Modding Recommendations on a HTPC case?

I am looking to build a HTPC...what are your recommendations? Lessons learned? Things you found in a case that you really liked (or didn't like?)

tx!

 

If you're going for mini-ITX, you may have problems fitting all the components in.

On mine, I had to chop a fairly large hole in the back of the DVD drive to clear the TV card.
It still works though, as the HTPC is compiling Gentoo Linux in the other room as I type this.

That was the HTPC specced in my sig, mounted in a Sereniti 2000 case.

I'm now planning a custom (from scratch) case for the parts.

 

If I don't use Mini-ITX, then what should I use? I am trying to get some details, so I can plan to build one. tx-

 

Micro-ITX would get you a small form factor and then if you get a USB 2.0 TV card that would sort that problem out. It would be small, quiet, take up a small ammount of power and would be a unique PC (from what ive seen and i would LOVE to be corrected).

EDIT:: am i getting mini and micro confused? which one is the mobo with the intergrated CPU and is the one above the Nano-ITX boards that i so want?

 

You could go with a Socket A setup. Get a Micro-Atx board with a 2500+ mobile or there abouts. By using a mobile you can make the case silent as mobiles stay cooler than regular chips. For htpc cases, just get something thats small, looks good with the rest of your A/V rack and something with front usb ports on the front. Hope that helped. Also you could use this card for video. Its an nvida personal cinema with its own software and remote. And its cheap http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814133143

 

thanks...i appreciate the input

 

That's Mini-ITX, eg the VIA Epia boards.

The other SFF format you're probably thinking of is Micro-ATX, which is usually a standard mobo,
just with fewer PCI slots.

 

i kinda built my own htpc case, out of sheetmetal, 33 bucks got me all the nuts, bolts, sheetmetal, metal stripping, and a new box of dremel blades , link to thread here http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=93070

 

very nice...tx for the link!

 

yeah i say build your own case, im currently making mine out of any old aiwa stereo reciever, and im trying to save the LCD and LEDs that light up the fron as well.