Guide to Building a HD HTPC [Text View] - Page 34

Rudmeister

05-19-09, 10:02 PM

Guys,
I finally got the parts and it's up and running with the following specs:

CPU: Phenom II x4 940

CPU Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-SD964

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+ AMD 790GX chipset ATX
.
Memory: ocztech 4gb ddr2-1066 gold

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100255DDR4 Radeon HD 4670 512MB

HDD: 1 150gb Velociraptor 10,000 rpm, 2 seagate 1.5tb 3.5" sata 7200rpm

PSU: Enermax PRO82+ 525W EPR525AWT

Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote

LG Black 6X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L

Dinovo mini

Windows 7 64-bit

I still have 2 problems

1. The Dinovo Mini will not work. Does anyone else have it working on the 64-bit version? I did have it working whn I tried the 32-bit vesion first.

2. I bought 2 Hdhomeruns and on 3 different pc's they will not work rigt. I am on a gigabit network and either I get a screen that is 80% blue garbage on the screen or it plays for 5-10 seconds and then says the signal was lost. Do you guys think I am better off with a pci tuner? The rerason I went with the hdhomerun was I could use 4 tuners anywhere in thehouse.

Thanks

KLC

05-19-09, 11:07 PM

Rudmeister,

If you're having problems with your HDHomerun go to their forums at www.silicondust.com/forums. Techs monitor the postings and usually answer quickly. HDHomerun also has a mode that uploads data to the Silicondust server so that the techs can analyze your problems, they'll instruct you how if they need to see what's going on. It's one of the rare product forums where the company is as active as the customers.

Once I got everything configured HDHR is working great for me and I think it's superior to other tuner options out there if you want network sharing.

churchie04

05-19-09, 11:13 PM

My first HTPC Build, suggestions welcome:

MB: Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H - Nvidia 9400 based IGP
CPU: Pentium E5200 - Seems the standard for an Nvidia IGP based setup
MEM: Kingston - 2 x 1GB DDR2 800
CASE: Antec NSK1480
Tuner: HDHomeRun
Keyboard/Mouse: Dinovo Mini
Already have an IDE DVD burner to throw in it, as well as a SATA Seagate 750gb HD.

All that connected via HDMI to my Samsung 32inch 720p LCD.

I wanted to go with the Antec Micro Fusion Remote, but it is $80 more and seems to be the exact same as the NSK1480 just with the LCD/IR Receiver and leg stands. I can add a USB IR receiver for much less and have not heard great things about the LCD screen on the Micro fusion.

Any suggestions / thoughts?

bigdaikon

05-19-09, 11:31 PM

renethx

05-20-09, 01:27 AM

renethx

05-20-09, 01:33 AM

Hello all

I will be using the 5050e, corsair 450vx, Saphire 4670 GDDR4, and one Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D 120mm Case Fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185004).

1)Can anyone tell me about the noise on the AMD 5050e stock cooler? - would it be the loudest part? would another cooler from one of the recommended build be better? ...or is it quiet/nothing to concern myself with? i read one review that said it could go fanless but that sounds scary... :(

2) Should I use two of the scythe fans (one for intake and one for outake) or just one? My case is the Ultra Aluminous (http://www.ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=13&pPath=411&productID=409) - I know a beast...but it was free after rebate a year ago....
The stock cooler is loud at the full speed and very quiet at 1000 rpm. If you control the fan speed, you shouldn't worry about it. You can change the cooler later if you don't like it. Fanless is no problem if you use an appropriate cooler (e.g. Scythe Ninja Mini) and the case airflow is good.

Two 120mm fans are better for this large case.

putana

05-20-09, 01:34 AM

Need to be able to do 2 main things:
1. Playback 1080P MKV files flawlessly
2. Watch/record SD/HD TV
Will also use the machine to browse the internet and photos but don't see this being a big issue. At a later date a BD drive will be added. The system will not be used for any gaming.

But struggling with which path to go down with respect to CPU power. The though of a basic board and using discrete gfx has also crossed my mind but there are just too many combinations out there. And I'd like to not be the test bench, rather something that will go together and short of fine tuning work well straight away!

AMD Path:
ASUS M3N78-EM (Geforce 8300)
Gigabyte GA-MA780G-UD3H
+
AMD Athlon x2 Dual Core 5050e
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 7750 2.7GHz (AM2+)

Intel Path: (Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H is not available in Australia)
Asus P5N7A-VM
DFI LANPARTY-JR GF9400-T2RS
+
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400

Other new bits will include
2x 2GB DDR2-800
Hauppauge HVR-2200
Antec NSK2480B
MCE IR Receiver + Remote
Plus other bits laying about

I will be running with Windows 7 given I don't see the point in paying for a copy of Vista now.

It will be initially connected to a 50" Panasonic Plasma (1024x768 Panel) via HDMI with audio going to a 5.1 system via optical digital audio. It will need to cater for a higher res display which will come along at a later state also.

crazydrve

05-20-09, 04:21 AM

dbone1026

05-20-09, 04:59 AM

I still have 2 problems

1. The Dinovo Mini will not work. Does anyone else have it working on the 64-bit version? I did have it working whn I tried the 32-bit vesion first.

Thanks

I have 2 DiNovo Mini's working on my 2 Vista x64 HTPCs without an issue. Not sure what the problem could be because for me it was a simple plug n play.

Nomgle

05-20-09, 05:16 AM

Does performance really suffer by using an older SATA-I drive which is only 150Mbp I believe for the OS? I have 4GB of ram so swapping should be minimum for just HTPC activities.
I just reused and older 160Gb hardrive I had.
Would older 200G IDE drive perform better or worse for OS
I was wondering this myself. I'm going to end up with a 300GB SATA drive but it's one of the older ones...SATA 1.0 I think...
Don't worry about the interface - it's the drive itself that dictates performance.
You might see somewhere around 60MB/s from the latest Hard Drives - nowhere near the 133MB/s limit of IDE, or the 150MB/s limit of SATA1, or the 300MB/s limit of SATA2.
The thing to remember is that an older interface usually means an older drive - so you're likely to get better performance from a SATA2 drive, simply because the disc itself is newer, not because the interface has lots of spare capacity...

Marc_G

05-20-09, 06:31 AM

Hi folks,

Using the onboard video on Gigabyte MA78GPM-UD2H paired with Kuma 7750, I'm having trouble centering the display on a 50" 1080i plasma display. Can someone point me to help?

I've read through all the catalyst control center help (for the ATI 3200 GPU with sideport memory). It calls out a feature in the HDTV Support part of the control center that should do the trick. Adding a display in that interface and configuring it with a set of buttons that should move the display around till centered. But, clicking those buttons doesn't result in any change in the display. The configuration window shows up towards the bottom-right, as though it's starting with a display that's twice as big as intended.

The problem I've got is that when I use the Overscan settings, I can't quite fill the screen because the display is off center about a half centimeter to the bottom. So to not lose info I keep it slightly smaller than full screen, with a small black strip around the sides and top.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Marc

churchie04

05-20-09, 07:39 AM

NSK1480+a USB receiver is another good (and cheaper) option.

Not sure what you mean. Is the NSK1480+A a model number? Or were you just agreeing that getting the NSK1480 and USB IR Reciever is a cheaper option than getting the the Fusion 350? If so, I concur.

renethx

05-20-09, 11:00 AM

renethx

05-20-09, 11:15 AM

hey guys I am a little confused as to how I would connect my htpc to my display...

this maybe a stupid question but I am trying to research for when I build my new system...

right now its easy..

I have asus rampage formula with dvi out so dvi to monitor is easy...
right now using onboard audio so i just take optical to receiver...
everything seems fine...

my confusion is when u get a separate sound card with a newer system...

new video cards now have hdmi and so do sound cards
so would u loop it thru the sound card with hdmi to monitor
and i dont have a hdmi receiver so i would have to use optical...

what i need is a beginners guide of whats the best way to hook up the htpc to properly integrate into my system....

if i sound confusing sorry

any help is appreciated

thanks
If you use an analog sound card, then

- DVI/HDMI from the video card to the display
- Analog connectors from the sound card to the receiver.

DVI connector is basically identical with HDMI connector in the sense that the pins are in 1-1 corrrespondence.

If you continue to use S/PDIF, then you don't need a sound card and the connections are identical with the previous ones.

renethx

05-20-09, 11:23 AM

Is the NSK1480+A a model number?
No. Read "+" as the ordinary preposition "plus (= with the addition of)".

ganb

05-20-09, 12:35 PM

This thread is absolutely awesome... Wonder what I would have done without it. I am a newbie at custom build PCs. I am looking to build an HTPC that would replace my HD Dvr box and in addition can be used for downloading,streaming (slingbox like) and other desktop like functions using remote access.

Based on the recommendation I have come up with following config. Couple of my concerns are

1. It will be powered on all the time. - So I want to make sure power consumption is less.
2. I want it to last for a while hence thinking of quad instead of dual core.
3. I want to use it for remote access (as it will be connected to TV all the time) and for remote streaming of TV - like slingbox.
4. Not very loud

CONFIGURATION

The processor choice I have are... - They are all in similar price range

Intel Q9400 or Q8400 Quad core or Intel E8500 dual core or AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE

Intel E8500 dual core has great review and SYSMARK rating, but the Q8400/Q9400 is quad core & is better for multitasking (as I plan to run background tasks - downloading & streaming - while watching TV channels) The AMD CPU has 125W rating while the Intel Dual core has 65W and quad core is 95W - does this affect power consumption much. Please let me know ur recommendation.. ( Microcenter has i7 920 for $199 so am tempted.. MB/Mem is costlier and MB cheaper low end ones are unstable/have issues - Not sure how i7 will be for HTPC/Power consumption/Heat issues - i know it is too powerful but $199 CPU price for a great new architecture is tempting -in fact i have it on order for pickup - still deciding if I will go for it :-) )

PSU I have chosen is Enermax Modu82+ 525W - $85

Case is SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum front panel, 0.8 mm SECC body GD01B-MXR ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - $170 at newegg - remote and card reader was reason for this choice.

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P - Will use an old PCI Video card for now - Hoping to buy Radeon HD 4670 later
Corsair DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit
CPU Cooler: Zalman/Other
OS: planning to go with Windows 7 for now ( i have an XP i can use thought Windows 7 would be better) - I guess better to go 32-bit due to driver and software support.

Renethx, I would really appreciate if you could let me know your comments as I am nervous about it as it is my first venture.

Thanks in advance,
ganb

Paul E. Fox, II

05-20-09, 12:35 PM

Don't worry about the interface - it's the drive itself that dictates performance.
You might see somewhere around 60MB/s from the latest Hard Drives - nowhere near the 133MB/s limit of IDE, or the 150MB/s limit of SATA1, or the 300MB/s limit of SATA2.
The thing to remember is that an older interface usually means an older drive - so you're likely to get better performance from a SATA2 drive, simply because the disc itself is newer, not because the interface has lots of spare capacity...

I totally get that...

I'm still just wondering what to do with the rest of the drive. I would think that 200GB would be MORE than enough for any OS requirements but that still leaves quite a bit free for....something.

In my head, my plan to partition it and use the second partition for stuff that I want to see, use or have access to AND have backed up elsewhere is sound.

I'm basically considering this space as TRANSIENT/Temporary...

What am I missing?

renethx

05-20-09, 01:07 PM

This thread is absolutely awesome... Wonder what I would have done without it. I am a newbie at custom build PCs. I am looking to build an HTPC that would replace my HD Dvr box and in addition can be used for downloading,streaming (slingbox like) and other desktop like functions using remote access.

Based on the recommendation I have come up with following config. Couple of my concerns are

1. It will be powered on all the time. - So I want to make sure power consumption is less.
2. I want it to last for a while hence thinking of quad instead of dual core.
3. I want to use it for remote access (as it will be connected to TV all the time) and for remote streaming of TV - like slingbox.
4. Not very loud

CONFIGURATION

The processor choice I have are... - They are all in similar price range

Intel Q9400 or Q8400 Quad core or Intel E8500 dual core or AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE

Intel E8500 dual core has great review and SYSMARK rating, but the Q8400/Q9400 is quad core & is better for multitasking (as I plan to run background tasks - downloading & streaming - while watching TV channels) The AMD CPU has 125W rating while the Intel Dual core has 65W and quad core is 95W - does this affect power consumption much. Please let me know ur recommendation.. ( Microcenter has i7 920 for $199 so am tempted.. MB/Mem is costlier and MB cheaper low end ones are unstable/have issues - Not sure how i7 will be for HTPC/Power consumption/Heat issues - i know it is too powerful but $199 CPU price for a great new architecture is tempting -in fact i have it on order for pickup - still deciding if I will go for it :-) )

PSU I have chosen is Enermax Modu82+ 525W - $85

Case is SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum front panel, 0.8 mm SECC body GD01B-MXR ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - $170 at newegg - remote and card reader was reason for this choice.

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P - Will use an old PCI Video card for now - Hoping to buy Radeon HD 4670 later
Corsair DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit
CPU Cooler: Zalman/Other
OS: planning to go with Windows 7 for now ( i have an XP i can use thought Windows 7 would be better) - I guess better to go 32-bit due to driver and software support.
You mentioned background tasks - downloading & streaming. These tasks are less CPU intensive and a good dual-core processor should be enough (e.g. E8400, E7400). Do you have any other tasks in mind?

32-bit is better because of better codec support.

ganb

05-20-09, 01:15 PM

renethx

05-20-09, 01:31 PM

Occasional ripping, encoding and video editing...HTPC is gong to be connected to TV 24/7.. so most other stuff has to be by Remote desktop or better software from laptop. Tempted to buy quad core just bcoz latest technology... Will there be big power consumption (24/7) difference between say E8400 and Q9400/Q8400 ( how abt i7? - the microcenter price makes an i7 system just $150 more :-) Will there be other issues like heat/power consumption/space if i7 is used in ATX HTPC ) ?
So you need a quad core. Q8400/i7 720 consumes 5-20W more than E8400 at idle. But does your HTPC need to be always on? How about leaving it to S3 sleep state when there is no access? Then you don't have to worry about power consumption.

ganb

05-20-09, 01:35 PM

Pardon my ignorance. Is S3 like standby? So will it be able to wake up and record programs if any recording is scheduled or when it is accessed via the network for remote desktop or remote streaming?

stevedlk

05-20-09, 01:38 PM

dbone1026

05-20-09, 01:52 PM

I am still confused on what to get so I can use my Harmony One to control TMT 3 Plat. I looked at Dinovo Mini, Antec elite, etc. Some of these say they have software included, does that mean they will interfere with the TMT. Or can someone recommend any of these. My $ limit is about $150.
I cannot find anyone in this city, St. Louis, who understands this.
Thanks

Steve,

The DiNovo Mini and the HarmonyOne are two completely different beasts. You would use your Mini or the Harmony One, you don't get one to use with the other. Why not look at a cheap USB IR Receiver to link up to your Harmony One. Here is the remote I bought from newegg, I just use the IR Receiver with my HTPC and can use my Harmony One now to control my HTPC:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001

renethx

05-20-09, 01:55 PM

Pardon my ignorance. Is S3 like standby? So will it be able to wake up and record programs if any recording is scheduled or when it is accessed via the network for remote desktop or remote streaming?
Yup, standby usually means S3 state. Your HTPC can wake up only when necessary.

NYSportz

05-20-09, 01:59 PM

Thanks for your reply....

Occasional ripping, encoding and video editing...HTPC is gong to be connected to TV 24/7.. so most other stuff has to be by Remote desktop or better software from laptop. Tempted to buy quad core just bcoz latest technology... Will there be big power consumption (24/7) difference between say E8400 and Q9400/Q8400 ( how abt i7? - the microcenter price makes an i7 system just $150 more :-) Will there be other issues like heat/power consumption/space if i7 is used in ATX HTPC ) ?

Thanks again,
ganb

The parts for my i7 build are coming in this week. My rig should be up and running this weekend. The $200 deal i7 920 deal is pretty great (I missed it by one day). i7 is probably overkill for almost any HTPC system... but if you can make it work financially, then I don't see any strong reason not to go i7.

Some of the highlights of my build:

Intel Core i7 920
DFI LanParty JR X58-T3H6
nMedia PC 1000B mATX case
6GB OCZ DDR3 1600 RAM (this stuff is going for $70 right now on Newegg)
WD 1.5TB Green drive
Radeon 4770
Plextor Blu-ray drive
2x ATI digital cable tuners (soon)

I'll post this weekend in the DFI X58-T3H6 thread with impressions about my new system. I'll make sure to note system noise and temperature.

Justin

dbone1026

05-20-09, 02:02 PM

The parts for my i7 build are coming in this week. My rig should be up and running this weekend. The $200 deal i7 920 deal is pretty great (I missed it by one day). i7 is probably overkill for almost any HTPC system... but if you can make it work financially, then I don't see any strong reason not to go i7.

