Installation & Testing:

When it comes to building an HTPC, you basically want to make sure you're building the "right" HTPC. A basic system should basically provide a good movie experience maybe even from both HD and BluRay. The next system up could offer the same as well as an exceptional music experience. And if you really want to get fancy, one could build an HTPC that offers the full HD video and audio experience as well as play video games on your nice big HDTV. Add a dash of TCIP and you're now playing against others on the internet.

The Test System

Before you go thinking that it's a complicated thing getting all that connected, it's only as difficult as building a regular computer. And, you can build it yourself pretty affordably these days as well. Or, if you really want something as swank as the Moncaso 972, check out Moneual's preconfigured systems. They arrive built and needing only to be connected at which point you can set it up to your own preferences.

I've chosen to build this Moncaso 972 around an Intel Core 2 system. It has an Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo on the DG35EC Motherboard. Since it won't be running a large number of programs or applications, it has 2GB PC2-8500 (1066 MHz) memory in it for now. If more memory is needed or Vista 64-bit installed later, another 2GB can be added. And if you'd like to see Crysis or Call of Duty 4 on a larger screen, don't forget to add a more powerful graphics card like an Asus 9800 GTX or Zotac 260 GTX. But, that's a story for another day.

Intel DG35EC Micro-ATX HD Motherboard

A system like this can easily get away with a good quality 500 Watt PSU. But, I chose to use a BFG 680 Watt LS Series so there would be room to possibly add future 1TB hard drives and other external storage devices as the library grows. If you add any extra fans, lights, gizmos, or gadgets, this should be just about the right choice of power.

And speaking of fans, the 80mm fans were only audible when I leaned over to listen. With the chassis lid screwed back in to place, the fans were pretty quiet. Again, you would have to lean around to the back of the case to hear anything. The CPU fan was the loudest component in the system which still wasn't bad with the enclosure closed.

Integrated HD Video & Audio

First things first, I didn't encounter any odd issues or needed work around this time around when installing the software. It seems the software and functions have been revamped as well. As long as your hardware is fully supported by your operating system, you should have a pleasant experience getting things set up to your own preferences.

Success

Audio Options

iMon Manager

Virtual Keyboard

The software seemed better tuned for Windows Media features as it should. Whether we like it or not, it's the newest and now fully supported Media Operating System at Moneual. The software worked well throughout my stroll through the new and improved HTPC experience.

Configurable

iMon Desktop

Remote Settings

Rather than bore you to death with about twenty more screen shots, I'd just like to say that it's very easy to get side tracked playing video games when everything is just a finger tip away. When putting this kind of system together, one must be prepared to maintain a little discipline otherwise you'll never get any work done. 

Conclusion:

The 7" touch screen looks as nice as ever. No expense seems to be spared here. Using a better quality LCD more than does the Moncaso 972 justice which is really what captures the essence of the enclosure. The remote is as easy to use as any, yet advanced enough to make the HTPC experience all that more enjoyable. It can do things your silly cable remote can't do for another few years.

It pleases me to say that the price of the Moncaso 972 is more affordable than the 932 when it first launched. When the 932 was brand new, it required a $700 to $800 premium which was quite steep for many to afford. The 972 comes in at about the $500 which will attract far more users. The quality of the entire product reflects the money is well spent.

Perhaps in the future, we may could see the possibility of more drive storage for dual optical drive use. Or, maybe we'll see vertically mounted drive bays to increase hard drive count as well as a hot swappable bay or two. The concepts are endless. The idea of an optional keyboard has it's pros and cons. On the one hand, you're stuck with their software and limited keyboard features. And on the other hand, if you get to pick the one you want, you're happy.

The enclosure continues its legacy of refinement. It's a testament to Moneual in just how quickly their designs and concepts have grown in the HTPC market. It would seem that there is very little that can be improved upon in this enclosure. It's inspiring to think what we can expect from Moneual and the Moncaso HTPC series in the near future.