Post by wheeker on Jan 31, 2018 16:22:55 GMT
Ok so as per sinful 's fantastic VGX-XL Redux thread, I'm going to have a novice's attempt at reutilising the case of my Sony Vaio VGX-XL201 (MB presumed faulty) for a new HTPC build. I will try to take plenty of photos of my progress as I go.
This is my first build & TBH I'm not really up-to-date with current CPU's & MB's . I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice as to what I should be using? I will mostly be using this as an HTPC running W7 & WMC (no gaming), so my starting point is advice that an i3 CPU should be sufficient.
Sinful has very kindly made-up some custom cables & a PCI back-plate for me which is currently winging it's way across the pond . This should allow me to connect up the front RF, IR & USB ports. As per original thread a Mini USB Type-B to USB header cable should enable the all-in-one card reader. I will then just need to work out how to connect the Power switch, Power LED & HDD activity LED to the motherboard (sinful - are there standard connectors I use?). This is as much connectivity as I require, so all good.
My major issue is how I am going to fit 3 x 50mm exhaust fans at the rear, above the I/O panel (similar to this VGX-XL 401 project).......
Any advice gratefully received
This is my first build & TBH I'm not really up-to-date with current CPU's & MB's . I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice as to what I should be using? I will mostly be using this as an HTPC running W7 & WMC (no gaming), so my starting point is advice that an i3 CPU should be sufficient.
- CPU- an i3 or i5 6th Gen? Apparently 7th & 8th Gen don't work with W7. If it comes with a stock cooler, will I still need the Noctua NH-L12S cooler, unless stock isn't low-profile enough?
- MB- has to be Micro-ATX. Connected to 5.1 Home Cinema system so I would like good Audio Codecs & need both Analogue & Digital Audio outputs (i.e. Line Out audio output as well as HDMI or Spdif). Onboard graphics capable of 4k Video would be good for future-proofing if/when I upgrade my TV.
- RAM- DDR4? Presume should be 8Gb at least, is it best to get 1x8Gb or 2x4Gb? What speed should I go for- the fastest the MB can support or would slower/cheaper be acceptable? Best brands?
- PSU- has to be a TFX PSU (the only form factor that will fit). The BeQuiet POWER 2 300W seems to have the right dimensions to fit the case & is Gold rated, so presumably this is ok? I will get cable ATX extensions separately.
Sinful has very kindly made-up some custom cables & a PCI back-plate for me which is currently winging it's way across the pond . This should allow me to connect up the front RF, IR & USB ports. As per original thread a Mini USB Type-B to USB header cable should enable the all-in-one card reader. I will then just need to work out how to connect the Power switch, Power LED & HDD activity LED to the motherboard (sinful - are there standard connectors I use?). This is as much connectivity as I require, so all good.
My major issue is how I am going to fit 3 x 50mm exhaust fans at the rear, above the I/O panel (similar to this VGX-XL 401 project).......
Any advice gratefully received