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How to Build The Perfect Home Theater PC
Ian Bell writes: "We have just updated our HTPC guide to include some new parts for building the perfect home theater PC. We scoured the net and talked with various manufacturers to find these hard to find parts and components. This includes a new component width black anodized aluminum case complete with reciever sytle legs, a fold down front door and front USB/FireWire ports. Add to this an ATi AIW Radeon 8500 DV, DVD-RW/CDR-RW drive and Dolby Digital sound and you have the perfect HTPC. Check out our guide for complete system specs pictures and links to where you can find these hard to find parts. This system replaces your DVD player complete with HDTV and progressive scan support, Tivo or Replay TV and TV guide." Update: 05/26 23:44 GMT by T : Helstein writes with another All-In-Wonder based approach, his 1U Multimedia Station.
The average slashdotter is homeless and LIVES in a movie theater. It's been that way ever since episode 1. Build it and we will come.
I am the nightmare of nightmares.
A jet engine? Here's something close. A quick high performance mod you should consider to your cooling fan is the 30,000rpm enhancement. What you need is a typical power supply cooling fan and a 30,000rpm dremel tool. You know where this is going...
Take the power supply fan and remove the c-clip holding the shaft. This clamp is hidden behind the manufacturer's sticker and can be removed with a pick. Pull the fan from the motor and note that the shaft fits right into the dremel tool. Good for +100mph blasts. The pull is very strong, so it might be a good idea to mount the beast securely.
If *that* wasn't enough, the jet speed mod is to increase the fan speed far above 30,000rpm's. Simply weaken the field current to the dremel's motor. This increases the motor's magnetic slip; even though available torque is reduced, its speed can be increased to the point of self destruction. Since its air cooled, why worry about the motor overheating?
I forgot to mention, its a good idea to remove the heavy magenet from the fan. If the assembly breaks due to forces generated, there may be significant property damage and bodily injury.