renethx, do the tall round Zalman coolers like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019) fit in the antec fusion remote? What about the tower coolers like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118056)?

I am using the onboard GPU (Radeon HD 4200), which is integrated into the motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H). I am not sure how much work the GPU is actually doing during the Planet Earth bird scene, but the CPU usage gets up to 90% during it.

My system is the MicroATX Low-End AMD-AMD (iGPU) one and almost makes it through this crazy bird scene except for a brief, 1 second hiccup. FYI - the .mkv file is being played off of an internal hard drive in MPC-HC.

Maybe a system with the Athlon II X2 240 slightly overclocked or one using a CPU that is the next step up in CPU power would manage the bird scene in MPC-HC.

Seems like the cpu is doing all the work, so i suspect the gpu isn't accelerating at all. If DXVA is enabled, you should only see around 10-20% cpu usage.

Get this official tool from AMD to see UVD status during playback. (Link (http://downloads.guru3d.com/AMD-GPU-Clock-Tool-v0.9.26.0-For-HD-5870-download-2383.html))

Also download DXVA Checker and post a screenshot of the first page.

Just as a note, on my system I get no stutter in that scene and CPU is in the area of 10% usage. I've got an HD4550 card and my CPU is an Athlon X2 Kuma 7750 (dual core, 2.7 Ghz I think). I'm outputting via HDMI to a 1080i Plasma TV.

This is an impressive scene visually, but is it any harder to display than any other motion scene?

Marc

It's funny how people agonize over hardware decisions when my 3 year old setup (mid level at the time) still works great (first Vista and now Win7). You could buy just about the lowest level hardware available today and it will perform just fine for most HTPC applications.

This is all relative. If you are looking to do major post processing you need some balls in your system.

What would I gain if I went with the core i3 instead of the E7500?

Hi Renethx,

first thanks for all your information... I'd rate this thread the best place on the web to get HTPC info.

But, your recommendations for the i3 are "right now" for h55 boards. I will wait for the H57 boards. From what I gather, the H55s do not support RAID, and the H57 will. I rip a lot of music to these PCs and really don't want to deal with a HD crash.

But I will be waiting for result on the H55s, would assume the h57s boards will be almost identical. Guess they want to sell what they can of the H55s before they release the H57s.

renethx, do the tall round Zalman coolers like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019) fit in the antec fusion remote? What about the tower coolers like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118056)?
Max height should be < ~118mm. The only tower cooler I recommend for Fusion Remote is Ninja Mini.

First off - this is mostly off topic for this thread, so it would be best to take much in the way of further discussion to a new thread in the appropriate forum, but...

gsr (and the rest of the thread users).... sorry, didn't mean for my post to appear off topic. it was meant to gain knowledge about capabilities of HTPCs and then also what parts would be recommended to meet those needs/wants I had.

That being the case, I see your point how it could also be discussed elsewhere. I do appreciate your input on the subject matter however as far as HTPCs and RF remote control are concerned.

gsr (and the rest of the thread users).... sorry, didn't mean for my post to appear off topic. it was meant to gain knowledge about capabilities of HTPCs and then also what parts would be recommended to meet those needs/wants I had.

That being the case, I see your point how it could also be discussed elsewhere. I do appreciate your input on the subject matter however as far as HTPCs and RF remote control are concerned.
I didn't mean to suggest that you were doing anything wrong. I was just saying that an ongoing, in depth, discussion of the topic would be off topic for this thread. I think it was an excellent question that deserved brief discussion here to give people a general idea of what's possible, but anything further is best served in its own thread.

I am planning on building a basic box to play 720/1080 mkv files and hopefully stream some music to it along with s/pdif output. I was looking at your specs for the midlevel htpc and I'm a bit surprised at how steep they are. Your description of midlevel suggests this is the best to ensure playback of movies. But it calls for things like a amd quad 620. Isn't that a bit overkill? There is a huge thread on the Dell Zino which supposedly can play anything also and it's a single core with much lower level hardware.

If I'm missing something please fill me in but I'd really like a low power, inexpensive htpc for very basic needs.
Perhaps PQ and SQ are too subtle for many people to notice a difference? You need good eyes, ears and video/audio equipments.

I don't think the systems in my list are terribly expensive (think about how much money video/audiophiles spend on video/audio equipements/theater room). For example, look at MicroATX low-end Intel-Intel (dGPU) system (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972&page=370#MicroATX%20System:%20Low-End%20System:%20Intel-Intel%20%28dGPU%29). It costs only $343 (excluding peripherals and software, though), provides very good PQ for every kind of video contents, multichannel LPCM over HDMI as well as SPDIF. Maybe you could find a better deal somewhere else (a discount of a slightly older pre-built system, ebay, etc.), but that's not a subject of this thread.

Agreed, I don't think they are that expensive considering how much we spend on everything else.

Hi fellows
I have gateway pc

its :
motherboard G33 intel based
core2 quad
4gb
nvidia8500gt 256mb
500gb HD
500watt psu
lg burner

if i want to update 3D in future Iam hoping chnaing the graphic card
please help or update with any info
thankyou

I am planning on building a basic box to play 720/1080 mkv files and hopefully stream some music to it along with s/pdif output. I was looking at your specs for the midlevel htpc and I'm a bit surprised at how steep they are. Your description of midlevel suggests this is the best to ensure playback of movies. But it calls for things like a amd quad 620. Isn't that a bit overkill? There is a huge thread on the Dell Zino which supposedly can play anything also and it's a single core with much lower level hardware.

If I'm missing something please fill me in but I'd really like a low power, inexpensive htpc for very basic needs.

In my opinion the Dell Zino and other dinky HTPCs are all compromise. They will not work for what I want my HTPC to do. They will work on a certain level, for certain applications. I'd rather be able to select quality components for the best performance possible.

If you are watching a 19 inch TV with your HTPC a Zino will probably meet your needs. :)

Building a dinky computer may be an interesting project but if you want quality results you should probably start with this thread. I'm very happy with the HTPC I built.

Is ram CAS latency going to make much difference in an HTPC?

i put together the low end AMD renethx recommended system with the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H. I am running on Windows 7 retail - all drivers updated - Netflix streaming through Media Center 7 is constantly jerky. Also, when I start media center there is a slight jerkiness when the logo pops up and navigating within media center is sluggish at times - not very smooth like my high end PC build. Also MTS from my HD Camcorder files are unwatchable - stuttering throughout.

Does anyone know if this is normal?

I was thinking about buying a dedicated ATI 4850 for about $100. Does anyone thing if these problems will be cleared up by this hardware update.

Really ticks me off that the Roku or Xbox plays netflix so smoothly and I decided to go HTPC route for a lot more money to get some more functionality only to find netflix playback is terrible.

Is ram CAS latency going to make much difference in an HTPC?

No. I have used all different brands / speeds of RAM and in a HTPC it makes no diff. The one component which makes the biggest difference is the GPU or graphics card, especially with with GPUs being able to offload the video processing from the CPU.

Really ticks me off that the Roku or Xbox plays netflix so smoothly and I decided to go HTPC route for a lot more money to get some more functionality only to find netflix playback is terrible.

Open up task manage and run the same operations, then switch back to task manager and see if your CPU spiked for some reason.

As well do you get the same video problems when playing a HD file directly from the hard drive? Or have you narrowed it to online streaming services.

Trust me, there are so many advantages to HTPC versus 360 or Roku. Think about all the other things you can do. YouTube, Apple Trailers and most of all you can play pretty much any file format!

You definitely can't do that with other devices.

I am looking at the core i3 right now and do not know what motherboard to get. On newegg there are no reviews for the H55's and I noticed that not all of them have pci-express x1. I need that for my avermedia duet card. Anyone have any suggestions?

Just keep in mind that you can use X1 cards in X4 and X16 slots. I would say it is adavantageous to have these as opposed to the X1. Gives you more options.

I am looking at the core i3 right now and do not know what motherboard to get. On newegg there are no reviews for the H55's and I noticed that not all of them have pci-express x1. I need that for my avermedia duet card. Anyone have any suggestions?

I decided to go with Intel H55 board (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121394) along with a core i3. It has 2 PCIE x1 slots. I guess once it gets here and I get the whole system built I can put a review up. Then at least there will be one review. ;)

I decided to go with Intel H55 board (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121394) along with a core i3. It has 2 PCIE x1 slots. I guess once it gets here and I get the whole system built I can put a review up. Then at least there will be one review. ;)

I was looking at that board also. And the review will be much appreciated. And are you using a graphics card or is the onboard graphics sufficient?

I decided to go with Intel H55 board (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121394) along with a core i3. It has 2 PCIE x1 slots. I guess once it gets here and I get the whole system built I can put a review up. Then at least there will be one review. ;)

I went with the Gigabyte MB cause the Ram listed DDR3 800 and analog audio ALC889
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128421

I was looking at that board also. And the review will be much appreciated. And are you using a graphics card or is the onboard graphics sufficient?

I don't have it yet (should be here this week). The plan is to use the onboard graphics.

i put together the low end AMD renethx recommended system with the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H. I am running on Windows 7 retail - all drivers updated - Netflix streaming through Media Center 7 is constantly jerky. Also, when I start media center there is a slight jerkiness when the logo pops up and navigating within media center is sluggish at times - not very smooth like my high end PC build. Also MTS from my HD Camcorder files are unwatchable - stuttering throughout.
By any chance memory is running in the single channel mode?

I went with the Gigabyte MB cause the Ram listed DDR3 800 and analog audio ALC889
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128421

Newegg lists it as having a pci-express x1 but I dont see it on the board. Is it an error?
And what is the diff b/w the ALC888 & ALC889

Newegg lists it as having a pci-express x1 but I dont see it on the board. Is it an error?
And what is the diff b/w the ALC888 & ALC889
That board's got 2 x16 PCIe slots! fully backwards compatible with x1, x4, x8. They really expect ppl to Xfire or SLI these things on an H55?

That board's got 2 x16 PCIe slots! fully backwards compatible with x1, x4, x8. They really expect ppl to Xfire or SLI these things on an H55?

Oh I did not know you could stick a x1 card into the x16 slot. Thanks

Newegg lists it as having a pci-express x1 but I dont see it on the board. Is it an error?
And what is the diff b/w the ALC888 & ALC889

Yeah, it's a 16 and 4 I believe. Look at manufac website. ALC 889 is supported analog output for BluRay
http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=3321

http://www.realtek.com/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=28&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=173

Yeah, it's a 16 and 4 I believe. Look at manufac website. ALC 889 is supported analog output for BluRay
http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=3321

http://www.realtek.com/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=28&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=173

Oh alright thanks. I will get this board with the core i3 530

Oh I did not know you could stick a x1 card into the x16 slot. Thanks

Seriously??? I told you that 3 times in 2 different threads.

Seriously??? I told you that 3 times in 2 different threads.

Ha yea I just realized that. I posted it on 2 different threads. Thanks though

Whether I am interested in Clarkdale or not, I have to test it with a couple of mbs to update my recommendations. I may be able to post the January edition by Monday along with quick test results (hopefully :)).

We are all very much looking forward to it!

i put together the low end AMD renethx recommended system with the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H. I am running on Windows 7 retail - all drivers updated - Netflix streaming through Media Center 7 is constantly jerky. ...
Really ticks me off that the Roku or Xbox plays netflix so smoothly and I decided to go HTPC route for a lot more money to get some more functionality only to find netflix playback is terrible.

While it sounds like you do have an issue somewhere, also keep in mind that Netflix doesn't stream HD to Windows yet. A Roku box can get an HD feed from Netflix, but they have so far refused to open that up to any windows / mac player.

On my system (and hooked up to a 50" 1080i plasma) Netflix is almost unwatchable. It's somewhere between a VHS tape and a DVD in terms of quality, with just stereo sound. Ick.

So, the problem is not all on your end.

Marc

While it sounds like you do have an issue somewhere, also keep in mind that Netflix doesn't stream HD to Windows yet. A Roku box can get an HD feed from Netflix, but they have so far refused to open that up to any windows / mac player.

On my system (and hooked up to a 50" 1080i plasma) Netflix is almost unwatchable. It's somewhere between a VHS tape and a DVD in terms of quality, with just stereo sound. Ick.

So, the problem is not all on your end.

Marc

yeah - i checked my high end gaming PC and same thing for netflix. It is a bummer.

Renethx - i have both sticks of your recommended memery in the same colored slots on the board and it posts the full memory

i am probably being picky with the smoothess moving around in media center- everything else except the HD mts files plays without a hitch. I have always had trouble with HD MTS files from my camcorder on many PCs. I guess I just have to get a graphic card for some more power for these files.

I have always had trouble with HD MTS files from my camcorder on many PCs. I guess I just have to get a graphic card for some more power for these files.

Yes I have come across this issue as well. The 3200HD just does not cut it for those file types.

everything else except the HD mts files plays without a hitch. I have always had trouble with HD MTS files from my camcorder on many PCs. I guess I just have to get a graphic card for some more power for these files.
Are these MTS files AVC 1080i59.94 (i.e. 29.97 fps, interlaced) with bitrate < 24Mbps? (You can check the video format by MediaInfo (http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/en).) If you use a right source/splitter filter and decoder supporting DXVA, HD 4200+Athlon II X2 should be able to handle them without difficulty. (An older Athlon is not good.) If you upload a sample clip somewhere, I can test it. :)

HD 4200+Athlon II X2 should be able to handle them without difficulty. (An older Athlon is not good.) If you upload a sample clip somewhere, I can test it. :)

I suspect you will have the same issue as the HD 3200, as they are pretty much identical in specs for video playback.

I suspect you will have the same issue as the HD 3200, as they are pretty much identical in specs for video playback.
Which processor (model number) are you using? Memory bandwidth is another important factor.

Hopefully I'll have these parts listed below in soon so I can post feedback. I know I've spent too much money on the SSD and power supply, but I really want the quick boot times and modular power cables.

Other than price is there anything you guys see wrong with these choices?

Moneual LAB Black Aluminum MonCaso 312B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

ASRock H55M Pro LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard -

CORSAIR CMPSU-650HX 650W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply -

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80616I3530 -

OCZ Agility Series OCZSSD2-1AGT60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) -

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ -

LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Reader SATA Model iHOS104-06 - OEM

Got my build completed this weekend and everything is working great thanks to renethx and all the others who help here :D

I updated my original post with my final specs here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17844920#post17844920 If anyone would like to critique.

I went a little overboard with some things and found out after receiving some of my stuff that I mistakenly ordered the wrong PSU after sending the first one back! I think it will be ok though.

I've just had time to play and record live TV and stream a few shows and everything seems to be working well. My Gyration remote comes in tomorrow and the system should be complete. Hopefully will have more time this week to put it through its paces.

Not familiar with NetFlix but noticed it was an option on Windows Media Center, is this worth the $8.99 a month?

Thanks again everyone, I'm loving the marriage between my computer and TV!

Hopefully I'll have these parts listed below in soon so I can post feedback. I know I've spent too much money on the SSD and power supply, but I really want the quick boot times and modular power cables.

Other than price is there anything you guys see wrong with these choices?

Moneual LAB Black Aluminum MonCaso 312B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

ASRock H55M Pro LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard -

CORSAIR CMPSU-650HX 650W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply -

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80616I3530 -

OCZ Agility Series OCZSSD2-1AGT60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) -

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ -

LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Reader SATA Model iHOS104-06 - OEM


I am building something similar but am using only the 450VX corsair PSU with a hard drive and not SSD. Not sure if 650 is to much for what you have.

Got my build completed this weekend and everything is working great thanks to renethx and all the others who help here :D

I updated my original post with my final specs here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17844920#post17844920 If anyone would like to critique.

I went a little overboard with some things and found out after receiving some of my stuff that I mistakenly ordered the wrong PSU after sending the first one back! I think it will be ok though.

I've just had time to play and record live TV and stream a few shows and everything seems to be working well. My Gyration remote comes in tomorrow and the system should be complete. Hopefully will have more time this week to put it through its paces.

Not familiar with NetFlix but noticed it was an option on Windows Media Center, is this worth the $8.99 a month?

Thanks again everyone, I'm loving the marriage between my computer and TV!

I have Netflix streaming over my Xbox and have the 2 dvd at a time with Blu Ray option. It is the best investment and Netflix is actively expanding their streaming content all of the time.

I am building something similar but am using only the 450VX corsair PSU with a hard drive and not SSD. Not sure if 650 is to much for what you have.

That was the only one I could find that is modular. Is the 450VX you have modular?

That was the only one I could find that is modular. Is the 450VX you have modular?

No it isn't but there is a 450, 520, 620 and 650 Modular versions like yours.

No it isn't but there is a 450, 520, 620 and 650 Modular versions like yours.

Cool, I'll do some checking and track one down. Thanks!!

I'm looking at possibly building an HTPC on a small(probably around $400 if possible) budget and got a few questions. First off, I want my system to be able to:
-Record tv shows
-Play my video files in up to 1080p
-Have a digital port for my surround sound
-It doesn't need an HTPC case but a smaller from factor would be nice.
-Room for at least one 3.5" hard drive
-In the future be able to handle Blu-Ray
-Quiet and energy efficient

Those are the main things I need it to be able to do. I purchased a ATI TV Wonder HD 650 COMBO PCI Express card for $40 the other day on sale. I've seen the guide here on the forum but was wondering about some things. Should I just use integrated graphics or get a video card? I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible. I don't have a build started yet so I'm still looking for my hardware. I do already have a Windows 7 key to save me some money. Do I need a dual core CPU or quad core? When recording a show with Windows Media Center will the computer come out of standby? For instance, if my PC was running and went into standby before the show came on, would it then leave standby to record the show? Also if there are pre-built PC's capable of doing all the stuff I need that will work too.

