Jonsbo S1 HTPC Case
Today we've received the long-awaited Home Theatre PC Case, Jonsbo S1 model.
This product is manufactured by a little-known Chinese company “JONSBO”, specializing in the production of HTPC cases.
It is so interesting design that has a volume knob – gadget quite unusual in computer cases. The installation of this thing is simple - the USB plug need to be plugged into the USB motherboard 's onboard port , every computer familiar DIY person will deal with it with no doubt. The volume knob does not require any driver installation, is automatically detected by the operating system, and works even on Linux (tested on Ubuntu 12.04).
Turning the knob causes the lowering or raising of the Master volume in your OS. Another thing that immediately strikes the eye is the high quality housing. Front panel is made of thick aluminum finished with a wiredrawing technology which give a beautiful texture. I have to admit that it looks very aesthetically pleasing. I personally do not like "overdone" cases, and this chassis captivates its simplicity. Besides the two chrome button "Power", "Reset", "Eject" and a small window Infrared (Yes! The case has a internal IR module with a stylish black remote controller) you will not find there more "additions". On the sides of case, useful add-ons can be found, such as:
This product is manufactured by a little-known Chinese company “JONSBO”, specializing in the production of HTPC cases.
It is so interesting design that has a volume knob – gadget quite unusual in computer cases. The installation of this thing is simple - the USB plug need to be plugged into the USB motherboard 's onboard port , every computer familiar DIY person will deal with it with no doubt. The volume knob does not require any driver installation, is automatically detected by the operating system, and works even on Linux (tested on Ubuntu 12.04).
Turning the knob causes the lowering or raising of the Master volume in your OS. Another thing that immediately strikes the eye is the high quality housing. Front panel is made of thick aluminum finished with a wiredrawing technology which give a beautiful texture. I have to admit that it looks very aesthetically pleasing. I personally do not like "overdone" cases, and this chassis captivates its simplicity. Besides the two chrome button "Power", "Reset", "Eject" and a small window Infrared (Yes! The case has a internal IR module with a stylish black remote controller) you will not find there more "additions". On the sides of case, useful add-ons can be found, such as:
- 1 x USB 2.0 % 1 x USB 3.0
- Audio jacks
- Cooling fans speed control switch
While the first two options are the standard when it comes to PC case, the third option “Fan speed control switch” is not encountered very often, and I have to admit that it is very useful, especially when you want your computer to be “silent”.
The rest of the case is made of high quality galvanized steel. Inside of the chassis looks very practical, it has one optical drive bay (for DVD or Bluray), and three 3.5-inch hard drive bays. Mounting holes has rubber disks for the screws to prevent vibrations.
The total height of the housing is 96mm, and here there is a problem, because the body does not accept the coolers with a height greater than 75mm. There is some inconvenience,
It can be solved by purchasing inexpensive but perfect for this case cooler - PCCooler S85, with PWM control. It is especially designed for this kind of low profile HTPC computers, and has a height of 27mm only! I must say that it works perfectly with Intel i7 3770 CPU installed on this case.
Jonsbo S1 also has four Low Profile "Half-size" PCI slots.
It was hard to find a powerful graphics card with metal low profile bracket, in the end I bought a XFX Geforce GT630 on ebay for a reasonable price, metal LP bracket bought separately on Ebay as well.
Jonsbo S1 also has four Low Profile "Half-size" PCI slots.
It was hard to find a powerful graphics card with metal low profile bracket, in the end I bought a XFX Geforce GT630 on ebay for a reasonable price, metal LP bracket bought separately on Ebay as well.
Let's back to the multimedia remote controller attached to the package, it's made very nicely, it is quite easy in install (via USB onboard port) and use, fully compatible with MCE and XBMC multimedia players.
The only thing I missed was "air mouse" function, which give possibility to control the mouse cursor with the remote control.
For it has the ability to remotely turn on and off the computer which "lazy" users will definitely like ... ;-).
The only thing I missed was "air mouse" function, which give possibility to control the mouse cursor with the remote control.
For it has the ability to remotely turn on and off the computer which "lazy" users will definitely like ... ;-).
I've assembled this computer for one of our clients, an he's truly amazed ...
Case looks and works just great, I think it's a perfect choice for someone who want to build his own Home Theatre PC without spending a lot of money....
Just below there are specification of the case:
Hope you've enjoyed my review.
Best Wishes
Tomas
IT-Tech, HTPC Specialists
What size power unit did you use? Was it difficult to fit next to the DVD drive?
ReplyDeleteHi Tomas,
ReplyDeleteI'm having trouble getting the remote power button to work. Can you explain how you set it up a bit better? I have the usb plug in, the male power sw connector (pins sticking out) plugged in to the case power sw and then female power switch plugged on to motherboard. But still have a third 'power' 2 male pin connector im not sure where it goes?
Thanks