Some of the highlights of my build:

Intel Core i7 920
DFI LanParty JR X58-T3H6
nMedia PC 1000B mATX case
6GB OCZ DDR3 1600 RAM (this stuff is going for $70 right now on Newegg)
WD 1.5TB Green drive
Radeon 4770
Plextor Blu-ray drive
2x ATI digital cable tuners (soon)

I'll post this weekend in the DFI X58-T3H6 thread with impressions about my new system. I'll make sure to note system noise and temperature.

Justin

Just curious, you are going to use the Green Drive as your main O/S drive? Also, I assume youa re going with an x64 O/S based on your RAM?

NYSportz

05-20-09, 02:10 PM

Just curious, you are going to use the Green Drive as your main O/S drive? Also, I assume youa re going with an x64 O/S based on your RAM?

Yes, the Green drive will be my OS drive, running 64 bit Windows 7. I've been on the fence as to whether I should get a SSD now or later. I've decided to wait on buying a SSD until manufacturers and Windows 7 have full support for TRIM (http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3531&p=10). Then I'll go for a 60GB-100GB SSD as my OS/application drive and I'll install the full release version of Windows 7. Until that point, my hard drive will probably be the weak link in my system (or the single 4770 in games).

Justin

ganb

05-20-09, 02:43 PM

Yup, standby usually means S3 state. Your HTPC can wake up only when necessary.
I see that S3 sleep state allows wake on Lan... So that is great for remote access.

Will it allow the PVR software to wake up the PC when a scheduled recording is required... Say if I leave HTPC on over the weekend with recordings scheduled.

ganb

05-20-09, 02:44 PM

The parts for my i7 build are coming in this week. My rig should be up and running this weekend. The $200 deal i7 920 deal is pretty great (I missed it by one day). i7 is probably overkill for almost any HTPC system... but if you can make it work financially, then I don't see any strong reason not to go i7.

Some of the highlights of my build:

Intel Core i7 920
DFI LanParty JR X58-T3H6
nMedia PC 1000B mATX case
6GB OCZ DDR3 1600 RAM (this stuff is going for $70 right now on Newegg)
WD 1.5TB Green drive
Radeon 4770
Plextor Blu-ray drive
2x ATI digital cable tuners (soon)

I'll post this weekend in the DFI X58-T3H6 thread with impressions about my new system. I'll make sure to note system noise and temperature.

Justin

Thanks... I am looking forward to that... Does i7 CPUs require larger coolers... will the case size affect it...

NYSportz

05-20-09, 02:59 PM

Thanks... I am looking forward to that... Does i7 CPUs require larger coolers... will the case size affect it...

The stock Intel cooler should fit most cases, but it isn't a great solution. I'm going to try running my system with the stock cooler at first, but if it proves noisy or insufficient, I'll probably move to the Scythe Shuriken (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185097).

Justin

davegod75

05-20-09, 03:07 PM

What is the cheapest intel CPU you would use paired with a HD 4550 or 4670?

This would be for movie playback,tv (recording and viewing), music playback, dvd viewing, internet videos. My receiver has no HDMI and my tv is not HD. However, I might upgrade the tv in 2-5 years to and HD one.

I was looking at the celeron 450 because it is inexpensive, lower power, and provides an upgrade path.

Thanks

davegod75

05-20-09, 03:11 PM

renethx, do you recommend using any of the picoPSUs?

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.13/.f

renethx

05-20-09, 03:16 PM

Will it allow the PVR software to wake up the PC when a scheduled recording is required... Say if I leave HTPC on over the weekend with recordings scheduled.
Yes.

Does i7 CPUs require larger coolers... will the case size affect it...

Cooler Master Geminii S (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103046) with LGA1366 bracket (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103058) is one of the best coolers for i7 (and every quad-core processor as well) inside a normal HTPC case (like GD01).

renethx

05-20-09, 03:20 PM

renethx

05-20-09, 03:22 PM

renethx, do you recommend using any of the picoPSUs?

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.13/.f
It depends on the case. You don't need it for a bigger case such as Apex MI-008, but you may need it for a smaller case.

davegod75

05-20-09, 03:38 PM

It depends on the case. You don't need it for a bigger case such as Apex MI-008, but you may need it for a smaller case.

I guess what I was getting at is that, if you can get by with a 100w PSU, do you think the Pico is better than a traditional PSU.

I mean it is hard to beat the efficiency, cost and low noise of the pico.

thanks

ganb

05-20-09, 03:39 PM

Yes.

Cooler Master Geminii S (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103046) with LGA1366 bracket (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103058) is one of the best coolers for i7 (and every quad-core processor as well) inside a normal HTPC case (like GD01).

I hope the Enermax Modu82+ 525W is enough if I go for i7 as I already bought that from newegg. I am going in for a basic video card - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 - so hoping power consumption will be less... plus planning to have 2 SATA internal HDD - 1TB (Green) and 640GB.

NYSportz

05-20-09, 04:47 PM

I hope the Enermax Modu82+ 525W is enough if I go for i7 as I already bought that from newegg. I am going in for a basic video card - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 - so hoping power consumption will be less... plus planning to have 2 SATA internal HDD - 1TB (Green) and 640GB.

That power supply should be more than enough. Antec's power supply calculator can give you a rough idea of how much continuous (not peak) power you need:
http://www.antec.outervision.com/

Justin

crazydrve

05-20-09, 07:26 PM

If you use an analog sound card, then

- DVI/HDMI from the video card to the display
- Analog connectors from the sound card to the receiver.

DVI connector is basically identical with HDMI connector in the sense that the pins are in 1-1 corrrespondence.

If you continue to use S/PDIF, then you don't need a sound card and the connections are identical with the previous ones.

renethx... thanks for answering....

right now i am using the onboard audio on my rampage formula but from what i can tell isnt it better to get a separate sound card and then use its optical out?

is it better to use analog out of the sound card or optical?

thanks for any help... its a little confusing trying to implement my htpc into my home theater setup

putana

05-20-09, 09:25 PM

If you don't need HDMI audio, then Athlon 7750 + GA-MA780G-UD3H is the best combination.

Interesting, looks like my first HTPC will also be the first AMD system I've built, thanks!

If I upgraded my A/V Receiver later on and wanted to use HDMI, what issues will there be?

renethx

05-21-09, 12:25 AM

I guess what I was getting at is that, if you can get by with a 100w PSU, do you think the Pico is better than a traditional PSU.

I mean it is hard to beat the efficiency, cost and low noise of the pico.

thanks
Surely it is quiet and space-saving (but with limited power, you can't use a powerful CPU, so you don't need space for a larger cooler). Cost ... if your case comes with a (decent, quiet) PSU, you don't need to spend money on PicoPSU.

So the answer depends on the case you use.

renethx

05-21-09, 12:28 AM

I hope the Enermax Modu82+ 525W is enough if I go for i7 as I already bought that from newegg. I am going in for a basic video card - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 - so hoping power consumption will be less... plus planning to have 2 SATA internal HDD - 1TB (Green) and 640GB.
I bet the maximum power consumption of your total system will be ~200W.

renethx

05-21-09, 12:34 AM

right now i am using the onboard audio on my rampage formula but from what i can tell isnt it better to get a separate sound card and then use its optical out?

is it better to use analog out of the sound card or optical?
No. S/PDIF is digital DD/DTS bitstreaming. In this case the role of the onboard audio codec/sound card is just trasmitting DD/DTS signals over an optical/coaxial cable and there is no difference between onboard audio and an expensive sound card. So you shouldn't waste your money on a sound card (unless you have an issue on the onboard audio S/PDIF).

The answer to the second question depends on your sound system. If you use a good amplifier/speakers, you may hear difference between analog sounds from, for example, ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Deluxe, and S/PDIF.

renethx

05-21-09, 12:38 AM

Interesting, looks like my first HTPC will also be the first AMD system I've built, thanks!

If I upgraded my A/V Receiver later on and wanted to use HDMI, what issues will there be?
HD 3200 supports only stereo LPCM (and DD/DTS bitstreams) over HDMI.

fredriksupreme

05-21-09, 05:15 AM

Hello and thanks for the great guide.
I just put together my new HTPC but I have some problems:

When I turn it on with the remote from my antec fusion things seem to start operating.
But after 5-6 seconds the system shuts down and then turns on again. When it starts again the system stays on.

No visual is coming up on my screen though, not through either VGA or DVI. I've used inputs on both mobo and GPU, nothing works.

What could be wrong?

Firstly the system turning on twice before working which seems really odd?
Secondly the missing signal on my TFT?

Should I do something to the jumpers?
Could it be damage on the CPU or memory?

I checked cables and there are power to the mobo, cd-rom and HDD. I can also see / hear that all these things are on.

My setup:
# CPU: Core 2 Duo Q8400 3.0 GHz LGA775
# CPU cooler: Cooler Master Geminii S
# Mobo: ASUS P5QL-EM LGA775 Intel G43 Micro ATX
# Memory: Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 2 x 2GB
# GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4, 512MB
# HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 640GB
# PSU: Corsair VX550W
# Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX

I would LOVE some help!

ericbsmith

05-21-09, 05:31 AM

When I turn it on with the remote from my antec fusion things seem to start operating.
But after 5-6 seconds the system shuts down and then turns on again. When it starts again the system stays on.That to me sounds like the power button is staying "pushed in" when you use the remote - 5 seconds is the usual "Hard Power Off" when you hold in the power button. Off the top of my head I'd guess that one of the pwr wires (either the front panel > IR or the IR > MoBo) is plugged in backwards, or it could be some sort of grounding issue.

What that might have to do with your other issues is beyond me.

Marc_G

05-21-09, 06:27 AM

No visual is coming up on my screen though, not through either VGA or DVI. I've used inputs on both mobo and GPU, nothing works.

What could be wrong?

Embarrassing but true: in my first build, I misread the mobo instructions and mis-interpretted the power cable section. As a result, I thought it was an either/or situation regarding the big 20-pin cable and a secondary 8-in cable. So I only used the 20 pin cable and things would appear to start up (fans, hard drive, etc.) but no visual on the screen.

Plugging in the secondary power cable (2x4 pin) resolved the problem.

This is just a thought; not sure if it could apply to you.

I agree with the prior answer that one of the wires might be plugged in wrong. Sounds like the thing is resetting etc..

Marc

cipz

05-21-09, 02:03 PM

hi everyone.. greets..

i'm very new into HTPC stuff..

i'd like to ask something about that

so,, right now i only have 2.1 speakers,, Altec Lansing MX5021 precisely
for the system,, guess i already had the decent one :
- Quad core cpu (Intel Q9450)
- NVidia 9600GT display card
- 4GB DDRII Memory
- 7.1 onboard soundcard with coax/optical port (creative xi-fi) on ASUS maximus ii formula motherboard.

if i want to able to get max quality for BD / HDDVD playback,, what peripheral i should buy? right now i watch 1080p/720p rip movies in mkv files format.. how is it, if i want to enjoy the movies from BD / HDDVD ROM?

1. do i need to buy hd soundcard like ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3, or just stick to what i have?

2. do i still need external AV Receiver? as far as i learn that we don't need any external receiver if the soundcard (ASUS Xonar) is able to do its job

3. what speakers that should i use? do i have to buy one with optical port too? or can i just stick with i already had now (only 3.5mm port available)

4. is HD audio content could be carried by 3.5mm or optical cable? or has to be hdmi cable?

maybe someone can explain for me how the system works?
i'd just like to know the process,, so i can buy the peripherals then.. for price i guess,, max $1000..

sorry for the stupid questions

thanks in advanced..

ps : pardon for my bad english.. i'm from Indonesia..

jrelmore

05-21-09, 03:14 PM

New to this, if someone has the time to look at this config appreciate confirmation/advice. Have mixed/matched components from this thread & added a few things. Just want to know that each component will fit in the box and Vista supported/compatible:

Case: Zalman HD160 Plus ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $277
CPU: Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition HDZ955FBGIBOX 3.2GHz AM3, $245
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $40.
Motherboard: MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX chipset ATX, $180.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $60.
Graphics Card: Radeon HD 4870 X2 GDDR5 2GB, $390.
PSU: Antec Signature 850 850W, $218
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000, $110
SilverStone TOB02 SST-TOB02 Slim Type Blu-ray DVD Combo Optical Drive, $160

LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM

2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner
Windows Vista Ultimate Service Pack 1 32-bit edition $250
LINKSYS WMP110 IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCI RangePlus Wireless PCI Adapter $60
2 WD Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $159
1 WD Caviar SE WD1600AAJB 160GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $45
1 VANTEC 24" Yellow IDE Round Cable Model CBL-100IDE24-YL $4
OKGEAR 6 ft. external SATA Cable,Black Model GC6EAK $5
powercom BLACK KNIGHT PRO BNT-1500AP 1500 VA 900 Watts 5 Outlets UPS $130
PLANAR PX2611W Black 26" 5ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ Height & Swivel Adjustments $820

Heian

05-21-09, 06:02 PM

First of all, this is an amazing page with detailed information that's out of this world. I've learned so much more than just the HT information promised. Thank you very much...(I am a complete Newbie with HTPCs, outside of reading this thread) My query, I am interested in building a HTPC that will function as just a DVD recorder (I have a HD enabled TV, TIVO through Direct Tv, and a full surround sound system for our home.) My stand along Recorder is dying, (even quicker if it erases anything else after recording) I hope to upgrade this system and eventually run everything from it in the future (after I've got my feet wet with this process). Will the basic system be enough or will I need to purchase something extra for the initial build? Thanks again for the wealth of info, I couldn't find help like this anywhere!!:D!

Here's what I've got so far...

Additional Items (with prices have been taken from your list and will need to be purchased (In paren. taken from NewEgg))

• Microsoft Remote Control and Receiver for Media Center PC with Windows, $22
• Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000, $107
• LG GGC-H20L Super Multi Blue Blu-ray Disc & HD DVD-ROM Drive, $280
• AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe (PCI Express x1), $85 (white box), $110 (retail).
• Creative Sound Card
• Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1

System
• CPU: Pentium Core 2 Duo 4300 @ 1.85 GHz
• CPU Cooler: Zalman 9500
• Motherboard: GIGABYTE N650SLI-DS4L
• Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT1286AA106A DDR2-800 2 (2 x 1GB Kit) ($74.00)
• Graphics Card: Diamond Nvidia 8600 GTS x 2 (SLI)
• HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST3500418AS 500 GB SATA 3.0 ($59.00)
• PSU: FSP Group, FX700-GLN
• ATX Antec 900 Gaming Case ($99.00)

jrelmore

05-21-09, 07:39 PM

Not really qualified to eyeball your configuration. But just to let you know (fwiw) that it does not need to be a fancy expensive setup, you can start small.
My current 'media center' is a simple 1.8GHz tower with 270GB HDD/768MB RAM and a video card with S-Video out running XP sp3. On-board sound to my stereo. Except for the news, all our TV viewing originates from this PC. Of course no other applications can be running while viewing. Even listening to music with streaming lyrics consumes most PC resources. Though somewhat less than true HD by some standards, it works well.

bruce can

05-21-09, 09:39 PM

I have been researching day and night and have finally made the plunge.

Here is my planned build.

MSI Radeon HD 4850 640MHZ 512MB 1.98GHZ GDDR3 2XDVI CrossFireX PCI-E Video Card [Reg. $203.84] 1 $149.99
$149.99
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM 1 $148.99

Diamond TV Wonder 650 Theater PCI-E TV Tuner Card ATSC NTSC HDTV FM [Reg. $139.99] 1 $99.99
$99.99
39113 NCIX Gaming Bundle Intel Core i7 920 EVGA Classified X58 SLI Motherboard 6GB Corsair Dominator RAM [Reg. $1,149.99] 1 $799.99
$799.99
Intel Core i7 920 D0 Stepping Quad Core Processor LGA1366 2.66GHZ Bloomfield 8MB LGA1366 -SLBEJ-

EVGA X58 Classified EATX LGA1366 DDR3 4PCIE-16 1PCI SLI SATA2 eSATA Dual GBLAN 1394 Ecp Motherboard

Corsair XMS3 Dominator TR3X6G1600C8D 6GB DDR3 3X2GB DDR3-1600 CL 8-8-8-24 Core i7 Memory Kit

Zalman HD160 Plus Black HTPC ATX Case 1X5.25 6X3.5INT VFD Remote No PSU 1 $370.90
$370.90
LG CH08-LS10 Black BLU-RAY 8X Reader & 16X DVD Writer Combo Internal SATA Lightscribe [Reg. $158.46] 1 $135.99
$135.99
Western Digital WD1001FALS Caviar Black 1TB SATA2 7200RPM 4.2MS 32MB 3.5IN Dual Proc Hard Drive OEM [Reg. $146.19] 1 $119.99
$119.99
Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan (ADA) 1 $105.99
$105.99
Microsoft Communications Pack 3000 Wireless Keyboard Wireless Mouse VX-3000 Webcam (ADA) 1 $34.99
$34.99
Comments:
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Environmental Fee: $10.00
SUBTOTAL: $2,026.82
GST(5%): $101.34
PST (7%): $141.88
TOTAL: CAD $2,270.04
ALL PRICES IN CANADIAN DOLLARS BALANCE: $2,270.04

My problem now is I am told by the supplier the new Mobo I changed to today will not fit into the case.