These are my questions for now. I have more but can't think of them at the moment. I'm sure I will come up with more questions. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

The wireless network adapter you previously suggested (ENCORE ENLWI-N) is out of stock at newegg.

Can you suggest any other low profile wireless network adapters?

Thanks!

I've run into one odd issue that I've not seen anyone mention, nor have I found any resources on the rest of the Internet that point the way to a solution.

I have a PC built along the Intel-NVidia Gaming PC, except without the added video card, so it's running off the built-in video and audio for the moment from the GF9300-G-E. There are some slight differences in case, RAM and CPU, though they're not relevant to the issue. It's running Win7 x64 Ultimate.

It's connected to my Onkyo TX-SR876 via HDMI, and until I had updated the audio drivers to the newest version on NVidia's website, the PC wouldn't recognize that it had 7.1 as an option for the speakers.

When I tell Windows that it has 7.1 speakers and test them, the left and right surrounds and rear surrounds are reversed. I've tested them from the receiver and they're hooked up correctly, though the PC doesn't send audio to them correctly. I've tested it from the BluRay side of things with a 7.1-capable BR and it's sending sound correctly to all 7 speakers in their correct position. However, the PC still tests the audio to the wrong speakers in surround and rear surrounds. To clarify, the left surround is swapped with the left rear surround, and the same for the right speakers.

HDMI audio driver being used is 1.00.00.59, from the current one listed on the NVidia website. Anyone have this issue or run into this issue before?

I've run into one odd issue that I've not seen anyone mention, nor have I found any resources on the rest of the Internet that point the way to a solution.

I have a PC built along the Intel-NVidia Gaming PC, except without the added video card, so it's running off the built-in video and audio for the moment from the GF9300-G-E. There are some slight differences in case, RAM and CPU, though they're not relevant to the issue. It's running Win7 x64 Ultimate.

It's connected to my Onkyo TX-SR876 via HDMI, and until I had updated the audio drivers to the newest version on NVidia's website, the PC wouldn't recognize that it had 7.1 as an option for the speakers.

When I tell Windows that it has 7.1 speakers and test them, the left and right surrounds and rear surrounds are reversed. I've tested them from the receiver and they're hooked up correctly, though the PC doesn't send audio to them correctly. I've tested it from the BluRay side of things with a 7.1-capable BR and it's sending sound correctly to all 7 speakers in their correct position. However, the PC still tests the audio to the wrong speakers in surround and rear surrounds. To clarify, the left surround is swapped with the left rear surround, and the same for the right speakers.

HDMI audio driver being used is 1.00.00.59, from the current one listed on the NVidia website. Anyone have this issue or run into this issue before?

I've seen this issue posted many times mainly with the 8200/8300 IGPs but no workarounds except try different drivers. Some BR players may map correctly but I think windows players are affected. Not sure. I use TMT for most everything, Xonar with my 8300 and now a 5750 with Realtek 2.39 which is surprisingly stable. Also maps correctly in speaker test.

I've seen this issue posted many times mainly with the 8200/8300 IGPs but no workarounds except try different drivers. Some BR players may map correctly but I think windows players are affected. Not sure. I use TMT for most everything, Xonar with my 8300 and now a 5750 with Realtek 2.39 which is surprisingly stable. Also maps correctly in speaker test.I made a post with the same request on the NVidia forums, so they might be able to shed some light on it.

I hadn't seen anyone post about this issue when I did a few searches, though I may not have been hitting the right search topics when checking on it.

I'll try to find some different drivers than the one I have loaded, though NVidia doesn't seem to have any other ones on their site.

So I'm going to order THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129046) case from newegg. There are three possible combo deals I'm considering at the time or purchase.

1) THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.314633) includes the pentium e6500 with a discount of $15 essentially making it $80 or less than the 6300, only $10 more than the 5300 which seems like it would be worth it...

2) THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.314632) for the same price as above but with an AMD Athlon II X4 620

I am only leaning towards intel because they make things easier to understand. There are so many amd processors out now, between the dual core, tri core, quads and everything else, I have no idea what's what. One of my first builds was an athlon 3200 barton and back then they made it easy. 3200 = intel 3.2. I have no idea whats what anymore so I'm out of my element. I can't find any reviews on these dated processors so any help is appreciated. Is one definitely better than the other or what?

Third is just THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.319346) all included package. with about $90 off. Is this just the better route to go? I have not knowing what processors compare to what and not having anything to go off of...

........

Here is my hardware build list. It pretty well follows the build recommended by renethx for his 15 HDD Tower System ...

Case: Cool Master Centurion RC 590-KKN1-GP
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-750X
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 ADX24OCGQBOX 2.8 GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA785G-UD3H AM2+ AMD 785G chipset ATX
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A26K DDR2-800 2x1GB Kit
SATA Card: Promise SATA300 TX4 PCI SATA II 4-Port Adapter
SATA Card: Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-Port SAS/SATA
SAS-SATA Cable: LSI/3Ware CBL-SSF8087OCF-10M SFF-8087 to Discrete Forward Breakout
SAS-SATA Cable: LSI/3Ware CBL-SSF8087OCF-10M SFF-8087 to Discrete Forward Breakout
OS Disk: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640 GB

...



I have now received all the components described above except the Supermicro card which is in transit. As such I tried to begin assembly this evening. I figured the first task was to install the Athena backplanes, but I've run into a few issues that I'm hoping someone can address.

1. I don't know how to orient the backplanes in the case. I had assumed the backplane would be oriented so that the drives would be placed vertically, one on top of the other, but they won't fit that way. In that orientation the sides of the backplane are only 5" wide which is far too narrow to attach to the railings of the cage. The rails on the cage on the Centurion 590 are just under 6" and the 4x3 cage that came with the case is about 5 3/4" wide, about the same dimensions as the Athena backplane is from the "top" of the cage to the bottom.

So I presume the cages are intended to be placed so that the drives are actually vertically oriented in the computer. But in that orientation I don't know whether the drive doors should open from the top (with the door hinge on the bottom) or with the door on the bottom and the door hinge on the top.

2. If I have the orientation correct, are the cages supposed to be inserted from the front of the case, from the rear or doesn't it matter. In any event if oriented with the drives going vertically it is a very tight fit. Is that meant to be?

3. The backplane contains 3 Molex 4-pin power connectors and 2 SATA power connectors. Am I to use either the SATA power connectors OR the Molex connectors or am I to use all five of them (3 Molex and 2 SATA).

4. There are three jumper blocks on the backplane. One, labelled IJP1 appears to be for temperature control and has three different sets of jumper locations. The middle one came with a factory installed jumper for the middle setting 60 degrees Centigrade. There are two other blocks of jumpers (labelled IJP2 with 8 pins and J4 with 15 pins). None of these pins have jumpers attached, and the two page documentation labels them as "Extension function jumper". I assume that means I don't need to do anything with them but hope someone can confirm that.

Any help or clarification would be much appreciated.

Harry

I will postpone the January edition until Radeon HD 5670 is released (January 14th) and I test it. If you want to build a Clarkdale system now, I recommend:

- Core i3 530
- ASRock H55M Pro or GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H. I prefer ASRock to GIGABYTE. ASRock ditched FDD and IDE (nowadays less and less used, the latter uses a PCI Express x1 lane) and added a more useful PCI Express x1 slot, as well as a PCI Express x4 slot (physically x16).
- G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit (or F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit)

So a core i3 setup would have no need for a dgpu and still give the best possible playback quality?

So a core i3 setup would have no need for a dgpu and still give the best possible playback quality?
Not the best. A good discrete graphics card is still better.

Not the best. A good discrete graphics card is still better.

Any chance you could elaborate on this more ? ie what sort of graphics quality issues would the i3/i5 have compared to discrete graphics card in terms of media playback ?

Blah I changed my mind completely. Just gonna run a 40 foot hdmi cable from my main rig to the tv and put the money towards a ssd, upgraded optical drive and nice remote. Don't know why I didn't thunk of it before. i7 920 on a evga e758 with evga gtx275ftw should be able to handle everything right? >_< though I'm out of the loop with these new audio formats. Will it handle them just the same?

Any chance you could elaborate on this more ? ie what sort of graphics quality issues would the i3/i5 have compared to discrete graphics card in terms of media playback ?
I'm guessing the only tangible difference would be in 1080i deinterlacing quality for HDtv watching. Both are good, but discrete will get you the best.

I will postpone the January edition until Radeon HD 5670 is released (January 14th) and I test it. If you want to build a Clarkdale system now, I recommend:

- Core i3 530
- ASRock H55M Pro or GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H. I prefer ASRock to GIGABYTE. ASRock ditched FDD and IDE (nowadays less and less used, the latter uses a PCI Express x1 lane) and added a more useful PCI Express x1 slot, as well as a PCI Express x4 slot (physically x16).
- G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit (or F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit)
The 5670 will be announced or released on 1/14? What about the entry level discretes?

Ok, so I had finally built my HTPC some months ago after asking a lot of questions, but haven't had time to play around with it till now...

The problem is that a lot of research here goes on to what hardware to get, and then I get lost in what software to actually install so as to get it to do what you want, with nothing missing and also no "over-installing" things that are not needed and may even bloat your system...

So my problem in a nutshell is that I don't know what to install... I know that codecs are needed to play files (and different ones for each), and that players (that are the ones that actually use the codecs) are used to play back the files, but after that, what goes with what, what is needed to be installed, etc. just escapes me atm...

I started with the Media Portal guide found on a link in one of the pages of this thread, but after following the first steps, (before actually installing MP), I can't even get a .mkv file to play (media player crashes...) although it does play with VLC, but that has all the codecs built in afaik.

This is what I want to be able to do:

- Play SD DVDs
- Play HD-DVD / Blu-ray discs
- Play DivX encoded rips
- Play HD content rips (.mkv files)
- Play MP3s
- Watch TV through the tuner (this is the least of my concerns atm).

This is what I have:

- Intel E5200 2.5Ghz processor
- ATI HD4670 video card
- 2GB RAM
- HDMI Connection to an LCD TV, res. currently at 1360 x 768
- LG HD-DVD/Blu-ray Combo Drive / DVD-RW writer
- LG DVD-RW writer
- 160Gb HDD
- External Network storage, accessed through this machine through Wi-Fi atm.

I am running Vista Ultimate, and up to yesterday it was just installed with all the drivers (video, audio, chipset, etc), and I installed all the updates, with it currently being at SP2 plus all the current updates.

Any guidance to get this setup correctly would be greatly appreciated!!! :)

Thanks!! :cool:

Does anyone have any suggestions for a CPU cooler for the core i3 that will fit in the nMediaPC 5000B case or Antec Fusion?

The Coolermaster GeminII that renethx recommends in his guide fits in the antec fusion, this is also the case he recommends for most of his builds. Not sure about the nMedia, if it is full height it will probably fit, if it is half height it might not.

The Coolermaster GeminII that renethx recommends in his guide fits in the antec fusion, this is also the case he recommends for most of his builds. Not sure about the nMedia, if it is full height it will probably fit, if it is half height it might not.

That cooler doesnt fit LGA 1156 though.

Any chance you could elaborate on this more ? ie what sort of graphics quality issues would the i3/i5 have compared to discrete graphics card in terms of media playback ?
Yes, the difference is on 1080i contents. A discrete card is better in some benchmark (i.e. Cheese Slices). But it is unlikely that most people notice the difference in the real world video playback.

The 5670 will be announced or released on 1/14? What about the entry level discretes?
Retailers can sell 5670 at 12:01 am, January 14th EST. Others will be available by February (5570 on February 20th?).

That cooler doesnt fit LGA 1156 though.

It will, you just have to buy the retention bracket (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103076).

Does anyone have any suggestions for a CPU cooler for the core i3 that will fit in the nMediaPC 5000B case or Antec Fusion?
Yes, Cooler Master Geminii S is one of the best coolers for these cases. You may need the retention bracket for LGA 1156 (RR-ACC-1156-GP).

Yes, Cooler Master Geminii S is one of the best coolers for these cases. You may need the retention bracket for LGA 1156 (RR-ACC-1156-GP).

Yea I just found that bracket and will get that with the Core i3 with the ASRock motherboard because of your recommendation.

I will postpone the January edition until Radeon HD 5670 is released (January 14th) and I test it. If you want to build a Clarkdale system now, I recommend:

- Core i3 530
- ASRock H55M Pro or GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H. I prefer ASRock to GIGABYTE. ASRock ditched FDD and IDE (nowadays less and less used, the latter uses a PCI Express x1 lane) and added a more useful PCI Express x1 slot, as well as a PCI Express x4 slot (physically x16).
- G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit (or F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit)

Is there much difference in the Via vs Realtek drivers that are in each board?

Is there much difference in the Via vs Realtek drivers that are in each board?
Are you going to use SPDIF or analog? No difference in SPDIF. ALC889 is better than VT1718S.

But if you don't use HD audio bitstreaming, you can go with Athlon II X2 240 + 785G and save $80 or more. You can add a good discrete card when you need it.

Are you going to use SPDIF or analog? No difference in SPDIF. ALC889 is better than VT1718S.

But if you don't use HD audio bitstreaming, you can go with Athlon II X2 240 + 785G and save $80 or more. You can add a good discrete card when you need it.

I wanted to go with the Core i3 because in the near future I was going to add a blu ray and wanted bitstreaming HD audio

Are you going to use SPDIF or analog? No difference in SPDIF. ALC889 is better than VT1718S.

But if you don't use HD audio bitstreaming, you can go with Athlon II X2 240 + 785G and save $80 or more. You can add a good discrete card when you need it.

ASRock website says the H55 Pro has the VT2020. Is that different than the VT1718S?

So renethx, would you recommend going with a Clarkdale and H55 mobo or go with an Athlon II X2 + 785g mobo + ATI 5xxx for HD audio/video? It seems there are less issues with a Clarkdale setup, but the video drivers are very premature and need to be updated to fix some of the tearing issues some have reported with their Clarkdale setup.

ASRock website says the H55 Pro has the VT2020. Is that different than the VT1718S?
H55M Pro (microATX) uses VT1718S. H55 Pro (ATX) lacks video outputs in the rear panel!

So renethx, would you recommend going with a Clarkdale and H55 mobo or go with an Athlon II X2 + 785g mobo + ATI 5xxx for HD audio/video? It seems there are less issues with a Clarkdale setup, but the video drivers are very premature and need to be updated to fix some of the tearing issues some have reported with their Clarkdale setup.
It's up to you. Core i3 530+H55 is somewhere between the low-end and the mid-range in my classification. It's a very sleek solution for (almost) perfect video/audio playback.

BTW I don't see any tearing issue with Intel HD Graphics.

H55M Pro (microATX) uses VT1718S. H55 Pro (ATX) lacks video outputs in the rear panel!

Yes I meant the H55M Pro, sorry.

It's up to you. Core i3 530+H55 is somewhere between the low-end and the mid-range in my classification. It's a very sleek solution for (almost) perfect video/audio playback.

BTW I don't see any tearing issue with Intel HD Graphics.

Thanks for your feedback. Guess I'll go the Clarkdale route. That seems to be the most cost effective solution. Maybe later on I'll build another HTPC with a 5xxx discrete card.

Not sure what the setup is with those seeing tearing, but I do know that some have noticed it when watching the Blu-ray of Dark Knight at 24fps.

Thanks for your feedback. Guess I'll go the Clarkdale route. That seems to be the most cost effective solution. Maybe later on I'll build another HTPC with a 5xxx discrete card.

Not sure what the setup is with those seeing tearing, but I do know that some have noticed it when watching the Blu-ray of Dark Knight at 24fps.

You could just add a 5xxx card to the Clarkdale route also. I might be doing this.

The wireless network adapter you previously suggested (ENCORE ENLWI-N) is out of stock at newegg.

Can you suggest any other low profile wireless network adapters?

Thanks!

Here is another which is very similar to the Encore (same RaLink 2860 chip, 3 antennae, PCI platform) at the old hen: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166051

I have both of them - encore & the rosewill - and use the same drivers on both PC's using them.

Retailers can sell 5670 at 12:01 am, January 14th EST. Others will be available by February (5570 on February 20th?).

So if I want to extend the use of what I have today, would the 5670 be the logical upgrade from my Sapphire 4670 you recommended 12 to 16 months ago?

Presently have the 4670 in a Gbyte P35 mobo, with an intel e8400 cpu.

Getting hi-def sound is important to me, presently using hdmi out to a BD enabled AVR.

So if I want to extend the use of what I have today, would the 5670 be the logical upgrade from my Sapphire 4670 you recommended 12 to 16 months ago?

Presently have the 4670 in a Gbyte P35 mobo, with an intel e8400 cpu.

Getting hi-def sound is important to me, presently using hdmi out to a BD enabled AVR.

I plan on upgrading from my 4670 to the 5670, but purely to get bitstreaming. If it wasn't for that I would have no reason to upgrade.

So if I want to extend the use of what I have today, would the 5670 be the logical upgrade from my Sapphire 4670 you recommended 12 to 16 months ago?

