Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: Hiper, htpc | Themes: Desktop Computers, Digital Entertainment, Home Theater
- 1. Slim, Quiet, and not exactly Cheap
- 2. Technical Data
- 3. A Look Inside - Power Supply, Cooler, and Card Reader
- 4. Equipment - Remote Control, IDE-Adapter, and Breakout Cable
- 5. Test Setup - Installing a TV card into a HTPC shouldn't be this hard
- 6. Conclusion - A compact HTPC in Hi-Fi Form Factor - with a Hi-Fi Price
6. Conclusion - A compact HTPC in Hi-Fi Form Factor - with a Hi-Fi Price
Small and slim - an ideal enclosure for a living room HTPC.
Speaking from a conceptual perspective, the Hiper HMC-2K53A-A3 made a very good impression on us. While its predecessors suffered from various shortcomings, there is very little to dislike or criticize about this model. That is, of course, as long as you don’t plan to install a TV tuner card, or if you know that you have a model that will fit inside the case. The control elements on the case’s front are basically superfluous, since using the remote control is the easier and more comfortable option anyway.
Despite the fact that it is equipped with five fans (4 for the system, and one for the CPU), the system is surprisingly quiet. The case never feels hot, and only ever gets warm to the touch, even after several hours of operation. A number of slits in the case’s lid are ideally positioned right above the CPU cooler to ensure good airflow.
This is an ideal PC for the living room if you want to do without the typical PC case. While the Hiper Media Chassis HMC-2K53A-A3 comes at a steep price of €340, for your money you’ll be getting an extra slim computer including a fitted motherboard, power supply and remote control.
- Previous page Test Setup - Installing a TV card...
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What were the dimensions of the TV tuner card, or maybe the dimensions that you think will fit? Did you try the AVerMedia PCIe card and maybe getting a PCIe extender from orbitmicro.com? My current setup has a dual tuner card in it, so there isn't a way for me switch without having a dual tuner in it.
I don't see why a manufacturer would design a HTPC without the ability to use the majority of the Tuner Card manufacturers. I think this is the best looking slim HTPC available, but it isn't really user friendly.
Other
Made a good impression?? Sounds to me like they started off designing and building this thing by making some pretty big assumptions, found out 75% of the way in some major shortfalls and just had to carry on rather then scrap it.
Once again yest another HTPC concept falls flat.
If you?re seriously considering this product, I think you should spend a litte more and get a staight jacket.
I don?t see the value in first limiting yourself to a small box and then adding to that with the commitment to this mobo. All I can say is WTF, get the straight jacket dude, you?ll thank yourself in the end.
To the man that wants to avoid accountability and responsibility, freedom is the ultimate tyranny and love/god is a terrorist. LIve responsibily and please don't drink and breathe.