It is a high end MOBO but it just came on sale in a package deal and Now I want to keep it.
I would really like to know what my options are for cases ? I do not want a tower and i do not want a big 7" lcd screen ruining my Black room!!

I am welcoming any other comments I never thought it would be such a hard thing to do configuring one of these things .

Bruce

NYSportz

05-21-09, 11:32 PM

Bruce - Have you considered the Radeon 4770? I see these are available at NCIX. The 4770 will provide roughly equivalent performance to the 4850 with a lower thermal and noise envelope, while costing slightly less.

Also, have you looked into downloading the Windows 7 RC instead of buying Vista? That way you wouldn't have to purchase Vista and then purchase Windows 7 when it is officially released (assuming you are interested in the upgrade).

Justin

renethx

05-22-09, 01:27 AM

Heian

05-22-09, 01:53 AM

Thanks Jrelmore, appreciate the comment...I don't mind a new build as long as I've had a chance to learn all of the parts. However, do I need anything else for a DVD recorder? Any guides for PC based DVD recorders, appreciate any information that anyone is willing to provide.

renethx

05-22-09, 06:38 AM

AMD Phenom II X2 550 (Callisto) and Athlon II X2 250 (Regor) will be released on June 2. X-bit labs posted a preview (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/phenom-athlon-ii-x2.html).

Phenom II X2 has a 6MB L3 cache as in most Phenom II processors, while Athlon II X2 has no L3 cache. They are very competitive.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143410&stc=1&d=1242988632

bruce can

05-22-09, 10:51 AM

@bruce can

A server chassis (4U rackmount) is your only choise. In general you'd better avoid this route. A normal HTPC case with a decent X58 mb is perhaps better unless you have good reasons to stick to EVGA Classified.

Thanks, No no reason really but is was on sale and was supposed to be a superior Mobo. I know in some areas I am getting carried away on a machine that will never ever probably play a video game, One htpc will so everyboidy else wanted toughly the same configuration) but I did not want to compromise on cpu and mobo .
I am building a couple for a few of us who are putting in New CRT projectors and we want a powerful machine and for two of them Analogue output of the Video card is important.

I have to let them know today what case I am choosing or if I am going to go back to the other mobo which is what I will probably do,as we would like a nice presentable case .

regarding the 4770 I went with the 4850 for 7.1 ,mainly over the 6 and 7 series. I will re look at the 4770, but power usage is not that big of a concern really.

One last question, any other Cases to look at other than the Zalman fro quietness, airflow, and have IR receiver and remote.

Thanks again.

Bruce

renethx

05-22-09, 11:12 AM

Thanks, No no reason really but is was on sale and was supposed to be a superior Mobo. I know in some areas I am getting carried away on a machine that will never ever probably play a video game, One htpc will so everyboidy else wanted toughly the same configuration) but I did not want to compromise on cpu and mobo .
I am building a couple for a few of us who are putting in New CRT projectors and we want a powerful machine and for two of them Analogue output of the Video card is important.

I have to let them know today what case I am choosing or if I am going to go back to the other mobo which is what I will probably do,as we would like a nice presentable case .

regarding the 4770 I went with the 4850 for 7.1 ,mainly over the 6 and 7 series. I will re look at the 4770, but power usage is not that big of a concern really.

One last question, any other Cases to look at other than the Zalman fro quietness, airflow, and have IR receiver and remote.

Thanks again.

Bruce
For pure video playback, a mid-range system in my recommendations is enough. There is absolutely no picture quality difference between mid-range, high-end and premium systems. Core i7 is good for CPU intensive tasks such as video editing and encoding. Classified is designed for multi-GPU solutions. If you never play games in CrossFire/SLI, it's simply a waste.

HD 4850 is good for 3D applications. HD 4670 (or 4770) is enough for pure HTPC tasks. There is absolutely no difference between HD 4670 and HD 4850 in video playback.

bruce can

05-22-09, 11:37 AM

For pure video playback, a mid-range system in my recommendations is enough. There is absolutely no picture quality difference between mid-range, high-end and premium systems. Core i7 is good for CPU intensive tasks such as video editing and encoding. Classified is designed for multi-GPU solutions. If you never play games in CrossFire/SLI, it's simply a waste.

HD 4850 is good for 3D applications. HD 4670 (or 4770) is enough for pure HTPC tasks. There is absolutely no difference between HD 4670 and HD 4850 in video playback.

Thanks renethx. One machine is for Gaming as well as htpc and the other is just following ALONG :)
i7 we went with as the guys at ncix said they were more stable or reliable
I know it is over kill but I would rather be over than under

I will be running 1080p@72 for most of all Hd content and they are very close in price so I think I might stay with 4850.

The other machine will be same resolution and have a 1080i @120Hz as a secondary setup .

The classified will have to go, it was just tempting at 330 Canadian for such a great MOBO.

Thanks again .

Bruce

Heian

05-22-09, 11:56 AM

Renethx or anyone? I apologize if I asked the question in the wrong place or if the information that I require has been listed somewhere, I'm looking for some guidance and I'm a real newbie...What do I need to do?

renethx

05-22-09, 12:13 PM

@Heian

Does DVD recorder mean a DVD writer or something else?

Heian

05-22-09, 12:22 PM

dbone1026

05-22-09, 12:34 PM

Rene - I plan to build a media server in about a month. Any expectation the components of the builds you posted are going to change anytime soon?

Looks like I should be able to get part of the build funded through a fathers day present (the reason why I am waiting until next month). Once I get going on it I will send over a donation for all the great work you have done with this thread. Thx.

renethx

05-22-09, 12:44 PM

Thanks! Yes, I have a DVD Writer LiteOn LVW-5101 that's starting to die & for the short run I'm looking for a replacement and eventually a full out HTPC. From the specs, I should be able to upgrade the processor, video, and memory, as well as, a couple of PCI slots for additional cards to get to were you've listed the Mid-Range systems.
CPU is a bit weak, but motherboard is so old that there is no effective CPU upgrade path (check this page (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2679#anchor_os); 45nm processors are not supported). But for starters your system should be good (for DVD write) and you can continue to use it until you are ready to buy new processor/mb/DDR3 memory.

Heian

05-22-09, 12:59 PM

renethx

05-22-09, 01:07 PM

Rene - I plan to build a media server in about a month. Any expectation the components of the builds you posted are going to change anytime soon?
Yup, I expected a new 24 HDD case with mini-SAS backplane from Norco. But it looks like it's a 20 HDD case (with mini-SAS backplane) (RPC-4220 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1149005)). I also wanted to use Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 (PCI Express x4) instead of AOC-SAT2-MV8 (PCI-X), but its Linux support is not ready yet. Here is a tentative component list of four 24 HDD systems. If there is no 24 HDD case, then a slight modification is necessary. Among them the SAS expander solution is the neatest one, but compatibility/performance is not yet tested. If you use a RAID controller (e.g. RocketRAID 4310, Adaptec RAID 3405), this will turn into a cheap hardware RAID system. SAS expander is a very new technology.

Once I get going on it I will send over a donation for all the great work you have done with this thread. Thx.

I am expecting it (not only from you but everybody who thinks the guide is very helpful, not because I am greedy, but I really need money to buy more hardware components for testing purpose). :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143432&stc=1&d=1243011731

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143433&stc=1&d=1243011731

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143434&stc=1&d=1243011731

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143435&stc=1&d=1243011731

dbone1026

05-22-09, 01:21 PM

Yup, I expected a new 24 HDD case with mini-SAS backplane from Norco. But it looks like it's a 20 HDD case (with mini-SAS backplane) (RPC-4220 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1149005)). I also wanted to use Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 (PCI Express x4) instead of AOC-SAT2-MV8 (PCI-X), but its Linux support is not ready yet. Here is a tentative component list of four 24 HDD systems. If there is no 24 HDD case, then a slight modification is necessary. Among them the SAS expander solution is the neatest one, but compatibility/performance is not yet tested. If you use a RAID cnotroller (e.g. RocketRAID 4310, Adaptec RAID 3405), this will turn into a cheap hardware RAID system. SAS expander is a very new technology.

Thanks. Right now I am running with the HP MediaSmart EX470 (4x1TB) and Sans Digital TR4M Port Multiplier (4x1TB). Running out of room though and honestly the CPU on the EX470 is just dragging everything down. I think the goal will be for the new server to handle b/w 20-25 hdds and have it running on WHS (going to move the MSS offsite as a backup option). Hopefully also the new Seagate LP drives will be out by this summer which will get the 2TB drive prices down. I am sure I will be touching base with you next month before I go ahead with the build, just starting to get my wish list together now.

renethx

05-22-09, 01:40 PM

Okayyyy, I've been putting this off for awhile but I've got a birthday coming that I'll justify my new build to the wife with. What about this?

AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
Free secure digital flash card w/ purchase, ends 5/31

Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

ASUS M3N78-EM AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8300 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

I will mix this with some parts from the other build and sell the rest. From your earlier comments this "should?" give me some room to grow? Yes?

How would I go about setting this up to be a DVD Writer?
If your case is ATX (Nine Hundred?), then you'd better use an ATX mb for better expandability, for example,

- AM2+: GA-MA780G-UD3H, GA-MA790GP-UD4H
- AM3: GA-MA770T-UD3P, GA-MA790XT-UD4P

For a AM3 mb, you will need a AM3 processor such as Phenom II X3 720, Phenom II X4 810, Phenom II X4 945/955 (all of them can be used with an AM2+ mb too) and DDR3 memory.

You can continue to use GeForce 8600 GTS card, or buy Radeon HD 4670/4770 if your sound system supports HDMI.

DVD writer: I prefer storing media files in HDDs (in a media server) to DVD discs. In order to burn HD contents from an external recoder, perhaps you will need a capturing device such as Hauppauge HD PVR model 1212.

Heian

05-22-09, 02:07 PM

ganb

05-22-09, 02:46 PM

ganb

05-22-09, 02:58 PM

So you need a quad core. Q8400/i7 720 consumes 5-20W more than E8400 at idle. But does your HTPC need to be always on? How about leaving it to S3 sleep state when there is no access? Then you don't have to worry about power consumption.

Plot thickens !!!

I now have received a used Intel QX9750 Quad Extreme processor - 775 socket, 12 MB L2 Cache , TDP 150W, 1333 FSB 3.16Ghz, Yorkfield Quad Core. It is similar to QX9650 & QX9770 CPUs.

Will this work with the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P? Will there be any Bios issues as this is not an official retail CPU version. My i7 build is on hold as with this option I do not have to pay for CPU. Any other comments about this processor for use in HTPC environment...

renethx

05-22-09, 03:20 PM

I was planning to buy the case to house the original set. If I am plunging into a new setup then I thought that I would reconsider one of your suggestions towards a smaller housing, maybe one with a better look for a HTPC. With the 8600 GTS that I already have, I thought it would get a bit of a boost from the Hybrid SLI...and finally but most important one of my partners just purchased this deal from NewEgg and is willing to part with the parts mentioned for $200.00 (he's building another system utilizing the 955 series Amd processor)

Hey I really appreciate all of the advice and help, since I'm new how does one go about donating? I've really looked for instructions for setting up a DVD Writer and no one seems to have a guide anywhere...even less suggestions towards hardware.

Edit: Newegg has those in stock for around $215.00, I'm committed to the deal with the 940 plus at the price it may be a good deal for awhile since I won't do any real gaming with that box. It will sit around the Plasma for recording from TIVO to PC. Since you've mentioned it, I'll go back and read up on some of the suggested configurations for a Home Media Server for HDD storage. A bit more than I was looking to invest in right now but once incentives come in...? Who knows?
Nobody mentions DVD write perhaps because storing files in HDDs is a preferred method in this forum. A 1TB HDD (~$70) can hold contents of about 200 DVD (single-layer) discs and you can access all of them instantly from a front end such as Windows Media Center. For starters you don't have to build a dedicated media server. A HTPC with a couple of 1TB HDDs may be enough, although recording HD contents (usually without further compression) eats storage space quickly.

Archiving recordings from DirectTV in PC requires Hauppuage HD PVR (a USB component video capturing device). Please read this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1015617) for details. Search with the keyword "DirecTV".

Phenom II X4 940 is now a good deal, but may be overkill (good for encoding though). I recommend you to start with the mid-range AMD/AMD mATX or ATX system and change components according to your needs.

renethx

05-22-09, 03:23 PM

Renethx...

The HIS Radeon HD4850 DDR3 with 1GB is available in Newegg for $94 AR. Is it worth going for that when compared to Sapphire HD4670 DDR4 512MB that is in your recommendation. What do you think ? Thanks
It's not just price. HD 4850 consumes ~40W more at idle and video playback, and hence tends to create more noise. If you don't play games, you'd better stay with HD 4670.

renethx

05-22-09, 03:37 PM

Plot thickens !!!

I now have received a used Intel QX9750 Quad Extreme processor - 775 socket, 12 MB L2 Cache , TDP 150W, 1333 FSB 3.16Ghz, Yorkfield Quad Core. It is similar to QX9650 & QX9770 CPUs.

Will this work with the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P? Will there be any Bios issues as this is not an official retail CPU version. My i7 build is on hold as with this option I do not have to pay for CPU. Any other comments about this processor for use in HTPC environment...
I don't recognize QX9750 (an engineering sample?). Perhaps it will work with GA-EP45-UD3P, but I can't guarantee it. Check this page (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=3012#anchor_os).

Needless to say Core i7 is far much better than 'QX9750' 3.16 GHz in performance.

ganb

05-22-09, 03:46 PM

I don't recognize QX9750 (an engineering sample?). Perhaps it will work with GA-EP45-UD3P, but I can't guarantee it. Check this page (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=3012#anchor_os).

Needless to say Core i7 is far much better than 'QX9750' 3.16 GHz in performance.

Yes it is an engineering version. From the link the board supports qx9770 and qx9650 and this CPU is similar to those. I understand i7 is far better and thats why wanted to go for that, but $200 CPU savings tilted the scale :-) And these are $1000+ retail CPUs - do not understand how they can charge much more than i7 for these older generation core quad extremes...

Thanks for your inputs...

Heian

05-22-09, 03:50 PM

Thank you very much Rene!!!! Re. the DVD Writer, I searched the internet for an answer to that question for a month or so prior to coming here. Your guide and assistance mixed with this thread have been great!!! I'll post back once I have everything in and I'm ready to proceed, ahhhhh again what is the preferred way to donate to "the cause" again?

ganb

05-22-09, 06:00 PM

It's not just price. HD 4850 consumes ~40W more at idle and video playback, and hence tends to create more noise. If you don't play games, you'd better stay with HD 4670.

Another question regarding video card... which is better.. they are almost same prices in newegg. Which would be best buy - all HD4670

Sapphire 512MB DDR4 - $70 + FS
HIS 512MB DDR3 overclocked - 65 + ship
Sapphire 512MB DDR3 (cheaper) - $60 +ship
Sapphire 1GB DDR3 -$69 +ship
HIS 1GB DDR3 - - $73 +ship

I guess HIS is the smaller card...

3LitreRS

05-22-09, 10:15 PM

Quick, Renethx, can you help????
I had a good chuckle when I read this today regarding the current Shuttle flight!

The astronauts — fresh off successful repairs of the Hubble Space Telescope's sophisticated instruments — intended to spend part of their day off watching DVDs. But when they tried to play the movies, they found out that their laptops didn't have the proper software.

Engineers on the ground tried to troubleshoot the problem, but the astronauts gave up after more than an hour of trying.

"We'll be home tomorrow," an optimistic astronaut John Grunsfeld radioed to Earth. "We'll go to the movie theater and that will be our consolation."

