Joined on 06/09/05
Easy
Pros: Easy installation. Easy Driver Setup. Audio over HDMI a snap. HDCP compliance using Blu-ray Drive and PowerDVD works great. Works great with HTPC.
Cons: Hardware-wise: None so far. Software-wise: The version of PowerDVD this comes with seems to only support 2-channel sound. Something to consider if you're going to use a 7.1 system with this. Otherwise: Rebates are a pain.
Overall Review: I got this to add HDCP compliance and hardware h.264 decoding to my HTPC. The system, an E2180 on a nForce 630i board, was not powerful enough for smooth Blu-ray and HD DVD decoding. I also had an issue with HDCP. This board added HDCP compliance and took the CPU usage down to about 35% on a single core while playing a Blu-ray movie. I may end up getting ArcSoft Total Media Theatre so that both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs are supported, and full surround sound works.
Nice case, short-lived PSU
Pros: This case is the form factor I need to sit under the TV. I've got an setup very similar to the setup descibed on Coding Horror, check it out, it's nice, and low power.
Cons: Even running a 35W processor with two HDDs, 1 BRD, and 1 Hauppauge 2250, a relatively light load, the PSU died after 13 months. I though that I'd be one of the lucky ones. Took apart the supply and the Power Regulation FET was completely cracked on multiple planes. I ordered a SeaSonic TFX supply which is very highly rated here at the Egg. Also, now that I've got a MoBo with Case fan regulation I added a gelid FN- PX08-20 fan which made the case much quieter.
Overall Review: Good luck. Case has a high WAF, Just plan on replacing the fan when you get it and the PSU eventually.
Update to "easy"
Pros: The setup was easy.
Cons: The first one I got, I RMA'd due to obvious physical damage to the board. The second one worked great for a bout a week, then my system started hanging, wouldn't POST with the the board installed. Back for RMA again, as I think I'll get something else this time.