HTPC case for Dell 530?

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 01:58 PM

I'm looking to swap cases from tower to one that I can fit on my av stand (i.e. a horizontal case).

Here's the specs for my machine:

0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM
1 CR457 Processor, Q6600, 2.4, 8MB, Core Duo Kentsfield, G0
1 R908C INSTRUCTION..., BDG-TO-MNTW-L6, 530QC
1 W393C INSTRUCTION..., DEVIATE L6 TO L5+, 530QC
1 JY172 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., DIMENSION..., DAO/BCC
1 DN133 Hard Drive, 500G, S2, 7.2K, 16M Lead Free, Samsung
1 DJ301 Kit, Mouse, Universal Serial Bus, 2BTN, Optical, Lead Free Black
1 C831D Kit, Software, Powerdvd, 7.0 Digital Video Disk Drive 7.0-02
1 RX073 Kit, Software, Overpack, WXPPSP2 Compact Diskette W Documentation, English
1 J8461 Assembly, Cable, Video, Lead Free
1 WX094 Card, Graphics, 258, 8600 MRMGA+3B
2 WG440 Dual In-Line Memory Module 512, 800M, 64X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
2 CM633 Dual In-line Memory Module 1GB, 800, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
1 NY414 Keyboard, 104, Universal Serial Bus, United States, Entry, SilverDRFN
1 F084D Kit, Software, Roxio, 10-0, Dell Edition
0 83535 INFORMATION..., PART, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT PACKET INTERFACE..., DEVICE
1 DW559 Assembly, DVD+/-RW..., 16X, Half Height, BARE, Sony Nec Optiarc Inc.
1 CP825 Assembly, Heatsink, Fan, Mini Tower
1 XX784 ASSEMBLY..., CHASSIS..., QUADRUPLE..., Pentium 4 Prescott DT, 3.0GHZ, 1 MEGB, 800FSB..., POWER FACTOR CORRECTION..., PWA INTEGRATED...

I've added a Pinnacle tv tuner card and another HD. Also, installed a new sound card that has a front bay as well (this one

http://support.creative.com/Products...T=CategoryID:1

I suppose I could just lay it on it's side and then the only problem (aside from the ghetto-ness of it) would be loading cds/dvds, but I could just hold it in place as it loads....although that's probably not recommended.

So, any recommendations? Preferably something not too pricey.

Thanks

X · 10-12-09, 02:05 PM

The major question is the size of the motherboard. If it's a full ATX or mini/micro ATX.

If you don't know the answer it could be determined from its dimensions. Also, is the power supply a standard form factor or will you need another one to fit in another case?

Are you planning on playing Blu-ray with it? Do you have a link to the computer at Dell?

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X

The major question is the size of the motherboard. If it's a full ATX or mini/micro ATX.

If you don't know the answer it could be determined from its dimensions. Also, is the power supply a standard form factor or will you need another one to fit in another case?

Are you planning on playing Blu-ray with it?

yeah, I was trying to figure out the atx thing as well.

I have a PS3 so I can use that for blu-ray (although I haven't done so yet). I think I saw last night where someone identified the atx size. I'll see if I can find that.

Any other upgrades I should consider? The video card is kind of shitty, but I don't game. I mostly use the pc for internet, storage, audio creation/editing. I use it as a media server and, since it's connected to my 50" plasma, I play video files off it. Not much beyond that that I can think of.

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 02:13 PM

one thing, though and maybe it has to do with the power supply, is that it makes a humming sound when I write to my 1tb wd caviar black hd. I know those are louder than others and it could be that I ran out of scews and it's a bit loose, but if it's because the power supply isn't strong enough, then I'd def. replace it as well.

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 02:15 PM

here's the thread I was referring to:

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...uid=0&t=700167

looks like microATX, but I'm not certain....

X · 10-12-09, 02:23 PM

It may be a mini or micro ATX. The dimensions will determine that. Someone posted from your link... "the 530s are pretty close to a stock micro ATX case now" so that may be the answer.

I read that on one particular model the power supply is not standard size and that the motherboard had non-standard connectors. So you need to find out if that is the case. If your power supply can be replaced by the Antec EarthWatts you're ok.

What is your video? You probably need to upgrade if you want to play DVD/Blu-ray decently.

X · 10-12-09, 02:32 PM

A microATX motherboard would fit nicely in a relatively small case but your large power supply is going to limit your choices.

I built my last HTPC with a full ATX motherboard so there was plenty of room for components, like a full-size power supply. The case is fairly large but it fits nicely in my component rack and I like being able to add as many boards as I want.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Produc...C=1319&ID=1426

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X

It may be a mini or micro ATX. The dimensions will determine that. Someone posted from your link... "the 530s are pretty close to a stock micro ATX case now" so that may be the answer.

I read that on one particular model the power supply is not standard size and that the motherboard had non-standard connectors. So you need to find out if that is the case. If your power supply can be replaced by the Antec EarthWatts you're ok.