Presently have the 4670 in a Gbyte P35 mobo, with an intel e8400 cpu.

Getting hi-def sound is important to me, presently using hdmi out to a BD enabled AVR.
Perhaps HD 5570/5550 is enough for video playback (the performance is equivalent to HD 4670).

I finally bought all of my components for my HTPC. Thanks renethx and everyone else their help.

Thanks for your feedback. Guess I'll go the Clarkdale route. That seems to be the most cost effective solution. Maybe later on I'll build another HTPC with a 5xxx discrete card.

Not sure what the setup is with those seeing tearing, but I do know that some have noticed it when watching the Blu-ray of Dark Knight at 24fps.

From what I gathered in other forum postings, the tearing that some users are experiencing with the Clarkdale setup can be resolved by forcing VSync within the application. You might try looking around in your OS and application level video settings to enable this.

note: I do not currently own this setup so I cannot validate the proposed solution.

I finally bought all of my components for my HTPC. Thanks renethx and everyone else their help.

Just remember to keep it fun. Will there be times of frustrations? Or course there will be. :)

i put together the low end AMD renethx recommended system with the GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H. I am running on Windows 7 retail - all drivers updated - Netflix streaming through Media Center 7 is constantly jerky.

Does anyone know if this is normal?

I have this same issue, I've just figured it was a problem with the Netflix player or Silverlight. My build is based on a Gigabyte Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H. I've never had ANY issues with video playback, including HD. Netflix works perfectly on my PS3.

I was testing out playback yesterday, and got some very inconsistent framerates, with freezes and the like, all this through Wi-Fi.

I hooked up the htpc with a cabled connection, and it now works great.

since this was just a test, and the idea is to leave it with wi-fi if possible, what could I check/be missing that playback is so bad?

I have the Media Server connected to a Gb switch, and working at 1Gpbs, the wireless router (where the wi-fi enabled machines connect to) connected to that same switch (albeit the router's interface is 100Mbps), and the HTPC wirelessly connected to the router with excellent signal strenght.

I have a separate notebook with which I watch media from that same server and it works just fine, which is what draws me away from the connection itself, and think it's something wrong with the htpc config/connection... On that notebook I haven't watched HD stuff yet, but on the HTPC even the SD stuff stutters (and with the cabled conn. everything works fine, even HD).

Any thoughts?

Signal strength aside. How far was the HTPC from the router and what type of WiFi card are you using on the PC?

Looks like I'll be going with renethx recommendation on the ASRock H55 mobo with an Intel Core i3-530. Now I just need to get me a HTPC case and a a smaller psu. I currently have a Corsair 650TX but this will be waaayyy too much power, so I'm looking at the Corsair 400 or Antex 380. Anyone have any recommendations on what PSU to get for this type of setup?

Here are my components:
Intel Core i3-530
ASRock H55 mobo
G.SKill 2x2gb DDR3 Ram
WD 640GB Black HDD
Lite-On Blu-Ray drive

You mean h55m right?

You mean h55m right?

Yeah h55m pro motherboard from ASrock. Sorry for the confusion.

When did too much power become a bad thing? I can see not over spending but if you already have one you might as well use it.

Just ordered the following:

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified

Rosewill RNX-N1MAC IEEE 802.11b/g/n USB2.0 Wireless-N 2.0 Dongle

LIAN LI PC-V351B Black Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case

Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core

ASRock H55M Pro LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner

I have an existing 1TB WD hard drive that I'm going to use.

Would welcome any comments.

Will be connecting to system that includes DirectTV, Denon AVR, and 7.1 speaker system.

When did too much power become a bad thing? I can see not over spending but if you already have one you might as well use it.

Never was a concern, but I thought I would just get a smaller PSU for my build and then later use the Corsair 650TX for a beefier computer. I'll just go ahead and use the Corsair for now and then if something comes up I'll just swap it out.

I'd like to hear everyone's experience with the Asrock boards when they get them up and running. I have never heard of them let alone used one of their boards.

Asrock = ASUS' cheaper brand afaik.
From what I've used and seen they're good quality, solid capacitors etc.

Signal strength aside. How far was the HTPC from the router and what type of WiFi card are you using on the PC?

It's aproximately at about 10 feet away, not much... The laptop I mentioned is also at about the same distance. The wi-fi card is a standard PCI card

It's aproximately at about 10 feet away, not much... The laptop I mentioned is also at about the same distance. The wi-fi card is a standard PCI card

What drivers did you use? Built in Windows or did you install the manufacturer's? I would update to the latest drivers from the mfg. if you haven't already. As an anecdotal note I've never had good performance with Windows and wireless NIC's for anything other than "lite" use like web browsing or email. That could also be the gamer in me remembering how many DC's we would have during boss fights from folks who swore their wireless was fine :)

What drivers did you use? Built in Windows or did you install the manufacturer's? I would update to the latest drivers from the mfg. if you haven't already. As an anecdotal note I've never had good performance with Windows and wireless NIC's for anything other than "lite" use like web browsing or email. That could also be the gamer in me remembering how many DC's we would have during boss fights from folks who swore their wireless was fine :)

Hehehe...

Well, I did install de drivers that came with the card. I could try updating. The other performance is fine, and also like I mentioned, the laptop with wireless plays media just fine... Any program I can use to benchmark? Speedtest.net give me good and correct results of 3MBps which is my line speed, but I remember being a goot tool to test network connectivity....

I just ordered the following. Thanks everyone for the help and especially renethx!

SAPPHIRE 100289L Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity :D

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler -

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX630WFGIBOX

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner

Any comments are also welcomed!

I just ordered the following. Thanks everyone for the help and especially renethx!

SAPPHIRE 100289L Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity :D

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler -

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX630WFGIBOX

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner

Any comments are also welcomed!

Dang, didn't realized the 5670s were out already. Let us know what you think of the newly released card once you get your setup up and running.

I just ordered the following. Thanks everyone for the help and especially renethx!

SAPPHIRE 100289L Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity :D



Nice grab, I just ordered the same 5670 GPU, going to replace the 4670 in my HTPC

Nice grab, I just ordered the same 5670 GPU, going to replace the 4670 in my HTPC

Any reason why you chose the Sapphire model over the HIS? The HIS has the cooler blowing air outside of the case ( I thought most liked this feature )

I guess one reason would be that Sapphire has a better warranty than HIS.

Any reason why you chose the Sapphire model over the HIS? The HIS has the cooler blowing air outside of the case ( I thought most liked this feature )

I guess one reason would be that Sapphire has a better warranty than HIS.

I wasn't sure how well that feature would work if I decided the stock cooler was too loud and needed to replace with my Zalman cooler. I still have one other HTPC that has a 4670 which I will probably upgrade as well, so I will test out the Sapphire and then keep an eye out on the HIS reviews. Also, the full 2 yr warranty on the Sapphire did help.

Looks like a bunch have now hit Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=hd+5670

I wasn't sure how well that feature would work if I decided the stock cooler was too loud and needed to replace with my Zalman cooler. I still have one other HTPC that has a 4670 which I will probably upgrade as well, so I will test out the Sapphire and then keep an eye out on the HIS reviews. Also, the full 2 yr warranty on the Sapphire did help.

Looks like a bunch have now hit Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=hd+5670

Do all Ati 5670s have Eyefinity? From neweggs listings only the Sapphire models mention that feature. I assumed all Redwood releases features Eyefinity.

Do all Ati 5670s have Eyefinity? From neweggs listings only the Sapphire models mention that feature. I assumed all Redwood releases features Eyefinity.All 5xxx models have the exact same feature set, it's just differences of RAM, clock speed, memory speed, # of ALU's, etc. So yes, they all have Eyefinity :)

I'd like to hear everyone's experience with the Asrock boards when they get them up and running. I have never heard of them let alone used one of their boards.

I ordered the core i3-530 with the ASRock h55m Pro. I should have everything monday.

To those with shiny new 5670 cards, I would be interested to know if you are experiencing the "Judder Bug" on OTA TV playback. I get it pretty bad on CBS shows like CSI on my system with a 4550. There is speculation that higher end video cards may be less prone to showing this. See details here:
http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/79957.aspx?PageIndex=14

Marc

I have an old, non-HDMI compliant, Denon AVR. Can I send 2 ch audio and video over the 4670 to the TV while also sending 5.1 to the AVR through the optical.

That way the wife doesn't have to power on the AVR just to watch TV, but when it is movie time, we still get the 5.1 over the optical when the AVR is turned on.

Can this be done with out going into the sound card settings every time?

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I could not find the answer searching. :o

I have an old, non-HDMI compliant, Denon AVR. Can I send 2 ch audio and video over the 4670 to the TV while also sending 5.1 to the AVR through the optical.

That way the wife doesn't have to power on the AVR just to watch TV, but when it is movie time, we still get the 5.1 over the optical when the AVR is turned on.

Can this be done with out going into the sound card settings every time?

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I could not find the answer searching. :o
Yes. Select ATI HDMI Audio Device as the default Windows sound playback device. When you play movie, select SPDIF as the audio playback device in the player.

Gotchya, and thank you for being such an invaluable resource to so many budding and experienced HTPC builders

What's the current story with Blu-Ray playback on HTPCs?

Are TMT3 and PowerDVD the only options still?

Would love a free/cheap option to play Blu-Rays from within Win7 Media Center.

Perhaps a dumb question, but here goes anyway...

I was assembling my new HTPC using the suggested parts list this morning before heading off to work using the Antec Fusion Remote case (GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H motherboard).

When I removed the 5.25 mounting bay to install the BR player, I spotted a short 3 (or was it four?) male pin wire. Can't for the life of me figure out what that goes to. I didn't spot it listed instructions. Could it be an alternative way to hook up the case speaker? Not sure if I've found a wire for that yet. It doesn't appear log enough to reach into the MB chamber.

For the latest 5670 releases, would it be better to go with the 512mb or 1gb version? I'm only going to be using the card for video playback. I'm not concerned about gaming or anything of that sort, just media. Would the 512mb version suit me better?

For the latest 5670 releases, would it be better to go with the 512mb or 1gb version? I'm only going to be using the card for video playback. I'm not concerned about gaming or anything of that sort, just media. Would the 512mb version suit me better?

512mb is perfectly fine for video playback only, don't bother with the 1gb unless you plan on doing any gaming

512mb is perfectly fine for video playback only, don't bother with the 1gb unless you plan on doing any gaming

Sweet, thanks for the quick response. I'll stick with the 512mb version.

What's the current story with Blu-Ray playback on HTPCs?

Are TMT3 and PowerDVD the only options still?

Would love a free/cheap option to play Blu-Rays from within Win7 Media Center.

To play back the disc or its image, yes I believe so. But I rarely use them. I use MakeMKV (free for now) to pull the movie title off of the disc, and Media Browser (free for now) to grab metadata etc. and launch the titles within Media Center. Alternatively MPC-HC (free) can play the MKV directly.

An added benefit of this approach is that you don't have to watch all the preview / FBI warning stuff.

Marc

When I removed the 5.25 mounting bay to install the BR player, I spotted a short 3 (or was it four?) male pin wire. Can't for the life of me figure out what that goes to. I didn't spot it listed instructions. Could it be an alternative way to hook up the case speaker? Not sure if I've found a wire for that yet. It doesn't appear log enough to reach into the MB chamber.

a fan connector perhaps?

www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-012074.htm

(sorry, I would link it but I am a long-time lurker, first time poster...)

What's the current story with Blu-Ray playback on HTPCs?

Are TMT3 and PowerDVD the only options still?

Would love a free/cheap option to play Blu-Rays from within Win7 Media Center.
If you don't need BD menus, the cheapest way to playback a BD disc/ISO (from 7MC or not) is use MPC HomeCinema. (You still need AnyDVD HD, of course.) Just point to the drive the disc is inserted to or ISO is mounted to and MPC HomeCinema automatically searches for the playlist and plays back the main title. This also supports HD audio bitstreams/bit perfect LPCM if you use ffdshow/MPC Audio Renderer.

Rene, fabulous. I didn't know you could do that with a BD with MPC-HC (assuming AnyDVDHD was running). I've got another alternative! Now if only we could get PGS forced subtitles going...

^^ Thanks for these two suggestions.

I'm already using Media Browser in Media Center so I'm going to checkout MakeMKV first.

Rene, fabulous. I didn't know you could do that with a BD with MPC-HC (assuming AnyDVDHD was running). I've got another alternative! Now if only we could get PGS forced subtitles going...
MPC HomeCinema supports PGS subtitles + DXVA (with EVR custom presenter). The latest SVN (since 1.3.1453 [December 27, 2009]) even supports automatic refresh rate change according to the frame rate of the video streams. (The correct refresh rate is "23Hz" for movies, however.)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=162717&stc=1&d=1262706915

Hi Renethx,

I have an Asus EAH4650 which has given me various forms of grief over the last year. The ATI drivers are better now and all functions now work (previously greyed out). Also I had and intermittent HDMI audio fault with the system (gigabyte GA-MA78G-DS3H + X2 4850e), which was sorted by entering the BIOS and selecting DVI/HDMI output, rather than 'auto'...it seems the mobo couldn't decide correctly!.

I see you are now suggesting a HD 4670 as a good card....any reason why I should change from the HD 4650....what would it offer?

I don't do any gaming on my HTPC, nor transcoding. Most files are transcoded with Handbrake to .MKV on another PC and transfered over. Of course i have some files that do not qualify for DXVA...but most are.

MPC HomeCinema supports PGS subtitles + DXVA (with EVR custom presenter). The latest SVN (since 1.3.1453 [December 27, 2009]) even supports automatic refresh rate change according to the frame rate of the video streams. (The correct refresh rate is "23Hz" for movies, however.)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=162717&stc=1&d=1262706915

Excellent. I'm apparently behind the times. I'll check it out. I remember trying this some months back (say... August?) and was not able to get PGS subtitles plus DXVa working at that time. I'll give it another whirl. Thanks for the info.

Marc

MPC HomeCinema supports PGS subtitles + DXVA (with EVR custom presenter). The latest SVN (since 1.3.1453 [December 27, 2009]) even supports automatic refresh rate change according to the frame rate of the video streams. (The correct refresh rate is "23Hz" for movies, however.)


Why is 23Hz the correct refresh rate for movies? Movies are shot at 24fps or 30fps.

Why is 23Hz the correct refresh rate for movies? Movies are shot at 24fps or 30fps.

As you can see from the picture above your post.

The frequency is actually 23.97 - most people I know would
round that number up and call it 24 and not 23.

Cooler Master Geminii S is one of the best for NSK2480, but not that cheap (~ $30). Check ARCTIC COOLING Alpine 64 Pro (~$10) (http://www.google.com/products?q=arctic+cooling+%22alpine+64%22&scoring=p).

renethx, I looked at some reviews of the Alpine and the Db is only 3~ less than the stock cooler. Surely it wouldn't be worth my time replacing the stock cooler for 3 less Db?

I do have a BE-2350, which isn't the hottest thing on the planet, so perhaps there is another cheaper alternative?

Also have to remember that my NSK2480 has those two 120MM fans inside, turned to low, so there isn't much point getting anything quieter than those.

EDIT: How about the Zalman CNPS 7000 CU? It was used in this review, seems to have produced good results - http://www.silentpcreview.com/article591-page5.html

As you can see from the picture above your post.

The frequency is actually 23.97 - most people I know would
round that number up and call it 24 and not 23.

The framerate could be 23.97 or 24 (or 25 or 29.97/30). So I don't think the correct frequency is 23Hz for all framerates (for all movies).

Even if all movies were shot at 23.97, I would still round it to 24. I don't see the reason why 23.97 should be rounded down to 23.

It's not actually rounded down to 23. It's shorthand used in video drivers where an integer number is required and they already offer 24.

It's not actually rounded down to 23. It's shorthand used in video drivers where an integer number is required and they already offer 24.

Oh I see ..., so this is why 23Hz is the best movie playback setting. Because guys who implement video drivers use value 23 as an internal ID for 23.97 mode.

Goofy but apparently true. No one would advocate 23 if it were actually running 23Hz.

This info is great.

renethx, I looked at some reviews of the Alpine and the Db is only 3~ less than the stock cooler. Surely it wouldn't be worth my time replacing the stock cooler for 3 less Db?

I do have a BE-2350, which isn't the hottest thing on the planet, so perhaps there is another cheaper alternative?

Also have to remember that my NSK2480 has those two 120MM fans inside, turned to low, so there isn't much point getting anything quieter than those.

EDIT: How about the Zalman CNPS 7000 CU? It was used in this review, seems to have produced good results - http://www.silentpcreview.com/article591-page5.html
3dB is large, but noise from other components also affects the overall quietness of the system.

If you want a very quiet system, I recommend, for example, Cooler Master Geminii S, Scythe S-FLEX-FDB 120mm SFF21D (800rpm) in place of the Tricool fans (Low 1200rpm is still too loud in my taste), Enermax ECO80+/MODU/PRO82+.

Renethx,

Sorry if this is OT but I just assembled a socket1156 Core i7 860 on a P7P55d EVO with G Skill F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD modules that have a tall heat sinks. I have an Antec 182 case so cpu cooler height is probably not an issue.

Due to the height of the memory heat sinks and their closeness to the CPU, I am using the stock cooler.

Can you recommend a cooler that will fit over the memory and will blow back toward the chassis fan?

