Guide to Building a HD HTPC [Text View] - Page 28

samhfoley

03-11-09, 01:46 AM

I have been trying to read this thread, but the amount of information is kind of overwhelming at times! I have built 1 dektop Pc 2 years ago with the help of a friend. I am now using a Linksys Media Extender to get my movies from the desktop to the HDTV. Often times the sound and video do not match exactly and this has lead me to want a HTPC so ....

a) I can watch my .mkv files and blue ray rips (lynksys does not support them from what I can tell) in 1080

b) watch my .avi files with no delays between audio/video

That is about all I want in my HTPC. I am in Japan and have no need whatsoever to record any Japanese TV. I may want the htpc to access Slingbox HD from the US, but that's the only other function I can imagine using it for. Now do I need a mid range machine or can the low end machines on page 85 do the trick for me? My worry in buying a low end model is that it will become dated quickly. I'd also like a compact system since my little apartment here in Japan doesn't allow me to have large....anything really! -Sam

Thanks for any and all help!

renethx

03-11-09, 01:51 AM

looks like you are the htpc guru... I see the software recommendations are under construction but can you give some recommendations?

I have Windows Vista 32 and 64, and Windows 7 32 and 64 (all ultimate versions)
Tuners are Fusion 7 Gold & Fusion 7 Dual
Have a blu-ray DVD player in the box as well.

Thanks a ton!
Use Windows Media Center+TotalMedia Theater or PowerDVD.

renethx

03-11-09, 01:54 AM

anoobie

03-11-09, 02:08 AM

renethx

03-11-09, 02:25 AM

I have ATI 4830 on my HTPC and since I can connect 2 HDMI cables to it, I was wondering if it's possible to hook up one HDMI to a receiver for sound and another HDMI from the card directly to TV for video. The reason I wanna do this is because I have an audio mixer that my HTPC is connected to using RCA cables and would like to be able to use that for music and HDMI sound for movies and still be able to use video for both. Thanks.
Yes. But if you want

- Movies: HD 4830 HDMI for video/audio
- Music: HD 4830 HDMI for video and an analog sound card for audio

then just connect HD 4830 to the receiver via a HDMI cable, then the receiver to the display via a HDMI cable, and the sound card to the mixer. Switch between Realtek HDMI audio and the sound card for the sound playback device by using hotkeys (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15195715#post15195715).

anoobie

03-11-09, 03:02 AM

Thanks for the quick reply. I forgot to mention that the mixer is connected to the receiver also so if I switch the audio playback device to sound card that means I'd have to switch the input on the receiver from HDMI to mixer input. Now if I do that will I be able to get video from receiver to TV since the receiver is now set to a different output than HDMI. Hope that makes sense.

Basically I'm looking to buy a new receiver to enjoy HD sound this is what I posted over at audio section:

Can the Pioneer 918 output video and sound from different sources?
I'm looking to buy the pioneer 918, but before I do I wanna make sure it works the way I want. So here's the scenario:

What I have now = an HTPC hooked up to my old HTiB receiver along with an audio mixer for karaokeing. I just hook the HDMI from HTPC straight to my TV and use optical cable for sound. I also hook up my front left/right speaker output from HTPC to an audio mixer and from the mixer to the receiver with standard white and red rca cables. So all is good here. When I watch a movie I switch the receiver audio to optical and when I do karaokeing I just use rca audio input for sound from mixer. So I don't have to mess with the video at all because it goes straight from HTPC to TV.

What I want to upgrade now is HD sound. So I plan to buy the pioneer 918 because it's cheap and accepts sound from HDMI. My question is if I hook up HDMI from pc to receiver and and another HDMI from receiver to TV and also a standard pair of RCA cables from mixer to receiver, will I be able to hear the sound from the mixer while having video from HDMI input output to TV?

simply put, if I connect RCA cables to audio 1 input on pioneer 918 and HDMI cable to audio 2 input, will I be able to get the sound from audio 1 and at the same time get the video from audio 2 sent to the TV?

Also if there are better receivers out there that can do this, please recommend. My budget is ~$250 and I don't need fancy video upcoverting/processing, just something that will take HD sound from HDMI.

I hope everything I just wrote here makes sense. Thanks for any response.

at least now I can safely buy the receiver. If video from receiver to TV doesn't work then I can still connect HDMI directly from the GPU to TV and another one to receiver.:)

Thank you renethx for helping.

TigerHo

03-11-09, 03:14 AM

Sapphire HD 4670 GDDR4.

No. Socket AM3 uses DDR3, while 5050e requires DDR2.

So the 5050e is a no go if i want the Gigabyte mobo. Would the Phenom x4 9350e be a good choice then, since from what i can see its 65w compared to 45w of the 5050e.

I am a bit concerned about heat and it is one of my reasons for doing a ATX HTPC. I want it to be as silent as possible with the best components there is within reason ofc.

I think i found the card you mentioned. a 512 mb with HDMI port. I am bit concerned about the noise level of the cooler. I want it to fairly quit so i was looking for mostly passive cooled stuff. Can I change the cooler to a passive one from zalman or something like it.

How about this gigabyte 4850 fanless, it seems pretty solid but i cannot see if it has a HDMI port or needs a adapter.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2900

I really appreciate your replys to help with this build.

/Tiger

nfmmalice

03-11-09, 03:21 AM

CPU: better in premium, MB: CF/SLI x8 vs CF/SLI x16, graphics: better in premium.

Okay, but what does better equal?

I did a little reading, and Im assuming as far as the CPU Goes, obviously the faster the CPU, the More Load it will take with less heat/bog down. (that sounds so Elementary.. lol)

As far as the graphics go, will a better graphics card reduce the load on the CPU? The graphics will be better for gaming, of course, but will a high end Radeon give better graphics on Movie playback?

renethx

03-11-09, 05:56 AM

renethx

03-11-09, 06:16 AM

So the 5050e is a no go if i want the Gigabyte mobo. Would the Phenom x4 9350e be a good choice then, since from what i can see its 65w compared to 45w of the 5050e.

I am a bit concerned about heat and it is one of my reasons for doing a ATX HTPC. I want it to be as silent as possible with the best components there is within reason ofc.

I think i found the card you mentioned. a 512 mb with HDMI port. I am bit concerned about the noise level of the cooler. I want it to fairly quit so i was looking for mostly passive cooled stuff. Can I change the cooler to a passive one from zalman or something like it.

How about this gigabyte 4850 fanless, it seems pretty solid but i cannot see if it has a HDMI port or needs a adapter.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2900

I really appreciate your replys to help with this build.

/Tiger
There are two version,

- The T version (GA-MA790FXT-UD5P): works with only an AM3 processor and DDR3 memory
- The non-T version (GA-MA790FX-UD5P): works with any AM2/AM2+/AM3 processor and DDR2 memory.

Choose the non-T for 5050e/9350e.

Passive cooling means you have to take care of good case airflow. 4850 consumes 50W at idle, 70W at video playback and 110W at 3D peak. So you will need powerful case fans, that may defeat the purpose of passive cooling. There exists no purely passive cooling solution. Heat must be removed somehow.

renethx

03-11-09, 06:21 AM

Okay, but what does better equal?

I did a little reading, and Im assuming as far as the CPU Goes, obviously the faster the CPU, the More Load it will take with less heat/bog down. (that sounds so Elementary.. lol)

As far as the graphics go, will a better graphics card reduce the load on the CPU? The graphics will be better for gaming, of course, but will a high end Radeon give better graphics on Movie playback?
Actually E7400 is good enough for CPU video decoding/post-processing. Quad-core for more CPU intensive tasks such as video editing.

HD 4850 or higher only for gaming purpose. If your purpose is video playback, stay with HD 4670.

samhfoley

03-11-09, 06:47 AM

Can I use a harmony remote with this system?

CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E7400 2.80GHz LGA775
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA775 GeForce 9400 mGPU microATX, $130. A cheaper alternative is MSI P7NGM-Digital LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU microATX, $110, which is of better value if you don't need an S/PDIF port and an eSATA port.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit
Graphics Card: GeForce 9400 (integrated in the chipset)
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps
PSU: 80 PLUS 350W ATX PSU (included in the case)
Case: Antec NSK1480 microATX, $94. also considering Antec Black Fusion Remote Black Micro ATX Media Center

A cheaper alternative is MSI P7NGM-Digital LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU microATX, $110, which is of better value if you don't need an S/PDIF port and an eSATA port. How do I know if I need this or not? Sorry if this sounds dumb but I have no idea. I see that it transmits signal to the AV receiver, but I haven't bought that yet...

Also wanted to know about the quietness of this system? Any ideas for keeping the sound to a minimum, at minimum cost?

renethx

03-11-09, 07:15 AM

Can I use a harmony remote with this system?

A cheaper alternative is MSI P7NGM-Digital LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU microATX, $110, which is of better value if you don't need an S/PDIF port and an eSATA port.[/B] How do I know if I need this or not? Sorry if this sounds dumb but I have no idea. I see that it transmits signal to the AV receiver, but I haven't bought that yet...

Also wanted to know about the quietness of this system? Any ideas for keeping the sound to a minimum, at minimum cost?
Yes. Just add a USB IR receiver if you choose NSK1480.

- S/PDIF port: you will need this if you want to use S/PDIF instead of HDMI (i.e. if you don't use a HDMI receiver).

- eSATA port: you use this if you want to use an external eSATA (as opposed to USB or IEEE 1394) HDD enclosure. eSATA is faster than USB/IEEE 1394.

Connect the case fans to the mb's fan connector and control the fan speed.

TigerHo

03-11-09, 10:12 AM

There are two version,

- The T version (GA-MA790FXT-UD5P): works with only an AM3 processor and DDR3 memory
- The non-T version (GA-MA790FX-UD5P): works with any AM2/AM2+/AM3 processor and DDR2 memory.

Choose the non-T for 5050e/9350e.

Passive cooling means you have to take care of good case airflow. 4850 consumes 50W at idle, 70W at video playback and 110W at 3D peak. So you will need powerful case fans, that may defeat the purpose of passive cooling. There exists no purely passive cooling solution. Heat must be removed somehow.

I am bit hesitant about using stock coolers on graphics cards since from my experience they are small and noisy. I havent build a pc in 4 years so i havent really kept up with the quality of components. How is the noise levels of those stock fans?

My idea was to have 2 120 mm speed controlled case fans in a case like SilverStone Crown CW02, Zalman HD160 Plus or Moneual 972 or 932.

I want the system to be silent as possible and still have some power since i do game abit. I might just take the 4550 and then dont game on it at all. since that would lower the heat output alot.

renethx

03-11-09, 10:21 AM

I am bit hesitant about using stock coolers on graphics cards since from my experience they are small and noisy. I havent build a pc in 4 years so i havent really kept up with the quality of components. How is the noise levels of those stock fans?

My idea was to have 2 120 mm speed controlled case fans in a case like SilverStone Crown CW02, Zalman HD160 Plus or Moneual 972 or 932.

I want the system to be silent as possible and still have some power since i do game abit. I might just take the 4550 and then dont game on it at all. since that would lower the heat output alot.
The cooler in every card in my recommendations is large and quiet (at least at idle and video playback). 110W at gaming and silence are not compatible with each other.

Speqtre

03-11-09, 10:22 AM

MCP85 - the successor to GeForce 8200/8300 - by Q1 2009 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14923803#post14923803)

As you can see from the chart, the number of stream processors is the same 8 as 8200/8300. If this is true, you shouldn't expect performance increase.

Thanks Renethx, you're on top of things as usual! But wow, that's really disappointing that their won't be a performance improvement. And since there's been no new news, it looks like this part is already delayed (maybe cancelled if they pulled there heads out?).

TigerHo

03-11-09, 10:50 AM

The cooler in every card in my recommendations is large and quiet (at least at idle and video playback). 110W at gaming and silence are not compatible with each other.

Thanks for helping me figuring this out.

It seems that i should stick with the 4550 and maybe upgrade it later if need be. Maybe test out 4850 fanless just in case.

Nil Einne

03-11-09, 11:47 AM

Thanks for helping me figuring this out.

It seems that i should stick with the 4550 and maybe upgrade it later if need be. Maybe test out 4850 fanless just in case.

How about some middle ground and go for the 4670 passive? It seems to me a better solution if you want to game but don't want the noise of the 4850. You'd still need some case airflow particularly when gaming (or otherwise really using the card) but it may be good enough for your needs. It really depends on what kind of games and what sort of settings you want to use.

You didn't seem to mention if there's any particular reason you choose ATI. If you don't want the HDMI audio out or anything else requiring ATI then the 9600GT may be a better choice. It's been a while since I've looked at benchmarks but I believe the 9600GT is on average better then the 4670 but I've seen it available in passive versions. It does consume more power (needs a PCI-express connector) so you'd likely need better airflow.

TigerHo

03-11-09, 12:06 PM

How about some middle ground and go for the 4670 passive? It seems to me a better solution if you want to game but don't want the noise of the 4850. You'd still need some case airflow particularly when gaming (or otherwise really using the card) but it may be good enough for your needs. It really depends on what kind of games and what sort of settings you want to use.

You didn't seem to mention if there's any particular reason you choose ATI. If you don't want the HDMI audio out or anything else requiring ATI then the 9600GT may be a better choice. It's been a while since I've looked at benchmarks but I believe the 9600GT is on average better then the 4670 but I've seen it available in passive versions. It does consume more power (needs a PCI-express connector) so you'd likely need better airflow.

I play warhammer online like 2-3 hours every week which is the most demanding task it would be put through. I also do some video encoding but thats marginal. Like 1 home video every month or so. I am not a fanatic about graphic settings because i play with RL for some weekend fun.

I do want HDMI audio out because its going to be hooked up to my reciever which is hooked up to the TV. The reciever have 4 HDMI in and 1 output so I can control most from reciever.

chakotay2

03-11-09, 12:11 PM

Use Windows Media Center+TotalMedia Theater or PowerDVD.

Tried MCE but although it recognizes the three tuners, it won't work with tuner #2 on the dual when I install the 2nd card (3rd tuner).

Also, Vista MCE won't do subchannels... Maybe I will try with Win7 beta and see if I have more luck... If I can't make MCE work, what's the next best thing to try?

Nil Einne

03-11-09, 12:21 PM

I play warhammer online like 2-3 hours every week which is the most demanding task it would be put through. I also do some video encoding but thats marginal. Like 1 home video every month or so. I am not a fanatic about graphic settings because i play with RL for some weekend fun.

I do want HDMI audio out because its going to be hooked up to my reciever which is hooked up to the TV. The reciever have 4 HDMI in and 1 output so I can control most from reciever.

If Warhammer Online is the most demanding game then the 4670 should definitely be fine, even I would expect at 1920x1080 and with relatively high settings. Even the 4550 should provide decent performance with lower settings although I've you're going to game I would recommend you stick with the 46xx series at the least. MMOs don't tend to be extremely demanding because they aim to reach a large audience including non traditional gamers.

jnm4lsu

03-11-09, 12:25 PM

I am having a poblem with video, specifically in extended mode I don't get any video on my TV from any media players (PDVD or WMP). It works fine in clone mode but not extended. I can see my desktop on the TV and when I try Identify the TV shows itself as #2. But no video at all.
Any insight into this? Or is clone mode the only way to go?
ep45-ud3p, q9300
HD 3800 (hdmi out to tv)
CCC - 9.2

nfmmalice

03-11-09, 12:44 PM

Actually E7400 is good enough for CPU video decoding/post-processing. Quad-core for more CPU intensive tasks such as video editing.

Is there anything on the horizon that might require a more intensive CPU? I dont want to have to upgrade AGAIN in two years, if I can help it.

For that purpose I was thinking of going with a mobo that will support an AMD AM2+ that can be converted to an AM3 when the time comes.

HD 4850 or higher only for gaming purpose. If your purpose is video playback, stay with HD 4670.

The IDEA was to be able to play games if I wanted to, but will I lose anything if I go that route? (i.e. is the 4670 a better card for video playback? Or if I go with the 4850, am I just getting a better card for more money?)

Thank you so far, you have helped me make a couple important steps here.

renethx

03-11-09, 12:55 PM

Tried MCE but although it recognizes the three tuners, it won't work with tuner #2 on the dual when I install the 2nd card (3rd tuner).

Also, Vista MCE won't do subchannels... Maybe I will try with Win7 beta and see if I have more luck... If I can't make MCE work, what's the next best thing to try?
Did you try a registry hack (http://blogs.msdn.com/peterrosser/archive/2006/04/03/MCE_TechTalk_1.aspx)? There are many front ends. MediaPortal is a popular one (it's free).

renethx

03-11-09, 12:57 PM

chakotay2

03-11-09, 01:03 PM

Did you try a registry hack (http://blogs.msdn.com/peterrosser/archive/2006/04/03/MCE_TechTalk_1.aspx)? There are many front ends. MediaPortal is a popular one (it's free).

