I have built a dedicated PC music server and would like to share my experinence -it can save a lot of time to someone who is in the planning stage.Also, I would be grateful to all of you for your comments/critique and answering my questions.
Here it is.H/W
Case: Antec NSK 2400 (desktop, dual 120mm side fans, three compartments, running half speed) One of the best cases under $100. Looks like audio component.
CPU: AMD X2 3800+ Speed does matter. If you are running lossless files, get the fastest CPU you can afford. AMD prices just dropped and now is a good time to buy.
CPU cooler: $15 Thermaltake (replaced noisy fan that came with CPU)
Planning to buy something quieter and more efficent.Memory: 1gb (2gb would be better)
Mobo: MSI RS 482M4, integrated ATI Radeon X200 video. This mobo was designed with HTPC in mind.
HD: 3x Seagate 300GB, SATA. 300gb is sweetspot today. They will be replaced with 2x750gb when the price drops.
Optical storage: Old Pioneer DVD burner (until Blue Ray becomes available at reasonable cost)
Audio: external via USB (No other USB devices installed)
PSU: Antec 380W, DIY heavy duty power cable (twisted 4x12ga for L,N, 10ga Ground. (Planning to buy a fanless PSU)
S/W:Windows XP SP2
JRiver MC 11 (ASIO playback)
Itunes (for ripping in Apple lossless)
This is stand-alone machine, no connection to home network or internet. Therefore, no antivirus, firewall or other permanently running services. Windoze cleaned of all uneccessary applets and all unecessary services disabled or deleted)
Antec NSK2400 is an awesome cheap case, with well designed air circullation. However,
1. From the inside, case looks like cheap office PC, definitelly not like Meridian 8000. I realised how ugly it is when it was too late, after installing motherboard. Now I am too lazy to pull everything out and be one day without music server while the paint job dries.TIP: It will look much better if sprayed inside with glossy jet black paint prior to installation of all parts. Engine block enamel paint is the best choice. Do this couple of days prior to installation to let the paint dry thoroughly and all the smell evaporates.
2. When I have assembled and powered up PC I realised that case itself amplifies fan noise. It sounds quieter with the lid off (!)
This is unacceptable. For remedy I have used Thermaltake Dampening material with great success. It is large self-adhesive EVA sheets that can easily be cut to measure.TIP: Install Thermaltake dampening compound into an empty case, before assembly. Use paper templates to ensure the right fit.
TIP: Get Thermaltake fan and Power supply silicone gaskets - they signifficantly cut the vibration noise. Again, do this before installing other parts.Use silicone gaskets under all screws.
With #2 and #3 amplified fan noise is gone and the only noise that can barely be heard is CPU fan.
3. The best way to organize cabling is from PS chamber, underneath DVD cage into HD chamber and then into Mobo chamber.
TIP: Get some black wirewraps - looks neat, and does not resemble PC cabling jungle in 10 colours. Leave day-glo colors to teenage gaming PC modders.
4. Although it is three chamber design (i.e. has two divider walls inside) the structure is not very rigid. Consider using additional bracing to stiffen the case.
Now, the case is relatively silent and the noise is pleasant hum that does not distract from listening to the music.
However, there is always a place for improvement and I would like to hear your opinion:
1. Is there a passive heatsink that can fit into desktop case, i.e. hight of less than 120mm, and be safely used with AMD Atlon X2?
2. Twin 120 fans suck the hot air out of the case. Can I reduce the heat If I simply cut the top cover and install the mesh wire on the opening, like on valve power amps?My reasoning is that if more heat is leaving the PC case by convection, the less job for the fans and less noise, so direct opening of the case will sound in fact quieter. Am I right?
3. How to cut EMI/RF inside of the case, i.e. how to shield Power supply from Hf radiation coming from mobo. Not talking TEMPEST here, but who knows, maybe it can be beneficial to overall sound.
I am thinking of old Pioneer Elite and Sansui. How about layering the case interior with Copper plates? How about building a Farady cage over Mobo compartment?4. Right now, I use integrated video. However, I would like to have a fanless video card (or with emergency fan) that can do HDTV playback and H264 decoding. Also, it has to be HDCP compliant. Is there a such thing under $200?
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Topic - Building Dedicated music server - my experience so far - bobp 08:59:38 08/22/06 (5)
- Re: Building Dedicated music server - my experience so far - bstan 11:14:20 09/26/06 (0)
- How have you organised the disk drives? nt - clifff 12:15:48 08/24/06 (0)
- Silencing a PC - coleco 22:52:29 08/23/06 (0)
- Re: Building Dedicated music server - my experience so far - Dawnrazor 09:07:21 08/22/06 (1)
- Re: Stopping windows services - bobp 09:38:30 08/22/06 (0)