TIA

Renethx,

Sorry if this is OT but I just assembled a socket1156 Core i7 860 on a P7P55d EVO with G Skill F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD modules that have a tall heat sinks. I have an Antec 182 case so cpu cooler height is probably not an issue.

Due to the height of the memory heat sinks and their closeness to the CPU, I am using the stock cooler.

Can you recommend a cooler that will fit over the memory and will blow back toward the chassis fan?

TIA
Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361 should be good.

I just ordered all the stuff I think I need for my new HTPC. This guide has been extremely helpful. What I was wondering is if there is somewhere I can go for an assembly / software setup guide. Thanks.

Below is the equipment I have purchased:

Corsair CMPSU-550VX 550-Watt VX Series 80 Plus

Cooler Master GeminII S Copper Base Aluminum Fins 5 Heatpipes CPU Cooler - (RR-CCH-PBU1-GP)

Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A XMS3 4 GB Memory Kit fro PC3-10666 1333mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR3

Western Digital Caviar Blue 640 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 16 MB Cache, 7200 RPM SATA II WD6400AAKS

AMD Athlon II X4 630 95W AM3 2MB 2800MHz Retail

XFX HD 5770 1 GB DDR5 PCI Express Graphics Card HD577XZNFC

Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H Micro ATX Motherboard

SilverStone LC13B-E Aluminum/Steel ATX Media Center/HTPC Case - Retail (Black)

Adesso 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Mini Keyboard with Optical Trackball

Win7 Home Premium 64bit

I welcome any comments or tips.

I originally posted this over here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172451 in the i7, i5, i3 Core thread, but it is probably more appropriate here. One poster there replied and expressed strong concerns about noise given this will be in a living room area so please take that into consideration as you read on. Perhaps what I'm proposing to build is simply not appropriate for a living room area...

I am in the process of building my first PC. It will be used as a HTPC/Media Server. The HTPC will reside in an open cabinet beneath my Samsung 1080p TV, so the system must be realatively energy efficient and quiet. It will not be used for gaming. I am leaning towards building a "high-end" system that will have future expandability. It will need to support a fairly extensive and growing library of photos(.jpg), music(.wma, .flac), videos(.mkv, .mpeg, .mp4, .avi) mostly ripped from DVD and Bluray. This thread has really helped educate this nubie. :)

I am starting to pull together the components for my system build and am hoping to get some of my fuzzy assumptions clarified along with some comments on my proposed hardware components.

I was going to purchase the following:
Case: Silverstone LC20M (I like the 6 bay capacity and want IR/remote; don't need LCD)
CPU/MOBO: i5-750 processor with either an ASUS P7P55D EVO MOBO or the Intel DP55KG Motherboard
Graphics Card: ATI HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB
Memory: DDR3-1333 2 x 2GB Kit (Supplier TBD)
PSU: Ultra X4 750-Watt Modular Power Supply - 135mm Fan, ATX, Lifetime Warranty, 80+ Bronze
Software: Vista w/Media Center

And, here are my questions:
Is a separate CPU cooler necessary?
Should I stick with a full ATX MOBO versus a micro ATX? Space is not a limiting factor.
Are there other case options with a 6 bay capacity and IR I should consider?
Is the 750-Watt PSU overkill?
Would like to purchase a couple of 2TB drives to start---suggestions on which one?
Any other comments on this component set?

Now having said that, I've been reading about Clarkdale's release and wondering if I should opt for the following:

MOBO: ASUS P7H57D-V-EVO Motherboard - ATX, Intel H57, Socket LGA1156

Would I be better off with a MOBO that has the H57 chipset and its on-board graphics or should I stick with a separate H57 video card?

At some point, the HTPC will likely feed an Onkyo or Denon receiver (my old non-HDMI Sony reciver may have to do for the time being). I have numerous questions about software/playback of the various file formats I have, but I'll save that for another day and perhaps a different thread... Thanks in advance for your suggestions and comments!

I post my reply from the other thread here as well, since I didn't at first realize you had re-posted the question.

It's certainly possible to have a quite PC, it is just often more expensive. The simple fact is that power generates heat, so the more components you add to a PC, the more cooling you need. And it's hard to make cooling quiet. There are passive GPU's, but there aren't as many and they can be more expensive. There are also after market cooling solutions for HDDs, GPU's and CPU's. It just gets tricky to balance the right pieces and the cost.

That's why many people have a loud server somewhere and then have smaller HTPC. That's the direction I recommend, as it makes it much easier to upgrade the server (add/replace drives) and you can just get big fans and not worry about noise.

My current HTPC (about 1 1/2 years old) is running a core2 duo with a Zalman cooler and I have controls to slow down the case fans. But it wasn't cheap. I've been keeping an eye on the i3 reviews, wondering if there is a sweet spot for HTPC with a 30GB ssd for the OS in a small case with few or no fans. I'd would be sweet if the ISK 300-65 case would run a i3/ssd/slim optical drive (the upcoming ISK 300-150 should not be a problem I think).

Brett

I'm in the process of specing out an HTPC. My game plan is to have both cable (through a cablecard) as well as bluray/dvd playback from a drive and from networked media. At this point, I'm slightly torn on the form factor. One option would be to use an HDHomerun networked for the cablecard setup so I don't need a large case for a Ceton card. Thus, i'd only need 1 drive (maybe 2.5") for DVR space and the OS along with a slim Blu-ray drive along with one of the new i3's to accomplish everything. I'd try to setup something like a macmini. I guess my quesiton is 1) is there a case like this? and 2) how much noise do you think I'd end up generating?

Thanks
Chris

I post my reply from the other thread here as well, since I didn't at first realize you had re-posted the question.

It's certainly possible to have a quite PC, it is just often more expensive. The simple fact is that power generates heat, so the more components you add to a PC, the more cooling you need. And it's hard to make cooling quiet. There are passive GPU's, but there aren't as many and they can be more expensive. There are also after market cooling solutions for HDDs, GPU's and CPU's. It just gets tricky to balance the right pieces and the cost.

That's why many people have a loud server somewhere and then have smaller HTPC. That's the direction I recommend, as it makes it much easier to upgrade the server (add/replace drives) and you can just get big fans and not worry about noise.

Brett
Thanks and sorry that my playing "musical posts" caused you to post back again here... I think I am going to take a step back and reconsider/rethink what I want to do. I really didn't want to have to run a media server 24/7 somewhere else in order to get the conveneience of a HTPC I can turn on and off in my living room as needed. Everything you've said makes perfect sense, and it sounds like I might have to make some compromises. I'm afraid that trying to build something that I want, how I want it and where I want it, is probably beyond my reach and froth with a lot of trial and error and frustration along the way. I think I'll need to chew on this for a while...

I am getting all of my components tomorrow but I wont have a cd drive becuase I am using and old IDE drive. I ordered a IDE to sata adapter but isn't coming til later next week. My motherboard does not have IDE. Can I install Windows using Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool?

I am getting all of my components tomorrow but I wont have a cd drive becuase I am using and old IDE drive. I ordered a IDE to sata adapter but isn't coming til later next week. My motherboard does not have IDE. Can I install Windows using Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool?

I installed W7 on all my PCs using a USB stick

Software: Vista w/Media Center


Software: Win7

Now it looks much better :)

Software: Win7

Now it looks much better :)
Thanks... will keep that in mind!

I just wanted to point out a heatsink/cpu cooler I don't see mentioned around here.

The Scythe Zipang 2
It is a top down low profile (4.5" tall) cooler (140mm fan). It is very quiet and keeps my temps down very nicely. Since it blows air from the top down it also keeps the mb cooler then a side blower would.

Anybody know how to install and run Win7 on a USB flash drive? I have a 16gb flash drive and want to experiment with running my PC from it for noisefree operation. Consider it a poor man's SSD. Is this possible?

Here is some info on the HD 5500 and 5450. They look quite promising for low power use. http://en.expreview.com/2010/01/18/amds-upcoming-entry-level-directx-11-graphics-cards-detailed/6461.html

Anybody know how to install and run Win7 on a USB flash drive? I have a 16gb flash drive and want to experiment with running my PC from it for noisefree operation. Consider it a poor man's SSD. Is this possible?

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-create-bootable-windows-7-usb-to-install-windows-7-from-usb-flash-drive-using-windows-7-dvdusb-tool/

This is for running win7 in a dedicated drive. not sure about Win7 on USB though.

I have a corsair GT usb drive which I'm familiar with... it's quick but I'd never think about running an OS from it...

No harm in trying I guess - but probably a time waster..

Perhaps 16GB is too small and USB flash is too slow for OS...

I originally posted this over here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1172451 in the i7, i5, i3 Core thread, but it is probably more appropriate here. One poster there replied and expressed strong concerns about noise given this will be in a living room area so please take that into consideration as you read on. Perhaps what I'm proposing to build is simply not appropriate for a living room area...


For a long time I have been running an older system in my office area that is a dedicated HTPC/server setup. It isn't connected to a TV, I just have it and my main rig connected to a KVM switch so I can switch over and work on it if I need to. This machine feeds extenders throughout the house (Xbox 360 and Linksys). This setup has its advantages and disadvantages, but it might me something you should consider.

Now I am building a system that will be in my A/V rack and connected direct to my receiver in the basement HT. It will still feed the rest of the extenders. I picked up an HP EX470 mediasmart server for alot less than I could build one for. It is very quiet and is fairly energy efficient. It can hold 4 drives, or 8 with an extra enclosure. This might be another setup option to consider.

I would say that with an HTPC, if you are setting up scheduled recordings you would not want to shut it off for fear you would miss one. I would try to get it to go into S3 so it would wake up if it needed to do something.

After specs and compatibility, is memory choice largely a personal preference? There are so many memory choices! I'm looking to get some ram for a ASUS P7H55-M PRO (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131623). Any suggestions?

After specs and compatibility, is memory choice largely a personal preference? There are so many memory choices! I'm looking to get some ram for a ASUS P7H55-M PRO. Any suggestions?

I'd check if the ASUS or whoever the MB manufacturer is, has a list of tested memory modules and buy one of those. Usually any name brand memory works fine but sometimes certain modules or MB are picky and flaky.

I would say that with an HTPC, if you are setting up scheduled recordings you would not want to shut it off for fear you would miss one. I would try to get it to go into S3 so it would wake up if it needed to do something.
The Hibernate mode in Win7 has worked well for me. My set up uses 7 W in this mode vs. about 80 W on or stand by.

I got all of my parts today but am having some troubles connecting all of the headers to my motherboard from my enclosure. I have the mMedia 5000B and ASRock H55m Pro. There is that power dial on the front and it has 3-2pin (Power SW, Reset SW and H.D.D. LED) and 2-1pin (Power LED+ and Power LED-) connectors and not sure where to connect them on the motherboard. thanks

I got all of my parts today but am having some troubles connecting all of the headers to my motherboard from my enclosure. I have the mMedia 5000B and ASRock H55m Pro. There is that power dial on the front and it has 3-2pin (Power SW, Reset SW and H.D.D. LED) and 2-1pin (Power LED+ and Power LED-) connectors and not sure where to connect them on the motherboard. thanks
Did you check the mb manual (PDF; i think it is included in CD)?

connectors and not sure where to connect them on the motherboard. thanks

http://www.asrock.com/mb/photo/P55%20Pro(Enlarge).jpg

The bright orange header on the bottom left corner.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8137/panels.jpg

http://www.asrock.com/mb/photo/P55%20Pro(Enlarge).jpg

The bright orange header on the bottom left corner.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8137/panels.jpg

Thanks I just found that but my HD LED pin, power and reset are not marked. I am not sure what is ground or +/-

The purpose of the power/reset buttons is just shorting the two pins (PWRBTN# and GND, RESET# and GND respectively). So there is no +/ground.

Thanks I just found that but my HD LED pin, power and reset are not marked. I am not sure what is ground or +/-

For the power and reset switches, it doesn't matter. They don't have polarity. The LED one is marked + & -. Just match to the board.

For the power and reset switches, it doesn't matter. They don't have polarity. The LED one is marked + & -. Just match to the board.

Ok great. Thanks everything is working perfect. I thought something would go wrong putting together my 1st computer.

Ok now Windows is giving me problems. My display says Standard VGA adapter and will not give me 1080 on my HDTV. I dont have a graphics card. Is there something I am suppose to change? I am using the core i3-530 and asrock H55M Pro

Are you connected via HDMI? Do you have all of your conflicts resolved in device manager?

Ok now Windows is giving me problems. My display says Standard VGA adapter and will not give me 1080 on my HDTV. I dont have a graphics card. Is there something I am suppose to change? I am using the core i3-530 and asrock H55M Pro
Have you looked at "Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel"? (Right click the empty desktop and select "Graphics Properties...".)

Have you looked at "Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel"? (Right click the empty desktop and select "Graphics Properties...".)

I don't have an option for Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel

Update: I did not d/l the HD graphics driver.....stupid. Thanks though

Have you installed Intel HD Graphics driver? The current version is 15.​​16.​​5.​​2021.

Have you installed Intel HD Graphics driver? The current version is 15.​​16.​​5.​​2021.

I did that and that is working fine now. But next is the Audio. I went to sound settings and set output through HDMI. But there is no audio and it says it only supports 2 channel. I have a Onkyo 606 receiver it is hooked up to.

For a long time I have been running an older system in my office area that is a dedicated HTPC/server setup. It isn't connected to a TV, I just have it and my main rig connected to a KVM switch so I can switch over and work on it if I need to. This machine feeds extenders throughout the house (Xbox 360 and Linksys). This setup has its advantages and disadvantages, but it might me something you should consider.

Now I am building a system that will be in my A/V rack and connected direct to my receiver in the basement HT. It will still feed the rest of the extenders. I picked up an HP EX470 mediasmart server for alot less than I could build one for. It is very quiet and is fairly energy efficient. It can hold 4 drives, or 8 with an extra enclosure. This might be another setup option to consider.

I would say that with an HTPC, if you are setting up scheduled recordings you would not want to shut it off for fear you would miss one. I would try to get it to go into S3 so it would wake up if it needed to do something.

I must admit that I am not familiar with KVM switches, and didn't consider IR extenders either (somewhat of a nubie on this stuff) --- I will look into both further.

You raise a good point about about scheduled recordings and S3; I don't do that much recording today but should consider that from a planning perspective. I've also toyed with the idea of building/buying a NAS and keeping that in the home office, provided I could run a network connection to the living room--- again, not very practical in my situation but probably doable. Then I could have a small, quiet HTPC in the living room and connect that to the rest of my audio and video components. My only problem with this or any remote media server as well, is that it would have to be on 24/7, even in S3. I would think that's a big waste of energy and might still generate quite a bit of heat in a living space? That's why I was hoping to build something that I could put in my current TV stand with my other audio/video gear; and, just turn it on when I need it.

Anyway, you've given me some more good food for thought. Thanks for the reply!

Renethx

Just wanted to give you a big thank you for continuing this thread, updating it, and even answering everyones questions!

Renethx

Just wanted to give you a big thank you for continuing this thread, updating it, and even answering everyones questions!

Better yet: a big donation in addition to a big thank you

a fan connector perhaps?

www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-012074.htm

(sorry, I would link it but I am a long-time lurker, first time poster...)

I thought so as well at first, but was baffled why the wire was so short. It was only a few hours of tinkering that I realized that it connected to adapter that came with the case. I had put it aside and completely forgot about it. It doesn't help that the case instructions really suck and don't mention it.

Anyway, once hooked up I got power to the case LCD display. Unfortunately I'm still having issues and haven't gotten the computer to power on. At this point I think it's a bad MB. Once I get the exchange I'll keep on tinkering.

For all those considering the Antec Fusion case, just be aware that it appears to be a tickier case to work with. At least it has been trickier in my limited PC building experience. But suspect that is the case with any of the cases that have LCD displays or built in IR control.

I built a http following most of renethx's advice and I'm stuck on one part. I have a MSI 785gtme45 motherboard hooked up to a amd quad 630 processor. The motherboard has a built in 4200 sound card but has very few resolution options for my 42" panasonic so I'm going to upgrade the video card.

My problem is I thought the main idea was to have a quiet system but all of renethx's suggetsions in the midrange micro range suggest a 4670 or 220 video card, both of which always have active cooling. Is there a good card that has passive cooling? I'm not playing games, I just want the best video I can get. Should I be looking at the 4550, which has passive cooling options? The card also has to have a low-profile design or adapter as I have a antec minuet 350

My problem is I thought the main idea was to have a quiet system but all of renethx's suggetsions in the midrange micro range suggest a 4670 or 220 video card, both of which always have active cooling. Is there a good card that has passive cooling? I'm not playing games, I just want the best video I can get. Should I be looking at the 4550, which has passive cooling options? The card also has to have a low-profile design or adapter as I have a antec minuet 350Renethx's philosophy is that passive video cards generate more heat in the case, which cause the case and CPU fans to need to work harder generating even more noise than would normally be present. I had a 220 which I swapped for a 4650 and then a 5670 which is coming today, and the 220 was completely silent, I couldn't really hear the 4650, and I got a Sapphire 5670 with a large HSF which is supposed to be cool and not generate any noise.

I get that and I'll probably just stick with the 4670. Hopefully it doesn't suck too much power and make too much heat when not in use. Now my other question is will I be able to use it with my motherboard and powersupply? I have a antec earthwats 380 in a msi 785-gtm-e45 motherboard. I only have 1 hard drive hooked up and a usb soundcard for s/pdif out so nothing else is really sucking up much. The chip however is a amd quad 630.