What is your video? You probably need to upgrade if you want to play DVD/Blu-ray decently.

the video is an Nvidia 8600 GT. It's hooked up to a Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK via dvi to hdmi (although I kept getting a green screen when switching between components using my monoprice hdmi switcher) so it's on vga at the moment since it doesn't seem to think the monitor plug has been disconnected when I switch inputs.

From another website, I saw that it may be a standard ATX.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/...l=en&cs=&s=gen

X · 10-12-09, 03:31 PM

Your 8600GT may or may not have HDCP support so that's a consideration in playing Blu-ray. Otherwise you should be ok.

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 03:46 PM

yeah, it looks like the 8600GT doesn't support HDCP. I'm not even that knowledgable about HDCP so I'll have to research that.

I guess I'd consider a new case, psu, and video card. That thermalake one is badass and if I can constantly upgrade it, I would consider buying it....

fumanstan · 10-12-09, 04:18 PM

Getting a DVI Doctor or something similar would probably fix the component switching when using DVI to HDMI. Not sure if you want to spend $50 on it though.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

dick_grayson · 10-12-09, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fumanstan

Getting a DVI Doctor or something similar would probably fix the component switching when using DVI to HDMI. Not sure if you want to spend $50 on it though.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

thanks for the link. I didn't know such a product existed.

It's strange because I have the hdmi switcher set up for my HD-DVR, ps3 and computer. if I switch between computer and dvr, I get the green screen, but if I switch to the PS3 input and then the computer, it's fine. I don't know if the ps3 resets the input or what.

Either way, I'm thinking of replacing the video card so hopefully that'll resolve the green screen issue. I've spent lots of time trying to determine what the issue is, but the best I've come up with is that, when I switch hdmi to something else, the video card thinks it's been unplugged from the monitor.

fumanstan · 10-12-09, 04:43 PM

Reading the reviews though, it looks like it doesn't pass HDCP.

But yeah, I had similar issues with a PC running to an HDMI switch to a projector, where it wouldn't remember that there was a signal and this fixed it.

dick_grayson · 11-05-09, 06:29 PM

by the way, I vacuumed out the case and noticed that one of my hds was loose (hence the noise). it's quiet now, but I haven't made any decision regarding when to upgrade. I'll likely go with the Thermaltake that was recommended. I guess I will need a video card.....although I'm not sure if it will matter with my motherboard. Any suggestions or recommendations on what to upgrade? Or whether it's worth it to just build anew?

X · 11-05-09, 06:54 PM

If you don't need another computer it seems your motherboard/CPU/RAM will work fine. Your video card will too, other than the potential HDCP issue. I have an 8400GS that has HDCP support. You'll need a Blu-ray drive and those are going down in price. Black Friday would probably have one at a good price.

Be aware that the Thermaltake case has only one opening for a DVD drive.

dick_grayson · 11-06-09, 10:38 AM

thanks for the info. I should only need 1 drive....although I suppose it means I can't use the soundbank thing for my soundcard. that's not a big deal.

how do I determine what video cards will work with my motherboard or with that case? I'd like to know what my options are but also what will NOT work. I know there's low profile ones, but not really sure if that would matter.

10-12-09, 01:58 PM	#1
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	HTPC case for Dell 530? I'm looking to swap cases from tower to one that I can fit on my av stand (i.e. a horizontal case). Here's the specs for my machine: 0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM 1 CR457 Processor, Q6600, 2.4, 8MB, Core Duo Kentsfield, G0 1 R908C INSTRUCTION..., BDG-TO-MNTW-L6, 530QC 1 W393C INSTRUCTION..., DEVIATE L6 TO L5+, 530QC 1 JY172 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., DIMENSION..., DAO/BCC 1 DN133 Hard Drive, 500G, S2, 7.2K, 16M Lead Free, Samsung 1 DJ301 Kit, Mouse, Universal Serial Bus, 2BTN, Optical, Lead Free Black 1 C831D Kit, Software, Powerdvd, 7.0 Digital Video Disk Drive 7.0-02 1 RX073 Kit, Software, Overpack, WXPPSP2 Compact Diskette W Documentation, English 1 J8461 Assembly, Cable, Video, Lead Free 1 WX094 Card, Graphics, 258, 8600 MRMGA+3B 2 WG440 Dual In-Line Memory Module 512, 800M, 64X64, 8, 240, 1RX8 2 CM633 Dual In-line Memory Module 1GB, 800, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8 1 NY414 Keyboard, 104, Universal Serial Bus, United States, Entry, SilverDRFN 1 F084D Kit, Software, Roxio, 10-0, Dell Edition 0 83535 INFORMATION..., PART, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT PACKET INTERFACE..., DEVICE 1 DW559 Assembly, DVD+/-RW..., 16X, Half Height, BARE, Sony Nec Optiarc Inc. 1 CP825 Assembly, Heatsink, Fan, Mini Tower 1 XX784 ASSEMBLY..., CHASSIS..., QUADRUPLE..., Pentium 4 Prescott DT, 3.0GHZ, 1 MEGB, 800FSB..., POWER FACTOR CORRECTION..., PWA INTEGRATED... I've added a Pinnacle tv tuner card and another HD. Also, installed a new sound card that has a front bay as well (this one http://support.creative.com/Products...T=CategoryID:1 I suppose I could just lay it on it's side and then the only problem (aside from the ghetto-ness of it) would be loading cds/dvds, but I could just hold it in place as it loads....although that's probably not recommended. So, any recommendations? Preferably something not too pricey. Thanks