Yes, and Ultimate supports up to 4 tuners out of box I think... but even with hack no joy...

I will try Win 7 32 first then Media Portal... Does it do Blu-Ray (or have plug ins/extenders)?

(EDIT - I tried win7 and same issues with 2nd tuner on 1st card not working, I can't believe how *BETA* MCE is)

renethx

03-11-09, 01:08 PM

Is there anything on the horizon that might require a more intensive CPU? I dont want to have to upgrade AGAIN in two years, if I can help it.

For that purpose I was thinking of going with a mobo that will support an AMD AM2+ that can be converted to an AM3 when the time comes.

The IDEA was to be able to play games if I wanted to, but will I lose anything if I go that route? (i.e. is the 4670 a better card for video playback? Or if I go with the 4850, am I just getting a better card for more money?)

Thank you so far, you have helped me make a couple important steps here.
No. Rather GPGPU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPGPU) is the current trend.

Yup, AMD processor is easier to upgrade: the current AM2+ mb can be used for AM3 processors. But the AM3 processor itself is already outdated (architecually). LGA775 is soon replaced by LGA1156 and there will be no new LGA775 CPUs (except for a couple of energy efficient versions and low-end Pentium DC E3xxx).

HD 4670 is better just in power consumption (and price). If gaming is equally important, go with HD 4850 or higher.

jnm4lsu

03-11-09, 01:50 PM

Which display is primary? How about other players, e.g. MPC-HC?
primary display is Samsung 226bw on DVI.
No video using TV in extended mode windows media player, PDVD or VMC.
thank you for your help

renethx

03-11-09, 01:57 PM

primary display is Samsung 226bw on DVI.
No video using TV in extended mode windows media player, PDVD or VMC.
thank you for your help
So you can use all the applications in the secondary display (TV) except for media players, right? How about switching primary and secondary?

jnm4lsu

03-11-09, 02:05 PM

So you can use all the applications in the secondary display (TV) except for media players, right? How about switching primary and secondary?
No, the only thing I get on the TV is the desktop. No applications at all. When I switch displays I get applications and such on secondary(TV), but on my samsung monitor all I get is the desktop, only smaller with black bars around to and bottom.
I did just figure out that if I drag an open window to the far right then it shows up on the TV ??

TigerHo

03-11-09, 02:16 PM

If Warhammer Online is the most demanding game then the 4670 should definitely be fine, even I would expect at 1920x1080 and with relatively high settings. Even the 4550 should provide decent performance with lower settings although I've you're going to game I would recommend you stick with the 46xx series at the least. MMOs don't tend to be extremely demanding because they aim to reach a large audience including non traditional gamers.

Hehe, you just made me redoubt my decision. I do love the idea of playing on my 52" tv with great sound also so it might be worth a shot. :)

renethx

03-11-09, 02:16 PM

No, the only thing I get on the TV is the desktop. No applications at all. When I switch displays I get applications and such on secondary(TV), but on my samsung monitor all I get is the desktop, only smaller with black bars around to and bottom.
I did just figure out that if I drag an open window to the far right then it shows up on the TV ??
It's a bit hard to imagine what's going on. Will post a couple of screeshots of your desktop and CCC (in particular Display mode)?

jnm4lsu

03-11-09, 02:51 PM

[QUOTE=renethx;It's a bit hard to imagine what's going on. Will post a couple of screeshots of your desktop and CCC (in particular Display mode)??[/QUOTE]

none of the icons or shortcuts on my desktop show on my extended display (TV) either.

renethx

03-11-09, 03:36 PM

none of the icons or shortcuts on my desktop show on my extended display (TV) either.
What is your TV's native resolution, and what's the current resolution in CCC?

nfmmalice

03-11-09, 04:46 PM

No. Rather GPGPU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPGPU) is the current trend.

Yup, AMD processor is easier to upgrade: the current AM2+ mb can be used for AM3 processors. But the AM3 processor itself is already outdated (architecually). LGA775 is soon replaced by LGA1156 and there will be no new LGA775 CPUs (except for a couple of energy efficient versions and low-end Pentium DC E3xxx).

Can I assume then, that if I buy a MoBo with AM2+/AM3 support, and buy a CPU in that range, and add in a radeon 4850 (with the option of dropping in a Second one via Crossfire) that I will be Okay for some time to come?

My PLAN is to use Vista Home Premium, unless Windows MEdia Center 2005 would be a better choice.

jnm4lsu

03-11-09, 05:08 PM

QUOTE=renethx;16019564]What is your TV's native resolution, and what's the current resolution in CCC?[/QUOTE]

Having trouble finding the native resolution of my TV anywhere. Sony KD-34XBR970 it's native 1080i
some publications state 853x1080i ??
CCC reporets 1920x1080
136305

miked5468

03-11-09, 05:38 PM

renethx

03-12-09, 12:49 AM

Having trouble finding the native resolution of my TV anywhere. Sony KD-34XBR970 it's native 1080i
some publications state 853x1080i ??
CCC reporets 1920x1080
136305
Try 1280x720 60Hz. If you connect only Sony KD-34XBR970 to your video card, then everything works fine, right?

The display of a larger resolution should be the primary.

renethx

03-12-09, 01:19 AM

Can I assume then, that if I buy a MoBo with AM2+/AM3 support, and buy a CPU in that range, and add in a radeon 4850 (with the option of dropping in a Second one via Crossfire) that I will be Okay for some time to come?

My PLAN is to use Vista Home Premium, unless Windows MEdia Center 2005 would be a better choice.
Yes. BTW Phenom II X4 925 2.8GHz 95W AM3 will be availabe soon (the current highest AM3 is 810). You could use it with GIGABYTE GA-MA790FXT-UD5P and DDR3 memory.

Lostclusters

03-12-09, 01:43 AM

renethx

03-12-09, 02:27 AM

Rene:

I had a rather interesting experience with my HD HTPC. I was finally able to test it with a 1:1 .mkv of a BluRay rip with lossless audio. I thought my first try at a 1:1 .mkv yielded a faulty file. The audio was out of sync (a good two seconds ahead of the video) and the video would jerk every so often. Much to my surprise this same file played fine on another machine (more powerful). So it sure seems to me the following is not powerful enough to play 1:1 .mkv, unless there is some sort of issue with the 4xxx HDMI audio driver (using the one you recommended):

Asus nForce 4 MB w/4G of RAM
AMD 64 FX-60 (4000) running at 2.61 Ghz

It will play .mkv's where the video is encoded down w/DTS, DD, or AC3 sound without any trouble (about 38% CPU utilization). But the 1:1's peg out one core of the FX-60 and there is some activity on the other (about 52% CPU utilize) . The video card is an Asus 4870. The other machine is a nForce 6 with a EE quad core running at 3.0 Ghz The Players, filters, codecs, setup is fairly identical (Zoom is the main player w/TMT loaded and all the other recommended filters and codecs) between the two machines.

So, unless I missed my guess and there is a configuration item I overlooked, it looks like I need a new MB/CPU. Do you concur Rene?

DKlosinski
First thanks for your contribution. I think your system is good enough for mkv, the problem is software-related. You created a mkv as described in JiffOrange's thread, right? For H.264+FLAC, check that you are using

- Haali Media Splitter (you can see an icon in the system tray), ffdshow Video Decoder (the latest version is beta 6, released on 2008-12-19; you can see an icon in the system tray), madFLAC (right-click the window > Filter)

or

- Haali Media Splitter, MPC Video Decoder without DirectVobSub, madFLAC.

MPC Video Decoder uses GPU HA so that you usually see very low CPU usage (10-40%). (If you have not used it yet, check this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16005896#post16005896).) If you use Vista, video renderer should be EVR.

For ATI HDMI, check this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029603#EnablingHDMIAudio).

turbotuli

03-12-09, 02:37 AM

First off, thanks much for this guide. I'm sure a lot of people would be lost without it, myself included.
I'll be using my HTPC for OTA-HD, QAM Cable TV, 720p/1080p MKVs and online streaming(Hulu, Youtube, network websites, etc.) I am currently leaning towards the low end Intel/Nvidia configuration.
1) In your feature comparison, the systems with discrete ATI graphics cards have Excellent SD support, while the Nvidia GPUs are only Good. How much of a difference is it? Is this a function of the ATI cards handling deinterlacing better? My long term goal is to cut cable, but it may be hard to convince my girlfriend, so we'll be watching QAM cable initially. My only hesitance to go with an ATI card is that I haven't decided on an OS yet and Linux seems to have MUCH better support for Nvidia graphics.
2) I have a 5.1 Onkyo AVR which does not have an HDMI input, so I would need to use the optical audio out on the motherboard to the AVR and HDMI to the TV. will I be able to get video and sound this way with the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H?
3) Can you recommend a non-Blu-ray Optical drive? Just need a quite DVD burner.
4) Just curious as to the reasons behind your recommendations of the A-Data RAM and Western Digital WD6400AAKS HDD for all systems.

Lostclusters

03-12-09, 02:45 AM

First thanks for your contribution. I think your system is good enough for mkv, the problem is software-related. You created a mkv as described in JiffOrange's thread, right? For H.264+FLAC,

mkv + FLAC

Hmmm ... Maybe I should give another try to making the file. madFLAC does not show any where even though I install/uninstalled it twice. All the other stuff looks right.

renethx

03-12-09, 02:54 AM

renethx

03-12-09, 02:58 AM

mkv + FLAC

Hmmm ... Maybe I should give another try to making the file. madFLAC does not show any where even though I install/uninstalled it twice. All the other stuff looks right.
Use GraphStudio (http://blog.monogram.sk/janos/tools/monogram-graphstudio/) (the only tool you need to manage filters). Load the mkv file from File > Render Media File and see if madFLAC is there.

Lostclusters

03-12-09, 03:14 AM

Use GraphStudio (http://blog.monogram.sk/janos/tools/monogram-graphstudio/) (the only tool you need to manage filters). Load the mkv file from File > Render Media File and see if madFLAC is there.

MadFLAC is there as shown in the config/setup of zoom, but it does not show as a filter in use when the file is played (right clk > filter properties. I set zoom to use madFLAC for FLAC in the config/setup, but for some reason it is not. It is weird that it played ok on the other machine I got. I will mess around with it more tomorrow.

anoobie

03-12-09, 04:47 AM

Usually a receiver has an auto signal select function that automatically searches for audio signals between HDMI, digital and analog (usually in this order). But if it works depends on your environment.

Just for clarification if I connect one HDMI from 4830 to TV and another one from 4830 to receiver, both HDMI outputs from the GPU will carry the same audio and video signal right?

renethx

03-12-09, 04:54 AM

Just for clarification if I connect one HDMI from 4830 to TV and another one from 4830 to receiver, both HDMI outputs from the GPU will carry the same audio and video signal right?
If you choose the Clone mode, yes. But in this case you will encounter a HDCP problem when you play BD movies (a workaround is use AnyDVD HD). You can use also the Extended desktop mode and send the secondary desktop to AVR (use only the primary on TV). In this case there is no HDCP issue.

anoobie

03-12-09, 05:04 AM

Thanks for the help.

rhinogooner

03-12-09, 11:28 AM

ReneTHX, can you tell me if I will need thermal compound to install the Xigmatek HDT-SD964? If so, does it come in the package with this item or already on it?

renethx

03-12-09, 11:44 AM

ReneTHX, can you tell me if I will need thermal compound to install the Xigmatek HDT-SD964? If so, does it come in the package with this item or already on it?
Thermal compound is absolutely necessary. Yes, it comes with HDT-SD964.

hagro

03-12-09, 11:49 AM

Not sure if this is the right thread for this question, but renethx has been the single most helpful source so far, so hoping you can shed some light again.

You recommended to switch to an NVidia 9500GT from my ATI HD4670 which did indeed resolve my black screen issues after waking the system from suspend.

Now there is one remaining problem with my Vista MCE setup. I usually just suspend the system into S3, waking works fine, scheduled recordings, falling back to sleep is working as well. But when the PC woke up for a scheduled recording and then falls back asleep, waking the system will result in a black screen. I can hear vista play a sound that it recognized the display, but the AVR and the HDMI switch indicate that there is no sync.

Any idea? I assume this has to do with away mode in Vista. I am concerned that disabling away mode will mess up scheduled recording. What is the best practice here?

rhinogooner

03-12-09, 12:08 PM

Thermal compound is absolutely necessary. Yes, it comes with HDT-SD964.

Cool. It is arriving today and I wanted to be sure I didn't need to purchase some in advance so I can install it tonight.

Rally_Wagon

03-12-09, 12:13 PM

renethx

03-12-09, 03:30 PM

renethx

03-12-09, 03:33 PM

Video cards that will fit in an Antec NSK2480?
Passive VGA cooling work in an Antec NSK2480?

I am looking at something like a SPARKLE SFPX98GT512D3 GeForce 9800 GT with an Arctic Cooling Accelero S1.

I like the idea of a micro-ATX case, but will go to regular ATX if necessary. I care about the system being quiet more than form factor.
Check my recommendations on page 85. NSK2480 is nearly identical with Fusion Remote. I don't recommend passive cooling for 9800 GT inside NSK2480 (it consumes more than 100W at peak 3D). Most passive cooling solutions for graphics are to be used inside a tower case with a good side fan that blows air to the heatsink.

Rally_Wagon

03-12-09, 03:43 PM

Check my recommendations on page 85. NSK2480 is nearly identical with Fusion Remote. I don't recommend passive cooling for 9800 GT inside NSK2480 (it consumes more than 100W at peak 3D). Most passive cooling solutions for graphics are to be used inside a tower case with a good side fan that blows air to the heatsink.

edit: Got direct link from your sig! Thanks!

osmonix

03-12-09, 04:22 PM

I am considering building the Intel/Nvidia mini-ATX HTPC.

Any recommendations for a silent/quiet non-BD (just CD-DVD burning) optical drive?

Thanks

samhfoley

03-12-09, 10:50 PM

Can someone explain, or point me to which page, shows how a home theater network is wired? I am buying an Onkyo TX-SA606X which says it has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. I just want to know that this is enough for my new HTPC, Amp and HDTV. Please advise. Thanks!

turbotuli

03-13-09, 01:01 AM

1) First I recommend to use GeForce 9400 iGPU. If you are not satisfied, you can add HD 4670 anytime later. I see a difference in post-processing, but it depends on the content and is very subtle.

2) Yes. For pre-HDMI AVR, connecting GPU to TV and S/PDIF to AVR is a normal way.

3) LG GH22NS30 is a popular model in this thread (I haven't use it though).

4) Acutally the brand of memory/HDD does not matter as long as it runs reliably.
Thanks, man! I pulled the trigger on the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H, Antec NSK2480 and WD 1TB Green Drive today. Just need RAM, CPU, TV tuner, & IR Reciever now!
Anyone know where I can find the e5200 for $64? Everywhere seems to be $75+

nozzey

03-13-09, 03:32 AM

Hi Renethx

I plan on moving my HTPC into another room and running a HDMI cable back to the lounge room. Distance is about 5-7 metres.

My MB is a Gigabyte 780g and I'm only using the onboard graphics which works okay (plan to upgrade to a 4670 later).

Will this setup work:

1. HDMI from MB to HDTV (resolution is 1280x720)
2. VGA from MB to LCD monitor (resolution is 1280x1024)

How do I configure the settings in CCC and will I notice any PQ issues because I'm running a second monitor.

Thanks for all yr help.

renethx

03-13-09, 04:26 AM

How do I configure the settings in CCC and will I notice any PQ issues because I'm running a second monitor.
If you want to use both displays simultaneously, then choose Extended desktop mode in CCC. If you want to use only one at a time, create profiles in CCCC and switch between them by hotkeys.

renethx

03-13-09, 04:30 AM

Anyone know where I can find the e5200 for $64? Everywhere seems to be $75+
The current lowest price is $66.75 (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=e5200+pentium&hl=en&cid=17894604992976626134&scoring=p#ps-sellers).

cwstnsko

03-13-09, 01:09 PM

Thanks, man! I pulled the trigger on the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H, Antec NSK2480 and WD 1TB Green Drive today. Just need RAM, CPU, TV tuner, & IR Reciever now!
Anyone know where I can find the e5200 for $64? Everywhere seems to be $75+

I picked mine up at the local Fry's Electronics for about $70. It didn't seem like I'd save enough by ordering online to be worth the hassle and the wait :)

nfmmalice

03-13-09, 02:01 PM

Yes. BTW Phenom II X4 925 2.8GHz 95W AM3 will be availabe soon (the current highest AM3 is 810). You could use it with GIGABYTE GA-MA790FXT-UD5P and DDR3 memory.