Are any of these low profile? I have a antec minuet 350

Is it intentional that the components for the mid and gaming rigs are the same? Post #5.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12248994#post12248994

Renethx, I am building your recommended 20 bay Media Server with the NORCO RPC-4020 case and have a question. There are 2 X 4 pin molex power connections on each of the 5 backplanes and I am using a Corsair 750 watt HX power supply. I am thinking that I only need to connect to one 4 pin molex per backplane or do I need to connect both? Thanks for any help.

I currently play all my movies from a TviX so I wonder how that compares to playing everything from 7MC?

With the TviX I simple click on the movie I want to play and it plays no matter what format: mkv, avi, bitstreaming or no bitstreaming. Is it the same with 7MC or will I have to make some adjustments in some configuration depending on lets say playing a movie with TrueHD vs a mp3?

After everything is set up is it likely that I will be able to control everything from my remote control or will I be forced from time to time to use a mouse/keyboard?

I'm currently planning on buying a Clarkdale system if that matters.

Renethx, have you had a chance to test Core i3's HD deinterlacing capabilities yet?

Ok, I need to learn more about containers and splitters and all that, but there is something that I have been wondering... Is it possible to put 2 different audio streams into one container? This way if I was playing on the machine itself I could have it bitstream the high-res audio but if I decided to stream it to a 360 it would stream AC3 that the 360 could handle? I thought I saw someone on medismartserver.net (I think) that said they used clownBD because it could put 2 different streams in.

BTW, is there a good primer on this topic somewhere or do I just need to head over to doom-9 and start digging?

I currently play all my movies from a TviX so I wonder how that compares to playing everything from 7MC?

With the TviX I simple click on the movie I want to play and it plays no matter what format: mkv, avi, bitstreaming or no bitstreaming. Is it the same with 7MC or will I have to make some adjustments in some configuration depending on lets say playing a movie with TrueHD vs a mp3?

After everything is set up is it likely that I will be able to control everything from my remote control or will I be forced from time to time to use a mouse/keyboard?

I'm currently planning on buying a Clarkdale system if that matters.I currently use 7MC 64 bit with Total Media Theater, Theater Tek and Windows Media Center as my various music and movie players. I use My Movies 3 plugin and most of the time it works well with my URC MX-800 remote, but from time to time it does require a little fiddling with settings, especially the audio. I keep a logitech MX-Air mouse and dinovo edge mini keypad near the sofa in case I need to fiddle :rolleyes:.

Ok, I need to learn more about containers and splitters and all that, but there is something that I have been wondering... Is it possible to put 2 different audio streams into one container? This way if I was playing on the machine itself I could have it bitstream the high-res audio but if I decided to stream it to a 360 it would stream AC3 that the 360 could handle? I thought I saw someone on medismartserver.net (I think) that said they used clownBD because it could put 2 different streams in.

BTW, is there a good primer on this topic somewhere or do I just need to head over to doom-9 and start digging?

Yup, that would be me at mediasmartserver.net :D

Yes, I use Clown_BD to put the original HD audio track and a secondary AC3 track into a ts file (you can actually do this for an mkv as well which I have done). I set the HD Audio track to default and have the AC3 track to fall back on in the case a player will not support the HD Audio track. I don't use my XBox360 as a media extender so not sure how it handles multiple audio tracks, but as an example I have a SageTV HD200 which is connected directly to my tv. The HD200 cannot downmix teh HD audio track, so my pressing the "audio" button on my remote it automatically switches to the AC3 track so I get sound.

Renethx, I am building your recommended 20 bay Media Server with the NORCO RPC-4020 case and have a question. There are 2 X 4 pin molex power connections on each of the 5 backplanes and I am using a Corsair 750 watt HX power supply. I am thinking that I only need to connect to one 4 pin molex per backplane or do I need to connect both? Thanks for any help.
Connect both. (But I haven't tried to connect only one.)

Connect both. (But I haven't tried to connect only one.)
I would assume that the 2 connectors are there for a good reason, so I'd connect both too.

Renethx, have you had a chance to test Core i3's HD deinterlacing capabilities yet?
Yup. Let me know if you want to see screenshots.

Is the HIS 5670 really going to be worth it over the other brands purely for the heat being ejected outside of the case? I'm checking all the stores here daily in Australia and no one has the HIS yet. But all the other brands are widely available.

The Powercolor version is $109 AUD, which is pretty cheap. I don't think the HIS will be that cheap when it becomes available.

Yup, that would be me at mediasmartserver.net :D

Yes, I use Clown_BD to put the original HD audio track and a secondary AC3 track into a ts file (you can actually do this for an mkv as well which I have done). I set the HD Audio track to default and have the AC3 track to fall back on in the case a player will not support the HD Audio track. I don't use my XBox360 as a media extender so not sure how it handles multiple audio tracks, but as an example I have a SageTV HD200 which is connected directly to my tv. The HD200 cannot downmix teh HD audio track, so my pressing the "audio" button on my remote it automatically switches to the AC3 track so I get sound.

That is awesome, I don't think the 360 will play any of the files that Clown_BD can create. Now you've got me wanting to switch to SageTV.

Is the HIS 5670 really going to be worth it over the other brands purely for the heat being ejected outside of the case? I'm checking all the stores here daily in Australia and no one has the HIS yet. But all the other brands are widely available.

The Powercolor version is $109 AUD, which is pretty cheap. I don't think the HIS will be that cheap when it becomes available.
If HIS IceQ is not available, go for Sapphire.

Yup. Let me know if you want to see screenshots.
Yeah absolutely. especially our favorite cheese slices! thanks.

renethx, this question was for you. Sorry for not addressing it to you initially.

It is regarding the MicroATX mid and gaming recommended setups.

Apologies if this has already been covered.

Is it intentional that the components for the mid and gaming rigs are the same? Post #5 of this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12248994#post12248994

renethx, this question was for you. Sorry for not addressing it to you initially.

It is regarding the MicroATX mid and gaming recommended setups.

Apologies if this has already been covered.
The post is the 2008 May edition. Click the link "latest" at the beginning of the post.

Any thoughts on the Thermaltake Blue Orb II CPU Cooler as my HSF replacement for my BE-2350 in my NSK 2480? Googling reveals comments by people saying it fits in the case.

Seems to be an old HSF, I can get one for $35 AUD which is pretty good I think. I can potentially even run this with the fan completely off?

Renethx, I am building your recommended 20 bay Media Server with the NORCO RPC-4020 case and have a question. There are 2 X 4 pin molex power connections on each of the 5 backplanes and I am using a Corsair 750 watt HX power supply. I am thinking that I only need to connect to one 4 pin molex per backplane or do I need to connect both? Thanks for any help.
Connect both. (But I haven't tried to connect only one.)

I would assume that the 2 connectors are there for a good reason, so I'd connect both too.

Thanks for the quick replys they are always very much appreciated.

I must say that it doesn't really help matters that NORCO doesn't have any documentation for this case:eek: - it is pretty easy to figure out most of it but since I am not an expert at building computers (more likely a novice:D) I always like to confirm what I believe is the correct setup with some sort of manual or data sheet. As you can see by my question I was somewhat confussed by the 10 4 pin molex power connectors (2 on each of the 5 backplanes) and with my current Corsair modular power supply I did not have enough power cabling to complete the build by connecting all of these.

So I ordered some more cabling and emailed NORCO customer support. Mike Wang responded quickly with a reply that they don't currently have any documentation for the RPC-4020 and that if using a standard ATX power supply only 1 of the 2 molex connectors needs to be connected and if using a redundant power supply then both connectors would be used. I will finish the build in a day or 2 and suppose I will find out if only 1 connector per backplane is needed;).

I'm using Norco 4020 and can assure you that you only need the one power plug per row.
Either that, or my HDDs are running on air :) , now that would be cool.

So I ordered some more cabling and emailed NORCO customer support. Mike Wang responded quickly with a reply that they don't currently have any documentation for the RPC-4020 and that if using a standard ATX power supply only 1 of the 2 molex connectors needs to be connected and if using a redundant power supply then both connectors would be used. I will finish the build in a day or 2 and suppose I will find out if only 1 connector per backplane is needed;).

You only need to connect one 4-pin molex per backplane. The second is for redudancy / backup in case the other gets damaged or quits working.

I get that and I'll probably just stick with the 4670. Hopefully it doesn't suck too much power and make too much heat when not in use. Now my other question is will I be able to use it with my motherboard and powersupply? I have a antec earthwats 380 in a msi 785-gtm-e45 motherboard. I only have 1 hard drive hooked up and a usb soundcard for s/pdif out so nothing else is really sucking up much. The chip however is a amd quad 630.

Are any of these low profile? I have a antec minuet 350

Can anyone help me on this? I double checked and there is no low profile 4670 so now I'm a bit stuck. I read about the 4650. Is this the next best card? A few are made low profile. The Nvidia 220 is also low profile. Please keep in mind that I'm not concerned with gaming, just video playback and naturally cool and quiet.

I'm using Norco 4020 and can assure you that you only need the one power plug per row.
Either that, or my HDDs are running on air :) , now that would be cool.

That would be very cool:D. Considering how difficult it is to get the 4 pin molex's plugged in this case, I am glad I only need one per row:eek:. I ended up pulling the bracket for the fans as my hands would just not cooperate;).

I want to use my Harmony 880 with my HTPC. I have the ASRock H55M pro motherboard, is this possible?

I want to use my Harmony 880 with my HTPC. I have the ASRock H55M pro motherboard, is this possible?
If you have a case with built in IR blaster then no problem. If not, you will need to buy a MCE remote and blaster (they are very cheap) and then you can use the Harmony after you get the MCE remote setup from the database or have the Harmony learn from the MCE remote.

If you have a case with built in IR blaster then no problem. If not, you will need to buy a MCE remote and blaster (they are very cheap) and then you can use the Harmony after you get the MCE remote setup from the database or have the Harmony learn from the MCE remote.

Can you not buy an IR blaster by itself? And how would u set t up with logitechs software?

Can you not buy an IR blaster by itself? And how would u set t up with logitechs software? Well you probably can, but you can get a cheap remote and blaster for around $20 or less. You just plug in the IR blaster to a USB port and then get any MCE remote template from the logitech database - just like if you were getting the remote for your TV or whatever. I don't use a logitech personally, but do use a URC MX-800 that works similar. If you can't find a template that works how you want then that is where the MCE cheap remote comes in to use to teach your Harmony:D.

Hi all! This is my first post, jumping into this topic...

I'm just about finished building my rig, based on renethx's recommendation for a "Premium Intel-Intel" system, and I've run into a potential problem.

I went "whole hog" on this system, and bought the Radeon 5870 graphics card. This thing is HUGE! As such (because of my choice of case - Moncaso 932T) I can't use it in PCIe slot 1... it interferes with the optical drive. According to the manual for the Asus P7P55D EVO mobo, it says not to put a single VGA card in slot 2. I really don't have a choice, short of returning this card and going with a 5850.

I appeal to those who have more experience with this board, for instruction! I did try the card in slot 2, and it's working (with both a CRT monitor, and the front LCD panel). Any potential problems with this, or any tweaks I should make to optimize this configuration?


On edit: For anyone who is contemplating this case (I know it's a bit dated, now), and has been put-off by the limitations on the length of optical drive, ANY drive can be used (up to 185mm long) as long as LEFT ANGLE connectors are used for power and data. I installed a Pioneer BDR-205BKS drive, and have room to spare between it and the mobo. A shorter optical drive would not have made a difference with the 5870 graphics card, however.

If you have a case with built in IR blaster then no problem. If not, you will need to buy a MCE remote and blaster (they are very cheap) and then you can use the Harmony after you get the MCE remote setup from the database or have the Harmony learn from the MCE remote.

Can you not buy an IR blaster by itself? And how would u set t up with logitechs software?

Well you probably can, but you can get a cheap remote and blaster for around $20 or less. You just plug in the IR blaster to a USB port and then get any MCE remote template from the logitech database - just like if you were getting the remote for your TV or whatever. I don't use a logitech personally, but do use a URC MX-800 that works similar. If you can't find a template that works how you want then that is where the MCE cheap remote comes in to use to teach your Harmony:D.

I think you guys are probably referring to an IR receiver. A blaster actually sends out IR signals. In this case the remote would be doing the blasting and the USB receiver would be reciveing the IR signals. Easiest would be to buy a case with a receiver built in (like the antec fusion) but there are some USB ones. There is a model of the USB-IRT that has a receiver bult in but it is mainly built to blast. I think Antec makes an add on receiver. I think some tuner cards also come with a remote and a receiver.

I think you guys are probably referring to an IR receiver. A blaster actually sends out IR signals. In this case the remote would be doing the blasting and the USB receiver would be reciveing the IR signals. Easiest would be to buy a case with a receiver built in (like the antec fusion) but there are some USB ones. There is a model of the USB-IRT that has a receiver bult in but it is mainly built to blast. I think Antec makes an add on receiver. I think some tuner cards also come with a remote and a receiver.

This is the cheap IR Receiver I use with my Harmony remote:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001&cm_re=mce_remote-_-80-121-001-_-Product

Well, I finally took the plunge.

Copied ReneThx almost 1:1

System

CPU: Core i5 750 2.66GHz LGA1156

CPU Cooler: Stock

Motherboard: ASRock P55M Pro LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset microATX.

Memory: Kingston 4GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10600 Kit

Graphics Card (ATI): Sapphire HD5770 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E Vapor X

HDD1: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB, 64 MB Cache
HDD2: Samsung Hard Disk Drive 160 GB SATA2

PSU: Be-Quiet Straight Power E7 550W

Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote.

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech DiNovo Mini (already owned that one)

It's a bit more expensive because of some parts. And in The Netherlands, prices are a bit higher than in the US.

I'm hoping this system will be enough to last me a while.
Will be getting the parts tomorrow!

This forum really helped me out, so thanks a lot!

Cheers!

E.

What dBa is considered noiseless when shopping for fans? <25dba? this is from a viewing distance of about 10ft.

I went "whole hog" on this system, and bought the Radeon 5870 graphics card. This thing is HUGE! As such (because of my choice of case - Moncaso 932T) I can't use it in PCIe slot 1... it interferes with the optical drive. According to the manual for the Asus P7P55D EVO mobo, it says not to put a single VGA card in slot 2. I really don't have a choice, short of returning this card and going with a 5850.

I appeal to those who have more experience with this board, for instruction! I did try the card in slot 2, and it's working (with both a CRT monitor, and the front LCD panel). Any potential problems with this, or any tweaks I should make to optimize this configuration?


Very nice system!

You should be ok. I had the same issue with a gigabyte motherboard, and ended up running my 5770 card in the second PCIE slot. Even though it's limited to 8x speed, this is not a bottleneck. I actually benchmarked my overclocked 5770 in both slots, and saw only 1% performance decrease when video card was installed in slot 2. Even a more powerful Radeon 5870 is barely limited by PCIE x8 speed.

Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361 should be good.
Thanks for the recommendation. Quite the cooler. Cleared the memory heat sinks perfectly.

51°C after 30 minutes of 8 threads on Prime 95 with i7 860.

Fan was running at 1,800. I think my computer started to move. <G>

MPC HomeCinema supports PGS subtitles + DXVA (with EVR custom presenter). The latest SVN (since 1.3.1453 [December 27, 2009]) even supports automatic refresh rate change according to the frame rate of the video streams. (The correct refresh rate is "23Hz" for movies, however.)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=162717&stc=1&d=1262706915

Is it available compiled anywhere? I poked around the MPC-HC SourceForge page without finding it... Just the August revision.

Marc

PS Edit: Found a bunch of builds at the Russian Xvid site and downloaded a more recent build there but it didn't have the frame rate switching and the Subtitles option seems greyed out. Sigh. And, "I get not the stable version of the program." :-)

Is it available compiled anywhere? I poked around the MPC-HC SourceForge page without finding it... Just the August revision.

Marc

PS Edit: Found a bunch of builds at the Russian Xvid site and downloaded a more recent build there but it didn't have the frame rate switching and the Subtitles option seems greyed out. Sigh. And, "I get not the stable version of the program." :-)
Auto refresh rate change is even improved. :) The screenshot below was taken with Build 1.3.1540.0.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164364&stc=1&d=1264132056

I don't see any issue, at least for image-based subtitles.

Hey, kind of a noob type question. Putting together my first HTPC. Should I install my graphic card's audio drivers as well as my Xonar's? I am inclined to install Win7-32 bit, then ATI 5750 graphic driver 9.12 without the audio driver, then the Xonar suite with the 1775/splendid/gamer/TMT3. OK??

Then what would the preferred settings be? Win7=speakers (stereo/5.1 or 7.1) then Xonar=hdmi/192khz/8 speakers??

Does Imon play nice with this?

My build is:
Asrock p55 extreme w/i5-750
HIS h575 (5750) VGA
Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe
Siverstone CW02 with iMON
Win7-32 bit
7.2 Marantz HT system

I couldn't find anything yet on this combo.
Thanks for any help in advance.

Hey, kind of a noob type question. Putting together my first HTPC. Should I install my graphic card's audio drivers as well as my Xonar's? I am inclined to install Win7-32 bit, then ATI 5750 graphic driver 9.12 without the audio driver, then the Xonar suite with the 1775/splendid/gamer/TMT3. OK??

Then what would the preferred settings be? Win7=speakers (stereo/5.1 or 7.1) then Xonar=hdmi/192khz/8 speakers??