10-12-09, 02:05 PM	#2
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 5,486	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? The major question is the size of the motherboard. If it's a full ATX or mini/micro ATX. If you don't know the answer it could be determined from its dimensions. Also, is the power supply a standard form factor or will you need another one to fit in another case? Are you planning on playing Blu-ray with it? Do you have a link to the computer at Dell?

10-12-09, 02:13 PM	#4
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? one thing, though and maybe it has to do with the power supply, is that it makes a humming sound when I write to my 1tb wd caviar black hd. I know those are louder than others and it could be that I ran out of scews and it's a bit loose, but if it's because the power supply isn't strong enough, then I'd def. replace it as well.

10-12-09, 02:15 PM	#5
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? here's the thread I was referring to: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...uid=0&t=700167 looks like microATX, but I'm not certain....

10-12-09, 02:23 PM	#6
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 5,486	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? It may be a mini or micro ATX. The dimensions will determine that. Someone posted from your link... "the 530s are pretty close to a stock micro ATX case now" so that may be the answer. I read that on one particular model the power supply is not standard size and that the motherboard had non-standard connectors. So you need to find out if that is the case. If your power supply can be replaced by the Antec EarthWatts you're ok. What is your video? You probably need to upgrade if you want to play DVD/Blu-ray decently.

10-12-09, 02:32 PM	#7
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 5,486	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? A microATX motherboard would fit nicely in a relatively small case but your large power supply is going to limit your choices. I built my last HTPC with a full ATX motherboard so there was plenty of room for components, like a full-size power supply. The case is fairly large but it fits nicely in my component rack and I like being able to add as many boards as I want. http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Produc...C=1319&ID=1426

10-12-09, 03:31 PM	#9
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 5,486	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? Your 8600GT may or may not have HDCP support so that's a consideration in playing Blu-ray. Otherwise you should be ok.

10-12-09, 03:46 PM	#10
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? yeah, it looks like the 8600GT doesn't support HDCP. I'm not even that knowledgable about HDCP so I'll have to research that. I guess I'd consider a new case, psu, and video card. That thermalake one is badass and if I can constantly upgrade it, I would consider buying it....

10-12-09, 04:18 PM	#11
fumanstan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 22,210	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? Getting a DVI Doctor or something similar would probably fix the component switching when using DVI to HDMI. Not sure if you want to spend $50 on it though. http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 __________________ XBox Live: Fu Man Stan "I've never derived "joy" from either comicbooks or torture porn, so you can imagine how I feel about the mainstream marriage of the two in The Dark Knight" - baracine

10-12-09, 04:43 PM	#13
fumanstan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 22,210	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? Reading the reviews though, it looks like it doesn't pass HDCP. But yeah, I had similar issues with a PC running to an HDMI switch to a projector, where it wouldn't remember that there was a signal and this fixed it. __________________ XBox Live: Fu Man Stan "I've never derived "joy" from either comicbooks or torture porn, so you can imagine how I feel about the mainstream marriage of the two in The Dark Knight" - baracine

11-05-09, 06:29 PM	#14
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? by the way, I vacuumed out the case and noticed that one of my hds was loose (hence the noise). it's quiet now, but I haven't made any decision regarding when to upgrade. I'll likely go with the Thermaltake that was recommended. I guess I will need a video card.....although I'm not sure if it will matter with my motherboard. Any suggestions or recommendations on what to upgrade? Or whether it's worth it to just build anew?

11-05-09, 06:54 PM	#15
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 5,486	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? If you don't need another computer it seems your motherboard/CPU/RAM will work fine. Your video card will too, other than the potential HDCP issue. I have an 8400GS that has HDCP support. You'll need a Blu-ray drive and those are going down in price. Black Friday would probably have one at a good price. Be aware that the Thermaltake case has only one opening for a DVD drive.

11-06-09, 10:38 AM	#16
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,487	Re: HTPC case for Dell 530? thanks for the info. I should only need 1 drive....although I suppose it means I can't use the soundbank thing for my soundcard. that's not a big deal. how do I determine what video cards will work with my motherboard or with that case? I'd like to know what my options are but also what will NOT work. I know there's low profile ones, but not really sure if that would matter.