I'm looking at either the X4 810 right now, or the X4 940.

I'm noticing a few differences that I'm not sure what they pertain to:

the 810 is rated at 30W Thermal power less than the 940.

The 810 is rated at 4000mhz HyperTransport vs. 3600Mhz for the 940

and

The 940 has 6MB of L3 Cache vs. the 4MB on the 810.

I'm not sure which one equates to a better processor, and I'm wondering if I should just save the $30 and go witht he 810, and wait for the 925 to come out.

rlray64

03-13-09, 02:02 PM

I need help with the front panel wires, where do the wires hook up on the motherboard, I know what pins they are on the board, just not what they are on the case.. the wires that i need help with are the blk/red with sw power and the 3 pin blk/red/purple.. thank you miked

It took me some time to understand the wiring too.

1 - There are 2 power switch wires: 1 is for the front panel power switch (red/black - I think) and 1 is for using the remote to power on the system. Pick one of the two to use on your system.

2 - The 3 pin blk/red/purple requires you add the short 2x12 pin power extension. Built into that piece is a connector for you to insert the 3 pin wire. This should be the power connection for the LCD panel.

Hope that helps......

renethx

03-13-09, 03:14 PM

I'm looking at either the X4 810 right now, or the X4 940.

I'm noticing a few differences that I'm not sure what they pertain to:

the 810 is rated at 30W Thermal power less than the 940.

The 810 is rated at 4000mhz HyperTransport vs. 3600Mhz for the 940

and

The 940 has 6MB of L3 Cache vs. the 4MB on the 810.

I'm not sure which one equates to a better processor, and I'm wondering if I should just save the $30 and go witht he 810, and wait for the 925 to come out.
As for processors, the performance is proportional to the price (to some extent). 940 is an AM2+ processor so that you can't use it with an AM3 mb+DDR3.

audionewer

03-13-09, 08:19 PM

i have two pc with one server. i am wondering how can i make a server not slow down at all if i want to play one movie at each pc.

miked5468

03-13-09, 09:08 PM

It took me some time to understand the wiring too.

1 - There are 2 power switch wires: 1 is for the front panel power switch (red/black - I think) and 1 is for using the remote to power on the system. Pick one of the two to use on your system.

2 - The 3 pin blk/red/purple requires you add the short 2x12 pin power extension. Built into that piece is a connector for you to insert the 3 pin wire. This should be the power connection for the LCD panel.

Hope that helps......

rlray... Thanks for the info, I may be back for some more answers..

Miked

thunder_catz888

03-13-09, 11:05 PM

I'm looking to take the dive and make my own HTPC. I want to one day upgrade when I have the money to add a better processor and videos cards to make it a gaming rig as well. Could yall look over what I've picked out so far and let me now if it will all mesh, and that it would be a good platform to build off of. Any insite would be greatly appreciated.

Western Digital Caviar GP WD7500AACS 750GB 5400 to 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136150

GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128384

ENCORE ENLWI-N PCI 2.3 Wireless Adapter - Retail
Item #: N82E16833180052

Rosewill RP500 500W ATX12V v1.3/ EPS12V Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817182009

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231166

AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core black edition Processor Model AD775ZWCGHBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103300

SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / Steel LC10B-E ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811163118

nfmmalice

03-14-09, 04:21 PM

So far this is what I have:

* CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 810 (189)
* CPU Cooler:
* Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790FXT-ud5p (199)
* Memory: G.Skill black 2 x 2gb DDR3 1666 (150)
* Graphics Card (AMD): SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 GDDR5 1GB, $250
* HDD: WD Velociraptor WD3000GLFS 300GB SATA2 10000RPM 5.5MS (260)
* PSU:
* Case:
* Total Cost:

Since I am undecided On the Case, I haven't chosen a power supply or Cooler. I know a few of these things seem like Overkill, but that's because I'm leaning towards being able to do some gaming as well.

Does it look okay so far?

renethx

03-15-09, 01:55 AM

thunder_catz888

Good.

renethx

03-15-09, 01:55 AM

nfmmalice

OK.

peaces

03-15-09, 11:01 AM

If the Input selection on the LCD is something other then PC - they both scale the picture larger then what can be displayed.

FYI - went to another site and asked why this occurs. Most LCD will overscan the edges a little. PC signals do not have this problem, so the PC setting on the LCD does not overscan (same with the GAME selection)..

Seems some AVRs will allow this overscanning to be turned on or off when you setup the HDMI input. So now it is just selecting the right AVR/processor....

At least I know why it occurs now.

Rumpelstilkin

03-15-09, 11:46 AM

Questions moved to here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1130212

Nil Einne

03-15-09, 01:05 PM

Well the 4850e is available here in NZ now. Not worth it though IMHO. It's about the price of a E5200 or 6000+ which from what I can tell is not the case in the US or several other places (where it's often cheaper then the 5200+). Dunno whether it's because it's a rare part here or because it was purchased at high exchange rate whereas the other ones are mostly older stock or combination of things but whatever....

rhinogooner

03-15-09, 03:15 PM

Okay, I'm assembling my HTPC and I am struggling with the cable connections. I am building ReneTHX's Mid-range ATX. I've surfed all around the web looking for information to help me make the proper connections but I'm failing. Please help! This is my first time building a computer so please forbear my naivety as I try to elaborate on the troubles I am experiencing.

Most of my confusion pertains to the front display connections of the case. I am using the Antec Fusion Remote Max. I have closely read the manual but I have to say I have found its' instructions wanting. Here is a list of cable connections I am seeking guidance for:

Front Case Display Connections:
Antec Fusion Remote Max
1. There is a cable with two connectors labeled "HD" and "AC'97". I believe this is meant to connect to the mobo where it is labeled "F_AUDIO". The problem is the wire assignments do not match. Here are the assignments:

Case cable:
HD---------------AC'97
1. MIC2 L--------MIC in
2. AGND---------GND
3. MIC2 R--------MIC Power
4. AVCC---------NC
5. FRO-R--------Line Out(R)
6. MIC2_JD------Line Out(R)
7. F_IO_SEN-----NC
8. No pin--------No pin
9. FRO-L--------Line Out(L)
10. LINE2_JD----Line Out(L)

Mobo header:
HD---------------AC'97
1. MIC2_L--------MIC
2. GND-----------GND
3. MIC2_R--------MIC Power
4. -ACZ_DET-----NC
5. LINE2_R-------Line Out(R)
6. GND-----------NC
7. FAUDIO_JD----NC
8. No pin---------No pin
9. LINE2_L-------Line Out(L)
10. GND----------NC

Will this still work? Which should I connect - HD or AC'97?

2. I do not see any cables labeled for "LED". Of the cables not labeled, one is a 3-wire with red, black and purple wires, but the connector has posts. The other is a molex style connector. It has two wires, a blue and white wire. The connector has two posts and two holes. Are either of these meant for the LED? Where are these meant to connect?

3. The Display/Volume Control for the included remote control has a 4-pin internal USB adapter and an external USB connector. Where does this connect on the mobo? This connection is really confusing me. If any of you have this case can you please explain to me how this is intended to be connected?

4. There are two connectors labeled "POWER SW". Both are two wires. One is black and white and the other is red and black. Which should I connect to the mobo "F_Panel" header? Where does the other connect?

Mobo
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
1. There are two headers on the mobo that I'm curious about. One is labeled "CD_IN" and the other "SPDIF_IN". What is meant to connect to these? I have a Blu-Ray drive. Should it connect to the mobo here instead of to the SATA header?

2. This mobo comes with a port that can be connected to the rear of the case. There are two ESATA ports and one POWER port. The ESATA ports have SATA connectors and the POWER port as a 4-pin molex connector. I assume the SATA connectors can connect to any free SATA headers on the mobo and the molex connector connects to a molex on the PSU. Is this correct?

Video Card
Sapphire Radeon 4670 512MB GDDR4
1.The box that this card comes in says "cables included". There are no cables in the box. Do I need any? Should this card connect to the mobo "SPDIF_O" header? I do not see and headers on the video card to connect a cable.

PSU
Enermax Pro82+ EPR525AWT
1. There is a "Fan RPM Monitor" connector for the PSU. Does this connect to the mobo at the SYS_FAN1, SYS_FAN2, or PWR_FAN header?

2. There are 2 - 6+2 pin and 1 - 6 pin connectors. What are these meant for?

3. There are SATA and 4-pin Molex connectors on the PSU. I am assuming these are meant for the HDD and Blu-Ray drive. Is this correct?

I deeply apologize for the length of this post - such is the level of my desperation. Thank you so much for any help you can provide to get me straightened out!

dbone1026

03-15-09, 03:25 PM

Renethx - quick question, this is sort of HTPC related. I currently use my desktop pc to do all my ripping/encoding, which then gets streamed to my HTPCs. It currently takes me between 10-12 hours to get my Blu Rays into 8GB 1080p mkvs, which is no biggie since I just let run overnight. I am doing a little housecleaning on my PC, and wondering if there is any changes/upgrades that could be made to speed this up (not considering the Intel Core i7 as that would require me to basically overhaul the entire PC. My specs are as follows:

Intel Quad Core Q6600 (2.4 GHZ) - NOT OVERCLOCKED
NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB GPU
ECS NVIDIA 680i LT Motherboard
3GB DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM
Vista x32
2x500GB Seagate Barracudas RAID 0

If making any changes aside from core i7 would only lead to minor improvement, then I am fine sticking with my current configuration.

Lostclusters

03-15-09, 10:01 PM

Rene:

I read in another thread the other day, you seem to indicate you were having trouble decoding DTS-MA to remux it into a .mkv. Is this still the case?

renethx

03-16-09, 12:13 AM

I am doing a little housecleaning on my PC, and wondering if there is any changes/upgrades that could be made to speed this up (not considering the Intel Core i7 as that would require me to basically overhaul the entire PC.
Overclocking is perhaps the only effective option (except for upgrading the entire system to i7).

renethx

03-16-09, 12:16 AM

Rene:

I read in another thread the other day, you seem to indicate you were having trouble decoding DTS-MA to remux it into a .mkv. Is this still the case?
If you mean decoding DTS-HD Master Audio to FLAC, this is no problem with a proper audio decoder.

Lostclusters

03-16-09, 12:32 AM

I had to register TMT codecs manually to get eac3to to use them.

New problem - I moved to vista 32/4870, so I can make use of HA, and I was having some sound issues with .mkvs. The ones with dts sound I had to enable spdif in my player (MPC-HC) to get all the sound. Without it I would only get like the music and background sound but no dialog. And the .mkvs with HD audio I get no sound at all. The player shows the FLAC filter in use when the file is playing but I get no sound. 4870 is configured per your other thread on 4600/4800s and the .mkvs were made per the guide here (mkv options are endless) Any ideas?

Lostclusters

03-16-09, 01:36 AM

It just occurred to me that this should really go in Jiff's thread. I'll post it there. Sorry about that.

renethx

03-16-09, 03:04 AM

Okay, I'm assembling my HTPC and I am struggling with the cable connections.
Front Case Display Connections

1. Pin assignments is correct. Use HD.
2. If yo mean the LED of the case power button, then the blue/white cables with the 4-pin molex connector is it. Connect it to one of the 4-pin peripheral connector of the PSU. So you don't use the mb's power LED connector.
3. The external USB connector is to be connected one of the external USB port of the mb in case the mb lacks an internal USB connector. Usually use the adapter and connect it to one of the internal USB connector.
4. The cables from the power button is to be connected to the LCD of the case, the cables from the LCD to the mb's PW/PW+ of F_PANEL connector (there is no polarization unlike LED). sneals2000 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15228903#post15228903) and rlray64 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16035362#post16035362) explained this.

Mobo

1. CD_IN is an analog input to ALC889A. For example, some older TV tuner card may need this. S/PDIF_IN is for digital input to ALC889A. You will need a bracket to connect it to an external device. The BD drive is an SATA device. This must be connected to on of the SATA connectors of the mb.
2. The eSATA bracket is used to connect external SATA drives to internal SATA connectors. You are correct.

Video Card

1. The card actually comes with no cable or adapter. You don't need any internal cable. Video/audio signals are transmitted through PCI Express.

PSU

1. You can connect the fan rpm sensor to any fan connector and monitor the fan speed if you like to do so.
2. The 6+2 pin connector and 6-pin connector are for high-end graphics cards (GeForce 9600 GT/Radeon HD 4830 or higher).
3. SATA power connectors are for SATA HDD/ODDs, and 4-pin power connectors are for PATA HDD/ODD. But you can also use adaptors.

rhinogooner

03-16-09, 09:41 AM

Thank you for tending to my plea for help ReneTHX.

I know my questions were probably elementary for you and many others on here, but I didn't want to gamble by making connections that I wasn't reasonably confident were correct and possibly destroying brand new components because I wired them incorrectly. Especially when there is so much knowledge on this forum to tap before rushing into a mistake.

I will follow your instructions to finish connecting cables when I have time.

So thank you for your patience. I'm learning, and I'm certain that I could build another PC much more smoothly from what I've picked up so far.

I suspect I will find myself in need again when I begin the BIOS and software installations though :o

bryansj

03-16-09, 10:59 AM

It looks like I'm building a Mid-Range Intel/Nvidia mATX hybrid. I researched my components and then reread the guide and that's where it seems to line up except for the extra video card.

What I have:
Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H GeForce 9400
2x2GB Corsair Twin2 DDR2 800
Antec Fusion 430 v2 Silver (wanted black, but Frys had this for $150)
1TB WD Green HDD and two external drives (1TB and 500GB)
SATA DVD Burner that I can return or an old IDE DVD Burner
Harmony 890 remote
Old Logitech Wireless Keyboard/Mouse to be replaced with something later
Panasonic 58" plasma TH-58PX60U and Onkyo 805

What I still need is the processor. I'm debating between the $100 E7400 or the $150 E8400. Any suggestions?

Also, if I'm not doing cutting edge gaming do I need the extra video card? And any tips for hooking up the Fusion to the Gigabyte if different than the instructions? I found the remote codes in the Harmony database under Antec / Fusion 430 and will rely on that since my unit didn't come with a remote.

renethx

03-16-09, 12:48 PM

What I still need is the processor. I'm debating between the $100 E7400 or the $150 E8400. Any suggestions?

Also, if I'm not doing cutting edge gaming do I need the extra video card? And any tips for hooking up the Fusion to the Gigabyte if different than the instructions? I found the remote codes in the Harmony database under Antec / Fusion 430 and will rely on that since my unit didn't come with a remote.
E7400+onboard video is enough for video playback.

bryansj

03-16-09, 01:09 PM

E7400+onboard video is enough for video playback.

Thanks, but I ended up buying the E8400 during lunch. I figured I would just skip the buyer's remorse issues. I do plan on offloading as much encoding work as possible onto this machine. My main PC is a laptop and I will RDP connect to it.

osmonix

03-16-09, 01:34 PM

I am considering building the Intel/Nvidia mini-ATX HTPC.

Any recommendations for a silent/quiet non-BD (just CD-DVD burning) optical drive?

Thanks

Anyone?

nfmmalice

03-16-09, 03:01 PM

I'm a bit confused as far as Sound is concerned...

I'm buying a Gigabyte MA790FXT-ud5p mobo and a SAPPHIRE Radeon 4870.

Do I need, or will I gain any Benefit from getting a Card like the ASUS XOnar or the AUzentech X-Fi?

renethx

03-16-09, 03:10 PM

Do I need, or will I gain any Benefit from getting a Card like the ASUS XOnar or the AUzentech X-Fi?
A benefit is bitstreaming Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio. Nobody knows if you need it or not. :)

nfmmalice

03-16-09, 03:26 PM

Thank you Renethx.

When I was looking into it, all of a sudden I got mired down into Bitstreaming and HDMI audio on the HD cards.

/boggle

alucard77

03-16-09, 03:36 PM

I have an old TV that only supports Component Cables, so I wanted to put together this spec:

Intel/NVIDIA

System

CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50GHz LGA775, $64.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA775 GeForce 9400 mGPU microATX, $130. A cheaper alternative is MSI P7NGM-Digital LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU microATX, $110, which is of better value if you don't need an S/PDIF port and an eSATA port.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $27.
Graphics Card: GeForce 9400 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $70.
PSU: 80 PLUS 350W ATX PSU (included in the case), $0
Case: Antec NSK1480 microATX, $94.
Total Cost: $385

Do you guys know if GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA775 GeForce 9400 mGPU microATX mobo supports component cables if I get the component converter?

Also, is this system good for running XBMC?

davegod75

03-16-09, 04:06 PM

nfmmalice

03-16-09, 08:55 PM

Does anyone know if there is a site that reviews all of the high end HTPC CAses Head to Head?

