified by a
> row and column. When you short row x and colunn 4 it produces a
> certain key. Work out which two inputs to the keyboard chip for each
> key you want.
>
> I didn't explain that very well. I shall google for original article...

The parallel port interface for lcdproc can handle the scanning of keys
and pass them to MythTV - I know because I hacked up the code in myth that
allows you to order the keys to the required functions (this is before
mythcontrols came along). As far as I remember the circuit is just the
keyswitches plus one resistor per X-axis line. I use
up/down/left/right/esc/select (which uses 6 output and 1 input line, 1
resistor) and can get to just about every function without having to find
the remote :-) The menu items are of course displayed on the 20x2 LCD
display (South Island Components have them for about 35 bucks) so I don't
need the TV on either.

--
Robin Gilks

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