LOL I suppose they can probably watch their own movies by then at Imax! :):):)

From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090522/ap_on_sc/us_shuttle_hubble

C E Jones

05-22-09, 11:55 PM

renethx

05-23-09, 12:15 AM

what is the preferred way to donate to "the cause" again?
Right now I accept only PayPal. Here is an instruction (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14239742#post14239742).

renethx

05-23-09, 12:43 AM

Another question regarding video card... which is better.. they are almost same prices in newegg. Which would be best buy - all HD4670

Sapphire 512MB DDR4 - $70 + FS
HIS 512MB DDR3 overclocked - 65 + ship
Sapphire 512MB DDR3 (cheaper) - $60 +ship
Sapphire 1GB DDR3 -$69 +ship
HIS 1GB DDR3 - - $73 +ship

I guess HIS is the smaller card...
I recommend Sapphire 512MB DDR4. Should you connect two large displays (1080p), HIS 1GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161273) may be better (read this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15243032#post15243032)).

renethx

05-23-09, 01:10 AM

Rene,

I'm planning on ordering the following parts tomorrow and wanted to be sure there aren't any major red flags. I'll be using my HTPC for movies and music, no gaming. I'm going for the best HD video possible (no compromises) without spending any more than necessary. So I'm trying to mix and match from your low-end and midrange systems. I can afford to upgrade the E5200 to an E7400 or get a P45 motherboard, but do I really need to?

CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50GHz LGA775
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA775
Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps
Memory: A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B ATX
Optical drive: LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
OS: Windows 7 RC

For me the biggest surprise of my planning process has been that the component I've had the hardest time choosing is...the keyboard! I'm looking for a wired keyboard with either touchpad or trackball, but they all the sub-$100 ones seem to be made by Adesso, and all the Addesso keyboards get incredibly negative reviews on both Newegg and Amazon. Can anyone recommend a good wired keyboard with cursor control?

And my final question. Do I need to order any cables to be sure I'm able to get the computer running quickly once the parts arrive? I don't have any spare desktop parts or cables (I haven't owned a desktop since 1997!) and I'm ordering an OEM HDD from Newegg. Do I need to buy any cables for the HDD or any other parts?

Thanks for any advice!
A nice system. E5200 is enough for video playback. P45 supports dual PCI Express x8 that can be used for CrossFire, or graphics+RAID controller (perhaps you don't need either). Somebody may give good suggestion on wired keyboard. Don't you need remote control?

Two SATA cables are included in GA-EP43-UD3L. GELID fan Y-cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001) is useful to connect two case fans to a mb fan connector.

Necessary external cables depend on the video/audio equipments you have. Usually you have to buy a HDMI cable (video+audio or video only). If you use S/PDIF, then you need an optical S/PDIF cable. A good place to buy cables is MonoPrice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp)

C E Jones

05-23-09, 01:47 AM

A nice system. E5200 is enough for video playback. P45 supports dual PCI Express x8 that can be used for CrossFire, or graphics+RAID controller (perhaps you don't need either). Somebody may give good suggestion on wired keyboard. Don't you need remote control?

Two SATA cables are included in GA-EP43-UD3L. GELID fan Y-cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001) is useful to connect two case fans to a mb fan connector.

Necessary external cables depend on the video/audio equipments you have. Usually you have to buy a HDMI cable (video+audio or video only). If you use S/PDIF, then you need an optical S/PDIF cable. A good place to buy cables is MonoPrice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp)

Thanks, that really clears things up! The 2 SATA cables will cover my HDD and the blu-ray drive, if I end up getting an OEM. About that: Is there a difference between model numbers GGC-H20L and GGC-H20LK for the LG Blu-ray drive? Amazon has both of these, and the latter at Amazon is a bit cheaper for me than the former (OEM) at Newegg (I live in California and have to pay sales tax at the Egg :(). I think the "K" just means OEM, but I want to be sure there are no other differences.

And I forgot to ask in my last post: will I need case fans? I was planning on starting off without any and adding them if necessary.

C E Jones

05-23-09, 01:54 AM

A nice system. E5200 is enough for video playback. P45 supports dual PCI Express x8 that can be used for CrossFire, or graphics+RAID controller (perhaps you don't need either). Somebody may give good suggestion on wired keyboard. Don't you need remote control?

Two SATA cables are included in GA-EP43-UD3L. GELID fan Y-cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718001) is useful to connect two case fans to a mb fan connector.

Necessary external cables depend on the video/audio equipments you have. Usually you have to buy a HDMI cable (video+audio or video only). If you use S/PDIF, then you need an optical S/PDIF cable. A good place to buy cables is MonoPrice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp)

As for the remote, I was planning to make due for awhile with just the keyboard (I'm used to watching and controlling movies on my laptop with keyboard and touchpad), and maybe get a remote in a couple months. That's why a quality keyboard is so important to me!

EDIT: I'll be using a USB extension cable to make it reach the couch.

renethx

05-23-09, 02:14 AM

Is there a difference between model numbers GGC-H20L and GGC-H20LK for the LG Blu-ray drive? Amazon has both of these, and the latter at Amazon is a bit cheaper for me than the former (OEM) at Newegg (I live in California and have to pay sales tax at the Egg :(). I think the "K" just means OEM, but I want to be sure there are no other differences.

And I forgot to ask in my last post: will I need case fans? I was planning on starting off without any and adding them if necessary.
I am not sure of the difference. Maybe GGC-H20LK is the successor to GGC-H20L?

Two case fans are included in the case.

claw

05-23-09, 11:23 AM

I recommend Sapphire 512MB DDR4. Should you connect two large displays (1080p),HIS 1GB may be better

Is this suggested when running 2 1080p monitors in extended mode only?

Would the Sapphire 512MB be fine with 2 1080p monitors in clone mode?

C E Jones

05-23-09, 12:57 PM

I am not sure of the difference. Maybe GGC-H20LK is the successor to GGC-H20L?

Two case fans are included in the case.

Thanks Rene, you the man! Just ordered all my parts, looking forward to building.

juda

05-23-09, 01:10 PM

I picked up these two:

Sapphire 512MB DDR4
HIS 512MB DDR3 overclocked for under $150 @ NE

http://***************/9/z/i.jpghttp://***************/9/P/i.jpg

renethx

05-23-09, 01:56 PM

Is this suggested when running 2 1080p monitors in extended mode only?

Would the Sapphire 512MB be fine with 2 1080p monitors in clone mode?
Yes.

Yes.

slowlybuilt

05-23-09, 03:54 PM

I have the PSU that came with this case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811124118) and it is much louder that I expected it to be. BTW I only paid $30 for the combo. It sits behind my couch and I can still hear it through all the padding! I measured it at the source at about 55 DBs. :mad: After 2 weeks in action, I love my HTPC, and so far the GF does too, but the noise is starting to really get to me.

I want to replace it with something quieter, not silent, just not so much louder than my laptop fan which never stops spinning and sits beside me on the couch, but doesn't annoy me. I also want it cheap. Is this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016)a good option for $35? Or will it be just as loud?

Haydee

05-23-09, 04:40 PM

What do you guys think about this build?

ZOTAC GF9300-D-E (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500022)
Winsis Wi-02 Black SGCC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811234021)
Crucial 2x1GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526)
HITACHI 0A38016 1TB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145233)
Intel E5200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072)

renethx

05-23-09, 10:29 PM

slowlybuilt

05-24-09, 12:20 PM

Check this article: 500W to 550W: 12 Power Supplies Compared (http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3516&p=1) (including the OCZ model).

That is an awesome guide and it has a link to a guide for 300-450W PSUs as well.

Thanks so much:)

Marc_G

05-24-09, 03:11 PM

Hey folks,

In short, I'm loving my HTPC but it seems the output of SD content, primarily DVDs, isn't as crisp as a native DVD player.

My system is basically the Gigabyte MA78GPM-UD2H with AMD 7750 Kuma processor, 1080i over HDMI cable to a 50" Panasonic plasma.

The DVD player is connected to the TV via component cables.

When I play BD content I'm awed at the PQ. But DVDs appear noticeably grainy compared to the stand alone dvd player. It could be differences in settigns at the TV level, but I've tried to equalize the settings for the two inputs. Could also be non-optimized graphics card settings, but everything else looks pretty fine except DVD output.

Would this situation be likely improved by adding a 4670 Sapphire card? Egg has them at a good price with free shipping...

Input appreciated!
Marc

heelz

05-24-09, 06:15 PM

stevedlk

05-25-09, 12:21 PM

Hi,
When playing back files, BD, DVD, CD, etc. What volume settings are used?
I am running HDMI through AVR. Setting on AVR and the setting on the player used, TMT3.
50% on the player and what I feel like on the AVR?
Thanks

davegod75

05-25-09, 02:09 PM

wickchucker

05-25-09, 06:15 PM

I receive standard cable (no extra digital box) and have a digital panasonic receiver hooked up to 2 Polk speakers and a 32" Sony WEGA. A 2.0 setup. I only want to play our music (mp3's/CD's), watch DVDs, and play internet content. Eventually I will upgrade to a 2.1 setup (add a sub), and add a LCD TV, and a tv tuner.

Is this sufficient for my needs? I figure I can always upgrade to a separate video card when the need arises.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-US2H (HD 3200)
Crucial 2GB (2x1GB)
WD GP WD5000AACS
Corsair CMPSU-520HX (for the low noise and modularity)
LIAN-Li PC-C37B (for the W.A.F., wife acceptance factor)

I need a good remote and IR receiver combo that just works. I plan to use Windows 7 MCE. Any recommendations?

I am replacing my apple tv and dvd player with this setup (and possibly the tivo)

Thanks

Are you planning on using the onboard audio and video? If so, does your panasonic AVR have HDMI inputs? How about you TV? Since you mentioned having an apple TV that means you probably do, but just be sure you have an exact plan mapped out for sending audio and video to your sources.

As for the remote, I have a logitech harmony 670 programmable IR remote and use it for seamlessly switching between sources. Even works great on my xbox 360. I would recommend a harmony model (too bad they do not sell one with a PC IR receiver, that would be brilliant marketing I think, but you can buy say a Microsoft brand MCE remote with IR receiver then ditch the clunky MS remote).

Also, I like that Lian-Li case, nice, simplistic look.

renethx

05-26-09, 02:38 AM

renethx

05-26-09, 02:40 AM

Also to build on this question somewhat, is there a special software that people use to upgrade their SD content, or does the 4670 Sapphire card handle it on its own?
GPU upscales automatically. Or you can use software for upscaling (read the ffdshow sticky thread).

renethx

05-26-09, 02:51 AM

renethx

05-26-09, 03:06 AM

I receive standard cable (no extra digital box) and have a digital panasonic receiver hooked up to 2 Polk speakers and a 32" Sony WEGA. A 2.0 setup. I only want to play our music (mp3's/CD's), watch DVDs, and play internet content. Eventually I will upgrade to a 2.1 setup (add a sub), and add a LCD TV, and a tv tuner.

Is this sufficient for my needs? I figure I can always upgrade to a separate video card when the need arises.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-US2H (HD 3200)
Crucial 2GB (2x1GB)
WD GP WD5000AACS
Corsair CMPSU-520HX (for the low noise and modularity)
LIAN-Li PC-C37B (for the W.A.F., wife acceptance factor)

I need a good remote and IR receiver combo that just works. I plan to use Windows 7 MCE. Any recommendations?

I am replacing my apple tv and dvd player with this setup (and possibly the tivo)

Thanks
Athlon X2 7750 + IGP should give decent PQ (5050e or any other AM2 processor + IGP is not recommended as they are poor in deinterlacing and post-processig). The case accepts only a low-profile graphics card, but there is not a very good low-profile card right now (I will try Apollo AP-HD4650LP (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814140107) if someone donates me).

Anyware GP-IR01BK Windows Vista MCE Remote Control, or its IR receiver+Logitec Harmony just works.

grantwolf

05-26-09, 09:27 AM

Should work. I recommend you to buy a good graphics card (such as Sapphire HD 4670 GDDR4), install Win7 in a spare HDD and see if the performance is good enough (play a couple of SD and HD contents) before proceeding further.

OK...so in my haste, I didn't realize that I can't fit the 4670 in my case. I only have 1 PCI Xpress slot, and adjacent to it is the spot where the power supply plugs in to the MB...and there isn't room for the double-wide card.

Is there another card solution that will fit my needs? I have an available PCI slot...the PCI express slot (can only be normal width)...and a PCI x16 slot.

davegod75

05-26-09, 11:59 AM

Are you planning on using the onboard audio and video? If so, does your panasonic AVR have HDMI inputs? How about you TV? Since you mentioned having an apple TV that means you probably do, but just be sure you have an exact plan mapped out for sending audio and video to your sources.

As for the remote, I have a logitech harmony 670 programmable IR remote and use it for seamlessly switching between sources. Even works great on my xbox 360. I would recommend a harmony model (too bad they do not sell one with a PC IR receiver, that would be brilliant marketing I think, but you can buy say a Microsoft brand MCE remote with IR receiver then ditch the clunky MS remote).

Also, I like that Lian-Li case, nice, simplistic look.

No HDMI on the reciever or TV. I'm still OLD school for now. I plan on using SPDIF for audio.

Is there such a thing as DVI to component cable adapter for video?

edit: maybe this cable?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2

renethx

05-26-09, 12:13 PM

OK...so in my haste, I didn't realize that I can't fit the 4670 in my case. I only have 1 PCI Xpress slot, and adjacent to it is the spot where the power supply plugs in to the MB...and there isn't room for the double-wide card.

Is there another card solution that will fit my needs? I have an available PCI slot...the PCI express slot (can only be normal width)...and a PCI x16 slot.
This card. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102816)

davegod75

05-26-09, 12:18 PM

Athlon X2 7750 + IGP should give decent PQ (5050e or any other AM2 processor + IGP is not recommended as they are poor in deinterlacing and post-processig). The case accepts only a low-profile graphics card, but there is not a very good low-profile card right now (I will try Apollo AP-HD4650LP (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814140107) if someone donates me).

Anyware GP-IR01BK Windows Vista MCE Remote Control, or its IR receiver+Logitec Harmony just works.

Thanks for the remote recommendation. I'll add a HD 4550 to the mix to keep power consumption low and up the video quality. That 7750 sucks too much power for me.

grantwolf

05-26-09, 12:20 PM

This card. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102816)

...you da man.

cwstnsko

05-26-09, 04:55 PM

Intel has a new processor that looks to be a good candidate for the low-mid Intel setups

Pentium Dual Core E6300 (not the same as the Core 2 Duo E6300)

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41493

Like a E5200 on steroids ..... 2.8 GHz (266x10.5), 1066 FSB. Supports Vitualization.

Priced quite a bit less than the E7300.

To paraphrase one sites descrition - Pentium E6300 = C2D E7400 - 1MB cache + Virtualization

I picked on up for one UD3P / 4670 machine, works great so far

wickchucker

05-26-09, 05:13 PM

Intel has a new processor that looks to be a good candidate for the low-mid Intel setups

Pentium Dual Core E6300 (not the same and the Core 2 Duo E6300)

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41493

Like a E5200 on steroids ..... 2.8 GHz (266x10.5), 1066 FSB. Supports Vitualization.

Priced quite a bit less than the E7300.

I picked on up for one UD3P / 4670 machine, works great so far

Thanks for the info. Have been thinking of using the e5200 in my upcoming build, this one for an extra $22 at newegg might be worth it, especially in order to run Windows 7 XP mode with the virtualization support.

bimmer_immer

05-26-09, 11:16 PM

First off, I am very grateful to renethx for the thorough summaries and advice on systems. It would have taken me <forever> to figure this out otherwise. The check is in the mail (uh, paypal...)

Here is the system I put together:

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H
CPU: AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
Video: SAPPHIRE 100252 HDMI Radeon HD 4550 512MB 64-bit GDDR3
HD: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB
Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W
Case: Antec Black Aluminum / Steel Fusion Remote Black Micro ATX
Disc Player: LG Model GGW-H20L Blu-ray Burner
Windows 7 Ultimate
ATI CCC
Cyberlink PowerDVD

This system is very, very quiet considering it has 4 fans in it! Not silent, but no louder than the RPTV or the D* DVR from the seating position.

The case looks classy. Machined aluminum front panel looks more like AV gear than a computer case.

Plenty of capacity for doing online streaming, DVDs and Blu-rays. I lusted for a Phenom X4 CPU, but really not necessary at all for my purposes.
Maybe later when they're cheaper!

Picture looks absolutely awesome on the Sony 70" SXRD RPTV.
I was surprised that Win 7/ATI CCC has built in overscan correction (projectors are infamous for chopping off several percent of the pixels).
I didn't have to adjust anything to see the whole desktop!

Windows 7 is a joy to use (I don't believe I'm saying that)!

No problems with Blu-ray playback. The Day the Earth Stood Still (MPEG4 AVC) plays back flawlessly with the GPU doing all the work.
No probs with 5.1 AC-3 over SPDIF --my Marantz AV9000 surround decoder/preamp doesn't do anything fancier. More video codecs to try, but so far so good.