I'm fighting between the following:

Moneual 972B
Zalman HD160XT Plus
Silverstone Crown CW03
Thermaltake DH104

I think I have it narrowed down to the CW03 and the 972B, but I'd like to see them compared head to head.

And I thought the hardest part of building my HTPC was going to be the money.

Rumpelstilkin

03-16-09, 10:02 PM

Michael Mitten

03-16-09, 10:09 PM

I'm going to ask even though I'm pretty sure I know the answer. I'm looking to use the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H and the on-board video. Will it automatically share ram memory with the on-board video? When using 32bit software; if I get 4GB of ram, is it still only going to see 3GB of ram even if it's shared with the video? Thinking to myself if it's shared ram then I'm much more inclined to get 4GB of ram.

FYI: I'm only looking for HD playback of Blu-ray and HD-DVD using HDMI on a 1080p 56" Samsung. No gaming.

rlray64

03-16-09, 11:38 PM

Rene,

First, thanks for the great information you provide. I followed your Intel/Intel mid-ATX build with a few minor adjustments and am very happy with the results.

Now I'm helping a friend build a system with limited space for the case. I found a Silverstone HC17-B ATX case that will fit his media cabinet but I'm not sure about all of the internal parts. I've measured the clearance in my Fusion Remote Max case and I think there will be enough room in the Silverstone HC17-B for the CPU Cooler. Could you look at the list and point out any issues you see.

Thanks for your help.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500
ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
SAPPHIRE 100255DDR4 Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR4 - Retail
(2) A-DATA 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 ADQVE1B16 - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
ENERMAX PRO82+ EPR525AWT 525W ATX12V V - Retail
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R Burner SATA Model GGC-H20LK - OEM
SILVERSTONE Black LC17-B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail
Vista 64 Ultimate
Keyboard/Mouse + IR receiver/remote

renethx

03-17-09, 12:09 AM

Will it automatically share ram memory with the on-board video? When using 32bit software; if I get 4GB of ram, is it still only going to see 3GB of ram even if it's shared with the video?
Yes. The default shared memory is 250GB. With 4GB system memory you will see 3GB-3.3GB for applications.

renethx

03-17-09, 12:21 AM

I'm helping a friend build a system with limited space for the case. I found a Silverstone HC17-B ATX case that will fit his media cabinet but I'm not sure about all of the internal parts. I've measured the clearance in my Fusion Remote Max case and I think there will be enough room in the Silverstone HC17-B for the CPU Cooler. Could you look at the list and point out any issues you see.
CNPS9500A fits LC17.

ReClock now offers a nice feature of bit-perfect LPCM and automatic speaker channel switching via WASAPI exclusive mode that works with any DirectShow media player including VMC. ReClock is a 32-bit filter and works fine with any 32-bit DirectShow player in Vista x64. But if you want to use it with VMC (it's 64-bit), you are out of luck (of course you don't have to use VMC; there are lots of 32-bit alternatives).

nozzey

03-17-09, 04:13 AM

Renethx

Should I get a video card with 1gb as Im running two monitors or 512mb should be good enough.

Im looking at getting this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

My alternative card would be this one http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=3059. It has 1 gb.

Thanks

Michael Mitten

03-17-09, 05:32 AM

Yes. The default shared memory is 250GB. With 4GB system memory you will see 3GB-3.3GB for applications.I know you meant 250MB. ;) Anyway, this can be increased IF needed correct? For my needs of HD video playback, what would be the advantage of a separate card with 512 mb vs increasing the shared to 512 mb or 768 mb or more?

Another question, is most HTPC software (burning and playback software) and 64bit Vista/ Win7 playing nice together? If I decide to get Win7 64 bit I don't want to be frustrated with software issues.

thamizhan

03-17-09, 11:00 AM

Ok... After spending over 100 hours researching the various components for my new HTPC setup, I finally came to a dead end... My head is spinning now and I am out of articles to read.

My primary purpose for building the HTPC is to watch Bluray, HD DVD, DVD and other ripped/encoded DVD & bluray movies. Other purposes include listening to music and in the future to add a TV card and watch TV. I will not be playing any games or encoding videos with this machine. I have finalized the components to the following:

GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9400 HDMI Micro ATX
Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel 7KJ9 Micro ATX Media Center

or

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
SAPPHIRE 100252HDMI Radeon HD 4550 512MB 64-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e Brisbane 2.6GHz AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel 7KJ9 Micro ATX Media Center

I will be connecting this HTPC to my receiver Denon AVR 887 thru one single HDMI cable for both audio & video. From the above two combinations of components, I want to pick the one that gives me best results for AVR. I have read a lot about EDID problems associated with Denon receivers. Now i am not sure which one of the above HTPC combination will have EDID problem with my receiver (i am not planning to replace my current Denon AVR 887 in the near future). I do not want to deal with EDID and want to pick my HTPC components to avoid that problem all together.

Please help me in finalizing my HTPC components.

RENETHX and others - thanks for the information in this thread. This thread is the best out there for any HTPC related information. Keep this thread alive for many more years.

archibael

03-17-09, 11:13 AM

How old is the Denon?

thamizhan

03-17-09, 11:15 AM

My Denon 887 is probably 2.5 years old now. I bought it in Jan 2007.

Vieux

03-17-09, 12:29 PM

Hi guys,

It seems like I need some help with my new setup.

I currently have a M3A78-EM with HD4670 connected to Onkyo TX-SR606 via HDMI.
It runs under Windows 7.

Currently I can't get the surround playback to work.

I have the latest Realtek drivers (2.18) configured to 5.1 setup.
But the channels are wrong. I do not get the audio I'm supposed to.

Playing it via MPC home cinema from the pc bluray drive results in missing channels.
Playing the same file directly from the standalone dvd player is ok.

Can anybody point me in the right direction?
I'd like to have a clean setup that will work with anything thrown at it.

I'm willing to start all over again to get this up and running.
What would you suggest as the best setup for my hardware (codecs, software, etc)?

Thanks a lot to anyone who might help!

renethx

03-17-09, 12:43 PM

bryansj

03-17-09, 12:46 PM

What is the point of the mid-range mATX CPU cooler? Is it for overclocking, running passive without the fan, or cooling down the system due to the dGPU?

Michael Mitten

03-17-09, 12:47 PM

My primary purpose for building the HTPC is to watch Bluray, HD DVD, DVD and other ripped/encoded DVD & bluray movies. Other purposes include listening to music and in the future to add a TV card and watch TV. I will not be playing any games or encoding videos with this machine. I have finalized the components to the following:

GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9400 HDMI Micro ATX
Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel 7KJ9 Micro ATX Media Center

thamizhan, this is pretty much what I had in mind too. Seems we are going to use them for the same reasons. I am looking to use the Antec Steel Fusion Remote case although the one you have picked out looks good too.

renethx

03-17-09, 12:48 PM

I know you meant 250MB. ;) Anyway, this can be increased IF needed correct? For my needs of HD video playback, what would be the advantage of a separate card with 512 mb vs increasing the shared to 512 mb or 768 mb or more?

Another question, is most HTPC software (burning and playback software) and 64bit Vista/ Win7 playing nice together? If I decide to get Win7 64 bit I don't want to be frustrated with software issues.
Max shared memory is 512MB. But 256MB is enough. Large memory is good for storing textures in games.

A couple of filters do not work with VMC 64 (Haali Media Splitter, AC3Filter, ReClock, for example). It depends on you if you feel it inconvenient or not.

renethx

03-17-09, 01:02 PM

renethx

03-17-09, 01:05 PM

What is the point of the mid-range mATX CPU cooler? Is it for overclocking, running passive without the fan, or cooling down the system due to the dGPU?
For E7400 a retail cooler may be close to pointless. For Phenom 95W, Geminii S is effective and quiet.

Vieux

03-17-09, 01:13 PM

Vista or XP? HDMI or S/PDIF? Which receiver?

Hi Renethx!

Well, I've stated it was running under Windows 7, via HDMI with an Onkyo TX_SR606... ;)

Hopefully you will know how to get this working!

MEanwhile I just saw that ATI has a newly released driver for Windows 7 beta

thamizhan

03-17-09, 01:17 PM

thamizhan, this is pretty much what I had in mind too. Seems we are going to use them for the same reasons. I am looking to use the Antec Steel Fusion Remote case although the one you have picked out looks good too.

After all the research, i realised that iGPU in geforce 9400 seems to be the best option right now HDMI audio/video, especially for my purpose. Now I would like to know if there are any know EDID issues between Geforce 9400 and Denon AVR 887 (2 generations old AV receiver). The receiver is still in excellent shape and I don't see a reason to replace my receiver. And I am not too worried about DTS-HD and True Dolby etc...

Actually I picked the LG bluray/hd dvd drive combo with Antec fusion remote case. But newegg does not sell that combo anymore for some reason. So i have settle with a hec case.

renethx

03-17-09, 01:34 PM

Hi Renethx!

Well, I've stated it was running under Windows 7, via HDMI with an Onkyo TX_SR606... ;)

Hopefully you will know how to get this working!

MEanwhile I just saw that ATI has a newly released driver for Windows 7 beta
First check your sound device configuration following "PAP and HDMI Audio Solutions" in my signature. Do you hear correct test sounds?

nfmmalice

03-17-09, 01:41 PM

I've finally settled on the Moneual 972(B) for my Case.

What is the Best CPU Cooling Fan for this Case with a Gigabyte MA790FXT-ud5p mobo and AMD Phenom II x4 810 processor?

Also, Does anyone know where I can get the 972(B) for less than $499?

You have all been SO helpful in this trip!!

Vieux

03-17-09, 01:42 PM

First check your sound device configuration following "PAP and HDMI Audio Solutions" in my signature. Do you hear correct test sounds?

The tests sounds are ok.

WMV is ok too.
Dolby and DTA are incorrect.

I'll probably update to the Windows 7 driver and apply the config from your PAP and HDMI Audio Solutions thread.

Am I correct if I assume I can play everything with just FFDShow & MPC home cinema?

renethx

03-17-09, 01:54 PM

I've finally settled on the Moneual 972(B) for my Case.

What is the Best CPU Cooling Fan for this Case with a Gigabyte MA790FXT-ud5p mobo and AMD Phenom II x4 810 processor?
Zalman CNPS9500A or Cooler Master Geminii S should be good (if there is no clearance problem).

keodark

03-17-09, 01:57 PM

renethx-

Thanks for all of the advice you've given over the course of this (Very Long) thread! After reading the last 150 pages (phew!) I am down to two possible HTPC builds.

I'm trying to limit the noise/airflow restrictions and cost of my configuration. I'm planning to pull ATSC HD OTA content (HDHomeRun), watch live via HDMI on 42" 1080i HDTV & simultaneously record to disk, and watch non-bluray ripped DVDs (and discs). No Gaming. I might like to add surround sound and bluray in the future, but I don't use either now.

I would prefer not to sacrifice picture quality.

Prices are approximate, from Newegg
Build #1: AMD

$62 Athlon 64 x2 5050e
$70 GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H
$70 Radeon HD 4670: HIS H467QT512P

Total: $202

Build #2: Intel

$73 Intel Pentium E5200
$120 Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H
$0 Integrated graphics

Total: $193

Components in Common:
RAM: 2x1GB DDR2-800 G.Skill
Audio: onboard
PSU: Something low-wattage (250-300) and Modular
Case: Probably an Antec Fusion
LiteON DL-DVD Burner
quiet case fans and a Ninja Mini CPU cooler
HD: Two 1TB WD Caviar Green drives. not RAID.

Questions:
#1) Am I likely to see any PQ difference in these two builds?
#2) What about power consumption and noise?
#3) Is there any benefit from a 790GX MB on Build #1 instead?
#4) Is the $20 price increase worth it for the Gigabyte -UD2H, -DS2H or -UD3H boards? (That's all Newegg seems to carry in 780G AM2+ atm)
#5) Is the Sapphire card better than the HIS for 4670? (noise/power/features)?
#6) Can I get away with a 300W PSU, or even lower for either build?

Thanks!

renethx

03-17-09, 02:01 PM

Am I correct if I assume I can play everything with just FFDShow & MPC home cinema?
Yes, plus Haali Media Splitter (32 bit only). Actually you only need MPCVideoDec.ax (a H.264 decoder supporting DXVA) from MPC-HC. You can use other DS players (e.g. Zoom Player, J. River Media Center, Windows Media Center).

Vieux

03-17-09, 02:07 PM

Yes, plus Haali Media Splitter (32 bit only). Actually you only need MPCVideoDec.ax (a H.264 decoder supporting DXVA) from MPC-HC. You can use other DS players (e.g. Zoom Player, J. River Media Center, Windows Media Center).

Thank you very much for the great help you give here!

renethx

03-17-09, 02:15 PM

keodark

03-17-09, 02:18 PM

1. PQ is close, but 4670 is better in certain post-processing (denoise, sharpening etc.).
2. 60W (idle)-80W (video playback).
3. Which mb? Dual PCIe x8 is useless in a microATX case.
4. US2H is enough unless you want Dolby Home Theater or DTS Connect through S/PDIF. Aren't you confusing mATX and ATX?
5. Yes.
renethx,
Thanks for the quick reply!
Sorry, I should have indicated: BIOSTAR TA790GX XE is the microATX board I was considering for 790GX - but if I'm using the 4670 then HD 3200/3300 makes no difference. Is there anything else to recommend the 790GX chipset or this board in particular?

renethx

03-17-09, 02:32 PM

renethx,
Thanks for the quick reply!
Sorry, I should have indicated: BIOSTAR TA790GX XE is the microATX board I was considering for 790GX - but if I'm using the 4670 then HD 3200/3300 makes no difference. Is there anything else to recommend the 790GX chipset or this board in particular?
Maybe RAID 5? (useless in a mATX case). I recommend you to stick with GA-MA78GM-US2H. Don't waste your money.

keodark

03-17-09, 03:10 PM

Maybe RAID 5? (useless in a mATX case). I recommend you to stick with GA-MA78GM-US2H. Don't waste your money.
renethx,
Awesome. I'll go with the US2H - thanks.

Now I'm on to the Sapphire 4670 - looks like my choices are

fanless (likely won't fit whatever case I choose)...
the 1GB 100256L I believe you said isn't necessary unless gaming...
the 100255HDMI which is cheapest by $10
the 100255DDR4 with DDR4 memory which you recommend in your midlevel systems.

From visual inspection is looks like the only applicable difference is that the DDR4 card has a bigger (thus quieter?) fan. Does it have higher power consumption to run the DDR4? Since noise is a concern for my HTPC, should I assume that the $10 is worth it for the bigger fan?

You must get tired of answering nitpicky newbie questions - you truly are a saint. :)

Michael Mitten

03-17-09, 03:27 PM

Actually I picked the LG bluray/hd dvd drive combo with Antec fusion remote case. But newegg does not sell that combo anymore for some reason. LMAO!! So did I. Moments, and I mean moments, before I was going to order it, it dropped off my cart. I went to put it back in and noticed it was no longer a combo. That sucked. I wrote Newegg and they basically said they can't control when it goes off. It was the middle of the day! Anyway, if you really want it, google it and you'll find it cheaper than Newegg. $142, free shipping. I'm not sure what I'm going to do case wise right now. I may order the Antec from somewhere else.

renethx

03-17-09, 03:29 PM

renethx,
Awesome. I'll go with the US2H - thanks.

Now I'm on to the Sapphire 4670 - looks like my choices are

fanless (likely won't fit whatever case I choose)...
the 1GB 100256L I believe you said isn't necessary unless gaming...
the 100255HDMI which is cheapest by $10
the 100255DDR4 with DDR4 memory which you recommend in your midlevel systems.

From visual inspection is looks like the only applicable difference is that the DDR4 card has a bigger (thus quieter?) fan. Does it have higher power consumption to run the DDR4? Since noise is a concern for my HTPC, should I assume that the $10 is worth it for the bigger fan?

You must get tired of answering nitpicky newbie questions - you truly are a saint. :)
Power consumption is 1-3W higher than DDR3. Stay away with 100256L and 100255HDMI. The tiny fan makes loud noise at load.

jmasterman

03-17-09, 04:18 PM

SD DVD PQ
Renethx
I have an Asus P5N7A-VM with an E7200 runninf Vista 32 bit. I use HDMI out to a Visio Vo47 LCD at 1920X1080. The system works well and does what I want but I have been trying to improve the PQ of SD DVD. I get about the same quality from DVDs I have ripped to the server as when I insert a disk. The BR quality is as good as my stand alone player.

I use VMC for WAF and family operation and have tweaked the NVidia settings a little but need some advice.

Should I go down the FFDShow road or would an ATI 4550 give me a significant improvement over the IGP? I want the system to be simple enough to operate for my wife and family and VMC does that.

