nMedia HTPC 1080p Media Center Chassis

Written by Nate Swetland - Edited by Olin Coles

Monday, 16 August 2010

Table of Contents: Page Index
nMedia HTPC 1080p Media Center Chassis
Closer Look: Exterior
Detailed Exterior Features
Closer Look: Interior
Detailed Interior Features
Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Page 1 of 6

nMedia HTPC 1080p Micro ATX Chassis

As computers become more commonly included in people's home entertainment systems, it is only natural that companies like nMedia try to create custom cases to cater to those consumers' needs. As seen with other cases from nMedia that Benchmark Reviews has tested, such as the 6000B HTPC Case, nMedia is no stranger to multimedia and HTPC case design. nMedia has given Benchmark Review a chance to look at their latest in their HTPC case line, the HTPC 1080p Micro ATX Chassis. Mentioning a low-profile design, dual 80mm silent fans, all-in-one front I/O panel, and an optional LCD Panel would only begin to highlight the features of the HTPC 1080p. Please join Benchmark Reviews and read the full article as we fully explore what nMedia has to offer with the HTPC 1080p.

For a person who is a media buff like myself, a Home Theater PC can be a very good finishing touch to a full entertainment system. Like the expensive stereo, speakers, and other devices you paid top dollar for, you don't want them to just perform well, you want them to look good too. nMedia tries to satisfy this need by making a HTPC enclosure like the HTPC 1080p, with its shiny front panel, black cabinet, and low profile design. The size, shape, and color of the 1080p should fit well in almost any multimedia setup whether this is one device out of many, or the only device you use.

The HTC 1080p will be evaluated using five categories of interest to those of you shopping for a HTPC style case. Those categories are Performance, Appearance, Value, Construction, and Functionality. Some of these categories may tend to be more subjective than others, but Benchmark Reviews strives to provide the best possible reviews from the most unbiased point of view as possible.

Manufacturer: nMedia System, Inc.
Product Name: HTPC 1080p Micro ATX Chassis
Model Number: HTPC-1080p
Price As Tested: $59.99

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by nMedia System.

nMedia HTPC 1080p Features

Support ATX power supply
Support Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboard
3 X 3.5" internal bays for media data
Easy upfront access digital connection interfaces
HD Audio; SDHC 2.0 All-in-1 Card Reader; USB 2.0 X 2
Support low profile (short height) PCI card expansion
Aluminum panel with Acrylic mirror sliding door
Compact size and feel
Optional upgrade on 20x2 programmable MCE LCD module
Innovated architecture makes your installation easy
Quiet as always

HTPC 1080p Specifications

Model: HTPC 1080p
Dimension: Case: 17"(W) x 4"(H w/ feet) x 16.3"(D w/ panel)
Dimension: Metal Chassis: 17"(W) x 3.9"(H) x 15.4" (D)
Material: Aluminum & Steel Case
Motherboard: Support Micro-ATX
Power Supply: Support ATX PSU
Drive Bays: External 5.25" Bay x 1
Internal 3.5" Bay x 3
Expansions: 4 Slots / Low Profile
Cooling: 80mm Silent Case Fan x 2
Front Connection: High Definition Audio x 2 (Support AC 97)
All in one Card Reader (SDHC 2.0 Compliance - high capacity & speed)
USB 2.0 x 2
LCD Display (Optional, not included): 20x2 Programmable LCD Display module with Internal USB connector, support all Window OS. Specially design for Window 7 and Vista Ultimate and Home Premium operating system that comes with Media Center Edition front end. (more details at http://www.nmediapc.com/LCD/download.htm )

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Comments

# It's ok — Testy01 2010-08-16 18:07

But the front flip down fascia is a negative to me, if it must have one it should be split so the optical drive can be accessed more readily with its fascia attached to the front of the drive. Those push to open releases break or wear too easily for my liking and special mounts for the front I/O's and LCD display make it harder but not impossible to mount your own components. With new standards being brought about all the time it would be nice if standard drivebay mounts where used so you could utilise your own LCD or front I/O's. And while front mount to card readers or Usb ports make for ease of access, a side mount for these would allow for neater usage while still allowing access. Also almost as an afterthought, the glossy fascia and the break out Pci slot covers are a no no for me as well, I would rather continue the brushed aluminium look across the entire front to maintain a classy appearance.

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# RE: It's ok — Nate 2010-08-17 06:36

Thanks for your comments!
I also thought that the front fascia would be a negative, but it can be a very subjective feature. If you don't use disks or the card reader that often, you never really put much wear and tear on the front flip-down panel.
I do agree that sometimes it can be a bit frustrating when manufacturers use some kind of proprietary mount, or a kind of system where mounting standard components is not very practical, so you do have a good point there.
I am unsure what you mean by a "side mount" for the USB and card reader. Do you mean having it literally on the side of the case, or put to one side and still on the front? If you were to have those ports on the side of the case, putting it in an entertainment cabinet would make for a very cramped space to try and use the ports.
I assume the reasoning behind the glossy front is to keep in line with other home entertainment systems as many have a very similar appearances.

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# nice — momo 2010-08-25 18:30

I have had many htpc already. and im with Nate. the full front cover is nice because I rarely use the ODD or card reader. So for that 88% of the time this goes well with giving that "it's a PC?" stealth look. I just wish nmedia pc would source the lcd from someone else or have vlsystem update that 2 year old software... i used it in a nmedia 6000 build and it took a lot of tweaking to get it have way decent. Thanks for the review. Looks like i will give this one a try also.

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