The only nitpicks are with the LCD display on the case -- kinda goofy.
But I went with the Antec for the quiet and cooling...

And 1920x1080p gives tiny text/icons from the viewing position.
I use it at 1280x720p for "computer stuff" and switch to higher res for video.

drtaau3

05-27-09, 01:19 AM

@ renethx

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
. .
COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119152
-$10.00 Instant
$69.99
$59.99
. .
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136317
$539.94
($89.99each)
. .
GIGABYTE GA-MA780G-UD3H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128382
$89.99
. .
GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128384
-$10.00 Instant
$139.99
$129.99
. .
SAPPHIRE 100255DDR4 Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102818
$84.99
. .
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139006
-$65.50 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate17-139-006 $179.99
$114.49
. .
SeaSonic M12II SS-430GM 430W ATX12V 2.2 /EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817151057
$75.99
. .
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory -$5.00 Instant
$39.99
$34.99
. .
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO5200DOBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103210
$56.00
. .
AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model HDX710WFGIBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103648
-$10.00 Instant
$129.00
$119.00
. .
XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #: N82E16835233014
$24.99
. .
Antec Black Aluminum / Steel Fusion Remote Max ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811129055
-$50.00 Instant
$229.95
$179.95
Subtotal: $1,510.31

so far so good?
anything I should upgrade or downgrade?

renethx

05-27-09, 02:10 AM

@drtaau3

So you are building a HTPC and a server, right? Basically good selection. A couple of comments:

- Centurion 590 comes with a 4-in-3 drive cage. To install more than four HDDs, you will need to buy more cages or HDD brackets or 5-in-3 backplane.

- Do you have memory for a server?

- Corsair CMPSU-450VX is about $20 cheaper (it's not modular though).

renethx

05-27-09, 02:40 AM

DigiTimes (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090526PD212.html)

Intel has decided to postpone the debut of its new mainstream desktop PC platform, Lynnfield processors (tentatively Core i5) and 5-series chipsets, from July as originally scheduled, to early September 2009, according to sources at motherboard makers.

However, Core i5 processors will be available early for retail sale in late August, while P55-based motherboards will appear even sooner in mid-August, the sources noted.

Due to the global economic downturn driving down market demand, Intel expects the launch will allow more time for 4-series inventory to deplete.

Intel plans to launch three Core i5 CPUs with frequencies of 2.93GHz, 2.8GHz and 2.66GHz and priced at US$562, US$284 and US$196 in thousand-unit tray quantities. All of them will feature a TDP of 95W. The P55 chipset will be priced at US$40.

The entry-level Havendale processor is scheduled to launch in January next year, while P57, H57 and H55 chipsets will launch in the first quarter next year.

Perhaps Core i5 2.66GHz will be used in the ATX high-end Intel/Intel recommendation.

Comparison with Phenome II X4 940 (http://www.xfastest.com/redirect.php?tid=22494&goto=newpost):

|CPU Queen|CPU PhotWorxx|CPU AES
Core i5 2.66GHz|21802|20971|21150
Phenom II X4 940|18669|21717|21475

CPU Queen: "This simple integer benchmark focuses on the branch prediction capabilities and the misprediction penalties of the CPU."
CPU PhotoWorxx: "The following test is an integer benchmark which performs different common tasks used during digital photo processing."
CPU AES: "This integer benchmark measures CPU performance using AES (a.k.a. Rijndael) data encryption."

renethx

05-27-09, 02:51 AM

There is another thread on this matter, but for those who haven't read it yet, here are download links:

- Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone (KB948465) (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=a4dd31d5-f907-4406-9012-a5c3199ea2b3)
- Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based systems (KB948465) (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=656c9d4a-55ec-4972-a0d7-b1a6fedf51a7)
- Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone DVD ISO (KB948465) (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=9f073285-b6ef-4297-85ce-f4463d06d6cb)

SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2.

renethx

05-27-09, 03:07 AM

ISK Series (http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?Family=Mjg4)

Mini-ITX is the next "big" thing. And now, Antec introduces the ISK Series, an entire line of cases designed exclusively for Mini-ITX motherboards. From petite desktop option to home theater PC, Antec's ISK Series presents epic cases of mini proportions.

ISK 300-65 (http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjA5Mw==) comes with a 65W adapter, good for ZOTAC IONITX.

http://www.antec.com/images/400/ISK_Q.jpg

renethx

05-27-09, 03:21 AM

AMD 880G (codenamed RS785) is the successor to the current chipset AMD 780G (codenamed RS780), expected in Q3.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143732&stc=1&d=1243408529

The IGP will be called ATI Radeon HD 4200, but is based on RV620 (HD 3450/3470), so HDMI audio is perhaps stereo LPCM. UVD is 2.0.

Pictures of ASUS M4A785-M EVO: top (http://www.4gamer.net/games/060/G006089/20090526033/SS/002.jpg) and rear (http://www.4gamer.net/games/060/G006089/20090526033/SS/009.jpg).

Nomgle

05-27-09, 04:28 AM

Is there such a thing as DVI to component cable adapter for video?
Generally no - because DVI is a digital signal, and Component is an analogue signal.

You can however convert between VGA and Component without too much trouble - a convertor box is cheap enough.
Be aware that it's also possible to find VGA to Component cables (ie, without any internal convertor electronics) - these generally won't work unless you happen to have a device that can cope with Component video through it's VGA input (not many can !).
edit: maybe this cable?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2
Looks like that will do the trick for ATI cards only - it must switch the card's output into Component mode.

Ric_Margiotta

05-27-09, 08:47 AM

And 1920x1080p gives tiny text/icons from the viewing position.
I use it at 1280x720p for "computer stuff" and switch to higher res for video.

Windows 7 has some nice settings for increasing the size of the desktop UI, it seems to work a lot better than it did under Vista. I believe it's under the Personalize menu, try the 150 DPI setting.

Scruffie

05-27-09, 11:15 AM

davegod75

05-27-09, 12:10 PM

Generally no - because DVI is a digital signal, and Component is an analogue signal.

You can however convert between VGA and Component without too much trouble - a convertor box is cheap enough.
Be aware that it's also possible to find VGA to Component cables (ie, without any internal convertor electronics) - these generally won't work unless you happen to have a device that can cope with Component video through it's VGA input (not many can !).

Looks like that will do the trick for ATI cards only - it must switch the card's output into Component mode.

So how are people getting video from their computers to the TV without HDMI? Dsub adapters?

rmmeli

05-27-09, 12:34 PM

Has anyone had issues with the Logitech Dinovo Edge keyboard? I just bought one to finish off my HTPC build. I have the Antec Fusion Remote Max case with the iMon software running. The O/S is Vista x64 Home Premium (CPU is . I installed the latest drivers from the Logitech web site and to start with everything seemed to work fine i.e. the keyboard and mouse seemed to work fine. However there are times when the mouse gets really jerky as if something is interrupting the mouse and also at one point the keyboard keystrokes were not captured. I managed to get the keyboard characters to work again by flipping the keyboard on/off switch. What was interesting was that the mouse was still working when this happened. Anyone seen anything like this or got any suggestions as to what I can try?

Thanks.

churchie04

05-27-09, 12:37 PM

gfortune1981

05-27-09, 02:36 PM

Here is my upgrade list for my computer:

8 Western Digital RE3 WD1002FBYS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
Internal Hard Drive - OEM

1 SAMSUNG 920WM Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail

1 EVGA 896-P3-1173-AR GeForce GTX 275 FTW Edition 896MB 448-bit DDR3
PCI Express 2.0 x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

1 SANS DIGITAL TR8M-B 8 Bay SATA to eSATA (Port Multiplier) JBOD
Enclosure - Retail

1 LG Black Super Multi Blu-ray Disc Burner & HD DVD-ROM Drive SATA
Model GGW-H20L - Retail

1 The Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD HDMI v1.3a

A couple of questons:

Computer is upstairs right below the Denon Receiver 5308CI with 1 HDMI input available. The out HDMI cable from the receiver connects an HDFury2 for conversion to component on the Pioneer 710HD (no HDMI) but works great with DirecTV, blu-ray and XA2.

I also AnyHDVD for the computer.

Do I need to run an HDMI cable directly to the downstairs receiver? Is there a conversion cable from ethernet to HMDI?

Will this do the trick?

http://www.summit-hd.com/HDMI-Extender/r1-hdmi-repeater.html
R1 HDMI Repeater

R1 Repeater/Booster extends the effective length of any HDMI cable by recoding the HDMI signal before it outputs the HDMI displays. R1 will remove digital noise in the display. The input of the HDMI repeater is connected with a long HDMI cable from the HDMI device, such as a DVD player, set-top box, game console, personal video recorder and satellite systems. The HDMI Repeater unit can be daisy chain two cables together and create a longer HDMI extension.

The Power to Go The Distance
The BVHD-10 system includes the HDD-10 sender, HDR-10 receiver, and a 12-volt Wall Plug Power Supply, which powers both units from either end, making installation even easier. Utilizes unique adaptive equalization technique for automatic signal restoration.

Bulletproof Reliability
The BVHD-10 system is designed and built at our factories in the Pacific Northwest Rainforest to ensure product performance, and is backed with our Bulletproof 5 Year Warranty.

Key Features

* Newest Generation HDMI Signal Processing
* Active and Automatic Signal Restoration
* LED Confirmation of Valid Connections and Data Transfer
* Long Cable Length: Up to 150 feet for 1080p, 200 feet for 1080i
* Accomodates all HDMI/HDCP v1.3 Signals
* Locking HDMI Connector Type
* Externally Powered for Best Performance
* Special Static Protection on All Inputs and Outputs
* 5-Year Warranty When Dealer Installed
* Designed and Manufactured at the AudioControl Factory in the Pacific Northwest Rainforest of the U.S.

AC_Logo_FTWCPP.gif
How does it work
One HDMI cable –up to 25 meter long – is linked your HDMI source to the HDMI Repeater input. Another cable – up to 5 meter long – is linked the HDMI Repeater output to your HDMI display. The 5V DC power supply is plugged into a nearby wall socket and into the Repeater unit.

Features:
* Extends high definition video and digital audio.
* Extends high definition video and digital audio Compact, portable device.
* Allows to extend the HDMI cable distance, between the sink and source to 40M (35M HDMI cable+5M HDMI cable)
* Supports 720P, 1080i and 1080P resolutions.
* Works with HDMI 1.3 compliant devices.
* Works with HDCP compliant devices.
* Easy to install and simple to use
Specifications:
* Video amplifier speed: 6.75 Gbps.
* Video amplifier bandwidth: 225 MHz.
* Up to 36bit color depth.
* Input video signal: 1.2 Volts p-p.
* Input DDC signal: 5 Volts p-p (TTL).
* HDMI connectors: type A 19-pin female.
* Power supply: DC5V 1A
* Dimensions: 45 x 43 x 19mm
* Weight: 290g

Package Contents:
* The R1 HDMI Repeater
* 5V DC Power Supply(Optional)
* User's Manual.

OR

http://www.audiocontrol.com/t36/5646/258502/Video-Over-Cat--5/BVHD-10.html

BVHD 10
BVHD-10TM

HDMI over CAT-5 / 6

Deliver HDMI Over CAT-5/6
As the pioneers of Audio and Video over CAT-5 and CAT-6, you can trust that AudioControl's BVHD-10 system will accurately and reliably extend HDMI signals over CAT-5 or CAT-6 up to 150 feet. The BVHD-10 sends HDMI v1.3 over a pair of standard CAT-5/6 cables, providing more flexibility in the installation and offering a much more affordable and compact solution than attempting to use standard expensive HDMI cable.

What kind of remote would you consider to use to integrate with my Harmony IR?

Is there any issue with 1080I?

The EvGA card will have one HDMI out and so will the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD. Do I connect the X-Fi to the EVGA card or vice/versa?

Using Windows Ultimate with 4 gbs of memory and X6800 dual core.

Thanks!

rmmeli

05-27-09, 02:41 PM

Ok Thanks but it is fully charged...at least I assume it is as it sat on the charger for a day.

grantwolf

05-27-09, 04:02 PM

This card. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102816)

Renethx,

So..I'm still on the fence about what to do about my HTPC. I'm considering purchasing a refurb Lenovo M58, which has the e8400 chip in it...but can't find specifics on the motherboard. Most of what I can find mentions the Intel Q45 MB...but as far as I can tell, that's the mini-ATX and micro-ATX boards...but this is a full tower model. Out of pocket, I'd be looking at only $225 or so...and I already have the 4670 card and 1T WD drive....so still a pretty decent deal.

...my concern is that even this "new" computer won't accept the double-slot graphics card. Is there a way to tell without actually seeing the MB? Is this slot specifically listed as PCI Express 2.0?...or is that something totally different?

The reason I'm leaning towards the new machine, is that this old Aptiva that I can't figure out why it's not passing SPDIF...so I don't want to return my original 4670 for the one you mentioned, only to scrap the computer altogether.

Thoughts?

renethx

05-27-09, 04:25 PM

Renethx,

So..I'm still on the fence about what to do about my HTPC. I'm considering purchasing a refurb Lenovo M58, which has the e8400 chip in it...but can't find specifics on the motherboard. Most of what I can find mentions the Intel Q45 MB...but as far as I can tell, that's the mini-ATX and micro-ATX boards...but this is a full tower model. Out of pocket, I'd be looking at only $225 or so...and I already have the 4670 card and 1T WD drive....so still a pretty decent deal.

...my concern is that even this "new" computer won't accept the double-slot graphics card. Is there a way to tell without actually seeing the MB? Is this slot specifically listed as PCI Express 2.0?...or is that something totally different?

The reason I'm leaning towards the new machine, is that this old Aptiva that I can't figure out why it's not passing SPDIF...so I don't want to return my original 4670 for the one you mentioned, only to scrap the computer altogether.

Thoughts?
Q45 supports PCI Express 2.0 x16. But it looks like M58 supports only a low-profile card. You need to know the precise model number to be sure. Check this page (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/product.do?template=%2Fproductpage%2Flandingpages%2FproductP ageLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo&brandind=11&familyind=433535&machineind=0&modelind=0&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=3&doccategoryind=0&operatingsystemind=343110&validate=true) and the specs (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70820). The mb diagram is here (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70952).

renethx

05-27-09, 04:35 PM

Hi folks,
I'm considering using Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H or Zotac 9300 for my HTPC build. Have a couple of questions to see if what i'm would like to do is possible:

I'm thinking of adding a discrete graphics card so I can also play games but I'd like to save power by using the onboard IGP for everything else.
Can I set in the BIOS which card I want enabled? Does this mean that even if I select onboard IGP that the discrete card is still powered and idling and vica versa? I only require 720p for gaming so I’m thinking of using an ATI 4670 as it seems to only use about 9-14w idling so looks like a good choice or would I be better going for a nvidia card to use hybridSLI?

My amp only does pass through audio on HDMI so can I set the audio to be over the onboard S/PDIF so that I get 5.1 audio to my amp regardless if i use discrete or igp to tv? Is it possible to also set audio to go over the HDMI i'm using at the same time as S/PDIF so that if I don’t turn on my amp I can still get audio over my tv speakers?

Is that too complicated and troublesome a set up? Should I just get a cheaper mb without IGP and use a discrete low power gfx card with HDMI altogether?

Thanks for yer help!
You can use IGP and disable ATI by selecting IGP as the primary display card. But the ATI card always consumes idle power (there is no way to completely shut down the discrete card). I recommend to always use ATI instead of IGP (better PQ). 5.1 DD/DTS over S/PDIF is no problem: use onboard audio codec via optical cable. ATI HDMI audio also supports DD/DTS pass-through.

Hybrid SLI is not a good idea. The only supported cards are older 8400 GS and 8500 GT and the performance of Hybrid SLI is much lower than the single HD 4670.

grantwolf

05-27-09, 04:38 PM

Q45 supports PCI Express 2.0 x16. But it looks like M58 supports only a low-profile card. You need to know the precise model number to be sure. Check this page (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/product.do?template=%2Fproductpage%2Flandingpages%2FproductP ageLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo&brandind=11&familyind=433535&machineind=0&modelind=0&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=3&doccategoryind=0&operatingsystemind=343110&validate=true) and the specs (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70820). The mb diagram is here (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70952).

Model is 7484...so slots are:

One half-length, full-height, PCI Express x16
One half-length, full-height, PCI Express x1
Two full-length, full-height, 32-bit PCI 2.3 (5v)

Iteki

05-27-09, 04:39 PM

Rene,

I'm still trying to figure out which solution to go with (ATI or Nvidia). I know you recommend ATI for better PQ and HDMI audio, but according to the chart, ATI doesn't do 24p BluRay.

