|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2008-09-24
Provider: GMC
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
GMC Noblesse AVC-S1 HTPC Case Review
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Below the main panel, there are two additional locations that house a variety of cable ports and card reader slots. Just below the DVD slot, ports for the headphones, microphone, USB connections, and 1394 connections can be found. And on the left, there is a hidden multi-card reader below the knob. I would have liked to have seen these ports hidden by closeable doors but their small size doesn't make it a big deal.
|
|
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The sides of the case have a fluted/slotted construction that allows good airflow yet baffles some of the resultant noise from fans and other internal components. The top of the case also has a couple of air vents to keep the insides of the case cool. Looking at the bottom of the case, we find 4 footpads that are once again high-quality and provide secure footing for the case. The pads have a soft rubber base and a metal body.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The rear of the GMC case provides a glimpse at the included power supply (300W) and the locations for the motherboard ports and PCI slots. You'll notice that the supply and slots are alot smaller than standard ATX sizes; they are made for low-profile cards/supplies and are not compatible with regular size components. This is one drawback to the small size of the case, which reduces the versatility. Then again, if you are dedicated to making a small HTPC, you probably won't want the regular size components either.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Opening the case is very simple and involves removing a couple of thumb screws and sliding the top away. With the top removed, we get a glimpse at the inside of the case, which is as expected pretty densely populated with components. Another important feature to mention is that the case does not accept a full ATX-sized motherboard.
Towards the front, we find a total of two 3.5” drive bays (in separate hard drive cages) and one 5.25” drive bay. The two smaller drive bays are for hard drives. The single 5.25” drive bay, which sits below the two removable hard drive cages, is obviously for an optical drive (mostly likely a DVD reader/writer). As seen in the picture, the front of the case can be removed, which makes for easier installation.
|
|
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
If you’re following along, you might be wondering what was in that separate accessory box. Along with the case, the GMC S1 comes with a remote, set of screws, a power cable adapter, an instruction manual, and a software disk. Of note is the remote control, which is compatible with Windows MCE and the included software.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Installation of the computer components into the GMC S1 case went smoother than expected, provided that you have low-profile components that can fit. Installing both the hard drives and optical drives went very smoothly, thanks to the removable hard drive bay and accessible front panel. Note that there are tools required for this build; a little disappointing to the lazy perhaps, but you actually get less noise/vibration when components are tightly secured using screws as opposed to the looser fits that tool-less brackets get you.
The lack of height inside the case is especially apparent with the CPU cooler; the only CPU cooler on hand that I could find that would fit was the OEM cooler that came with my AMD chip; all the rest are too tall and hit the top of the case. I also didn't have any low-profile PCI components, and there are no PCI risers that would enable you to install a PC card horizontally.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Turning the computer on, you are greeted with a nice blue LED next to the volume knob and characters on the VFD screen. After getting the computer up and running, I next installed the included iMon software package, which basically is a Windows MCE-like application that allows you to control the multimedia applications without a keyboard, using either the remote control or the front buttons. We've seen the iMon software before, and the nice thing about this software is that worked right out of the box and was simple to use. I also like how the iMon software displays other useful information on the VFD screen such as news headlines, system status, and email notifications. The included power supply performed adequately, powering the minimal set of equipment that I could fit inside this case.
Conclusion:
The GMC Noblesse AVC-S1 HTPC case is a nice-looking yet functional HTPC case that delivers where it counts. The case has a nice exterior, and the VFD screen provides a nice touch. You have to be committed to building a HTPC with this case, as there are a number of limitations due to its small size. But if you are looking for a very small, low-profile case to turn an ordinary computer into a HTPC, you should give this case a try.
Pros:
+ Nice looking case
+ VFD is clear and functional
+ Great remote control
+ Good airflow and cooling performance
+ Included software is easy to operate
Cons:
- Does not accept full size components
- Tough to find CPU coolers that work
- Not as versatile as some HTPC cases
Current Real Time Pricing
Related Articles:
Nexus Clodius Case Review
Thermaltake M9D Computer Case Review
Thermaltake XaserVI Mx Case Review
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2002-2008 Rbmods.com. All Rights Reserved
Rbmods.com | Rbarcade.com | Rbconsoles.com
| BigMan´s Blog | flash templates | vista icons |
| Make Money Online |   
Our Friends - GideonTech | Metku | AllTheMods | OCModShop | Bona Fide Reviews | Rbmods | ThinkComputers | PCApex | TweakTown |
|
|
RSS
