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- Nov 1, 1998
Today I will be reviewing the Silverstone GD05B HTPC case for MicroATX, Mini DTX and Mini ITX based systems.
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Today I will be reviewing the Silverstone GD05B HTPC case for MicroATX, Mini DTX and Mini ITX based systems.
Jay, I'm not a big HTPC follower, but aren't a lot of matx boards coming with bluetooth? It also seems most IR remotes come with their own USB receivers. I suppose it would be a nice HTPC case feature, but honestly I hadn't thought about the need for for IR in the case... It's also the lower budget option for remote controls though, so from that perspective, it would be especially nice to be included on a cheap $90 HTPC case.
This is a pretty popular HTPC remote that uses bluetooth:
http://www.overclockers.com/dinovomini
I also have an nmedia remote and a lenovo remote which both use proprietary USB dongles that don't require line of sight. My htpc is in a cabinet in my entertainment center, behind a marbled glass door... Not sure if IR would work through it.
I looked around, but didn't have an easy time finding many other bluetooth HTPC remotes - I thought higher end htpc remotes used them, but maybe the fancy universal remotes do? Or maybe I'm in left field...
never liked IR receivers. i hate the whole line of sight thing. and tbh... harmony remotes on the HTPC suck BALLS... their lag in sending ir communications is so nerve racking. my ati remote wonder pluss is instant and RF... so i can be at the other end of the upstairs in my room hit next and it will change a song etc etc etc.
and really... complaining about the fans when you didnt even try undervolting them.... i have the same case. the two right side case fans at 5v cool my ENTIRE system, and are silent, got rid of the left side intake, and flipped the right side to be exhaust.... getting rid of the fan filters gets rid of alot of fan noise too. alright review, but it doesnt do the case justice.
Already have a Logitech dinovo mini.
And I use a remote.
The mini is a good wireless keyboard, but a remote is the best interface for a TV.
Its Simple, and you dont need to teach a guest that comes over how to use it.
It so much nicer being able to lay down and use a remote with one hand.
Something you cant do with a keyboard.
If you guys dont like IR, fine, you should demand a Bluetooth or RF reviver built into the case so you dont have anything extra pluged into the back of the case in a usb port.
Like i said before, its just another desktop case unless is actually has HTPC specific features.
and what are "htpc specific features"
IMO a case that goes along with the look of other home theater equipment like a reciever, that doesnt stand out like a sore thumb, is a perfect canidate for a htpc case... and as such the GD05B is.
if an IR reciever makes or breaks the "HTPC" case designation then call me dumb cus thats a horid way to classify a case.
All i am saying is this is not a HTPC case
But is a standard desktop case.
Yes you can use it for a HTPC, but you could also use a tower for that matter.
I just get annoyed at the manufactures for calling something the latest buzz word of the day in an attempt to get some more PR.
Once again, yet another HTPC case without an IR receiver.
I don't get how case manufactures can call this a HTPC case without one.
At this point in time, its simple a standard Desktop style case.
never liked IR receivers. i hate the whole line of sight thing. and tbh... harmony remotes on the HTPC suck BALLS... their lag in sending ir communications is so nerve racking. my ati remote wonder pluss is instant and RF... so i can be at the other end of the upstairs in my room hit next and it will change a song etc etc etc.
and really... complaining about the fans when you didnt even try undervolting them.... i have the same case. the two right side case fans at 5v cool my ENTIRE system, and are silent, got rid of the left side intake, and flipped the right side to be exhaust.... getting rid of the fan filters gets rid of alot of fan noise too. alright review, but it doesnt do the case justice.
... like stated... i have had this case for quite some time... and have NEVER had any issues with static and the possible lack of grounding. the front SHOULD have an aluminum skin on it.
Maybe the design has changed, because there appears to be no aluminum in the face of mine, and even if there is it isn't grounded to the rest of the case, and static is definitely an issue. It's not a deal breaker since the case doesn't get touched that often, but it is a little concerning.