Does Imon play nice with this?

My build is:
Asrock p55 extreme w/i5-750
HIS h575 (5750) VGA
Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe
Siverstone CW02 with iMON
Win7-32 bit
7.2 Marantz HT system

I couldn't find anything yet on this combo.
Thanks for any help in advance.

First I don't believe it is necessary to use the game patch with 1775 ASUS driver, at least I used it with the 1773 drivers and then stopped using it with the 1775 on a win 7 x64 system, but I am using the SLIM so I could be wrong. Also thought most everyone was staying away from the splendid, but again I could be wrong. Make sure to set the audio to HDMI pass-through in TMT3 (both players). I find that iMon works fine in the standalone player, but I can't get the main buttons to work (FF, REW, PLAY, PAUSE) in the TMT3 media center player.

I think you guys are probably referring to an IR receiver. A blaster actually sends out IR signals. In this case the remote would be doing the blasting and the USB receiver would be reciveing the IR signals. Easiest would be to buy a case with a receiver built in (like the antec fusion) but there are some USB ones. There is a model of the USB-IRT that has a receiver bult in but it is mainly built to blast. I think Antec makes an add on receiver. I think some tuner cards also come with a remote and a receiver.
Yeah sorry, meant receiver not blaster.

Is the HIS 5670 really going to be worth it over the other brands purely for the heat being ejected outside of the case? I'm checking all the stores here daily in Australia and no one has the HIS yet. But all the other brands are widely available.

The Powercolor version is $109 AUD, which is pretty cheap. I don't think the HIS will be that cheap when it becomes available.

Mate, Check http://www.techbuy.com.au. HIS 5670 added today $154.35.

If HIS IceQ is not available, go for Sapphire.

Umart Online have the Sapphire HD5670 currently for $119.

Auto refresh rate change is even improved. :) The screenshot below was taken with Build 1.3.1540.0.

I don't see any issue, at least for image-based subtitles.

So, where did you get that build. Got a link?

So, where did you get that build. Got a link?
XvidVideo.RU (http://xvidvideo.ru/) is the best site to download the latest SVN of MPC HomeCinema and ffdshow tryouts.

I need a little guidance on finishing up my 1st HTPC build. I just need a mobo and I got it narrowed down to 2 finalists, but I'm looking for some last minute input. Here's my equipment so far:

Case: Apevia X-Master
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W
Proc: Phenom II X2 550 BE
HDD: 1 TB WD
80 GB WD
Mem: Corsair DDR2 800 (2 x 2GB)
Opt Dr: Lite-On Blu-ray 4x

I have narrowed down the mobos to:
ASRock A790GXH (possiblity to unlock to x4) and ECS Black Series A790GXM

I want to be able to play Blu-ray and eventually do some gaming (both of these boards offer CrossfireX). Can anyone see a glaring hole or offer up a different direction I should go? Will these boards suffice? Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.

...then again, don't we all?

Given the new i3 and 5670 products, I'm looking to go this route. I'm looking to do the following:


Play ripped DVDs
Play various media files, both audio and video. We've been very invested in Apple TV to this point.
We have an archaic (pre-HDMI) stereo that will eventually be replaced.
We've got a great 52" 1080p LCD.


My current product list is:

ASRock H55M Pro LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80616I3530 - Retail
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ - Retail
SAPPHIRE 100287VGAL Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 512MB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
Antec Black Aluminum / Steel Fusion Remote Black Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power ... - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EADS 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Western Digital Caviar Green WD5000AADS 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive
LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner - Retail
COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail

My primary question is whether the power supply is big enough. Any gotchas you think you see in this mix?

Thanks a TON for this amazing resource...

I just completed my build using the new i3 cpu and h55 asus motherboard and am getting excellant hdmi and sound from the combination to a 54" lcd tv. When watching tv I run the hdmi directly to the tv and run the sound thru the Asus. When playing blu-ray/dvd I run the hdmi output of the Asus to the tv and the sound out of the Asus to my Denon receiver. Why are folks putting one of the 5000 series video cards in the combination? What do you get video wise that the h55 can't deliver? Just wopnder what I'm missing.

I think it's because they want gaming options and the H55 boards are currently (on Newegg, at least) cheaper than the P55 boards.

Anyone have experience with MSI GT 240 512mb GDDR5, especially in relation to the fan noise? It's really cheap right now at $50 with a rebate. Same price as the GT 220.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch_v3.asp?scriteria=BD11210&px=SB

Why get the i3 though? The whole appeal to the Clarkdale line is that the integrated graphics and cpu are in the same package...and it can bitstream. It seems to me that if you are going to go with a separate video card (that can bitstream) then getting a Clarkdale cpu is sort of pointless. I would go with a better processor without the integrated graphics since that function is now being taken care of by the dedicated video card. Just my two cents.

____________________________________________
Recommended HTPC Systems – January 2010 Edition
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Last Update on January 25, 2010

This is outdated. Go to Recommended Systems - The Latest Edition

First, a small advertisement:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164580&d=1264311871

Table of Contents

Introduction
Organization of the Contents
Classification of HTPC Systems
1. Form Factor
2. Performance and Cost
3. CPU-Chipset-GPU Manufacturers
Component Selection
CPU
Chipset and Motherboard
Memory
Graphics Card
Sound Card
My Pick of HTPC
Peripheral Components and OS
Input Device
MCE Remote
Universal Remote
Keyboard & Mouse
So what do you need?
Optical Disc Drive
BD Rewriter/BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter
DVD Rewriter
TV Tuner/Capture Card
Digital+Analog
Digital Only
HD Capturing
Sound Card
OS
Brackets
S/PDIF Bracket
COM (Serial) Port Bracket
LPT (Parallel) Port Bracket
Mini-ITX System
General Consideration
Standard System
Intel-Intel (iGPU)
Intel-NVIDIA (iGPU)
AMD-AMD (iGPU)
Gaming System
Intel-Intel
Intel-NVIDIA
AMD-AMD
MicroATX System
General Consideration
Low-End System
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD (iGPU)
AMD-AMD
Mid-Range System
Intel-Intel (iGPU)
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD
High-End System
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD
Premium System
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD
ATX System
General Consideration
Low-End System
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD (iGPU)
AMD-AMD
Mid-Range System
Intel-Intel (iGPU)
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD
AMD-NVIDIA
High-End System
Intel-Intel
AMD-AMD
AMD-NVIDIA
Premium System
Intel-Intel (LGA 1156)
Intel-Intel (LGA 1366)
AMD-AMD
AMD-NVIDIA
DAS (Direct Attached Storage)
5-Drive SATA Enclosure
8-Drive SATA Enclosure
High-Performance 8-Drive SATA Enclosure
15 to 20-Drive SATA 4U Rack Mount Storage Chassis
Other DAS Solutions
Workstation
Media Storage Server
General Consideration
System
20 HDD Rack Mount System I
20 HDD Rack Mount System II
15 HDD Tower System

__________
Introduction
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________________________
Organization of the Contents
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Here is a brief summary of the contents.

Peripheral Components and OS: I collected common hardware components used in each system here. OS (Windows only) is also mentioned.
Recommended HTPC systems: This longest part is classified into several categories as stated below for convenience.
DAS (Direct Attached Storage): If you need more storage space, a quick solution is here.
Workstation: A system for (serious) video editing tasks.
Server: HD video files occupy lots of storage spaces. So you may need a dedicated media storage server.
_________________________
Classification of HTPC Systems
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HTPC systems here are classified into several categories for convenience, according to the following three criteria.

1. Form Factor

A form factor specifies the physical dimensions of a system. Basically it is the motherboard form factor that defines the overall size of a system. There are dozens of standardized form factors. Among them we will be concerned with the following three most popular form factors.

Mini-ITX: 170mm x 170mm (6.7″ x 6.7″)
MicroATX: 244mm x 244mm (9.6″ x 9.6″)
ATX: 305mm x 244mm (12″ x 9.6″)
Here is a picture of a motherboard/case of each form factor, Mini-ITX, microATX, ATX, from left to right, the bottom being an AVR.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164584&d=1264314629

(FYI the model number of each motherboard/case in the picture is:

Form Factor|Motherboard|Case|Case Size
Mini-ITX|Zotac H55ITX-A-E|Apex MI-008|W220 x H129 x D300 mm
MicroATX|GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H|Antec Fusion Remote|W445 x H145 x D414 mm
ATX|ASUS P7P55D-E PRO|Zalman HD503|W450 x H170 x D455 mm

The AVR is ONKYO TX-NA807, W435 x H199 x D436 mm. You may wonder why the width of the microATX case is almost the same as that of the ATX case. The reason is simple: the PSU is usually laid flat in a microATX case, while it is laid vertically in an ATX case. As a consequence, a microATX case is usually shorter in height than an ATX case.)

Because of the size, Mini-ITX provides the least expandability (0 or 1 expansion slot), usually 2 memory slots and CPU support is often limited by the cooling performance of a small Mini-ITX case. MicroATX supports up to 4 expansion slots, while ATX supports up to 7 expansion slots. Usually a Mini-ITX/microATX motherboard comes with an integrated graphics so that you may not need to use a discrete graphic card. An ATX case can usually hold more storage drives than an microATX case, and a microATX case can hold more storage drives than an Mini-ITX case.

2. Performance and Cost

Typical tasks done by a HTPC are

Playing back (or watching) media contents including:
Non-streamed media such as DVD movies, Blu-ray Disc movies, CDs.
Streamed media such as TV (terrestrial, satellite, cable, Internet) and radio.
Media files stored locally.
Creating media files from various sources, non-streaming or streaming (usually called "ripping" or "recording"), and storing them for later use.
Editing, including re-encoding, media files.
Hardware components that are important for each task is:

Playing back video: This includes video decode and various post-processing (deinterlacing, rescaling etc.). GPU is the most important for this task (unless you resort to a software playback solution such as ffdshow). A couple of GPUs integrated in motherboard are good. If you want to get the best picture quality, a good mid-range discrete GPU is recommended, however. A high-end card is good for better gaming experience of course, but it rarely improve video playback performance.
Ripping: The speed of ripping DVD/BD discs is often limited by the reading speed of the optical disc drive used.
Recording: HDTV contents are already encoded (in either MPEG-2 or H.264). So this is relatively easy for any system.
Editing and re-encoding video (except for simple cut and join): This is one of the most CPU-intensive tasks. A good quad-core processor is recommended. A trend is that GPU (stream processors) offloads CPU, and several video editing applications already support it (keywords: GPGPU, OpenCL, Microsoft DirectCompute, NVIDIA CUDA, ATI Stream).
In general better performance means costing more.

Performance and cost is the secondary category of the list.

3. CPU-Chipset-GPU Manufacturers

CPU, chipset (in motherboard; controlling various I/O devices and connecting them to CPU/memory) and GPU are the three main hardware components of a system. Intel and AMD are the main suppliers of CPU for PC. Intel and AMD are producing chipsets for its own CPUs and NVIDIA for both. Intel (integrated GPU only), AMD and NVIDIA are the top three GPU manufacturers.

CPU/chipset/GPU manufacturers is the third category of the list.
_________________
Component Selection
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The components selected here are based on my hand-on experience and/or my extensive research. Here are general considerations in choosing components.

CPU

Below $60: Intel Celeron E3200 and E3300 are nice, cheap dual-core processors.
$60 to $150: Intel Core i3 530/540 is a nice processor with integrated graphics. AMD Athlon II X3 (triple-core) and X4 (quad-core) families are more powerful in some applications (in particular HTPC-related).
Over $150: Intel Core i5 and i7 (LGA 1156 and LGA 1366) are dominating the high-end segment.
Chipset and Motherboard

Intel produces chipsets for its own chips and AMD for its own chips. NVIDIA used to produce chipsets for both. However with the current trend that critical chipset components are incorporated into the same silicon as the processor, NVIDIA is quitting the desktop chipset business. There are still many nice NVIDIA chipset motherboards and I picked up some of them here.

Memory

DDR2 vs DDR3: DDR3 SDRAM is the latest standard and is expected to be the mainstream by Q2 2010. You may want to go with DDR3 now (depending on the total cost of the system), in particular considering that DDR3 modules are reusable in future upgrade (DDR4 SDRAM is coming only in 2012), although the performance increase by going from DDR2 to DDR3 is little and the total cost of a DDR3 system may be higher than an equivalent DDR2 system by $10 to $30.

Capacity, timings, voltage: For normal HTPC usage, 2GB in total is plenty enough (in particular under Windows 7). CAS latency and timings are important for memory-intensive applications, in particular games. However these have little effect on the majority of HTPC-related tasks. So just ignore them. The standard operating voltage of DDR2 (resp. DDR3) SDRAM is 1.8V (resp. 1.5V). Some memory modules require higher voltage than that for better stability. Adjust the memory voltage in BIOS according to the specifications of your memory modules.

Brand: Basically the brand does not matter in performance as the standards are established by JEDEC rigorously. It's not like Intel vs. AMD in CPU.

Graphics Card

Sound Card

_____________
My Pick of HTPC
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
In case you have no idea what to choose (and no time to dig), here is my pick.

MicroATX/ATX Mid-Range Intel-Intel System with ATI Graphics Card: the best video/audio playback performance, as well as good performance/low power consumption in various CPU intensive tasks.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164603&d=1264315293

_________________________
Peripheral Components and OS
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A HTPC needs peripheral components (input devices, optical drive, TV tuner, sound card etc.) to be functional besides the core components (CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, HDD, PSU and case). The following is a quick list of recommended peripheral components and OS. In the subsequent sections, I will give only core components.

___________
Input Device
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MCE Remote

A MCE remote is a (usually IR) remote control and a receiver to be attached to the HTPC (internally or externally via USB) that controls Windows Media Center and other front ends/media players at a distant place. Some HTPC cases and TV tuner cards come with a MCE remote. If not, you can buy one.

Anyware GP-IR01BK Windows Vista MCE Remote Control External IR Receiver and Remote, $21.
Antec Multimedia Station Basic Internal IR Receiver and Remote, $25.
Antec Multimedia Station Elite Internal IR Receiver w/VFD and Remote, $59.
Universal Remote

If you want to control all entertainment equipments at your home theater room, a universal remote is a must. Your HTPC needs to have an IR receiver (so you first need to have a MCE remote).

Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote, $186.
Logitech Harmony 700 (A stripped version of Harmony One: up to six devices, non-touch screen), $133.
Logitech Harmony 900 (Harmony One + RF capabilities), $300.
Logitech Harmony 1100 (3.5ˮ touch screen; RF capabilities), $330.
You may be able to find an older model cheap:

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote, $130.
Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote (Harmony 880 + RF capabilities), $220.
The following is a universal remote (PC via RF + three CE devices via IR) with Gyration's MotionSense technology, eliminating the need for a mouse.
Gyration Air Music Remote GYR4101US, $68.
Gyration Air Music Remote with Compact Keyboard GYR4101CKUS, $83.
or the editions without music library LCD:

Gyration Media Center Remote GYR3101US, $68.
Gyration Media Center Remote with Compact Keyboard GYR3101CKUS, $108.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164586&d=1264314812

Keyboard & Mouse

Adesso 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Multimedia/MCE Keyboard with Optical Trackball WKB-3200UB, $55.
Logitech diNovo Edge, $135.
Logitech diNovo Mini, $126.
So what do you need?

So what do you need (besides a keyboard and a mouse when installing software)? There is no simple answer.