Does Reclock make that a moot point? I may not use HDMI audio/video right away, but I'd like the option for 24p for when that time comes.

renethx

05-27-09, 04:41 PM

So how are people getting video from their computers to the TV without HDMI? Dsub adapters?
Depends on the TV input connectors. Preferred connectors are: HDMI > DVI > component video > VGA > S-video > composite video.

renethx

05-27-09, 04:51 PM

Iteki

05-27-09, 04:55 PM

For perfect 24p without ReClock, GeForce is still the only solution.

But ATI *with* ReClock will work, albeit with pitch issues?

renethx

05-27-09, 04:59 PM

Model is 7484...so slots are:

One half-length, full-height, PCI Express x16
One half-length, full-height, PCI Express x1
Two full-length, full-height, 32-bit PCI 2.3 (5v)
From this diagram (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-71086), the mb seems to support Sapphire HD 4670 GDDR4 (with fan).

renethx

05-27-09, 04:59 PM

But ATI *with* ReClock will work, albeit with pitch issues?
Yes.

grantwolf

05-27-09, 06:31 PM

From this diagram (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-71086), the mb seems to support Sapphire HD 4670 GDDR4 (with fan).

Excellent. Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to start over with my Aptiva, re-loading Windows7 to see if I've somehow screwed up the SPDIF with software...and if that doesn't give me any satisfaction, I'll pull the trigger on the "new" machine..

Kinda hard to beat $225 for a machine that has a $175 chip in it. The only real issue it has (provided the 4670 w/ fan fits) is that the power supply is only 280W.

Damaegus

05-27-09, 09:23 PM

renethx

05-28-09, 02:18 AM

Woohoo! Im happy. Finally got most of the issues resolved building my HTPC. Apparently I got a bad CPU from AMD but as usual NewEgg rocks and replaced it even though it was past the return date. Everything looks good and I have some great pics to post. Thanks to all of you who helped me out.

Only issue I seem to have now is OTA TV is really poor resolution. Its grainy and fuzzy. Cant figure it out. The cable from the wall that was going into my TV is plugged into the Hauppauge 1800 and I had great reception prior to that. DVD and ripped files look fine through the HDMI connection. I messed around with the Catalyst settings for the 4650 and couldnt figure anything out regarding the resolution. 1st screen is 1080p 60Hz (supported resolution) to my Samsung DLP, 2nd display is 800x600 (recommended setting) to the 7 inch touchscreen on the case.

Right now Im like 90% satisfied with the overall project. Help me get that last 10%, please? Thanks!
Which player/MPEG-2 decoder are you using? Some people prefer CyberLink decoder, DScaler5 or ffdshow to MS. Use Media Center Decoder Utility (http://thedigitallifestyle.com/cs/blogs/garry/archive/2009/04/14/announcing-mcdu-the-media-center-decoder-utility-replaces-vmcd.aspx) to change decoder.

Are you using 4650? Some 4650 cards have the AVIVO video grayed-out issue (so deinterlacing and other post-processing are non-working).

Nomgle

05-28-09, 04:30 AM

So how are people getting video from their computers to the TV without HDMI? Dsub adapters?
Those people will just be using VGA.

You won't need to go the Component route unless you have a really old display, that has neither VGA or HDMI/DVI inputs.

toomz1

05-28-09, 07:13 AM

Are the any reason why not to choose the Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3P(rev. 1.0) over the
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P(rev. 1.1) ? I would save about $60...

renethx

05-28-09, 07:26 AM

Are the any reason why not to choose the Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3P(rev. 1.0) over the
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P(rev. 1.1) ? I would save about $60...
Should be good unless you need 8 SATA ports.

grantwolf

05-28-09, 10:01 AM

Is there a compelling reason to go with the Q9400 chip over the E8400 chip, for a difference of $35?

grantwolf

05-28-09, 10:12 AM

The two systems (Lenovo M58's) that i'm considering are:

OPTION 1:
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9400 (2.66GHz, 6MB L2, 1333Mhz FSB)
2GB (2 X 1GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory
250GB, 7200RPM, 8M Cache SATA Drive
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer

OPTION 2:
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor E8400
1GB DDR2
160GB 7200RPM S-ATA
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer

I already have a 1T WD Green drive, and 4670 grahics card to add.

Option 1 is $35 more than option 2. Both are Vista Business machines, but will be loading W7 RC.

etcarroll

05-28-09, 10:36 AM

grantwolf

05-28-09, 10:42 AM

^^^^ The standard answer is that 'quads offer little real advantage now, but future versions of s/w will make use of it'.

I have an 8400, and it handles everything I throw at it, decoding OTA HDTV while encoding something else barely causes it to break a sweat.

Still, for a measly $35 you get not just a quad, but 2x the ram, I'd go with #1 for that reason alone.

Yeah...ram and hard drive space is cheap....but it seems worth it to make the upgrade. Only problem would be if the 280W power supply will be more taxed with the Q9400 chip over the E8400...plus the 4670 card and 1T drive.

renethx

05-28-09, 11:06 AM

grantwolf

05-28-09, 11:07 AM

What Video Card do they come with? On board or discrete? ATI/NVIDIA/INTEL?

I think they use the same Q45* motherboard, which has the Intel Media Accellerator 4500. I plan to disable that, and use the already purchased SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB card.

*edited

blackranger3d

05-28-09, 11:12 AM

Hey Guys

I'm having a minor sound issue. I can't adjust my levels (I want to increase my subwoofer)

I'm using TMT3.
My HTPC is connected to my receiver with HDMI for audio and video
All my speakers work.
My receivers functions (switching to dolby, adjusting speaker levels) are all (except volume) locked out.

There is likly a very simple answers to this (I just haven't been able to find one here or using google)

Cheers,

PS. What is it called when the HTPC is in conrtol of your reciever, LCPM?

blinkinek

05-28-09, 11:19 AM

Hello again,

short question: DDR2-800 will work with X2 7750?

Iteki

05-28-09, 11:22 AM

I think they use the same Q45* motherboard, which has the Intel Media Accellerator 4500. I plan to disable that, and use the already purchased SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB card.

*edited

Yeah, I saw that after the fact and deleted my question :-)

We use the M57 at work, and they are decent machines, but WAY SHORT on expansion slots. Are you adding TV tuners at any point?

gunbunnysoulja

05-28-09, 11:25 AM

Any opinion on using the DFI LANParty GF9400-T2RS vs. the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H?

renethx

05-28-09, 11:26 AM

Hey Guys

I'm having a minor sound issue. I can't adjust my levels (I want to increase my subwoofer)

I'm using TMT3.
My HTPC is connected to my receiver with HDMI for audio and video
All my speakers work.
My receivers functions (switching to dolby, adjusting speaker levels) are all (except volume) locked out.
Launch "Sound" dialog box from the control panel and open "Properties" of the HDMI device. You will see volume slider of each channel in Balance < Levels. (I am not sure which is subwoofer.)

grantwolf

05-28-09, 11:30 AM

Yeah, I saw that after the fact and deleted my question :-)

We use the M57 at work, and they are decent machines, but WAY SHORT on expansion slots. Are you adding TV tuners at any point?

Good question. I don't have any immediate plans for TV tuners...but I can certainly see wanting to add that in the future (if we can ever rid ourselves of full-blown cable). Maybe 2 years down the road?

However, at $260 for this system, vs. $500+ for a custom build with comparable parts (but better motherboard with more expansion space)....makes it hard to decide on this alone.

renethx

05-28-09, 11:31 AM

Hello again,

short question: DDR2-800 will work with X2 7750?
Yes.

renethx

05-28-09, 11:32 AM

Any opinion on using the DFI LANParty GF9400-T2RS vs. the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H?
Either one should be good.

etcarroll

05-28-09, 11:33 AM

I think they use the same Q45* motherboard, which has the Intel Media Accellerator 4500. I plan to disable that, and use the already purchased SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB card.

*edited

I put that card in when I upgraded my cpu to the 8400 - its a 2-slot card - you may be facing a 'lack of needed slots' issue if you want to go with an internal tuner and other items.

Iteki

05-28-09, 12:20 PM

Good question. I don't have any immediate plans for TV tuners...but I can certainly see wanting to add that in the future (if we can ever rid ourselves of full-blown cable). Maybe 2 years down the road?

However, at $260 for this system, vs. $500+ for a custom build with comparable parts (but better motherboard with more expansion space)....makes it hard to decide on this alone.

If nothing else just make this HTPC a ripper/player only. Tuning/capture can be another machine down the road, or you can get an HD Homerun and capture from any machine on your network.

davegod75

05-28-09, 12:29 PM

Depends on the TV input connectors. Preferred connectors are: HDMI > DVI > component video > VGA > S-video > composite video.

so my tv and a/v receiver both support component video connectors.

So I use an HDMI to component adapter?....like the one I linked to on page 280

Paul E. Fox, II

05-28-09, 12:34 PM

Launch "Sound" dialog box from the control panel and open "Properties" of the HDMI device. You will see volume slider of each channel in Balance < Levels. (I am not sure which is subwoofer.)

So I guess this answers an unasked question....this is how I would end up setting the level balance for HT audio?

If nothing else just make this HTPC a ripper/player only. Tuning/capture can be another machine down the road, or you can get an HD Homerun and capture from any machine on your network.

What I'm planning on doing. I still need to research this some as I want to be able to but recorded files of shows without commercials for archiving.

davegod75

05-28-09, 12:37 PM

Those people will just be using VGA.

You won't need to go the Component route unless you have a really old display, that has neither VGA or HDMI/DVI inputs.

you mean composite I think.

my HTPC would be hooked up to my a/v receiver or my tv which don't have VGA inputs (do any?)

So I would still need a VGA(15 pin dsub) to composite/s-video/component adapter correct?

renethx

05-28-09, 12:51 PM

so my tv and a/v receiver both support component video connectors.

So I use an HDMI to component adapter?....like the one I linked to on page 280
I am not sure if it works. It's cheap, so maybe worth trying. Or buy a card with a 7-pin mini-DIN connector. Or HDFury2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2).

james57

05-28-09, 01:02 PM

you mean composite I think.

my HTPC would be hooked up to my a/v receiver or my tv which don't have VGA inputs (do any?)

So I would still need a VGA(15 pin dsub) to composite/s-video/component adapter correct?

I have a similare issue and would appreciate some clarification before I attempt to build an htpc:

I currently have a Panasonic plasma TH58Ph10uka (768p, HDMI and Component, RGB, PC in, Serial) and am having issues with BR playback from a dmp35, mostly around gjidder.

Since the screen is 768p and will accept up to 1366*768, I am thinking of building an htpc in order to get the best picture possible, now the possible connections are:

hdmi: but would be limited to 720p or 1080i which I allready have from my br player and causing jidder
componet:
pc in: dsub 15 with rgb analogue
dvi: but would need to get an extra card (200$)

Since most graphic cards output dvi is this the best route and have a dvi card in my plasma or is getting a card with dsub out and to pc in would provide the same result ??

thks

davegod75

05-28-09, 01:16 PM

I am not sure if it works. It's cheap, so maybe worth trying. Or buy a card with a 7-pin mini-DIN connector. Or HDFury2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2).

is 7-pin mini din the same at s-video?

wow, that HDFury2 is expensive. I think that other adapter does the same thing though, unless anyone can tell me otherwise

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2

grantwolf

05-28-09, 01:47 PM

I put that card in when I upgraded my cpu to the 8400 - its a 2-slot card - you may be facing a 'lack of needed slots' issue if you want to go with an internal tuner and other items.

Yeah. I actually have an old Aptiva that won't accomodate the two-card slot, which is one of the many reasons for this upgrade I'm considering.

davegod75

05-28-09, 01:49 PM

this 4550 advertises a component outputs.

http://wheretobuy.amd.com/prodinfo/1194980.html?info_tab

and microcenter advertises it with a "component breakout cable"

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0303306

I wonder if all HD 4550 cards support this??

WalkinPaul

05-28-09, 01:58 PM

bimmer_immer

05-28-09, 02:45 PM

Windows 7 has some nice settings for increasing the size of the desktop UI, it seems to work a lot better than it did under Vista. I believe it's under the Personalize menu, try the 150 DPI setting.

Yeah -- I found this in Control Panel -> Display
I chose the 150% option.
It makes icons and text big enough to see without having to switch to a lower resolution.

Thanks!

renethx

05-28-09, 03:00 PM

is 7-pin mini din the same at s-video?

wow, that HDFury2 is expensive. I think that other adapter does the same thing though, unless anyone can tell me otherwise

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2
HDFury2 and the DVI-I to component video adapter is totally different. The latter works only with ATI cards and it merely converts analog signals (YPbPr) from DVI-"I" to three component cables (YPbPr). The former works with any HDMI signal and converts digital to analog (that's why it's expensive).

But as you are using a ATI card, there is no reason to use HDFury2 (unless this cheap adapter does not work).

Yup, 4550PE3512SB is perhaps the best card for you. The card has a 7-pin mini-DIN connector that supports all three analog signals for TV: component video, S-video and composite video (with a proper cable for each).

renethx

05-28-09, 03:28 PM

Anyone built Renethx's Gaming Mini-ITX system? I have been researching it and am about to bite the bullet and order the parts. Possibly use windows 7 rc. It would live in a entertainment center that is only 17" deep and has doors on front and wood on back. So, I'm primarily worried about heat and noise. Plus I'm space limited. I plan on cutting a small hole in the back of the cabinet to blow the heat out of and to also run the cables out of it too.

Use would be light gaming(crysis, etc) and primary HTPC w/ BluRay, hulu, netflix, hooked to a 46" Samsung LCD tv.

Iceq 4850, SS Sugo SG05 case w/ 300W pS. LGA 775 Q9550... Basically Renethx's build with 4G of RAM and a different CPU heat sink.

The 9300-d-3 mini-ITX intrigues me with the 2.0 PCIe x16. Zotac claims the Video card will fit and that their Power supply will handle the card. If anyone has done this... I would love to hear about how well it works....:D
Actually a friend of mine built almost the same system as my recommendation and it just works. Two other sources:

- VR-Zone SG05 review (http://vr-zone.com/articles/silverstone-sg05/6703-1.html?doc=6703) (tested with HD 4870!)

- A comment by a SilverStone engineer in NewEgg customer reviews (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=11-163-149) (below).
Manufacturer Response: Thank you very much for your feedbacks.

Regarding your concern with SG05’s PSU, this unit was selected and tuned by SilverStone engineers for improved quietness and performance (300W continuous power at 50C). It has dedicated +12V rail for graphics card (16A, peak 19A) to provide more than enough power for any 9" long dual slot graphics cards. We actually do not recommend using off the shelf SFX PSUs at this time as they may not be designed to work well in the SG05 environment as we have done with the included unit.

As a reference, here is a list of components used in the SG05 development system:
Intel Core 2 Quad 9550 95W CPU
MSI IM-Q35 DO Industrial Mini-ITX motherboard
Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C5DX DDR2 memory
*AMD Radeon HD4850 graphics card*
WD Raptor 150GB + VelociRaptor 300GB 10,000rpm hard drives
Slim Blu-ray drive

*The Radeon HD4850 is currently the highest powered card that can fit inside the SG05 (more than NVIDIA GTS 250, which is a dual slot design.)

NYSportz

05-28-09, 04:52 PM

I don't know if anyone is waiting for me to post a recap of my i7 system (probably not!), but I ran into a couple snags with my internet service and with Windows 7 hanging. I anticipate posting something in the DFI X58-T3H6 thread this weekend.

Justin

Iteki

05-28-09, 05:20 PM

Rene,

THIS (http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/135039/his-hightech-h485fn512p-radeon-hd-4850-512mb-pci-hdcp-ready-video-card-free-stalker-clear-sky/) seems like a good deal for a 4850 (thinking of some light-medium gaming). Any drawbacks to that card?

$75 for a 4850 after rebates?

renethx

05-29-09, 01:26 AM

nrk7001

05-29-09, 02:12 AM

Nomgle

05-29-09, 07:09 AM

you mean composite I think.

No - I mean Component.

These are the Red + Blue + Green RCA connectors. If this is the only input your TV supports (Composite does not count - see below) then you will have to use it.

Composite is the single yellow connector - the video it produces is absolutely terrible, and you should never ever use it.

my HTPC would be hooked up to my a/v receiver or my tv which don't have VGA inputs (do any?)
Pretty much all modern displays have VGA connectors, and DVI/HDMI connectors.

So I would still need a VGA(15 pin dsub) to composite/s-video/component adapter correct?
"composite/s-video/component" are three different things :)

Nomgle

05-29-09, 07:13 AM

so my tv and a/v receiver both support component video connectors.
The Red + Blue + Green connectors ?

Then all you need is a video card with a Component output. There are plenty of them.

So I use an HDMI to component adapter?....like the one I linked to on page 280
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2

That one ? That is a DVI to Component adaptor - NOT an HDMI to Component adaptor...

