Argonaut, custom HTPC

[korben43]

This is the start of my work blog for Argonaut, my custom HTPC. Since my other system is set for now, my idle hands need something to do. So, I've always wanted to have an HTPC and I decided it's about time to get started on it. My goal for this mod is complete silence and a kick *** case once finished. Below is the start of the supplies that'll be going into my build. As a rule of thumb for any of my systems, they have to be water cooled, and this one is no exception. Everything in here will be water cooled except the memory, hard drives, and psu.



I'll be posting updates as my progress goes forward. Suggestions are always welcome. This is going to be an HTPC and a decent gaming system built around the eVGA 780i mobo and a Q9300, sli is a must as well.

[korben43]

Oh, and I'm not using the Maze4 cpu cooler, it'll be the Enzotech in my main rig. I'm switching that out with the D-Tek Fuzion v2.

[tool_462]

Why no watercooled PSU?

[korben43]

Why no watercooled PSU?

Funny guy, ay The Silencer 750 is quiet enough.

[Eurasianman]

You do know they make water cooling mounts for the hard drive and RAM. Also, IIRC, I found a water cooled PSU?

After all, you did say:

As a rule of thumb for any of my systems, they have to be water cooled, and this one is no exception.

And SLI for an HTPC

Talk about over kill.

Last time I checked, an HTPC should either have a powerful IGP, or a moderate video card and a motherboard that runs nice and cool. You got the CPU right, but the motherboard and SLI

I knew California people were crazy!

What case is that?

[korben43]

Cooler Master Centurion 5. I'm not looking for a conservative HTPC. Last time I checked, I can do what I want! The mobo, I had laying around, might as well put it to good use. It'll run nice and cool with a nice and cool water cooling setup.

[Eurasianman]

You know it's bad when you have to watercool an HTPC

[korben43]

You know it's bad when you have to watercool an HTPC

Not bad, fun!

[YMAA]

Perhaps you should make another HTPC with the same name and rename your TJ09 build to Jason. That way, your computers will be known as Jason and the Argonauts.

[tool_462]

I agree YMAA.

@Eura, I'll probably end up watercooling my HTPC just to put the pump to good use, I've decided to keep it around as a backup for my main rig

[korben43]

Perhaps you should make another HTPC with the same name and rename your TJ09 build to Jason. That way, your computers will be known as Jason and the Argonauts.

Very cute. But I was thinking more along the line of Arganout and killer hero, not Jason and the Argonauts. Like Dreadnought is a badass name for a Force Recon guy, Argonaut is his side kick . It all works with a company name I've been throwing around, Liquid Recon. I want to open up a computer shop in PA when I move back. There's a lot of untapped opportunities out there.

[YMAA]

I agree YMAA.

@Eura, I'll probably end up watercooling my HTPC just to put the pump to good use, I've decided to keep it around as a backup for my main rig

So you're not going to sell it?

[tool_462]

So you're not going to sell it?

Well your slow *** won't ever buy it, we all know it. Not that I won't sell it...

[korben43]

Well your slow *** won't ever buy it, we all know it. Not that I won't sell it...

What pump is that?

[YMAA]

Well your slow *** won't ever buy it, we all know it. Not that I won't sell it...

Are you implying my *** is slow? I think I'm offended, I've been told I have a very quick ***. That being said, give me a few weeks to make some cash and I'll let you know if I want the pump and rad

[korben43]

Here's my concept sketch of Argonaut:

[korben43]

The acrylic panels are see through with lighting on the inside. I'm going all black with yellow lighting and yellow coolant on the inside. Some red and blue lighting will be thrown in the mix to stick with the color scheme of Argonaut. Why those colors? 'Cause I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fanatic, that's why

[Eurasianman]

I thought HTPCs were suppose to be discrete.

Nonetheless, very nice artistic work

@ Tool: Glad to hear it.

@ YMAA: Face it, you're as slow with cash as I am to deciding what to upgrade next

[korben43]

Maybe your HTPC Mine is meant to play with the big boys.

[Eurasianman]