If you just want to control a front end remotely, a cheap MCE remote may be enough. But you still need to a keyboard/mouse, for example, to surf the web.
Logitech Harmony is good to control lots of CE devices as well as HTPC. But you still need to a keyboard/mouse, for example, to surf the web.
If you want to use your HTPC more like a normal PC (e.g. web browsing) without using a keyboard/mouse, Gyration is a good choice. This can also control three other CE devices.
_______________
Optical Disc Drive
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BD Rewriter/BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter

LG WH08LS20 Super Multi Blue BD & DVD Rewriter, $180.
LG CH08LS10 Super Multi Blue BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter, $104.
LITE-ON iHOS104 BD/DVD Reader, $60.
SilverStone TOB02 SST-TOB02 Slim Type BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter, $148.
DVD Rewriter

LG GH22NS50 Super Multi DVD & CD Rewriter, $29.
___________________
TV Tuner/Capture Card
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Digital+Analog

AVerMedia AVerTV Combo G2 PCIe x1 Card (White Box or Media Center Upgrade Kit), $90.
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 PCIe x1 Card (White Box or MC Kit), $114.
Digital Only

AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet PCIe x1 Card (White Box), $60.
Silicondust HDHomeRun Networked Device, $149.
HD Capturing

Hauppauge HD PVR model 1212 USB Device, $205.
__________
Sound Card
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

This is purely optional. Necessary hardware for HD digital audio is provided by either the motherboard's onboard audio codec or the HDMI on a graphics card:

Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams
Every motherboard's onboard audio codec (via optical or coaxial S/PDIF connector)
Every GeForce graphics card except for GT 220 and GT 240 (actually audio is supplied by the onboard audio codec via an internal cable)
Every AMD 780G/785G/790GX/880G/890GX chipset motherboard
All the solutions mentioned below
Multichannel LPCM over HDMI
Every GeForce 9300 chipset motherboard
GeForce GT 220 and GT 240 graphics card
Every Radeon HD 4xxx/5xxx graphics card
Every Intel Core i5/i3 (Clarkdale) processor
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio/Master Audio bitstreams
Every Radeon HD 5xxx graphics card
Every Intel Core i5/i3 (Clarkdale) processor
|DD/DTS/Stereo LPCM|Multichannel LPCM|TrueHD/DTS-HD
Every mb's onboard audio codec (S/PDIF)|Y|N|N
AMD 780G/785G/790GX/880G/890GX (iGPU)|Y|N|N
Radeon HD 4xxx (dGPU)|Y|Y|N
Radeon HD 5xxx (dGPU)|Y|Y|Y
GeForce 9300/9400 mGPU (iGPU)|Y|Y|N
GeForce 210, GT 220/240 (dGPU)|Y|Y|N
All the other GeForce cards (dGPU)|Y|N|N
Intel Core i3/i5 (Clarkdale) (iGPU)|Y|Y|Y

So you don't need a sound card unless you want:

Good analog sound (coupled with a good amplifier);
Support for EAX 5.0 in gaming (to output via analog, S/PDIF with Dolby Digital Live/DTS Interactive or HDMI)
Here are a list of a couple of recommended sound cards if you are in the above two cases:

ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Deluxe PCIe x1 Card, $240. (Topnotch analog sound as well as HD audio bitstreaming with ArcSoft TotalMedia Theater.)
Auzentech Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD PCIe x1 Card, $250. (EAX 5.0 support by an X-Fi audio chip; HD audio bitstreaming with a retail copy of CyberLink PowerDVD 9 Ultra.)
___
OS
¯¯¯

Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Service Pack 2, 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) edition. OEM should be enough.
Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate, 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) edition. OEM should be enough.
A couple of remarks:
Vista vs. Windows 7: If you own a license of Vista, do you need Windows 7? The answer depends on your usage. A notable improvement of Windows 7 over Vista is better TV integration in Windows Media Center. If you don't use TV feature of Media Center or don't use Media Center itself, then you may want to stay with Vista.
Vista editions: Vista Ultimate has several features that are not found in Home Premium, for example, complete PC backup and remote desktop, although you can find alternative programs easily (e.g. Acronis True Image; VNC, RAdmin).
Windows 7 editions: 7 Home Premium offers full-system backup and restore unlike Vista Home Premium. You can find comparison of Windows 7 editions in this Microsoft web page (http://content.windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare-editions) and Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions).
x86 vs. x64: Currently the main advantage of Windows x64 is the support for more than 4GB memory. However Windows Media Center x64 is a 64-bit application and a couple of useful DirectShow filters are not available in x64 (e.g. madFlac Decoder, ReClock [a must tool for bit-perfect LPCM HD audio]). Unless you are sure you will take advantage of more than 4GB memory, you may want to stay with x86.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164587&d=1264314812

Lower-cost components


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164588&d=1264314812

Higher-cost components

________
Brackets
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S/PDIF Bracket

If your motherboard does not have an S/PDIF port in the rear panel, then you can build your own coaxial S/PDIF bracket: buy

RCA COMPOSITE VIDEO 2.5' - PANEL F TO 1X3 F (http://www.frontx.com/pro/p1062_030.html), $6.30
from FRONTX (http://www.frontx.com/store/order_pb.html) and attach it to an empty PCI bracket by drilling a hole.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164589&d=1264314845

COM (Serial) Port Bracket

If your motherboard has an internal COM connector, use
Cables To Go DB9M Serial Add-A-Port Adapter with Bracket for Intel Motherboards (http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=908&sku=28300)
LPT (Parallel) Port Bracket

If your motherboard has an internal LPT connector, use
Cables To Go DB25F Parallel Add-A-Port Adapter with Bracket (http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=908&sku=10338)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164590&d=1264314845

______________
Mini-ITX System
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__________________
General Consideration
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Mini-ITX form factor has become popular because of its small footprint. However there are several limitations. It supports at most one expansion slot. As almost every Mini-ITX has an integrated GPU (iGPU) and some of them are very good for video playback, this may not be a serious issue. A Mini-ITX case is usually very small, hence there is often a space limitation for the CPU cooler, storage drives and PSU. You have to select components carefully. If you agree with these limitations, a Mini-ITX system can be not only a good HTPC but also a gaming machine or a video encoding machine by placing a powerful discrete graphics card and/or CPU (as long as the motherboard and the case support them).

I will give a standard HTPC system with iGPU and a gaming HTPC with dGPU for each of the Intel chip-Intel chipset, the Intel chip-NVIDIA chipset, the AMD chip-AMD chipset and the AMD chip-NVIDIA chipset. Here is a feature comparison chart (needs to be updated).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164581&d=1264311871

______________
Standard System
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Intel-Intel (iGPU)

System

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi H55ITX-A-E LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset Mini-ATX, $129.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: WD Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: ATX12V 250W SFX PSU (included in the case): $0.
Case: Apex MI-008 Mini-ITX, $40. An alternative is Apex MI-100BK Mini-ITX, $50.
Total Cost: $410
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164591&d=1264314931

Intel-NVIDIA (iGPU)

System

CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5300 2.60GHz 2MB L2 LGA775, $64.
CPU Cooler: SilverStone NT07-775, $19.
Motherboard: ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi GF9300-G-E LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU Mini-ITX, $127.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.
Graphics Card: GeForce 9300 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: WD Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: ATX12V 250W SFX PSU (included in the case): $0.
Case: Apex MI-008 Mini-ITX, $40. An alternative is Apex MI-100BK Mini-ITX, $50.
Total Cost: $367
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164592&d=1264314931

References

AVS Forum - *Official* Zotac GeForce 9300 Mini-ITX HTPC Motherboard Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1111996)
[Hard]|Forum - ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1384187)
AMD-AMD (iGPU)

System

CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: SilverStone NT07-AM2, $20.
Motherboard: J&W MINIX 780G-SP128MB AM2+ AMD 780G chipset Mini-ITX, $129 (at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/MINIX-780G-SP128M-Mini-ITX-AM3-Motherboard/dp/B001FRZQCO/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt)). An alternative is J&W MINIX 785G-SP128MB AM2+ AMD 785G chipset Mini-ITX, $?.
Memory: Crucial CT2KIT12864AC800 DDR2-800 SO-DIMM 2 x 1GB Kit, $49.
Graphics Card: Radeon HD 3200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: ATX12V 250W SFX PSU (included in the case): $0.
Case: Apex MI-008 Mini-ITX, $40. An alternative is Apex MI-100BK Mini-ITX, $50.
Total Cost: $361
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164593&d=1264314931

_____________
Gaming System
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The systems here are based on SilverStone SG05 Mini-DTX/Mini-ITX case (http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=SG05&area=usa). The case supports a 2-slot graphics card of up to 9″ length and has a 300W PSU, good enough in most cases.

Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i5 750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32, with Scythe Slip Stream Slim 120 mm Case Fan SY1212SL12M 1600rpm, $8 (the stock fan is too tall for the selected case), and Cooler Master RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set, $4 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi H55ITX-A-E LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset Mini-ATX, $129.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB, $159.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63. You will need a 12 inch Right Angle SATA to Straight SATA Cable, $2.
PSU: ATX12V 300W SFX PSU (included in the case), $0.
Case: SilverStone Sugo SG05 SST-SG05B Mini-ITX/Mini-DTX, $96.
Total Cost: $794 for ATI, $781 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164595&d=1264315008

Remarks

The case supports a slim type optical drive, e.g., SilverStone TOB02 SST-TOB02 Slim Type BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter, $148.
Intel-NVIDIA

System

CPU: Core 2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 LGA775, $183.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32, with Scythe Slip Stream Slim 120 mm Case Fan SY1212SL12M 1600rpm, $8 (the stock fan is too tall for the selected case).
Motherboard: ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi GF9300-G-E LGA775 GeForce 9300 mGPU Mini-ITX, $127.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit, $92.
Graphics Card (ATI): SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB, $159.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63. You will need a 12 inch Right Angle SATA to Straight SATA Cable, $2.
PSU: ATX12V 300W SFX PSU (included in the case), $0.
Case: SilverStone Sugo SG05 SST-SG05B Mini-ITX/Mini-DTX, $96.
Total Cost: $760 for ATI, $747 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164596&d=1264315008

Remarks

The case supports a slim type optical drive, e.g., SilverStone TOB02 SST-TOB02 Slim Type BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter, $148.
References

[Hard]|Forum - ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1384187)
AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 905e HD905EOCGIBOX 2.5GHz AM3, $175.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $30, with Scythe Slip Stream Slim 120 mm Case Fan SY1212SL12M 1600rpm, $8 (the stock fan is too tall for the selected case).
Motherboard: J&W MINIX 780G-SP128MB AM2+ AMD 780G chipset Mini-ITX, $129 (at MvixUSA (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001FRZQCO/ref=asc_df_B001FRZQCO962948?ie=UTF8&condition=new&tag=dealt650-20&creative=380345&creativeASIN=B001FRZQCO&linkCode=asm)).
Memory: OCZ OCZ2M8004GK DDR2-800 SO-DIMM 2 x 2GB Kit, $86.
Graphics Card (ATI): SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB, $159.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63. You will need a 12 inch Right Angle SATA to Straight SATA Cable, $2.
PSU: ATX12V 300W SFX PSU (included in the case), $0.
Case: SilverStone Sugo SG05 SST-SG05B Mini-ITX/Mini-DTX, $96.
Total Cost: $750 for ATI, $737 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164597&d=1264315008

Remarks

The case supports a slim type optical drive, e.g., SilverStone TOB02 SST-TOB02 Slim Type BD-ROM/DVD Rewriter, $148.

______________
MicroATX System
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__________________
General Consideration
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
A microATX system is perhaps the most popular form factor in HTPC because it generally costs less and is smaller than ATX, yet has enough expansion slots of four for many people.

I will give a low-end system, a mid-range system, a high-end system and a premium system for each of Intel chip-Intel chipset and AMD chip-AMD chipset. Basic distinctions are:

Low-end system: provides reasonably good video playback performance at a low cost.
Mid-range system: provides the best video playback performance without compromise.
High-end system: should be able to handle other HTPC-related tasks such as video re-encoding and games with reasonably good performance.
Premium system: is intended to be the best (but not too expensive) overall system available today.
Here is a feature comparison chart (needs to be updated).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164581&d=1264311871

_____________
Low-End System
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
I used here a budget, but well-built low-profile case. Alternative microATX cases are

Antec NSK1480 microATX, low-profile, $95.
Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 microATX, low-profile, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $175.
Lian Li PC-C37B MUSE microATX, low-profile, $144.
Lian Li PC-C39 microATX, low-profile, with RF receiver/remote, $180.
Moneual MonCaso312 microATX, low-profile, with IR receiver/remote, $220.
Moneual MonCaso301 microATX, low-profile, with VFD/IR receiver/remote, $300.
Antec NSK2480 microATX, $94.
Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164598&d=1264315095

Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Celeron E3300 2.50GHz 1MB L2 LGA775, $43. A better alternative is Pentium Dual-Core E5400 2.70GHz 2MB L2 LGA775, $64.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G41MT-ES2L LGA775 Intel G41 chipset microATX, $60.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5450-MD512H Radeon HD 5450 GDDR3 512MB, $53.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ECS NGT220C-512QZ-F GeForce GT 220 DDR2 512MB low-profile, $52.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: 80 PLUS 350W ATX PSU (included in the case), $0
Case: Antec NSK1480 microATX, $105.
Total Cost: $389 for ATI, $388 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=165730&stc=1&d=1265122406

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA775 Intel G31 chipset microATX, $50.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.
AMD-AMD (iGPU)

System

CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: ASRock M3A785GMH/128M AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $80. An alternative is GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $89. If you want USB 3.0, then choose GIGABYTE GA-785GMT-USB3 AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $?.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card: Radeon HD 4200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: 80 PLUS 350W ATX PSU (included in the case), $0
Case: Antec NSK1480 microATX, $105.
Total Cost: $373
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164600&d=1264315095

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: ASRock A785GMH/128M AM2+ AMD 785G chipset microATX, $70. An alternative is GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM2+ AMD 785G chipset microATX, $80.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.
References

AVS Forum - The *Official* GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AMD 785G Chipset Motherboard Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1163214)
AMD-AMD

Radeon HD 4200 does not support multichannel LPCM over HDMI. If you want multichannel LPCM, and even HD audio bitstreaming, you have to add a discrete graphics card. Here is an example of such a system.

System

CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: [GIGABYTE GA-MA78LMT-S2H AM3 AMD 760G chipset microATX, $65.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5450-MD512H Radeon HD 5450 GDDR3 512MB, $53.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ECS NGT220C-512QZ-F GeForce GT 220 DDR2 512MB low-profile, $52.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: 80 PLUS 350W ATX PSU (included in the case), $0
Case: Antec NSK1480 microATX, $105.
Total Cost: $411 for ATI, $410 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164601&d=1264315134

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA78LMT-S2H AM3 AMD 760G chipset microATX, $65.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.

_______________
Mid-Range System
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Intel-Intel (iGPU)

System

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $30, with Cooler Master RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set, $4.
Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95. If you need an IDE connector and/or a FDD connector, choose GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $105, or ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $90 (no FDD, no IEEE 1394). GIGABYTE and ASUS are releasing also USB 3.0 versions.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $130.
Total Cost: $612
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164602&d=1264315293

Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $30, with Cooler Master RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set, $4.
Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95. If you need an IDE connector and/or a FDD connector, choose GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $105, or ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $110. GIGABYTE and ASUS are releasing also USB 3.0 versions.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $100. An alternative is Sapphire HD 5670 512GB GDDR5, $100.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 GDDR5 512MB, $100.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $130.
Total Cost: $712 for ATI, $712 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164603&d=1264315293

AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $99.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $89. If you want USB 3.0, then choose GIGABYTE GA-785GMT-USB3 AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $?.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $100. An alternative is Sapphire HD 5670 512GB GDDR5, $100.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 GDDR5 512MB, $100.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $130.
Total Cost: $688 for ATI, $688 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164604&d=1264315293

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM2+ AMD 785G chipset microATX, $80.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit, $90.

______________
High-End System
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Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i5 750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32, with Cooler Master RR-ACC-1156-GP LGA1156 Retention Bracket Set, $4 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB, $145.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $130.
Total Cost: $850 for ATI, $851 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164605&d=1264315348

AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition HDZ955FBGIBOX 3.2GHz AM3, $175.
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 風神鍛 (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $32.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G chipset microATX, $89.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB, $145.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $130.
Total Cost: $819 for ATI, $820 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164606&d=1264315348

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM2+ AMD 785G chipset microATX, $80.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit, $90.

______________
Premium System
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Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i7 860 2.80GHz LGA1156, $284. A cheaper alternative is Core i5 750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361, $9 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4 LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset microATX, $135.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): Radeon HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB, $300; two of this card for CrossFireX, $600. An alternative is Radeon HD 5870 GDDR5 1GB, $400.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): GeForce GTX 275 DDR3 896MB, $255; two of this card for SLI, $510. An alternative is GeForce GTX 285, $320 or GeForce GTX 295, $525.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT, $135. An alternative is Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: LUXA2 LM200 Touch microATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $509. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose LUXA2 LM200 microATX, with VFD/IR receiver/remote, $320.
Total Cost: $1768 for non-CrossFireX, $2068 for CrossFireX; $1723 for non-SLI, $1978 for SLI.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164607&d=1264315419
AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition HDZ965FBGIBOX 3.4GHz AM3, $195.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Enzotech Type-X AM2 Retention Modules, $2, and four nuts (necessary to attach the cooler in the correct orientation).
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY JR 790GX-M3H5 AM3 AMD 790GX chipset microATX, $136.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): Radeon HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB, $300; two of this card for CrossFireX, $600. An alternative is Radeon HD 5870 GDDR5 1GB, $400.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT, $135. An alternative is Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: LUXA2 LM200 Touch microATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $509. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose LUXA2 LM200 microATX, with VFD/IR receiver/remote, $320.
Total Cost: $1673 for non-CrossFireX, $1973 for CrossFireX.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164608&d=1264315419

__________
ATX System
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__________________
General Consideration
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The ATX form factor supports up to seven expansion slots (vs. four in microATX) and a larger ATX case can usually hold more storage drives. Moreover motherboard manufacturers tend to implement better CPU power circuitry and cooling solution for MOSFET/chipset in ATX motherboards than microATX motherboards.

I will give a low-end system, a mid-range system, a high-end system and a premium system for each of Intel chip-Intel chipset, AMD chip-AMD chipset and AMD chip-NVIDIA chipset. Basic distinctions are:

Low-end system: provides reasonably good video playback performance at a low cost.
Mid-range system: provides the best video playback performance without compromise.
High-end system: should be able to handle other HTPC-related tasks such as video re-encoding and games with reasonably good performance.
Premium system: is intended to be the best (but not too expensive) overall system available today.
As the expandability is an distinguishing feature of the ATX form factor, I set the following criteria: the motherboard should have

Low-end:
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 for a 2-slot graphics card
3 x PCIe x1 for HBA, a sound card and a TV tuner
Mid-range and high-end:
1 x PCIe 2.0 x8 for a 2-slot graphics card
1 x PCIe x8 for HBA
2 x PCIe x1 for a sound card and a TV tuner
Premium system:
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (or x8) for dual 2-slot graphics
1 x PCIe x1 and 1 x PCIe x4 for a sound card/TV tuner/HBA
But a few systems do not meet this criteria (simply because there is no good motherboard). In addition, fully usable 6 SATA ports (I mean not blocked by a large graphics card) is a norm.