TIA

keodark

03-17-09, 04:35 PM

Does anyone know of a Front-panel (3.5 or 5.25) LCD/IR Receiver combo other than the iMon included in Antec Fusion that everyone seems to hate?

It'd be especially nice if it was programmable or at least customizable, and/or interfaced in some way with SageTV or one of the other non-MS DVR frontends.

I won't be using Microsoft Media Center.

Edited: I've decided I don't need a VFD. Instead, I'd like to use a IR Receiver and a remote, but I can't see buying the expensive Logitechs suggested by renethx on page 85. Is there a budget IR remote that might serve my limited HTPC purposes? I'll have a wireless KB & Mouse for more advanced interaction.

archibael

03-17-09, 05:01 PM

My Denon 887 is probably 2.5 years old now. I bought it in Jan 2007.

Right on the edge, alas. Can you post the EDID?

thamizhan

03-17-09, 06:46 PM

Right on the edge, alas. Can you post the EDID?

Thanks for your reply archibael. I don't have my HTPC setup yet... How do I get the EDID information from my receiver? Sorry if it is a dumb question.

thamizhan

03-17-09, 06:52 PM

LMAO!! So did I. Moments, and I mean moments, before I was going to order it, it dropped off my cart. I went to put it back in and noticed it was no longer a combo. That sucked. I wrote Newegg and they basically said they can't control when it goes off. It was the middle of the day! Anyway, if you really want it, google it and you'll find it cheaper than Newegg. $142, free shipping. I'm not sure what I'm going to do case wise right now. I may order the Antec from somewhere else.

$142 shippied for Antec fusion is really good price. Does it include the power supply and the remote? Where did you find it... I found one from provantage and it comes to $148 (including shipping and no power supply). But none for $142...

Also the combo deals from newegg change every week. So we might just hope that the LG drive/Antec fusion combo shows up next week again. I am also waiting for the Gigabyte geforce 9400 price to come down a tad. But they seem to be a very hot item right now and i don't see the price coming down in the near future. Good luck.

Michael Mitten

03-17-09, 06:58 PM

$142 shippied for Antec fusion is really good price. Does it include the power supply and the remote? Where did you find it... I found one from provantage and it comes to $148 (including shipping and no power supply). But none for $142...

Also the combo deals from newegg change every week. So we might just hope that the LG drive/Antec fusion combo shows up next week again. I am also waiting for the Gigabyte geforce 9400 price to come down a tad. But they seem to be a very hot item right now and i don't see the price coming down in the near future. Good luck.xPCGear.com has the case w/remote for $142. No PS included, I going with a Corsair 450. $60 from Newegg after $10 MIR.

archibael

03-17-09, 07:10 PM

Thanks for your reply archibael. I don't have my HTPC setup yet... How do I get the EDID information from my receiver? Sorry if it is a dumb question.

Ah. Doing a little Googling yields the result that the EDID on your receiver is indeed screwed up.

For the Intel drivers, this is currently a showstopper, as they key off a proper EDID. Not positive whether Nvidia 9400 is as strict. I know for a fact if Nvidia IS as strict, you've got problems, as EDID Override doesn't seem to work on Nvidia in Vista from my own experimentation. EDID Override may work on Intel chipsets, but I've got no data on whether it's true or not.

Some ATI discrete cards can use EDID Override, but none of their integrated graphics currently do 7.1 LPCM over HDMI.

At this point, if you want integrated graphics, I think you're screwed unless Nvidia HDMI audio is (or becomes) more tolerant than I have found it or either Intel or Nvidia or both definitively support the EDID Override entry in the Vista registry.

thamizhan

03-17-09, 09:38 PM

Ah. Doing a little Googling yields the result that the EDID on your receiver is indeed screwed up.

For the Intel drivers, this is currently a showstopper, as they key off a proper EDID. Not positive whether Nvidia 9400 is as strict. I know for a fact if Nvidia IS as strict, you've got problems, as EDID Override doesn't seem to work on Nvidia in Vista from my own experimentation. EDID Override may work on Intel chipsets, but I've got no data on whether it's true or not.

Some ATI discrete cards can use EDID Override, but none of their integrated graphics currently do 7.1 LPCM over HDMI.

At this point, if you want integrated graphics, I think you're screwed unless Nvidia HDMI audio is (or becomes) more tolerant than I have found it or either Intel or Nvidia or both definitively support the EDID Override entry in the Vista registry.

Thanks for your reply. Do you know which hdmi discrete video card can use EDID override? I might combine my AMD with a ATI card known to do EDID override. I really appreciate your help. If the it doesn't matter which ATI card I use, then I guess I might have to go with this setup:

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
SAPPHIRE 100252HDMI Radeon HD 4550 512MB 64-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e Brisbane 2.6GHz AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel 7KJ9 Micro ATX Media Center

Please comment. Thanks again Archibael

keodark

03-17-09, 10:46 PM

All, here is my final build based largely on the advice and equipment lists from this thread. I'd be very grateful for any advice before I pull the trigger and place the order (I already bought the case *grin*)

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H microATX
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 x2 5050e 2.6Hz
RAM: 2x1GB DDR2-800 G.Skill
Video: Sapphire 100255DDR4 ATI Radeon 4670
Audio: onboard
HD: one 1TB WD Caviar Green drive [Add second one later]
Case: Antec NSK2480
IR: Antec Mult-Station Basic USB IR receiver & remote
Remote: Included with IR Receiver.
Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech diNovo Mini Black
Optical: LiteON DL-DVD Burner (already own)
CPU Cooler: Scythe Ninja Mini
Tuner: HDHomeRun (already own)

One thing I wasn't sure about: Is the PSU that comes with the Antec NSK2480 quiet enough for HTPC?

renethx

03-18-09, 12:02 AM

renethx

03-18-09, 12:17 AM

bryansj

03-18-09, 08:22 AM

$142 shippied for Antec fusion is really good price. Does it include the power supply and the remote? Where did you find it... I found one from provantage and it comes to $148 (including shipping and no power supply). But none for $142...

Also the combo deals from newegg change every week. So we might just hope that the LG drive/Antec fusion combo shows up next week again. I am also waiting for the Gigabyte geforce 9400 price to come down a tad. But they seem to be a very hot item right now and i don't see the price coming down in the near future. Good luck.

Frys has the Antec Fusion V2 430 Silver for $149.99. It comes with a 430W PS, VFD display with IR receiver, but no remote. I have a Harmony remote and had no need for another remote to sit in a drawer. I wish it was black and maybe a lower powered PS, but I got it anyway. The last of my parts arrive today so I'll be building for the next couple days.

Michael Mitten

03-18-09, 10:10 AM

archibael

03-18-09, 12:01 PM

There are a number of Denon receivers (most/all prior to 2008, when some had corrective firmware upgrades; I think all 2008 and later receivers are fixed) with an EDID which is not formed correctly-- or, it could be argued, not formed the way everyone else is doing it. In any case, Windows audio specs make it clear you're not supposed to send audio that the end device can't support (behavior when receiving unsupported bitstreams over HDMI is undefined by the HDMI spec, and could conceivably cause damage to speakers if it happens to decode as high amplitude square waves, for instance) so when the EDID is parsed, drivers are careful to only have available what they are certain the receiver supports.

EDID Override is a way for the knowledgable to get around this problem, but it only seems to be implemented in ATI drivers at this point. Does that clear it up?

thamizhan

03-18-09, 01:07 PM

EDID Override is a way for the knowledgable to get around this problem, but it only seems to be implemented in ATI drivers at this point. Does that clear it up?

Thanks for clearing that up Archibael. So the solution for my HTPC would be to buy a discrete ATI video card like HD 4550/ HD 4670 and run EDID override? Please clarify. If I can use HD 4550 I can use the hec HTPC case. Otherwise I might have to look at taller cases like Antec Fusion.

Also which discrete ATI video card support EDID override for my receiver Denon AVR 887.

Thanks a lot for your very insightful comments.

thamizhan

03-18-09, 01:08 PM

Frys has the Antec Fusion V2 430 Silver for $149.99.

Thanks Brian. I will check frys today to see if they have any in stock. For me it will be just over $160 (tax included). Still a good buy.

archibael

03-18-09, 01:50 PM

Thanks for clearing that up Archibael. So the solution for my HTPC would be to buy a discrete ATI video card like HD 4550/ HD 4670 and run EDID override? Please clarify. If I can use HD 4550 I can use the hec HTPC case. Otherwise I might have to look at taller cases like Antec Fusion.

Also which discrete ATI video card support EDID override for my receiver Denon AVR 887.

Thanks a lot for your very insightful comments.

My expertise is not on the specific capabilities of discrete cards, just general market capabilities, sorry. renethx would be a much better candidate for an accurate response.

For what it's worth, I'm sure Nvidia and Intel will follow suit on supporting EDID Override eventually, I just don't have a clue when.

thamizhan

03-18-09, 03:14 PM

My expertise is not on the specific capabilities of discrete cards, just general market capabilities, sorry. renethx would be a much better candidate for an accurate response.

Thanks for your replies Archibael.

Hello Renethx, Could you please help me with my questions?

TiaoMacaleh

03-19-09, 05:05 AM

My system is noise as hell and im looking for possible improovements.

From your experience, what makes more noise, the power suply or the cpu cooler itself?

renethx

03-19-09, 05:42 AM

My system is noise as hell and im looking for possible improovements.

From your experience, what makes more noise, the power suply or the cpu cooler itself?
Any of the CPU fan, GPU fan, PSU fan and case fans could make loud noise. Take the case out of the rack and close your year to the case and identify the source. You can stop them (except for the PSU fan) and check the noise of each fan.

Vieux

03-19-09, 08:23 AM

First check your sound device configuration following "PAP and HDMI Audio Solutions" in my signature. Do you hear correct test sounds?

It's weird.

I've installed the Catalyst 9.3 for Windows 7.
I've installed the Realtek HDMI driver.
I've disabled onboard HD audio in BIOS.

I choose Realtek HDMI in sound panel.
I hear correct sounds when I select 5.1 config.

Playing files in PDVD works ok.
Playing files in MPC-HC the channels are wrong (seems like it is stereo).

To me it looked like a codec problem, since PDVD work great.

Here's what I tried:

Uninstalled all codecs & MPC-HC.
Installed the latest beta CCCP.

Now everything sounds great.

I think I'll just leave it like that (the wife is really getting mad from all the hours spent on that...)

renethx

03-19-09, 10:42 AM

Playing files in MPC-HC the channels are wrong (seems like it is stereo).
It looks like the built-in AC3 Decoder is set to "stereo".

Vieux

03-19-09, 12:09 PM

It looks like the built-in AC3 Decoder is set to "stereo".

I suspect that the filter merit settings were wrong.
I probably set one of the ac3 filter to 5.1 but it was not the one used with MPC.
Removing all codecs and installing CCCP (it includes needed codecs & MPC-HC already tuned up) took care of it all.

What do you think of that package?
It is supposedly recommended by ON2 and the Matroska team.

Could not find much reviews about it though...

renethx

03-19-09, 12:54 PM

I suspect that the filter merit settings were wrong.
I probably set one of the ac3 filter to 5.1 but it was not the one used with MPC.
Removing all codecs and installing CCCP (it includes needed codecs & MPC-HC already tuned up) took care of it all.

What do you think of that package?
It is supposedly recommended by ON2 and the Matroska team.

Could not find much reviews about it though...
Actually MPC does not use filters based on the merit value for the container/audo/video formats with a check mark in "Internal Filters" in "Options". When you play a movie, right-click the screen and you will see which filters are used and you can check the filter "Properties" by left-clicking the name of a filter. (If "Stereo" is selected in the audio filter, that's the culprit.) I think CCCP is not bad, but many experts in this forum are warning against using a codec pack. Personally I install only Haali Media Spliltter, ffdshow tryouts (MPC Video Decoder when I use MPC-HC), VSFilter, and ReClock.

lubmar

03-19-09, 02:25 PM

I have athlon x2 3800+ already. I was looking to get a mobo with video card on board, but since I am going to use the pc to record and watch ota hd channels (1080i) – the video dvi cable to 720p front projector and audio digital out coaxial cable to reciver - the on board video with my low cpu may be a problem.
Wich stand alone card would be better 4550 or 9400?
Will the “crossfire” onboard video with stand alone card be any benefit to PQ ?

renethx

03-19-09, 02:59 PM

thamizhan

03-19-09, 05:52 PM

Hello Renethx & Archibael, first of all sorry for bothering you all with so many questions. Thank you all for all the responses.

I had several questions on EDID compatibility of my receiver with different iGPU solutions for HTPC. Archibael had already clarified that there is no iGPU solution out there that could help with the EDID problems on my Denon AVR 887. He had also mentioned that there are certain discreet ATI graphics card out there that might allow EDID override.

Now my question to all is which discrete ATI graphics card out there can handle EDID override - HD 4550 or HD 4670 or all of them? Also would you recommend me holding off on my HTPC project untill Nvdia starts allowing EDID override? Personally, I am not in a hurry to get that HTPC up and running tomorrow or even in a month. If needed I could hold off my HTPC project for a couple of months (my wife will be happy to know that I am not spending any more money & time on this HTPC project). Your opinion means a lot to me. Thanks in advance

nfmmalice

03-19-09, 07:18 PM

I now have all the parts of my HTPC in hand, Minus the Blu Ray Drive, which will be here monday. (I'll just use a Reg. DVD to get everything installed for now).

I have built many PC's in my life, but not one that I have this much money invested in. Is there some sort of Resource I can go to to find out the best order in which to install all of the parts?

Normally I just kind of chuck everything in there and then troubleshoot later. This time, however, I want to make sure I do everything EXACTLY the way it should be done.

Any ideas where I can find such a resource?

archibael

03-19-09, 08:09 PM

Now my question to all is which discrete ATI graphics card out there can handle EDID override - HD 4550 or HD 4670 or all of them? Also would you recommend me holding off on my HTPC project untill Nvdia starts allowing EDID override? Personally, I am not in a hurry to get that HTPC up and running tomorrow or even in a month. If needed I could hold off my HTPC project for a couple of months (my wife will be happy to know that I am not spending any more money & time on this HTPC project). Your opinion means a lot to me. Thanks in advance

Personally, if you can wait, do wait. Even if the Nvidia EDID override doesn't materialize by then, prices will have gone down on the solutions which do exist.

I'd probably still be waiting, but I needed the ability to record HDTV and didn't want to buy an HDTivo.

renethx

03-20-09, 01:13 AM

Zachius

03-20-09, 03:59 AM

This thread was started almost 2 and a half years ago, a new one needs to be started with a guide using relevant equipment

Ric_Margiotta

03-20-09, 07:26 AM

This thread was started almost 2 and a half years ago, a new one needs to be started with a guide using relevant equipment

Check page 85...

Darin

03-20-09, 08:16 AM

Check page 85...

Or more accurately, check post 2521 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14239742#post14239742). "page 85" is page 51 for me. ;)

lubmar

03-20-09, 09:15 AM

Look at the ATX or mATX low-end AMD/AMD system. In many cases 2.0GHz is enough. You can also overclock it.

thanks
but if i was to choose a video card between 4550 and 9400 for 1080i sorce 720p pj with my 3800+ cpu (no overclocking) wich would you recomend ?
also is it any benefit of running "cross fire" 3200 on board with 4550 or 8200 with 9400 ?

renethx

03-20-09, 11:42 AM

thanks
but if i was to choose a video card between 4550 and 9400 for 1080i sorce 720p pj with my 3800+ cpu (no overclocking) wich would you recomend ?
also is it any benefit of running "cross fire" 3200 on board with 4550 or 8200 with 9400 ?
If you are going to use Athlon X2 3800+, there is no choice but HD 4550. Hybrid CrossFire is totally useless for video playback (and HD 4550 does not support it anyway).

lubmar

03-20-09, 01:34 PM

thanks
so if i use 4550 is it important (or better) wich chipsets is on the motherboard amd or nivida ?

plainv70

03-20-09, 03:36 PM

Power consumption is 1-3W higher than DDR3. Stay away with 100256L and 100255HDMI. The tiny fan makes loud noise at load.

I've been watching the sapphire 4670 for a few weeks and looks like prices have bottomed out for the most part. Before I bu I have a two nagging questions.

1. can anyone say definitively whether the sapphire passively cooled 4670 card fits in an nsk2480 case? has anyone tried this?

2. I thought I read in this forum tha the sapphire 4670 512mb with fan was not too noisy. Just how noisy is it and can the fan be replaced without too much difficulty--I'm fairly technical. If the sapphire 4670's with fans are not good htpc vid cards, what is the best 512mb 4670 vid card for a htpc?

renethx

03-20-09, 04:11 PM

thanks
so if i use 4550 is it important (or better) wich chipsets is on the motherboard amd or nivida ?
Either one is OK.

renethx

03-20-09, 04:14 PM

I've been watching the sapphire 4670 for a few weeks and looks like prices have bottomed out for the most part. Before I bu I have a two nagging questions.