It says "Note: This adapter only work with the following ATI Video Cards.
Compatible video cards include: ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 8500, 8500DV, RADEON 9500, 9550, 9600, 9700 & 9800 series of video cards."

So no - it won't work with a modern card.

Nomgle

05-29-09, 07:16 AM

I am not sure if it works. It's cheap, so maybe worth trying. Or buy a card with a 7-pin mini-DIN connector. Or HDFury2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2).

this 4550 advertises a component outputs.

http://wheretobuy.amd.com/prodinfo/1194980.html?info_tab

and microcenter advertises it with a "component breakout cable"

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0303306
That card should do the trick - the Component Breakout Cable will look something like this
http://members.arstechnica.com/x/sliver7/svid-to-component.JPG

gfortune1981

05-29-09, 08:10 AM

Could some people give me feedback on message number 8398?

Thanks!

Gary

etcarroll

05-29-09, 08:31 AM

Gary -

You've crammed too much into 1 post.

Start by re-asking your #1 question, then move on from there with follow-ups.

dbone1026

05-29-09, 08:35 AM

I just saw this article (http://thedigitalmediazone.com/2009/05/28/new-asus-products-for-htpc-users/) regarding some new ASUS products for HTPCs. Mobo runs off the 780G and appears to include an IR Receiver/Remote. Sorry if this was mentioned already.

gfortune1981

05-29-09, 08:51 AM

walterg74

05-29-09, 11:18 AM

I have 2GB of SATA 3.0 hard drives so I have the drives covered.
[/LIST]

2 TB maybe...? :D

Iteki

05-29-09, 11:48 AM

2 TB maybe...? :D

Ah, the good old days when 2GB was a MASSIVE amount of storage :-)

nrk7001

05-29-09, 12:07 PM

2 TB maybe...? :D

hahah, ya thats what I meant. I've been out of the game for a while. feels weird to write TB versus GB.

fixit100

05-29-09, 12:11 PM

hahah, ya thats what I meant. I've been out of the game for a while. feels weird to write TB versus GB.
Hell, I'm so old I was thrilled when I went from 5 1/4" floppy to a 20 Megabyte drive!!

clobber

05-29-09, 12:19 PM

etcarroll

05-29-09, 01:17 PM

At first blush I like the BVD unit to send the hdmi over cat5/6, but at what cost?

Did you see the article on the home page about hdmi 1.4? You should read that, you may want to wait a bit before buying.

See proposed setup on post on message number 8398.

Computer is upstairs right below the Denon Receiver 5308CI with 1 HDMI input available. The out HDMI cable from the receiver connects an HDFury2 for conversion to component on the Pioneer 710HD (no HDMI) but works great with DirecTV, blu-ray and XA2.

I also AnyHDVD for the computer.

Do I need to run an HDMI cable directly to the downstairs receiver?

OR Is there a conversion cable from ethernet to HMDI?

Thanks!

Gary

SweetHip

05-29-09, 01:34 PM

gfortune1981

05-29-09, 02:02 PM

<At first blush I like the BVD unit to send the hdmi over cat5/6, but at what cost?>

Thanks for the input. See proposed setup on post on message number 8398. They also make HDMI extenders and 1 coax over HDMI. too.

The bid I got was $200 for HMDI to two cat6, then 2 cat6 to HDMI.

http://www.summit-hd.com/HDMI-Extender/

<Did you see the article on the home page about hdmi 1.4? You should read that, you may want to wait a bit before buying.>

I looked at the 1.4 but still vaporware but seems like a great future product!

Last questions:

What kind of remote would you consider to use to integrate with my Harmony IR?

Is there any issue with 1080I?

davegod75

05-29-09, 02:14 PM

No - I mean Component.

These are the Red + Blue + Green RCA connectors. If this is the only input your TV supports (Composite does not count - see below) then you will have to use it.

Composite is the single yellow connector - the video it produces is absolutely terrible, and you should never ever use it.

Pretty much all modern displays have VGA connectors, and DVI/HDMI connectors.

"composite/s-video/component" are three different things :)

Sorry to beat this dead horse but I just wanted to clarify the post you were responding to. Thanks BTW :)

I said "I think you mean composite" because you referenced "unless you have a really old display," which made me think composite. As most modern TV's still have component inputs (As far as I know) THAT SAID, I think I have not stressed enough in my post that my HTPC will be hooked up to a slightly older Sony CRT TV. It only has component, S-Video, and composite inputs. It does not have VGA, HDMI, or DVI inputs.

I know composite, component, and S-Video are three different connections. The slashes (/) are my way of saying "or."

Okay, that's all :)

tmonkey

05-29-09, 02:48 PM

I'm getting ready to build an i7 system and am getting confused on the video cards?

I ordered one of the HIS H485QT512P Radeon HD 4850 GDDR3 512MB recommended in the High End system specs, and am now wondering the difference between it and some of the cheaper 4850 cards (like the $75 one Iteki suggested)?

I'm probably going to use this partly as a workstation (at least initially) and would like to run 3 x 24" monitors at 1920x1200 in addition to a Vizio 55" 1080P lcd via HDMI. Typically I'll be doing one or the other (workstation or TV) and not both at the same time. I just saw that there is a 4850 X2 with 4 DVI ports and am wondering the difference between it and 2 4850s? I have room in my case (and motherboard) for 2 cards. Budget is an issue and if I could put off the 2nd card for a while (I still have some cabling to the TV to run) it would help keep peace in the house!

I plan on finally getting my AVHCD videos edited and I do some image editing, but this system won't be used for any high end gaming.

renethx

05-29-09, 03:28 PM

renethx, much love for all the posts. I'm for sure sending paypal after all the reading I just did. Any quick thoughts/recommendations for hardware on the following scenario...

HTPC for a dedicated theater with projector

I have a "server room" or geek room attached to the theater so sound is no issue, I can put blowers in and it would not matter, also form factor does not matter so no need to squeeze a PC in a mini case.

The Primary use will be to rip bluray titles to mkv files, them watch in theater over HDMI to a Yamaha receiver (capable of decoding 7.1 if needed). Also to serve up hulu and netflix. I will do light gaming for the heck of it. maybe some RTS or Rome Total War. No major FPS games as I play the Xbox360 mostly. I assume any card I get (ATI 4870) will work great for this.

The only odd question I have is I need to send component out AND HDMI to separate inputs. I use a component video switcher to switch in other rooms (living room, bedroom) and I use HDMI in the theater. I assume most video cards do this by default, but thought I would ask.

I guess sound out via HDMI (LPCM) is just find, I cant seem a compelling reason to buy a dedicated audio out card to just get the bitstream option. You also mentioned you cant get it anyway when watching via MKV files. Do MKV files still play lossless HD audio via LPCM though?

Money not a major issue, so throw what you think at me (not an overkill though)

I have 2TB of SATA 3.0 hard drives so I have the drives covered.

I guess I answered question 4 in another thread.

Yup, if you rip BD to MKV, then you only need multichannel LPCM over HDMI and Radeon HD 4xxx is enough. MKV is just a container, it can hold lossless audio formats such as FLAC. So what you need is create proper MKV files with lossless audio track (as explained in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1033822)).

I think one of the mid-range systems is enough (I am not sure of your gaming requirements though). You need to buy a video card with a 7-pin mini-DIN connector (a S-video like connector; supports not only S-video but component video) and a breakout cable. But almost every HD 4xxx card (4770 or higher) has this connector.

Case: For example, Antec Nine Hundred [Two], Cooler Master 690, COSMOS.
CPU cooler: For example, Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V

renethx

05-29-09, 03:36 PM

See proposed setup on post on message number 8398.

Computer is upstairs right below the Denon Receiver 5308CI with 1 HDMI input available. The out HDMI cable from the receiver connects an HDFury2 for conversion to component on the Pioneer 710HD (no HDMI) but works great with DirecTV, blu-ray and XA2.

I also AnyHDVD for the computer.

Do I need to run an HDMI cable directly to the downstairs receiver?

OR Is there a conversion cable from ethernet to HMDI?

Thanks!

Gary
A HDMI cable up to 50 feet works. Beyond that you will need an HDMI extender. It looks like HDMI-to-Cat5e/6 is poplular, but I have no experience. You may need a remote control extender (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_3).

renethx

05-29-09, 03:51 PM

Rene, thanks for all the hard work - really useful! I'm going to purchase one of the mid-range microATX systems, but need a couple of clarifications. The machine will be used as an HTPC only, no gaming.

1) Looking at the mid-range options - they all cost about the same. Any advantages to the AMD vs. Intel processors and various chipsets? I know about all the various chipset features etc, but for an HTPC - why choose INTEL/NVIDIA vs. AMD/NVIDIA? I'm not exactly drawn to one particular vendor.

2) I've been reading this thread and it seems the SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB is the way to go. However, you don't recommend that with the NVIDIA chipsets and instead opt for the EN9500GT. How come?

3) I'm really power limited. Can these systems run on a 300W or 350W power supply? If so, can you reccomend one? I assume you are recommending the CMPSU-450VX because it is quiet?

4) I'm looking to get about 2Tb of storage. Can you recommend some larger than 600Gb drives (that are quiet)?

5) Finally, is there a way to add this thread only as an RSS feed?

thanks!
AMD and Intel are very close in performance. I am going to use Phenom II X2 550 in the AMD mid-range systems (expected in June 2, $102 (http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/13929/35/), slightly cheaper than E7400). If you use a discrete video card, the chipset is less important. HD 4xxx with NVIDIA chipset works fine. But HD 4xxx with AMD chipset could be better in that you can use the discrete GPU and integrated one simultaneously (under Vista/Windows 7).

300W is good enough for the mid-range system. CMPSU-450VX is not so expensive and very quiet. 300W to 450W: 20 Power Supplies on the Test Bench (http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3487) is a nice article.

I usually recommend a smaller, faster drive for OS (e.g. WD6400AAKS) and a bunch of larger drives for data (e.g. WD Caviar Green Power).

renethx

05-29-09, 03:56 PM

Rene and tohers..

I went with the miniITX system:
Zotac 9300
E5200
MI-008

I am using the stock HS fan.. it is pretty much right above the PS and causing my system to shut down every 3min. Would getting another HS slove this issue.. or just i go with a picoPSU?

In the mean time.. can i remove the HS fan(but leave the HS) and place a 120mm fan on the side of this case.. would that work?
If overheating is the cause of shutdown, replacing cooler (and PSU) could be a solution. Did you look at CPU temperature?

If you want to go with passve cooling, perhaps you'd better use a bigger heatsink (and picoPSU).

renethx

05-29-09, 04:10 PM

gfortune1981

05-29-09, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the reply! See proposed setup on post on message number 8398.

I already have the harmony 890 remote and am wondering if the Next Generation Remote Control Extender will work with this product? I am pondering using it to control my media center computer which is upstairs. The main harmony extender is in the basement with all the surround sound system.

Thanks!

Gary

renethx

05-30-09, 02:26 AM

Here. (http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3570)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143992&stc=1&d=1243664772

steven_007

05-30-09, 04:32 AM

reldridg

05-30-09, 09:39 AM

Hi there guys I have been away from the HTPC world for awhile, however my wife and I are not watching tv as much and we are thinking of just going to sutff we can get off the web, ota, and from our netflix account.

We have been using the netflix roku and it does a hell of a job so we are thinking of building a HTPC to handle other online stuff including netflix and moving the roku to another tv.

So I am wondering what you guys might recommend for a computer setup that can do the following,

-Record OTA programming from the locals,
-play back web content i.e. netflix, hulu, pbs
-I have a NEC 42" plasma that has dvi, but is not HDCP capable.
-Maybe a blue ray disk in the future but I was thinking of not even having a
optical drive in the unit, just using my external dvd-drive.

The unit will not be in a cabinet, rather up on a table under the plasma so I would like a quiet system.

foghorn2

05-30-09, 02:00 PM

I would like to build a very basic HTPC
I would like to use it for online videos & movie downloads
Basically it is going to be another Desktop that I will be using with my plasma TV
and to connect it through my A/V receiver
I don't need HD or blue ray, because i'm using my ps3 for HD movies
It is very important for me to get good quality, so if you think that I need a better video card please let me know
I want it also to be connected to the internet wireless, does it come built in on the motherboard?
And one of the most important things is that I want it to be as quiet as possible.

Thank you for the great work and for the priceless help you give.

Steven

Here's the recipie:

Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131354)
Cpu (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255)
Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098)
Quiet Fan (http://www.frys.com/product/5404269?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
HD (http://www.frys.com/product/5478279?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
Memory (http://www.frys.com/product/4960001?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
Installation/Ripping Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136159)
OS (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/)
Remote (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121003)

Go with a low profile pci or usb wireless adapter.

I like the MB because it has all solid capacitors, optical, Hdmi and the 8300 video.
The Cpu is 45 watt and all you will ever need for HD.

Hope it fills you up!

WalkinPaul

05-30-09, 02:03 PM

sugo_itx_htpc

1 Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
1 SILVERSTONE Sugo SG05-B Black SECC Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer
1 ZOTAC GF9300-D-E LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI Mini ITX Intel
1 G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual
1 LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model
1 VANTEC NST-530S2 5.25" USB 2.0 External Enclosure
1 Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps (I already have this one)
1 Paypal for renethx
1 Windows 7 rc
x various hd software/codec packages
1 using 9300 for video card(at least for starters, maybe forever)
1 Samsung 46" LCD

Use:

Main HTPC for movies, netflix, Blu-ray, hulu. Surfing net. Rhapsody attached to home 5.1 receiver. Almost no gaming for now, maybe later with 48xx or better depending on funds, WAF, and noise/ heat levels in living room entertainment center. If no video card, then better sound by adding a card in extension slot.

Questions:

1. Can one install Windows 7RC from an external Blu-ray drive in an enclosure attached with USB?
2. Can Blu-ray, hd movies play over the usb 2.0 port on an external drive.
3. Will this setup work?
4. Suggestions/Questions? Anyone? :D

sokkaNET

05-30-09, 03:11 PM

Hi

I just sold my old MediaCenter, and am planing to make a new. The mediacenter will be used for photos, music and DVDs, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. All the media will be on a WHS, the MC will not have any movies on it's hdd.

I am planing to use Windows 7 (RC until the final version is released), prob with the MyMovies plugin, or perhaps MediaBrowser as frontend. It's important to me to keep it as silent as possible.

I have checked this guide, and I have (more or less) decided to go with the full ATX, low-end, AMD solution.

It suggests the following components:

CPU: Athlon X2 5050e ADH5050DOBOX 2.6GHz AM2,
Is there any reason to use this particular processor, and not the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ since it's cheaper and faster. Is the 5200+ perhaps a warmer CPU than the 5050e?

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA780G-UD3H AM2+ AMD 780G chipset ATX
I will be using this motherboard

Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit.
This particular ram is impossible to get in denmark. I'm thinking about going for Kingston HyperX 2x1GB (DDR2 SDRAM, PC26400/800 MHz, CL6)

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4550 DDR3 512MB HDMI
I have searched every danish online store I can find, however they all seem to say this is a "limited version". However, I can not figure out whether this card simple is a limited edition, or it european version is limited compared to the US version.

HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps.
Guess I'll just be using some old harddrive I have laying around, I guess the only important thing here is the noise, since it will only contain the OS

PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W.
As I understand it, this psu isn't really that silent. Do you guys have any suggestion for some quieter PSU.

Case: SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B ATX,
Will be using some other case, perhaps a Antec Fusion Remote Max but I guess that's not important here.

I would really appreciate comments and suggestions ?
Does this all look like good choices or will my system be to load, or will I perhaps have perhaps have problems playing HD movies ?

stevedlk

05-30-09, 03:12 PM

Hi all,
Well my HTPC is in the house and working!!!!. ATI 4850 AMD phemon II x4 940
LG BD. Using TMT3 as the playr. HDMI through AVR. Worked grt the first time,
then this morning couldnt get anything but 2 channel. ( I bought the TMT3)
Checked everything I could find and rebooted and IT WORKS lol. Everything is decoding properly including Netflix, Hulu, and various other progs I have put on already.
Thanks to all who post here.
PowerDVD came with the BD player. I installed that also and downloaded a patch for BD play and it decodes the audio also???? Is this just a trial, it doesnt say so?
Main Question= My plasma is a Panny 50" 720p. No matter what resolution I try it leaves a little border around the edges. 1/2 inch on the sides 1/4 on top and bottom. This is the main Windows display. Is it because its a 720p?
Am I missing some setting?
Thank you

renethx

05-30-09, 04:40 PM

Questions:

1. Can one install Windows 7RC from an external Blu-ray drive in an enclosure attached with USB?
2. Can Blu-ray, hd movies play over the usb 2.0 port on an external drive.
3. Will this setup work?
4. Suggestions/Questions? Anyone? :D
1. It's hard to imagine that you can't install Windows from a USB device. Should you fail, you can attach the LG drive to a SATA port temporarily to install OS.
2. Yes. USB 2.0 has more than 8 times the bandwidth necessary for BD streaming.
3. Yes (except for Hulu at full screen for which you may want a better processor such as E7400).