1. can anyone say definitively whether the sapphire passively cooled 4670 card fits in an nsk2480 case? has anyone tried this?

2. I thought I read in this forum tha the sapphire 4670 512mb with fan was not too noisy. Just how noisy is it and can the fan be replaced without too much difficulty--I'm fairly technical. If the sapphire 4670's with fans are not good htpc vid cards, what is the best 512mb 4670 vid card for a htpc?
1. Somebody said it didn't fit NSK2480 in this thread. Search with the keywords Sapphire and NSK2480.

2. There are a couple of Sapphire 4670 512MB models. Which one are you referring to?

nfmmalice

03-20-09, 05:23 PM

Computer-building resource thread (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=27&threadid=2072469&enterthread=y) at AnandTech Forums is a good source.

Thanks a million Renethx. Your, and everyone else's, input has been invaluable in this endeavor. I got my system up and running last night, and almost everything is coming along nicely.

I just have 2 Cables coming off the front panel of my Moncaso972 that I need to figure out where they go and Im good.

You guys ROCK!

nfmmalice

03-20-09, 06:00 PM

Dammit. Knew it was too good to be true. =(

Installed XP Pro SP3, and then put in my Vista Home Premium Upgrade Disc, and it tells me I cannot Upgrade from XP Pro to Home Premium.

Will XP Pro do what I need it to Do? OR do I need to go out and buy a FULL version of Home Premium?

And:

If I do Install a New Version of Ultimate or Home Premium, do I need to reinstall all the MoBO/Vid Card Drivers?

*sigh*

hybridcj

03-20-09, 08:02 PM

it should give you the option to do a clean install unless you are going from 32b to 64b. the only problem is that you won't be able to maintain installed programs. it will also nicely put all of your old xp stuff into a windows.old folder on your c drive. i used the upgrade version of vista home premium from xp pro and it worked fine for a clean install - it wouldn't upgrade though.

clean install goes faster anyway. you will likely need to reinstall certain drivers.

kjmott

03-20-09, 10:21 PM

Will this CPU work for my HTPC build. I am working on building the low budget amd/amd micro atx.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16819103300

nozzey

03-20-09, 10:25 PM

Every time I upgrade my video drivers the picture starts to blink on and off when playing back through vista media center. If I do a format and re-install of windows problem is gone.

The weird thing is that I don't have this problem when playing back through windows media player. :confused:

Everything worked fine before I upgraded to ATI 9.3. I uninstalled the old drivers before installing 9.3.

Im using a gigabyte 780g, 2g ram, 4850e cpu.

Thanks

Lostclusters

03-20-09, 10:39 PM

Rene:

What player/codec/post processing do you use for what you watch?

plainv70

03-20-09, 11:13 PM

1. Somebody said it didn't fit NSK2480 in this thread. Search with the keywords Sapphire and NSK2480.

2. There are a couple of Sapphire 4670 512MB models. Which one are you referring to?

1. I searched & read 139 threads :eek: looking for this and still did not find anything, I will take your word for it.

2.Newegg is currently selling three 4670 cards: one passive, one HDMI GDDR3 with a small fan (noisy) and an HDMI GDDR4 with an open configuration fan.

The passive one won't fit my case, the small fan model apparently is noisy and GDDR4 is more (only $10) but the faster memory really doesn't make a difference for HTPC--right?

So, for a Sapphire card from Newegg (best prices all around), the only choice is the GDDR4 version.

The only other option from Newegg seems to be the HIS Hightech H467QT512P HD 4670 IceQ Turbo. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161252); same price as the Sapphire GDDR4.

Are there any advantages to this HIS card to justify picking it over the Sapphire? (Does any of this really matter??)

hybridcj

03-20-09, 11:28 PM

this only happens on HD QAM channels and i was wondering if anyone experienced similar problems or possibly could point me in the right direction. Running HVR 1600 on VHP 32bit. during playback the screen will go into a digitized green/gold/pink for a split second. This does not happen on BD, only on tv in WMC. any ideas? Is it the card itself or drivers? didn't happen quite as often at first but it seems to happen more recently - also using it a lot more with the ncaa tourney. see pic

thanks

thamizhan

03-20-09, 11:53 PM

Personally, if you can wait, do wait. Even if the Nvidia EDID override doesn't materialize by then, prices will have gone down on the solutions which do exist.

I'd probably still be waiting, but I needed the ability to record HDTV and didn't want to buy an HDTivo.

Thanks a lot archibael. I guess i will wait for nvdia to come up with a solution for edid override. In the meantime i will buy other components (case, bluray drive, memory, hard drive, etc.) for my htpc that i can find good deals.

samhfoley

03-21-09, 01:51 AM

renethx

03-21-09, 02:25 AM

renethx

03-21-09, 02:44 AM

1. I searched & read 139 threads :eek: looking for this and still did not find anything, I will take your word for it.

2.Newegg is currently selling three 4670 cards: one passive, one HDMI GDDR3 with a small fan (noisy) and an HDMI GDDR4 with an open configuration fan.

The passive one won't fit my case, the small fan model apparently is noisy and GDDR4 is more (only $10) but the faster memory really doesn't make a difference for HTPC--right?

So, for a Sapphire card from Newegg (best prices all around), the only choice is the GDDR4 version.

The only other option from Newegg seems to be the HIS Hightech H467QT512P HD 4670 IceQ Turbo. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161252); same price as the Sapphire GDDR4.

Are there any advantages to this HIS card to justify picking it over the Sapphire? (Does any of this really matter??)
1. This post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15896168#post15896168) (sorry, the case was not NSK2480 but "Fusion 430"; the dimensions are exactly identical though). The distance between the top the card PCB to the case cover is about 7mm, while the Sapphire Ultimate requires at least 19mm.

2. I recommend the Sapphire GDDR4 with Arctic Cooling fan over HIS H467QT512P (I will update my recommendations soon). Sapphire is quieter and the native HDMI port is more convenient. I posted this in SPCR in February:

Here is a quick test of the Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 with Arctic Cooling fan.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2165/sapphireradeonhd4670ut9.png

The connectors are VGA, DVI and HDMI. The card occupies two expansion slots.

Test System

- Pentium Dual-Core E5200
- GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H
- DDR2-800 2 x 2GB
- Antec NSK2480, fans at Low
- Room temperature: 22°C

Fan Speed and Noise

Here is the Fan Settings in RBE:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9118/rbe4670acsu4.png

The fan runs at the constant speed of 34% up to 60°C. It is quieter than HIS H467QT512P at this speed. When FurMark is running, the temperature stays around 67-70°C and the fan is running at 56%. It is slightly noisier than HIS. The noise at 50% is roughtly equivalent to HIS (well, my ears are the sound level meter ;)).

BTW the fan speed of the HIS card is constant, irrespective of the GPU temperature (quiet enough, but not intelligent).

GPU Temperature

Sapphire

- Idle: 38°C
- Video Playback: 40°C
- FurMark (after 30 min running): 68°C

HIS

- Idle: 36°C
- Video Playback: 39°C
- FurMark (after 30 min running): 68°C

So the GPU temperature of the Sapphire card is more or less the same as HIS. (If the case ventilation were bad, maybe the HIS card would stay lower because of its better heat exhausting system.) The picture below is a screenshot of CCC when FurMark is running with the Sapphire card.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5600/ccc4670acatfurmarkrg9.png

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the total system measured with Kill-A-Watt:

Sapphire

- Idle: 73W
- Video Playback: 82W
- FurMark: 148W

HIS

- Idle: 72W
- Video Playback: 82W
- FurMark: 140W

Higher power consumption of the Sapphire card at 3D load is perhaps a trade-off of the better performance by GDDR4 at 550MHz (3D performance is better by a few percent).

renethx

03-21-09, 02:52 AM

Rene:

What player/codec/post processing do you use for what you watch?
Actually the player itself is not essential (MPC-HD, Zoom Player, J. River MC13 , VMC, Media Portal etc.). Haali Media Splitter, ffdshow (audio/video deocding), MPCVideoDec.ax (for H.264 decoding), and ReClock (for smooth 24p, automatic refresh rate switching, automatic channel matching, bit-perfect sounds) are the codecs I need (to install manually). I leave post processing to the hardware/driver.

renethx

03-21-09, 03:02 AM

What is the best video card (for cheap!) I can get for movie (avi/mkz/blu-ray) playback in an Antec Micro Fusion remote case, preferably with no fan. Also want HDMI out (supporting audio) with small form factor Thanks for your help

-Sam
Sapphire HD 4550.

iktell

03-21-09, 08:20 AM

jtm311

03-21-09, 08:27 AM

Ok I'm going to place the order today.
Just a quick veiw anyone see any problems? Also I would like to use my harmony one remote, has anyone done this?

John

Antec Black Aluminum / Steel Fusion Remote Black Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail $169.95
Model #:Fusion Remote Black
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit for System Builders - OEM $99.99
Model #:66I-02059
GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9400 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $119.99
Model #:GA-E7AUM-DS2H
ASUS EN9500GT TOP/DI/512M GeForce 9500 GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $83.99
Model #:EN9500GT TOP/DI/512M
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $69.99
Model #:CMPSU-450VX
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7400 - Retail $119.99
Model #:BX80571E7400
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K - Retail $38.99
Model #:ADQVE1B16K
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $74.99
Model #:WD6400AAKS
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 - Retail $115.99
Model #:69Z-00001
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model GGC-H20L - Retail $109.99
Model #:GGC-H20L
COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail $37.99
Model #:RR-CCH-PBU1-GP
KINGWIN 6 ft. (1800 mm) HDMI Male to HDMI Male Cable Model HDMIC-01 - Retail $11.99
Model #:HDMIC-01
$1,041.85

renethx

03-21-09, 09:14 AM

Is there any advantage to an HD 4670 (or better) over the HD 4550 for DVD/BD use? No/Minimal gaming.
Yes, better post-processing.

davegod75

03-21-09, 09:51 AM

new option for video cards?

MSI rolls out R4600 HDMI GPU series for HTPC builders (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/msi-rolls-out-r4600-hdmi-gpu-series-for-htpc-builders/)

NYSportz

03-21-09, 11:42 AM

new option for video cards?

MSI rolls out R4600 HDMI GPU series for HTPC builders (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/msi-rolls-out-r4600-hdmi-gpu-series-for-htpc-builders/)

In case anyone is looking for a gaming card, MSI recently launched 512MB and 1GB Radeon 4870 cards with 90mm fans. These should be quieter than others on the market, though I have yet to see any reviews or user impressions. These cards are also native HDMI, rather than DVI-HDMI, which is a plus (and difficult to find in the Radeon 4870 series). The 1GB model is currently $179.99 after rebate at Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127413).

MSI R4870-MD1G (http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=130&cat2_no=137&prod_no=1749)

Justin

gimp

03-21-09, 08:21 PM

These cards are also native HDMI, rather than DVI-HDMI, which is a plus (and difficult to find in the Radeon 4870 series).

Could you elaborate what is meant by "native HDMI" and the advantage? I'm not doing any gaming, so is there a good fanless alternative?

cwstnsko

03-21-09, 09:22 PM

By native HDMI, he means that there is an HDMI connector on the card and no adapter is required. Most of these gaming cards have dual DVI ports instead. I know there is a passive 4670, but I'm not sure about passive 48xx. Those genereate a lot of heat.

NYSportz

03-21-09, 11:18 PM

Thanks, cwstnsko - that is what I meant.

If you are looking for a fanless video card which supports HD playback (assuming a powerful enough CPU), Sapphire makes a passive Radeon 4550 card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102819) (with HDMI out, no adapter required). See renethx's latest recommendations for more information:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14239742#post14239742

Edit: I should point out that Sapphire's fanless Radeon 4670 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102816) may provide better performance than the Radeon 4550.

Justin

Michael Mitten

03-21-09, 11:49 PM

Would the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H and the SAPPHIRE 100255DDR4 Radeon HD 4670 512MB give me a better picture and system than my PS3?

I'm having a hard time making a decision on if I should use a video card instead of the on-board 9400.

Rest of system:
CPU: E5200
Ram: A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - made sure to find 1.8v ram the MOBO requires. ;)
DVD: LG Blu-ray HD-DVD player
HD: Patriot 2.5" 32GB SATA II Internal Solid state disk
PS: Corsair 450VX

Case: undecided but leaning towards the Antec Fusion Remote.

Hopefully all of this will be as good, if not better than the PS3, sans the audio.

nden

03-22-09, 10:39 AM

Just recently added a OCZ SSD to HTPC as Vista OS.

What do you think ? Good or bad idea here?

BTW, the HTPC specs is on my site: HERE (http://unkool.com/blog/new-htpc-setup)

http://unkool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/htpc_ssd_mod1.jpg

http://unkool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/htpc_ssd_mod2.jpg

bruce can

03-22-09, 11:35 AM

I am in the process of building a dedicated HTPC for CRT projection and new to this so I have a few questions to help get the best I can out of a HTPC for my specific build .

But My First question is what is the Most powerful Video card that has the Cleanest Analogue out puts. A Good analogue outut is what I am the most concerned about, I have heard that the newer cards are putting less and less emphasis on good analogue outputs , is there any truth to this rumor ?

I am looking to build as powerful but stable unit as I can that will play Bluray, hd-dvd's, HD Cable, outputting to a Crt projector .
Any specific recommendations ??
MY out put resolutions will be 1080i@96/120Hz and 1080p@72Hz.

Bruce

NYSportz

03-22-09, 11:46 AM

Just recently added a OCZ SSD to HTPC as Vista OS.

What do you think ? Good or bad idea here?

I think it's a good idea and plan on getting one myself. How do you have that drive mounted in the case?

Justin

DJWikiera

03-22-09, 01:06 PM

I think it's a good idea and plan on getting one myself. How do you have that drive mounted in the case?

Justin

I have a G-Skill in one of my HTPC's and it works fine for what is needed. I use this case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994064)to mount the drive, the SSD is very cool so no worries about heat using it.

kshane9

03-22-09, 04:33 PM

Renethx & other members, thanks for the wealth of information you have provided.
This is my first attempt at a HTPC. I will not say that I have been able to read every post in this thread :D

I will be using the HTPC to store/access via network/play my ripped DVDs, BD's & music as well as watch online shows. I want something that has a small form factor. This will be plugging into my Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH receiver via HDMI.

Here is hardware which I intend on purchasing:

Motherboard: ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi GeForce 9300 mGPU Mini-ITX
CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50GHz Socket 775
CPU Cooler: SilverStone NT07-775
RAM: Kingston 2x2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail
Case: Apex MI-008
Blue-Ray: LG Black Model GGC-H20L 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Switch: Monoprice 4X1 Enhanced 1.3b Certified HDMI Switch with built-in Equalizer and Remote (REV.3.0)

I will be using the following software:
MS Vista Ultimate 32-Bit
AnyDVD-HD
PowerDVD 8 Ultra

1. Does this configuration look sound?
2. I am confused regarding the HD audio. Will I be able to receive/playback Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream or do I need to get an addin card?
3. Will a generic Media Center USB IR receiver work (will be using my Harmony 550)?
4. I am trying to decide between the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 and the Logitech diNovo Mini. Any pros or cons would help my decision making.

Any further suggestions or comments are welcome!
Thanks for your help!!

I am still finalizing this setup..have a few more questions.

1. I was thinking about using
MS Vista Ultimate 64-Bit instead of 32-bit to access the 4GB of RAM. Any incomatibilities?
2. TMT instead of Power DVD
3. I am thinking of ripping all dvds & BD as ISO with AnyDVDHD playing with Virtual CloneDrive & TMT
4. I really like the ITX form factor and the Zotac MB, but it only has one PCIex16 slot. I am thinking about the future, adding capabilites for support for Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream as well as an HD Tuner with the capabilites to use as a PVR. How can I do both? I am not sure if there are any USB HD tuners that will allow good PVR solutions for playback on my 52" LCD

opentoideas

03-22-09, 06:16 PM

I am still finalizing this setup..have a few more questions.