WalkinPaul

05-30-09, 05:28 PM

1. It's hard to imagine that you can't install Windows from a USB device. Should you fail, you can attach the LG drive to a SATA port temporarily to install OS.
2. Yes. USB 2.0 has more than 8 times the bandwidth necessary for BD streaming.
3. Yes (except for Hulu at full screen for which you may want a better processor such as E7400).

Thanks.

I'm going for the E8400, and hope it doesn't get too hot. Or, would a slower clock speed Quad work better? There is the Q9400S @ 2.66MHz, but its $300. Wish I had the cabinet space for a better processor.

Paul E. Fox, II

05-30-09, 11:11 PM

Ok...

So I'm posting from the new HTPC! Everything went pretty smoothly believe it or not. It's been three years since I put a PC together so there were a few little things that I did wrong and had to go back and correct.

At this point, I seem to be hearing 7.1 channels of audio so that's good. However, I've only tested one (1) movie in Media Center. The display showed DD-DPLII-EX just as I expected. I haven't purchased ANY software yet so at the time, that's all I have.

Do I have Blu-ray/HD-DVD capability at this point? Is Media Center capable of playing back either/both of those formats?

Also, my major sticking point is with the IMON/IMEDIAN software that came with the Antec case. I know I'm not alone here but I can't seem to get any thing in the information window on the case itself OR get any sort of control with the supplied remote. That's not a HUGE deal as this Blue Tooth keyboard and mouse seem to work just fine so far. Still...it's there and I'd like to know why it's not working.

Does the fact that I'm running the Win7 RC have a lot to do with the problems I'm experiencing?

Lastly...I've never really known what kind of temperatures I "should" be seeing from the CPU. It was hitting at about 29 degrees C just after I finished watching a piece of that movie. Fans seem to be functioning as they should as well but is that where I should be?

One thing...since I decided to go with the Intel 9550 Quad Core, I was worried a bit that I may be exceeding recommendations for quiet operation but so far, this thing is DEAD SOLID quiet. The ceiling fan that's always turning in here is much louder than the HTPC at this point. I've not really done much to stress the computer at this point but I'm happy so far.

I still have a lot of learning/tweaking to do but at this point, I have a very quiet PC that hooked completely into my HT and utilizing my beautiful 50 Panasonic Plasma as a monitor:)

Thanks Rene for all your help! Once the credit card recovers, a donation will be forthcoming:).

Paul E. Fox, II

05-30-09, 11:11 PM

renethx

05-31-09, 02:32 AM

Thanks.

I'm going for the E8400, and hope it doesn't get too hot. Or, would a slower clock speed Quad work better? There is the Q9400S @ 2.66MHz, but its $300. Wish I had the cabinet space for a better processor.
E8400 runs almost as cool as E7400. This is a good choice.

supapowa

05-31-09, 11:54 AM

Paul E. Fox, II

05-31-09, 03:37 PM

I realize this may be an isolated case, but wanted to ask in case anyone else has this problem/figured it out. I'm having issues with the Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote.

there are 2 power switch connectors, one for the lcd, and the other for the push button. now in the manual it states that if you plug in the power switch for the lcd, the push button will work as well. this isn't the case for me. am I missing something obvious?

another issue I'm having is with the front panel usb connections. only the left usb connector works. the usb header matches the usb connections on the motherboard, so there's not really a way to screw it up. again, any ideas?

the motherboard that I have is the GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31

thanks

I think this may be the same problem I have but i'm not sure. My LCD is lit but doesn't seem to function at all. I'm not sure where the Black and Red Power Switch cable was supposed to go but my Power Button on the case definitely works.

Both my USB inputs are working fine. I haven't had anything to use to check the IEEE 1394 connection, front audio or headphone jacks yet but I'm not sure I'll ever need those.

Iteki

05-31-09, 05:57 PM

Anyone have any experience with this MB and Vendor? Seems to have the features I need.

foghorn2

05-31-09, 08:55 PM

I realize this may be an isolated case, but wanted to ask in case anyone else has this problem/figured it out. I'm having issues with the Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote.

there are 2 power switch connectors, one for the lcd, and the other for the push button. now in the manual it states that if you plug in the power switch for the lcd, the push button will work as well. this isn't the case for me. am I missing something obvious?

another issue I'm having is with the front panel usb connections. only the left usb connector works. the usb header matches the usb connections on the motherboard, so there's not really a way to screw it up. again, any ideas?

the motherboard that I have is the GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31

thanks

The jumper from the switch needs to be connected to the LCD, the cable from the LCD to the mobo. Both the switch and MCE remote will turn the computer on/off.

I use a Asus MB, no problems with USB ports.

walterg74

05-31-09, 09:00 PM

renethx, let's see if you can help me with this! :D

I just did a new install of my recently acquired HTPC. This is composed of:

- E5200 CPU
- Gigabyte G31 based motherboard
- 2GB RAM
- Sapphire ATI HD4670 discrete card
- WD 160GB HDD
- Wifi PCI addon card

This all worked fine, only installed Vista Ultimate, plus chipset drivers and latest Catalyst CCC.

I hooked it up to a 42" LCD TV, comes out perfectly.

Regarding sound, I just set the HDMI output as the default, and sound comes out of the TV just fine.

Now, the problem... :D

I just installed today a TV tuner card. It's a Sapphire Wonder TV PCI card (analog).

I installed the drivers, and the utility, and after screwing around a bit with it, I managed to get it working correctly, and sound coming out of speakers connected to the onboard sound card.

This card requires you to connect a cable from the card's sound output, to the sound card's audio input (line in).

Doing it this way works fine, but of course there's the nuisance of having additional speakers which I don't want.

In the card's setup, there is an option to set the output of the card to the HDMI output, however when I choose this not only does the sound not come out there, but additionally it STILL keeps coming out of the external speakers! :eek:

So I don't know... anything special I might need to do and I'm not aware of to get the sound from the tv card to also go out through the HDMI output and come out of my TV ?

Help greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!! :cool:

Paul E. Fox, II

05-31-09, 09:28 PM

The jumper from the switch needs to be connected to the LCD, the cable from the LCD to the mobo. Both the switch and MCE remote will turn the computer on/off.

One more time please?

I have two power switch leads...one is read and black, one is white and blue/black.

I'm not sure which is which here.

I have the red and black one going to the two-pin connector on the LCD...the white and blue/black lead is connected to the power connector on the motherboard.

Do I have it exactly backwards?

foghorn2

05-31-09, 11:14 PM

One more time please?

I have two power switch leads...one is read and black, one is white and blue/black.

I'm not sure which is which here.

I have the red and black one going to the two-pin connector on the LCD...the white and blue/black lead is connected to the power connector on the motherboard.

Do I have it exactly backwards?

Mine is deeply set into my cabinet and I don't want to disturb it, but I believe I have the red/black on the mobo. See where the cable comes from, the one from the right side should be connected to the LCD.

supapowa

06-01-09, 12:05 AM

One more time please?

I have two power switch leads...one is read and black, one is white and blue/black.

I'm not sure which is which here.

I have the red and black one going to the two-pin connector on the LCD...the white and blue/black lead is connected to the power connector on the motherboard.

Do I have it exactly backwards?

Paul,

just to help each other out here, the Red/Black is for the push power switch and the White/Blue is for the LCD. From how foghorn2 is explaining it, the R/B -> LCD -> MB.

RE the front usb ports, reading reviews on the egg suggest that this is a bios issue that disables the usb keyboard/mouse...

I'll have to try this out tomorrow, thanks foghorn2.

renethx

06-01-09, 01:15 AM

At this point, I seem to be hearing 7.1 channels of audio so that's good. However, I've only tested one (1) movie in Media Center. The display showed DD-DPLII-EX just as I expected. I haven't purchased ANY software yet so at the time, that's all I have.

Do I have Blu-ray/HD-DVD capability at this point? Is Media Center capable of playing back either/both of those formats?

Also, my major sticking point is with the IMON/IMEDIAN software that came with the Antec case. I know I'm not alone here but I can't seem to get any thing in the information window on the case itself OR get any sort of control with the supplied remote. That's not a HUGE deal as this Blue Tooth keyboard and mouse seem to work just fine so far. Still...it's there and I'd like to know why it's not working.

Does the fact that I'm running the Win7 RC have a lot to do with the problems I'm experiencing?

Lastly...I've never really known what kind of temperatures I "should" be seeing from the CPU. It was hitting at about 29 degrees C just after I finished watching a piece of that movie. Fans seem to be functioning as they should as well but is that where I should be?
Blu-ray/HD-DVD capability: If you have a BD/HD DVD optical drive and a software player (PowerDVD 7/8/9 Ultra [7 OEM is usually bundled with a BD drive], TMT 2/3 etc.), then yes.

IMON/IMEDIAN: Wrong wiring? Check this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15228903#post15228903) and this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16035362#post16035362).

Win7 RC should be fine.

Which hardware monitor are you using? SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) is very good, though you need to tweak it. I wrote a brief guide to SpeedFan: here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#SpeedFan) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#Using%20SpeedFan) (the actual configuration is different from mb to mb). 29°C is a bit low. 9550 is fine up to 71.4°C case temperature (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33924) (the temperature of the center of the heat spreader).

renethx

06-01-09, 01:20 AM

bit-tech.net (http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2009/05/28/intel-p55-and-lynnfield-to-launch-on-1st-se/1)

renethx

06-01-09, 01:21 AM

bit-tech.net (http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2009/05/28/intel-to-discontinue-core-i7-920-940-cpus/1)

Apparently, Lynnfield's performance is so close to the cheaper i7 CPUs that Intel is looking to move the focus of its LGA 1366 socket to just the high-end, workstation and SMP boards using the X58 chipset.

SweetHip

06-01-09, 08:30 AM

If overheating is the cause of shutdown, replacing cooler (and PSU) could be a solution. Did you look at CPU temperature?

If you want to go with passve cooling, perhaps you'd better use a bigger heatsink (and picoPSU).

No i couldnt, because it would shut down after like 2min. But when i flipped the PS (so the fan was on top, not directly on top of the HS fan) the PC worked fine with no issues.. my problem now is that i can not keep the case cover on.. after about 2hrs or so it shuts down if the cover is on.. so for the time being i have no case cover and all is good.

The stock E5200 fan is very loud, what low profile one would you recommend?
Or maybe i should go with a larger HS and use a 120mm fan on the side of it?

But what larger HS would fit in the MI-008 case?

Paul E. Fox, II

06-01-09, 08:33 AM

Mine is deeply set into my cabinet and I don't want to disturb it, but I believe I have the red/black on the mobo. See where the cable comes from, the one from the right side should be connected to the LCD.

Paul,

just to help each other out here, the Red/Black is for the push power switch and the White/Blue is for the LCD. From how foghorn2 is explaining it, the R/B -> LCD -> MB.

RE the front usb ports, reading reviews on the egg suggest that this is a bios issue that disables the usb keyboard/mouse...

I'll have to try this out tomorrow, thanks foghorn2.

If I'm reading this correctly then I do have it exactly backwards. I looked in the manual but as I'm apparently reading comprehension challenged, I was unable to determined exactly which was which. In my own defense, that wasn't the best manual I've used...it could use some work.

Blu-ray/HD-DVD capability: If you have a BD/HD DVD optical drive and a software player (PowerDVD 7/8/9 Ultra [7 OEM is usually bundled with a BD drive], TMT 2/3 etc.), then yes.

IMON/IMEDIAN: Wrong wiring? Check this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15228903#post15228903) and this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16035362#post16035362).

Win7 RC should be fine.

Which hardware monitor are you using? SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) is very good, though you need to tweak it. I wrote a brief guide to SpeedFan: here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#SpeedFan) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#Using%20SpeedFan) (the actual configuration is different from mb to mb). 29°C is a bit low. 9550 is fine up to 71.4°C case temperature (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33924) (the temperature of the center of the heat spreader).

Thanks for the help. I bought the LG Super Multi drive that has both Blu-ray and HD-DVD capabilities. It was the retail version but I don't recall seeing any sort of distribution disc bundled with the drive but I'll check to make sure. I thought I should have had access to something as well and it's possible it was overlooked in the pile.

Unless I'm seeing it incorrectly, my CPU temp has only hit 30C a few times but I've not been really stressing the HTPC much.

Also, do to my semi-complicated equipment chain...I've now lost HDMI connectivity with the HTPC. It's connected to a Monoprice 4 port HDMI switch, then to the Pioneer Elite Receiver (74 series) and then to the Panasonic TV. It was working fine but when I would reboot or switch inputs, I would have to switch the TV input once to get it to sync back up. That seems to have died at the moment. I figure it's related to the receiver as the HDMI has always been just a wee bit flaky on that unit. I have it connected directly to the TV from the DVI (via DVI-HDMI cable) at the moment and it's working but I miss the ease of the HDMI audio.

Still some tweaking and testing to do. I guess I get into the case this evening after work and see if I can swap the two power switch cables to see if that works and go from there.

davegod75

06-01-09, 09:11 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/amds-ati-radeon-e4690-brings-hd-directx-10-1-support-to-embedd/#thankYou

great news! For those who only need a 4550 this looks to fit the bill without using a PCI slot, and probably less heat!

edit: link to the 2 page pdf

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/DownloadableAssets/47285A_E4690_Discreet_GPU.pdf

Ric_Margiotta

06-01-09, 11:14 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/amds-ati-radeon-e4690-brings-hd-directx-10-1-support-to-embedd/#thankYou

great news! For those who only need a 4550 this looks to fit the bill without using a PCI slot, and probably less heat!

Hmm, that is rather promising... If it's on par performance-wise with a 4550, I'd replace my existing motherboard and 4550 combo for a decent new motherboard. With the card there, my system is just a little hotter than I would like.

I wonder how long it'll be before we see this in use...

davegod75

06-01-09, 11:40 AM

Hmm, that is rather promising... If it's on par performance-wise with a 4550, I'd replace my existing motherboard and 4550 combo for a decent new motherboard. With the card there, my system is just a little hotter than I would like.

I wonder how long it'll be before we see this in use...

some good info on the chip.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/DownloadableAssets/47285A_E4690_Discreet_GPU.pdf

Paul E. Fox, II

06-01-09, 12:39 PM

Which hardware monitor are you using? SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) is very good, though you need to tweak it. I wrote a brief guide to SpeedFan: here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#SpeedFan) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12249676#Using%20SpeedFan) (the actual configuration is different from mb to mb). 29°C is a bit low. 9550 is fine up to 71.4°C case temperature (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33924) (the temperature of the center of the heat spreader).

Just noticed that I didn't respond to your question. I'm using the application that was bundled with the Gigabyte MB...I think it's called ET6.

I'll check out SpeedFan though. One of the things I noticed was that while I ended up replacing both of the stock Antec Fans with the S-Flex fans, thy have a 3-pin connector rather than the 4-pin type that would match the System Fan header on the MB. I'm only seeing sporadic fan response from the fan connected to that header. I have the other connected directly to the PSU with the supplied adapter...that along with the CPU cooler seems to be keeping the system cool.

I'm going to do some work on it this evening when I get home to get all this straightened out.

hardhat_123

06-01-09, 06:24 PM

After hours of research and having managed to get hold of a bargain priced silverstone CW02 case, I'm toying with the following set up:

AMD Phenom II X3 720
Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283
Gigabyte GA-MA790 GP-UD4H
2 x 640 GB WD6400AAKS (Raid mirrored probably)
625W Enermax PRO82
G.SKILL F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
Graphics card (open to suggestions here) I may buy the: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB, but I can't get hold of one in the uk at the moment. Then there's the HIS H485QT512P, although I believe this might be more noisy and not to mention twice the price.

I guess my first question to the forum would be does the spec look ok? I'm planning on some gaming and went for the large case/625W PSU for future upgardability. Most importantly i want to be able to download content in the background whilst watching/recording TV or playing back other content; although I assume this won't be a problem.

As mentioned above, for data back up, I'd like to raid the 2 hard drives, considering this, might Samsung spinpoints be a better option? Are they less noisy?

Quick question about the heat sink too, is it the best one to go for with the CW02 ? I may dabble with some overclocking in the future, so should I reconsider the S1283.....any suggestions or advice? Noticed some people on the forum have gone with a modified (to fit the DVD drive in) Zalman CNPS9500A.

Thanks in advance.