1. I was thinking about using
MS Vista Ultimate 64-Bit instead of 32-bit to access the 4GB of RAM. Any incomatibilities?
2. TMT instead of Power DVD
3. I am thinking of ripping all dvds & BD as ISO with AnyDVDHD playing with Virtual CloneDrive & TMT
4. I really like the ITX form factor and the Zotac MB, but it only has one PCIex16 slot. I am thinking about the future, adding capabilites for support for Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream as well as an HD Tuner with the capabilites to use as a PVR. How can I do both? I am not sure if there are any USB HD tuners that will allow good PVR solutions for playback on my 52" LCD

just a quick warning about this board, it does NOT power the USB ports in suspend and so wont wake from USB. I have just finished a build with it and as long as you are happy with this limitation then it is a good board but if you plan on using a media center remote then it is worth noting.

nozzey

03-22-09, 10:02 PM

Hi Renethx

I'm thinking of upgrading my cpu (4850e) to

1. AMD Phenom II 720 or

2. AMD Phenom II 810

as I plan on encoding my dvd collection.

Which one in your experience/knowledge should do the job better?

And is it true if I do go one of the above cpu's I should see an improvement in video output?

Thanks

Ps thanks for the advice on setting up two monitors it is working perfect.

nden

03-22-09, 10:47 PM

I think it's a good idea and plan on getting one myself. How do you have that drive mounted in the case?

Justin

Double-side foam tape to mount on the case PSU.
http://unkool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/htpc_ssd_mod2.jpg

renethx

03-23-09, 02:29 AM

Ritzie

03-23-09, 09:10 AM

Question about HTPC. Would I be able to use the Asus Striker for HTPC? I plan on using ubuntu and xbmc. I won't be gaming on this. I upgraded to another motherboard and have this one one sitting. I plan on getting the 4650 video card and E5200 Intel CPU. Its primarily used to watch ripped movies and play music.

StormCrow

03-23-09, 10:50 AM

renethx

03-23-09, 11:15 AM

plainv70

03-23-09, 04:13 PM

1. This post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15896168#post15896168) (sorry, the case was not NSK2480 but "Fusion 430"; the dimensions are exactly identical though). The distance between the top the card PCB to the case cover is about 7mm, while the Sapphire Ultimate requires at least 19mm.

2. I recommend the Sapphire GDDR4 with Arctic Cooling fan over HIS H467QT512P (I will update my recommendations soon). Sapphire is quieter and the native HDMI port is more convenient.

Rene: Too bad the passive 4670 is too large for the case, it would have been an excellent combo. The fan on the sapphire gddr4 4670 reminds me of the oem intel p4 fans--which are currently a dime/dozen.

My order is in for the Sapphire gddr4 hd4670! Thank you very much for the help sorting through all the options. I will report back if my installation is not ordinary.

Flips

03-23-09, 04:25 PM

Anyone familiar with this board, or the feature set?

I'm building a HTPC for my Kuma 7750 and see that the geforce 8200/8300, passes multi channel over HDMI. This board uses the 8200/730a. Being 730a...will it do the job?

EVGA 113-M2-E113 AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188036

Well... You should do some research on the 8200 before you pull the trigger on that. I just did a new htpc build to give me blu-ray capability with an 8200 (ECS) and a 4850e. I am able to get pretty good playback on PowerDVD8, but on TMT (which I bought just for this build) I found that I wasn't able to get stutter free playback. This seems to be a known issue with TMT and 8200. You have a couple of options to address this.
1) can overclock the HT freq, which you might have a chance since you have the BE processor and you can drop the multiplier.
2) kick you build up to a phenom to open up the high speed bus.

I put a post in the 8200 thread, but I haven't gotten any reponse.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16074544#post16074544

Right now I am planning to buy the Sapphire 4670 with the big fan.

I don't want to blast the chipset too much, as the playback on all other material 1080p mkv, hdtv looks great. Just the one small capability I'm missing, which unfortunately was the entire point of this new build. :-/

flips

nfmmalice

03-23-09, 06:10 PM

StormCrow

03-23-09, 06:44 PM

Well... You should do some research on the 8200 before you pull the trigger on that. I just did a new htpc build to give me blu-ray capability with an 8200 (ECS) and a 4850e. I am able to get pretty good playback on PowerDVD8, but on TMT (which I bought just for this build) I found that I wasn't able to get stutter free playback. This seems to be a known issue with TMT and 8200. You have a couple of options to address this.
1) can overclock the HT freq, which you might have a chance since you have the BE processor and you can drop the multiplier.
2) kick you build up to a phenom to open up the high speed bus.

I put a post in the 8200 thread, but I haven't gotten any reponse.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16074544#post16074544

Right now I am planning to buy the Sapphire 4670 with the big fan.

I don't want to blast the chipset too much, as the playback on all other material 1080p mkv, hdtv looks great. Just the one small capability I'm missing, which unfortunately was the entire point of this new build. :-/

flips

Thanks for the info. Looks like eVGA ramped up the clock. Amazon has it as GeForce 8300. Not sure if that would help this particular board over come the stutter issue. This eVGA is really outfitted well, with both optical and coax digital out, looks to even have SPDIF input header, not to mention a COM 1 serial header, that I could use for the MyHD receiver I have.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-113-M2-E113-TR-nForce-GeForce-Motherboard/dp/tech-data/B001LKMT4I/ref=de_a_smtd

StormCrow

03-23-09, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the info. Looks like eVGA ramped up the clock. Amazon has it as GeForce 8300. Not sure if that would help this particular board over come the stutter issue. This eVGA is really outfitted well, with both optical and coax digital out, looks to even have SPDIF input header, not to mention a COM 1 serial header, that I could use for the MyHD receiver I have.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-113-M2-E113-TR-nForce-GeForce-Motherboard/dp/tech-data/B001LKMT4I/ref=de_a_smtd

I've gotten some conflicting info from eVGA since posting this. The first tech said it will pass thru the HDMI everything it receives, including TrueHD, etc. I just called back again to confirm and this tech says, it only will send out compressed audio, not lossless.

This is the audio engine it has: 7.1 Channel, Azalia (HDA)

Funny thing too is that I mentioned that Amazon has the actual packaging saying it is GeForce 8300. The eVGA tech said this is wrong, it's an 8200...But it's the actual package that Amazon shows....CONFUSED :confused:

EVGA 113-M2-E113 AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188036

In reading over the grid in the HDMI thread, I would expect this eVGA should pass lossless LPCM Multi Channel?

Anyone got some info to share?

Thanks.

rhinogooner

03-23-09, 07:46 PM

I am using the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard. I have adjusted the BIOS to the optimized settings and I've downloaded the latest BIOS for the motherboard (F8). Are there any websites that help guide you with the settings for this motherboard and explain the usefulness of some of the extras that come on the driver disk?

If you are familiar with this motherboard, are there any settings you would recommend?

I've installed all of the drivers on the driver disk. Are there any from the website that you would recommend downloading?

There is application software included on the driver disk as well. Are any of these worth downloading? Kaspersky Anti-virus is on the driver disk. I have router and I am connected to my network via a wireless card. Do I still need Anti-virus?

Is there anything I should know about the Dynamic Energy Saver. Any particular settings to adjust?

Can anyone tell me what LAN1 and LAN2 on the BIOS is meant for?

Off the topic here, but I'm having trouble trying to adjust my display to fit my HDTV screen fully. I have read other posts on this thread with this issue in the past referring to overscanning and other solutions. I attempted to search for these posts, and I found a few, but none that were helpful to me. I am using a Radeon 4670 video card. Is there a guide to CCC somewhere online that walks you through the settings, particularly setting the resolution to match your HDTV native resolution properly? Or do I need to download software separately to tweak this, like: http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm

This is all new for me so thanks to everyone for any insights you would share to help me gain understanding for my HTPC project :o

renethx

03-24-09, 02:47 AM

SO far I have everything up and running with only a couple small hitches:

I am running a Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P Motherboard, and Have a DVD LIghtscribe DVD/CD Combo (Until my BR/HDDVD gets here) running IDE via flat ribbon cable, a Western Digital Velociraptor 150gb via SATA With my System on it, and a WD GReen WD10EADS 1TB Drive via SATA, for storage.

When I boot to BIOS, it shows the DVDRAM as the Master on IDE Channel 1, the WD Veliciraptor as Master on IDE 2, and the WD GReen 1TB as MAster on IDE 3.

When I boot to windows, I cannot see the WD GReen 1TB at ALL, and I cannot get the DVD drive to play DVD's.
Do you see WD in the Disk Management utility (from the Computer Management interface of Administrative Tools, accessed through Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Disk Management)? Did you try another SATA port? Try SATA mode instead of IDE moce?

How can't you play DVD? Do you see any error message?

curiousmurf

03-24-09, 08:16 AM

Luck00

03-24-09, 11:02 AM

Hi, I m' building my first HTPC:

I would want to use the configuration AMD / AMD - High End, brought to page 85

Here in italiy the MB GA-MA78GM-S2HP is not found.
Which is it better, in substitution among the followings?

GA-MA78GM-DS2H
GA-MA78GM-S2H

Are there great differences?

Thanks a lot:)

Cheers.

alucard77

03-24-09, 11:55 AM

Curiousmurf/bruce can,

I am in the same boat with you guys. The main thing to look for is DVI-I instead of DVI-D. This card from Newegg has good reviews and when I build my system, I will most likely use this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125257

Also, if your interested, this is the build I am looking to put together. I find this is the best combination. The fusion case allows you turn on the PC via the remote, so that was my main concern on the case. The rest is pretty much the basic build:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9467025

renethx

03-24-09, 12:13 PM

renethx

03-24-09, 12:15 PM

Luck00

03-24-09, 12:21 PM

Losses of quality have not using the GA-MA78GM-DS2H rather than the GA-MA78GM-S2HP ?

Thanks:)

renethx

03-24-09, 12:26 PM

Losses of quality have not using the GA-MA78GM-DS2H rather than the GA-MA78GM-S2HP ?

Thanks:)
Sorry, what's your question?

Luck00

03-24-09, 01:01 PM

Yes, sorry for my bad English!!!

I would like to know if using the GA-MA78GM-DS2H rather than the GA-MA78GM-S2HP, I won't lose important functionalities for my HTPC.
if the two MB are similar or if there are important differences among them
On the technical cards I don't see substantial differences.

Thanks:)

Jeff__B

03-24-09, 01:11 PM

My main desktop PC had a power supply die and it in turn must have sent out a spike and fried everything else in the machine (hard drives included!). I am a self-employed computer programmer so I need to get back up and running asafp but I was wondering if this might be an ideal time to do a "free" upgrade to my HTPC as well... Right now my HTPC is:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
ASUS A8N32-SLI-Deluxe
2GB Ram
ATI HD 3850
etc...

I could use that 3850 in my new desktop PC and upgrade the HTPC's video if you guys think I would notice a difference. I have an Onkyo 805 that the HTPC feeds and that in turn drives a Mits 4900. I only do 1080p. The only problem I've had with the 3850 setup is that the HDMI out's audio does not seem to work in PowerDVD. More specifically, I can't use SPDIF that way, only 2-channel. So I have been using the HDMI out for video only and a chaintech card (toslink connection) for SPDIF. It would be nice if I only had a single connection from PC to receiver (HDMI) and could get the full digital audio that way.

Anyway, I'm trying to order the replacement parts today, so if anyone has thoughts on a possible upgrade to the 3850 I'm all ears.

No gaming by the way. Blu-ray and DVD playback only.

Thanks,
Jeff

renethx

03-24-09, 01:39 PM

if using the GA-MA78GM-DS2H rather than the GA-MA78GM-S2HP, I won't lose important functionalities for my HTPC.
No. D version just uses all solid capacitors for better longevity.

renethx

03-24-09, 02:22 PM

Jeff__B

03-24-09, 04:22 PM

Onkyo 805 + HD 3xxx is a bad idea. Use HD 4xxx.

Is there a link where I can read about the issues? Or are you talking about the audio thing I mentioned? If so, can I expect an HD 4xxx to send the full SPDIF audio through the HDMI properly?

Thanks,
Jeff

renethx

03-24-09, 04:44 PM

Is there a link where I can read about the issues? Or are you talking about the audio thing I mentioned? If so, can I expect an HD 4xxx to send the full SPDIF audio through the HDMI properly?

Thanks,
Jeff
HDMI audio from HD 3xxx is limited to stereo LPCM (16 bit, 48 kHz), DD and DTS, while, that from HD 4xxx supports up to 7.1 channel LPCM (16/24/32 bit, 44.1/88.2/176.4/48/96/192 kHz), DD and DTS. If you combine it with ReClock or the upcoming SlySoft SlyPlayer, you will get

- Perfect 24p
- Automatic refresh rate switching based on contents
- Automatic channel matching based on contents (so that you can use all the speakers regardless of the channel number of the source, for example, via Dolby Pro Logic IIx)
- Bit perfect (multichannel) LPCM for music.

Jeff__B

03-24-09, 04:51 PM

HDMI audio from HD 3xxx is limited to stereo LPCM (16 bit, 48 kHz), DD and DTS, while, that from HD 4xxx supports up to 7.1 channel LPCM (16/24/32 bit, 44.1/88.2/176.4/48/96/192 kHz), DD and DTS. If you combine it with ReClock, you will get

- Perfect 24p
- Automatic refresh rate switching based on contents
- Automatic channel matching based on contents (so that you can use all the speakers regardless of the channel number of the source, for example, via Dolby Pro Logic IIx)
- Bit perfect (multichannel) LPCM for music.

I really appreciate the help! Sounds like a 4550 is a no brainer. I'm currently using PDVD 7.3, do I need a newer version to take advantage of the extended audio features that I'll be getting with the 4550?

Thanks again.

rhinogooner

03-24-09, 08:22 PM

BIOS settings are different from mb to mb. So perhaps there is no website for BIOS settings of this particular mb. A general article on BIOS is here (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bios-a-z,1200.html), for example (read it only when you have enough time).

Download the latest drivers from the chipset manufacturer. In your case, Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 9.0.9.1008, Intel Matrix Storage Manager 8.8.0.1009 (for RAID), and Realtek HD Audio R2.19.

The only utility specific to this mb I found useful is @BIOS.

Antivirus software is always necessary.

The mb has two LAN chips. You can use either one.

Haven't you tried CCC's overscan utility? Help file is useful.

Thanks ReneTHX.

Sorry to be so dim, but when I attempt to run the setup.exe for the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 9.0.0.1008, a message appears that says my current version is newer. You would recommend I do not proceed correct?

And regarding the Realtek HD Audio R2.19, I couldn't find this on the Gigabyte website. I found it on 9Down.com but there was a warning message that you should download it from the website of the motherboard manufacturer. Any thoughts?

I attempted to adjust settings in CCC to fit my HDTV (Sony KDF-E2000) but was not succeeding. I believe my native resolution is 1280 x 720. CCC detects the maximum reported resolution as 1980 x 1080. I set the display to 1280 x 720 but it did not extend fully to the edges of my screen. There were black bars vertically and horizontally. Overscan was automatically set at its maximum already. So I was unable to adjust it to be larger. I will spend time reading the help and trying to figure out how to adjust it to fit fully when I have some more time.

What is the best way to keep track of all of the components of your HTPC that require periodic updates to drivers, utilities, etc. and the latest version you have installed for each component? I fear once I have this initial set up complete, I won't remember all of the various updates I will need to download as new versions appear.

renethx

03-25-09, 02:17 AM

I really appreciate the help! Sounds like a 4550 is a no brainer. I'm currently using PDVD 7.3, do I need a newer version to take advantage of the extended audio features that I'll be getting with the 4550?

Thanks again.
PDVD7.3 OEM is not good because Dolby TrueHD is always downmixed to stereo. PDVD7.3 Retail is good (although it can't decode DTS-HD Master Audio; it uses the core DTS instead).

In general I recommend waiting for the upcoming SlyPlayer (expected this year) instead of upgrading to PDVD9 (broken HDMI audio right now) or TMT3 (mostly good, but not worth upgrading from TMT2).

renethx

03-25-09, 02:33 AM

Sorry to be so dim, but when I attempt to run the setup.exe for the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 9.0.0.1008, a message appears that says my current version is newer. You would recommend I do not proceed correct?

And regarding the Realtek HD Audio R2.19, I couldn't find this on the Gigabyte website. I found it on 9Down.com but there was a warning message that you should download it from the website of the motherboard manufacturer. Any thoughts?

I attempted to adjust settings in CCC to fit my HDTV (Sony KDF-E2000) but was not succeeding. I believe my native resolution is 1280 x 720. CCC detects the maximum reported resolution as 1980 x 1080. I set the display to 1280 x 720 but it did not extend fully to the edges of my screen. There were black bars vertically and horizontally. Overscan was automatically set at its maximum already. So I was unable to adjust it to be larger. I will spend time reading the help and trying to figure out how to adjust it to fit fully when I have some more time.

What is the best way to keep track of all of the components of your HTPC that require periodic updates to drivers, utilities, etc. and the latest version you have installed for each component? I fear once I have this initial set up complete, I won't remember all of the various updates I will need to download as new versions appear.
In general you should download the latest driver from each chip manufacturer (AMD (http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx), Intel (http://downloadcenter.intel.com/#), Realtek (http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/) etc.). Your Realtek chips are RTL8111C (LAN) and ALC889A (audio), and ATI HDMI Audio if you use an AMD graphics card.

Can't you see "Scaling Options" (adjusting overscan/underscan) under CCC?

Perhaps you don't have to upgrade drivers very frequently; every half a year may be enough, unless you have specific problems. Keep the downloaded drivers in HDD. Then you can see when you downloaded them and what versions they are.

CaysonE

03-25-09, 02:47 AM

Well, looks like I'm finally going to get in on the HTPC action. I've decided on building essentially the midrange Intel/Nvidia system, sans discrete video. Here's the link:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9999811

I had to deviate a bit with the case due to space limitations in my entertainment center. I've only got 17 inches width in my component bays and most HTPC cases are right at 17". Any problems with this case in particular, or any reason I should avoid using a cube?

I'll be running Windows Vista Ultimate, plus the LG Blu/HDDVD drive. I haven't settled on a keyboard yet, but I'm leaning towards the Logitech DiNovo mini.

renethx

03-25-09, 02:54 AM

I had to deviate a bit with the case due to space limitations in my entertainment center. I've only got 17 inches width in my component bays and most HTPC cases are right at 17". Any problems with this case in particular, or any reason I should avoid using a cube?
No problem. You should choose a case based on your specific need/environment.

woza

03-25-09, 04:30 AM

Hi. I am looking to get one of the harmony remotes but need an ir receiver. Reading through it seems that the microsoft mce remote and receiver is a popular choice. Just wanted to check that this will work well with the harmony remote.

Rest of my setup...
Gigabyte GA33M-DS2R
Intel E2160 (undervolted and overclocked)
2 x 1GB Crucial Ballistix
nVidia GeForce 8400GS 512MB
Hauppauge Nova-T-500 dual DVB-T
2TB of storage
Samsung LE37A686 LCD (actually, waiting for it to be delivered)

@ Renethx

Thanks for the fantastic guide by the way.

renethx

03-25-09, 06:18 AM

keff

03-25-09, 11:01 AM

Hi,
I'm starting to build a new multipurpose PC. It will be used for day-to-day activity (Internet, mail, office) and during weekends I'll use it as HTPC (moved to living room) along with PJ (Panny AX100) to watch SD and HD (.mkv at the moment and BD in the future) stuff so good 24p is essential. I am not a gamer but from time to time i would like to play on 22" monitor (not the latest games). Now I have only stereo receiver but within one year I will buy 7.1 AV receiver.
I did a lot of reading here but I'm confused and have no idea what will be the best solution for my requirements with mid-range budget.
Do I need a discrete graphics card or GeForce 9300/9400/8200/8300/HD 3200 with Phenom meet my requirements. Thanks for the help.

ench

03-25-09, 11:16 AM

Renethx:
I am almost ready to pull the trigger on my HTPC-2 - Thanks to your guide
I am using a combination low end and mid-range, as this unit is only for the bedroom to watch HD movies (MKV and H.264 .ts files) from my Server (HTPC-1) or Blue-Ray/HD DVD ;)
Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H
CPU - Core 2 Duo E7400
Case - Antec Steel Fusion Remote Black
Graphics - ASUS EN9500GT TOP/DI/512M
PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W
Total cost about $570
Already have 500 Gig WD SATA drive and 2 Gig DDR2 Memory

I have 2 questions on the video card (after a search I did not find a match).
I will be using a SONY LCD with DVI input.
I read somewhere that the BIOS screen (as the PC boots) are not viewable if the HDMI port is used. I am assuming the same to be true for the DVI port.
To see the BIOS options, a VGA connection is required.
Is that true?

Am presently using an 8600GTS on my HTPC-1 and am able to clone my display(s)
that are connected to the twin DVI ports.
So if I relace this card with an 9500GT will I be able to clone the DVI and HDMI ports.
The displays that I used are Panny AE3000U projector and ASUS LCD monitor - both at 1080P resolutions.

Thanks for this excellent thread.
PS
The reason I may want to replace the 8600 GTS is because from time to time, I see severe pixalation on my screen while viewing h.264 files.
I only see this with .ts files. The file may be palying fine and then WHAM - pixalation like huge snow flakes.
The same happend if I use the mouse to jump ahead or fast forward.
My assumption is that I have a bad video card??
I use Riva Tuner to look at the core tempeature.
Its motsly at 59 degrees and when playing movies it junks to about 65 degrees.
69 degrees is the max temp that I see.

kjmott

03-25-09, 11:22 AM

hopefully my last of questions. thanks for all the help thus far.

I am down to just ordering my mb and ram. But have a question on the MB's.

I am building the budget amd/amd and looking at these two boards

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2HP
GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H

What is the main difference between these two? Also will I be able to use my current tv tuners with them. I have two haupaugges. One is a 1600 and the other is a mce-250.

I don't know much about pci vs pci-e and so forth. Thanks for the help.

renethx

03-25-09, 11:35 AM

renethx

03-25-09, 11:44 AM

I have 2 questions on the video card (after a search I did not find a match).
I will be using a SONY LCD with DVI input.
I read somewhere that the BIOS screen (as the PC boots) are not viewable if the HDMI port is used. I am assuming the same to be true for the DVI port.
To see the BIOS options, a VGA connection is required.
Is that true?

Am presently using an 8600GTS on my HTPC-1 and am able to clone my display(s)
that are connected to the twin DVI ports.
So if I relace this card with an 9500GT will I be able to clone the DVI and HDMI ports.
The displays that I used are Panny AE3000U projector and ASUS LCD monitor - both at 1080P resolutions.

Thanks for this excellent thread.
PS
The reason I may want to replace the 8600 GTS is because from time to time, I see severe pixalation on my screen while viewing h.264 files.
I only see this with .ts files. The file may be palying fine and then WHAM - pixalation like huge snow flakes.
The same happend if I use the mouse to jump ahead or fast forward.
My assumption is that I have a bad video card??
I use Riva Tuner to look at the core tempeature.
Its motsly at 59 degrees and when playing movies it junks to about 65 degrees.
69 degrees is the max temp that I see.
You can see BIOS with HDMI port. Clone is no problem.

Pixalation - I don't think it's a hardware problem (if this were the case, you would see pixalation not only with .ts files but also with other files). Did you try the latest graphics driver(182.08) and other video decoders?

renethx

03-25-09, 11:49 AM

ench

03-25-09, 11:59 AM

You can see BIOS with HDMI port. Clone is no problem.

OK thanks for answering my questions for the cloning and BIOS issues.

Pixalation - I don't think it's a hardware problem (if this were the case, you would see pixalation not only with .ts files but also with other files). Did you try the latest graphics driver(182.08) and other video decoders?

As for the pixalation I'm loosing my hairs trying to figure it out.
Maybe the card is not fully seated???
I'm on the previous driver version and will update this evening to 182.08.
Looking at the release notes, seems the improvements are for gaming which I don't do :(

Video decoders are from PowerDVD v8 (fully patched)

renethx

03-25-09, 12:12 PM

Maybe the card is not fully seated???
I'm on the previous driver version and will update this evening to 182.08.
Looking at the release notes, seems the improvements are for gaming which I don't do :(

Video decoders are from PowerDVD v8 (fully patched)
Then seat it firmly. :)

Using only PowerDVD is a problem (then how can you identify the problem with hardware?). Try various other players/video decoders.

kjmott

03-25-09, 12:34 PM

US2H does not support Dolby Home Theater (useful for S/PDIF users, in particular S/PDIF gamers).

Both cards should work with no problem.

not sure if I need that. I have digital optical cables, but what is spdif?

nfmmalice

03-25-09, 04:11 PM

Do you see WD in the Disk Management utility (from the Computer Management interface of Administrative Tools, accessed through Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Disk Management)? Did you try another SATA port? Try SATA mode instead of IDE moce?

How can't you play DVD? Do you see any error message?

Will Check the Computer Management Interface when I get home tonight.

I have tried two Drives (Both DVD-RAM drives, different brands) and neither would play a DVD. I am running PowerDVD 9 Ultra, and As soon as I selected the DVD drive, it locked up powerDVD to the point that I would have to Shut it down in Task Manager.

I just got my LG H20L in the Mail Today, so I'm going to hook it up SATA tonight and see if that helps with DVD playback.

Another problem I encountered was in Playing back Video off the Hard Drive last night. I played back two different movies: One MP4 and one WMV. Both of them "Stuttered" on and off throughout the movie.

I'm running an Athlon Phenom II x4 810, with a Radeon HD4870 (512mb) Vid Card and 4 gigs of RAM, playing them off a WD Velociraptor HD. Is there maybe a problem somewhere in the system, or the Files themselves? Or can I just expect problems like that when playing off the Hard Drive?

Thanks!

dbone1026

03-25-09, 04:14 PM

Will Check the Computer Management Interface when I get home tonight.

I have tried two Drives (Both DVD-RAM drives, different brands) and neither would play a DVD. I am running PowerDVD 9 Ultra, and As soon as I selected the DVD drive, it locked up powerDVD to the point that I would have to Shut it down in Task Manager.

I just got my LG H20L in the Mail Today, so I'm going to hook it up SATA tonight and see if that helps with DVD playback.

Another problem I encountered was in Playing back Video off the Hard Drive last night. I played back two different movies: One MP4 and one WMV. Both of them "Stuttered" on and off throughout the movie.

I'm running an Athlon Phenom II x4 810, with a Radeon HD4870 (512mb) Vid Card and 4 gigs of RAM, playing them off a WD Velociraptor HD. Is there maybe a problem somewhere in the system, or the Files themselves? Or can I just expect problems like that when playing off the Hard Drive?

Thanks!

What codec(s) do you have installed on your system (may be contributing to your stuttering problem)?

nfmmalice

03-25-09, 04:48 PM

What codec(s) do you have installed on your system (may be contributing to your stuttering problem)?

I think I may have K Lite Installed.

Is there a better pack out there?

dbone1026

03-25-09, 05:33 PM

I think I may have K Lite Installed.

Is there a better pack out there?

It is odd that you are having stuttering issues with WMV which should play nativley in Windows. Sorry for the questions, what O/S and what player are you using? You can use a player like MPC-HC which has the codecs embedded. I am not 100% sure it is a codec issue since you are having WMV problems

nfmmalice

03-25-09, 05:52 PM

It is odd that you are having stuttering issues with WMV which should play nativley in Windows. Sorry for the questions, what O/S and what player are you using? You can use a player like MPC-HC which has the codecs embedded. I am not 100% sure it is a codec issue since you are having WMV problems

Im running windows XP Pro, and playback was through WMP 9.

Stutter was EXTREMELY bad when resizing the video to 200%.

dbone1026

03-25-09, 05:58 PM

Im running windows XP Pro, and playback was through WMP 9.

Stutter was EXTREMELY bad when resizing the video to 200%.

Not sure if this applies to XP as I am using vista, but I actually just did a write up on the codec setup I am using to get smooth video playback with hardware acceleration (http://dbone1026.blogspot.com). Anything you do with codecs y ou must first make sure you install whatever codecs are on your system or you run the risk of conflicts.

speedhools

03-25-09, 08:38 PM

I am using the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard. I have adjusted the BIOS to the optimized settings and I've downloaded the latest BIOS for the motherboard (F8). Are there any websites that help guide you with the settings for this motherboard and explain the usefulness of some of the extras that come on the driver disk?

If you are familiar with this motherboard, are there any settings you would recommend?

I've installed all of the drivers on the driver disk. Are there any from the website that you would recommend downloading?

There is application software included on the driver disk as well. Are any of these worth downloading? Kaspersky Anti-virus is on the driver disk. I have router and I am connected to my network via a wireless card. Do I still need Anti-virus?

Is there anything I should know about the Dynamic Energy Saver. Any particular settings to adjust?

Can anyone tell me what LAN1 and LAN2 on the BIOS is meant for?

Off the topic here, but I'm having trouble trying to adjust my display to fit my HDTV screen fully. I have read other posts on this thread with this issue in the past referring to overscanning and other solutions. I attempted to search for these posts, and I found a few, but none that were helpful to me. I am using a Radeon 4670 video card. Is there a guide to CCC somewhere online that walks you through the settings, particularly setting the resolution to match your HDTV native resolution properly? Or do I need to download software separately to tweak this, like:
This is all new for me so thanks to everyone for any insights you would share to help me gain understanding for my HTPC project :o

forums*tweaktown*com has some good discussions on the gigabyte.

edit: Sorry I'm not allowed to post any links yet. Just replace the "*" with "."

nfmmalice

03-26-09, 12:16 AM

Maxvla

03-26-09, 12:19 AM

Hey,

Throwing my build at you guys to make sure I'm up to date with my choices. This is a slightly modified (for maximum silence) version of the low end ATX Intel/nVidia posted on page 85.

Core Unit:

Motherboard: EVGA 113-YW-E115-TR $119 ($20 rebate by 3/31/09 = $99)

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core 2.50ghz Wolfdale E5200 $69

RAM: A-Data 2x1GB DDR2-800 ADQVE1A16K $24.99

HD: Maxtor 250GB SATA (Already own) May change to a Caviar Green later for power/heat.

PSU: Nexus Value 430W (11db silent) $89 (#1 at SPCR)
h ttp://www.eastluna.com/hardware/details.php?id=3498&id2=b

CASE: SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B $119

FANS: NEXUS REAL SILENT CASE FAN SP802512L-03 80mm (qty 2) $15.00 each (#1 at SPCR)
h ttp://www.eastluna.com/hardware/details.php?id=0344

Totaling $430.99

May add:

BLU-RAY: LITE-ON iHES206-08 $119 (supposed to be quietest BD out, but not many reviews mention loudness and SPCR doesn't do optical drives for some reason)

I will be building a large server based on the 4020 case for storage so 250GB should be plenty for the HTPC since I do not plan to do any recording, only viewing, which will be streamed from the server, of course.

Only question I still have lingering is about audio. I'm a big audiophile when it comes to 2 channel (music), but I haven't done the multichannel theater thing since DTS (yeah the original) wasn't even out yet so I'm lost with all the new formats. To get the most out of BluRay discs what format do I need and will the above system perform it? If not what sound card do I need to get? I don't yet have my audio path planned so this is open ended.

One last topic is networking. I obviously will be using gigabit lan, but wondered if wireless N is good enough for streaming blu-ray level content. Less wires is always a good thing, but will do so if necessary. The downside to wires is I don't own the house I'm living in so I can't do anything permanent so wireless would be great since I'll put the Norco 4020 server in my spare room due to noise.

Thanks for your time. Love the site, btw. Been lurking for weeks trying to absorb all the info I can.

renethx

03-26-09, 12:54 AM

Well, another money wrench in the works.

My LG H20L Doesn't fit in my Moneaul 972 Case with the Gigabyte Motherboard. There's not enough room between the back of the BluRay drive and the MoBo to hook up the SATA and POwer plugs to the Drive.

Does anyone else make a BluRay Combo Drive with a Smaller Footprint?
Check this comment (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972#Case) on Moneaul 932. I am not sure if this applies to 972.

renethx

03-26-09, 01:38 AM

Only question I still have lingering is about audio. I'm a big audiophile when it comes to 2 channel (music), but I haven't done the multichannel theater thing since DTS (yeah the original) wasn't even out yet so I'm lost with all the new formats. To get the most out of BluRay discs what format do I need and will the above system perform it? If not what sound card do I need to get? I don't yet have my audio path planned so this is open ended.

One last topic is networking. I obviously will be using gigabit lan, but wondered if wireless N is good enough for streaming blu-ray level content. Less wires is always a good thing, but will do so if necessary. The downside to wires is I don't own the house I'm living in so I can't do anything permanent so wireless would be great since I'll put the Norco 4020 server in my spare room due to noise.

Thanks for your time. Love the site, btw. Been lurking for weeks trying to absorb all the info I can.
Radeon HD 4xxx gives the best HDMI audio. Compare (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16032183#post16032183) with 9300/9400. As I wrote in this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16032183#post16032183), you will get

- Perfect 24p
- Automatic refresh rate switching based on contents
- Automatic channel matching based on contents (so that you can use all the speakers regardless of the channel number of the source, for example, via Dolby Pro Logic IIx)
- Bit perfect (multichannel) LPCM for music.

9300/9400 HDMI is OK, but the lack of 44.1/88.2 may be unacceptable for some users. Xonar HDAV 1.3 (Slim) HDMI sound card is another option. Until SlyPlayer is released, you have to buy Xonar or make a mkv files with FLAC yourself (and play it with 9300/9400/HD 4xxx).

I haven't used wireless n. Some say it's flaky at best (this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1128629)). Read more (http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Awww.avsforum.com+%22wireless+n%22).