Here is a feature comparison chart (needs to be updated).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164581&d=1264311871

______________
Low-End System
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ATX Cases

The case selected here is just one example. Here are a list of well-built ATX cases. All SilverStone cases except for LC16M and GD01 can hold a graphics card of any length by removing a HDD cage.

Without LCD/VFD/IR receiver/remote:

SilverStone Lascala LC10-E SST-LC10B-E ATX, $109.
SilverStone Lascala LC13-E SST-LC13B-E ATX, $115.
SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B ATX, $120.
SilverStone Lascala LC20 SST-LC20B ATX, $129.
SilverStone Lascala GD01 SST-GD01B-R ATX, with card reader, $136.
nMEDIAPC HTPC 2000B ATX, with card reader, $100.
nMEDIAPC HTPC 6000B ATX, with card reader, $90.
With LCD/VFD/IR receiver/remote:

SilverStone Lascala LC10-MX SST-LC10B-MX ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $179.
SilverStone Lascala LC16M-R SST-LC16B-MR ATX, with VFD/IR receiver/remote & card reader, $240.
SilverStone Lascala LC20M SST-LC20B-M ATX, with VFD/IR receiver/remote, $180.
SilverStone Lascala GD01MX SST-GD01B-MXR ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote & card reader, $233.
Thermaltake DH101 VF7001BNS ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $200.
Thermaltake DH202 VJ80011N2Z ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote & card reader, $235.
Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Celeron E3300 2.50GHz 1MB L2 LGA775, $43. A better alternative is Pentium Dual-Core E5400 2.70GHz 2MB L2 LGA775, $64.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: ASRock P43DE3 LGA775 DDR3 Intel P43 chipset ATX, $75. An alternative is GIGABYTE GA-EP43T-UD3L LGA775 Intel P43 chipset ATX, $86.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5450-MD512H Radeon HD 5450 GDDR3 512MB, $53.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ECS NGT220C-512QZ-F GeForce GT 220 DDR2 512MB low-profile, $52.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC10-E SST-LC10B-E ATX, $109.
Total Cost: $478 for ATI, $477 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164609&d=1264315495

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: ASRock P43DE LGA775 Intel P43 chipset ATX, $68. An alternative is GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA775 Intel P43 chipset ATX, $78.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.

AMD-AMD (iGPU)

System

CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G chipset ATX, $93.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card: Radeon HD 4200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC10-E SST-LC10B-E ATX, $109.
Total Cost: $460
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164610&d=1264315495

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785G-UD3H AM2+ AMD 785G chipset ATX, $83.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.
AMD-AMD

Radeon HD 4200 does not support multichannel LPCM over HDMI. If you want multichannel LPCM, and even HD audio bitstreaming, you have to add a discrete graphics card. Here is an example of such a system.

System

CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 chipset ATX, $78.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5450-MD512H Radeon HD 5450 GDDR3 512MB, $53.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ECS NGT220C-512QZ-F GeForce GT 220 DDR2 512MB low-profile, $52.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $70. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 400W EES400AWT, $58.
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC10-E SST-LC10B-E ATX, $109.
Total Cost: $498 for ATI, $497 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164611&d=1264315495

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+ AMD 770 chipset ATX, $71.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1A16K DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $54.

_______________
Mid-Range System
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Intel-Intel (iGPU)

System

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983F, $30. If you cannot find it, choose Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983, $30, along with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361, $9.
Motherboard: MSI H55-GD65 LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset ATX, $130.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $178.
Total Cost: $699
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164613&stc=1&d=1264347722

Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983F, $30. If you cannot find it, choose Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983, $30, along with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361, $9.
Motherboard: ASRock P55 Extreme LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset ATX, $140.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $100. An alternative is Sapphire HD 5670 512GB GDDR5, $100.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 GDDR5 512MB, $100.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $178.
Total Cost: $809 for ATI, $809 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164614&stc=1&d=1264347722

AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $99.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983, $30.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 AMD 790X chipset ATX, $110. If you want USB 3.0/SATA 6.0Gbps, then choose GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X chipset ATX, $140.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $100. An alternative is Sapphire HD 5670 512GB GDDR5, $100.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 GDDR5 512MB, $100.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $178.
Total Cost: $765 for ATI, $765 for NVIDIA.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164615&stc=1&d=1264347722

AMD-NVIDIA

System

CPU: Athlon II X4 630 ADX630WFGIBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $99.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek NEPARTAK S983, $30.
Motherboard: MSI NF750-G55 AM3 nForce 750a SLI MCP ATX, $97.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $100. An alternative is Sapphire HD 5670 512GB GDDR5, $100.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 GDDR5 512MB, $100.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Max ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $178.
Total Cost: $752 for ATI, $752 for NVIDIA.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164657&stc=1&d=1264347722

Remarks

nForce 750a SLI is an SLI x8 version of the GeForce 8200 mGPU (so it still supports multichannel PCM over HDMI).

______________
High-End System
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Intel-Intel

System

CPU: Core i5 750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500A LED, $49, with Zalman ZM-CS5B Clip Kit for Socket 1156/775, $3 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: ASRock P55 Extreme LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset ATX, $140.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB, $145.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT, $135. A cheaper alternative is Corsair TX650W CMPSU-650TX 650W, $95.
Case: Zalman HD503 ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $225.
Total Cost: $1061 for ATI, $1062 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164618&d=1264315765

AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition HDZ955FBGIBOX 3.2GHz AM3, $175.
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500A LED, $49.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 AMD 790X chipset ATX, $110. If you want USB 3.0/SATA 6.0Gbps, then choose GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X chipset ATX, $140.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB, $145.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT, $135. A cheaper alternative is Corsair TX650W CMPSU-650TX 650W, $95.
Case: Zalman HD503 ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $225.
Total Cost: $1007 for ATI, $1008 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164619&d=1264315765

Remarks

If you prefer DDR2-SDRAM, a recommended motherboard and memory modules are
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM2+ AMD 790X chipset ATX, $110.
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit, $90.
AMD-NVIDIA

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition HDZ955FBGIBOX 3.2GHz AM3, $175.
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500A LED, $49.
Motherboard: MSI NF750-G55 AM3 nForce 750a SLI MCP ATX, $97.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): HIS H575FN1GD iCooler IV Radeon HD 5750 GDDR5 1GB, $145.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): XFX GS-250X-ZDFU GeForce GTS 250 DDR3 1GB, $146.
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT, $135. A cheaper alternative is Corsair TX650W CMPSU-650TX 650W, $95.
Case: Zalman HD503 ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $225.
Total Cost: $994 for ATI, $995 for NVIDIA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164620&d=1264315765

Remarks

nForce 750a SLI is an SLI x8 version of the GeForce 8200 mGPU (so it still supports multichannel PCM over HDMI).

______________
Premium System
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Intel-Intel (LGA 1156)

System

CPU: Core i7 860 2.80GHz LGA1156, $284.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361, $9 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D-E PRO LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset ATX, $185. An alternative is GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD4P LGA1156 Intel P55 chipset ATX, $180. Both support USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0Gbps.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): Radeon HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB, $300; two of this card for CrossFireX, $600. An alternative is Radeon HD 5870 GDDR5 1GB, $400.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): GeForce GTX 275 DDR3 896MB, $255; two of this card for SLI, $510. An alternative is GeForce GTX 285, $320 or GeForce GTX 295, $525.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: Thermaltake DH104 VH4001BNS ATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $480. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose Thermaltake DH103 VH3001BNS ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $270 or SilverStone Crown CW02 SST-CW02S-MXR ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $359.
Total Cost: $1810 for non-CrossFireX, $2110 for CrossFireX; $1765 for non-SLI, $2020 for SLI.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164621&d=1264315845

Intel-Intel (LGA 1366)

System

CPU: Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA1366, $284.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA1366 Intel X58 chipsets ATX, $210, that supports USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0Gbps in full bandwidth.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card (ATI): Radeon HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB, $300; two of this card for CrossFireX, $600. An alternative is Radeon HD 5870 GDDR5 1GB, $400.
Graphics Card (NVIDIA): GeForce GTX 275 DDR3 896MB, $255; two of this card for SLI, $510. An alternative is GeForce GTX 285, $320 or GeForce GTX 295, $525.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: Thermaltake DH104 VH4001BNS ATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $480. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose Thermaltake DH103 VH3001BNS ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $270 or SilverStone Crown CW02 SST-CW02S-MXR ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $359.
Total Cost: $1871 for non-CrossFireX, $2171 for CrossFireX; $1826 for non-SLI, $2081 for SLI.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164622&d=1264315845

AMD-AMD

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition HDZ965FBGMBOX 3.4GHz AM3, $195.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Enzotech Type-X AM2 Retention Modules, $2, and four nuts (necessary to attach the cooler in the correct orientation).
Motherboard: GIGABYTE 790FXTA-UD5 AM3 AMD 790FX chipset ATX, $185, that supports USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0Gbps in full bandwidth.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card: Radeon HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB, $300; two of this card for CrossFireX, $600. An alternative is Radeon HD 5870 GDDR5 1GB, $400.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: Thermaltake DH104 VH4001BNS ATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $480. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose Thermaltake DH103 VH3001BNS ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $270 or SilverStone Crown CW02 SST-CW02S-MXR ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $359.
Total Cost: $1633 for non-CrossFireX, $1888 for CrossFireX.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164623&d=1264315845

AMD-NVIDIA

System

CPU: Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition HDZ965FBGMBOX 3.4GHz AM3, $195.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Enzotech Type-X AM2 Retention Modules, $2, and four nuts (necessary to attach the cooler in the correct orientation).
Motherboard: MSI NF980-G65 AM3 nForce 980a SLI MCP ATX, $149.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 275 DDR3 896MB, $255; two of this card for SLI, $510. An alternative is GeForce GTX 285, $320 or GeForce GTX 295, $525.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: Thermaltake DH104 VH4001BNS ATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote, $480. If you don't need or don't like a touch screen, choose Thermaltake DH103 VH3001BNS ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $270 or SilverStone Crown CW02 SST-CW02S-MXR ATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $359.
Total Cost: $1633 for non-SLI, $1888 for SLI.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164624&d=1264315865

Remarks

nForce 980a SLI (rebadged nForce 780a SLI) is nForce 750a SLI + nForce 200 (a PCI Express switch for SLI x16).
The graphics card supports S/PDIF pass-through from the onboard audio codec through HDMI. If you want multichannel LPCM audio, you have to connect your AVR to the HDMI port of the motherboard and your display to the graphics card. Please read Any GeForce graphics card + GeForce 8200 HDMI audio work together perfectly! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13897618#post13897618).

_________________________
DAS (Direct Attached Storage)
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If you need more storage space than the one provided by the motherboard and the case, the quickest solution is attach an external HDD enclosure. Possible interfaces are USB 2.0 (60MB/s), IEEE 1394a (50MB/s), PCI (133MB/s), PCI Express x1 (250MB/s), all of which are good enough for home use. If you need lots of drives, you may want to consider a dedicated file server (see "Media Storage Server"). If you need higher I/O throughput, e.g. for video editing, there are many SATA RAID controller cards with PCI Express x4 (1.0GB/s) or x8 (2.0GB/s) interface. Here are a couple of examples.

5-Drive SATA Enclosure

AMS DS-2350S VENUS T5 5-Drive SATA SteelVine Storage Processor Enclosure , $205. (The picture below.)
SilverStone DS351 5-Drive SATA SteelVine Storage Processor Enclosure, $480.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164625&d=1264315934

Each of them has Silicon Image SiI4726 (http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=74) SATA to 5-Port SATA Device SteelVine Storage Processor and is bundled with a 2-port SATA PCIe x1 host bus adapter based on Silicon Image SiI3132 (http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=32). You can attach up to two enclosures (10 drives) to one card by FIS-based Port Multiplier. Supports RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 and JBOD.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164626&d=1264315934

8-Drive SATA Enclosure

Rosewill RSV-S8 8-Drive SATA Port Multiplier Enclosure, $300.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164627&d=1264315934

The case has two SiI3726 (http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=26) port multipliers and is bundled with a 2-port SATA PCIe x1 host bus adapter based on Silicon Image SiI3132 (http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=32) supporting port multiplier. The difference between SiI3726 and SiI4726 is that SiI4726 can be connected to a non-PM aware SATA port, while SiI3726 needs to be connected to a PM aware SATA port.

High-Performance 8-Drive SATA Enclosure

8-Drive SATA to InfiniBand Enclosure (http://www.pc-pitstop.com/sata_enclosures/scsat84xt.asp), $399.
HighPoint RocketRAID 2322 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card, $250.
1m SFF-8088 to SFF-8470 Cable (e.g. HighPoint Ext-MS-1MIB), $30.
Total Cost: $679.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164628&d=1264315961

RocketRAID 2322 uses the same SATA (PCI-X) controller as Supermicro AOC-SAT2-MV8 mentioned in "Media Storage Server" (Marvell 88SX6081). However it lacks a hardware RAID processor. For better performance you should choose a RAID controller card with a hardware RAID processor engine such as

HighPoint RocketRAID 3522 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card with with IOP341 Processor, $498.
Areca ARC-1221x 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card with with IOP341 Processor, $595.
Adaptec RAID 3085 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card, $595.
Adaptec RAID 5085 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card, $760.
LSI SAS3801E 8-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card, $300.
15 to 20-Drive SATA 4U Rack Mount Storage Chassis

Addonics is manufacturing a highly customizable 4U rack mount chassis supporting up to 20 HDDs:

Addonics Storage Rack (http://www.addonics.com/products/raid_system/rack_overview.asp)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164629&d=1264315961

You can use the chassis in various ways. For example,

20 HDD Enclosure (via Port Multiplier)

Addonics SRDA460S Storage Rack DA base unit with 460W ATX power supply, $335.
Addonics AE5RCS35NSA Disk Array 5SA, $129.
Addonics AE5RCS35NSA Disk Array 5SA, $129.
Addonics AE5RCS35NSA Disk Array 5SA, $129.
Addonics AE5RCS35NSA Disk Array 5SA, $129.
Addonics AD5SAPM Internal SATA Port Multiplier, $69.
Addonics AD5SAPM Internal SATA Port Multiplier, $69.
Addonics AD5SAPM Internal SATA Port Multiplier, $69.
Addonics AD5SAPM Internal SATA Port Multiplier, $69.
18 inch SATA Cable x 24, $24.
1m eSATA Cable x 4, $24.
Addonics ADSA3GPX8-4E 4 Port eSATA RAID5/JBOD PCIe 8x Controller , $180.
Total Cost: $1384.
However, considering the total cost and noise/heat emitted from the enclosure, you may want to build a dedicated media storage server instead and place it at a distant location.

Other DAS Solutions

Please check:

Newegg.com > Servers > Server RAID Systems (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=509&name=Server-RAID-Systems)

__________
Workstation
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Workstation here is a PC intended for various HTPC-related tasks other than video/audio playback. The CPU and the motherboard chosen here are good enough for the most demanding tasks and future upgrades (4 cores/8 threads, supporting PCI Express 2.0 x16, x16 / x16, x8, x8 / x8, x8, x8, x8 links). The selection of other components depends on the tasks you are going to do. The system below is a consumer-grade high-performance video editing machine.

System

CPU: Core i7 860 2.80GHz LGA1156, $284.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V, $45, with Xigmatek Crossbow ACK-I5361, $9 (necessary to attach the cooler to the LGA1156 socket).
Motherboard: ASUS P7P55 WS SuperComputer LGA1156 Intel P55 and nForce 200 chipsets ATX, $230.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 275 DDR3 896MB, $255.
HBA: Adaptec RAID 51645 20-port SAS/SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x8 Card, $1,040.
HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $246.
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W, $156.
Case: Chenbro SR109 EATX/ATX, $250.
HDD Cage (optional): Chenbro 84H210910-010 5-in-3 Hotswap HDD Cage, $99. The case supports up to 15 HDDs (besides the OS drive) with three cages.
Total Cost: $2620 (optional HDD cages and drives for data storage are not included)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=165731&stc=1&d=1265123400

Remarks

You can even use:
CPU: Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA1366, $284.
Motherboard: ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution LGA1366 Intel X58 and nForce 200 chipsets ATX, $330 (supporting PCI Express 2.0 x16, x16, x16 / x16, x16, x8, x8 / x16, x8, x8, x8, x8 links), or ASUS P6T7 WS SuperComputer LGA1366 Intel X58 and dual nForce 200 chipsets ATX, $417 (supporting PCI Express 2.0 x16, x16, x16, x16 / x16, x16, x16, x8, x8 / x16, x16, x8, x8, x8, x8 / x16, x8, x8, x8, x8, x8, x8 links).
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ DDR3-1600 3 x 2GB Kit, $150.
if your applications can utilize that expandability.

_________________
Media Storage Server
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__________________
General Consideration
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Purpose of a Media Storage Server

The main purposes of the media storage server described here are:

Storing/archiving media files (ripped/downloaded/recorded SD & HD video contents/music, photographs etc.) in one centralized place.
Streaming media to HTPCs.
Possibly serving as a DVR with TV tuners added.
Here are some considerations in building such a system.

Component Selection

OS: The intended OS is one of
Windows Vista or 7, x86 or x64, with or without FlexRAID and/or FlexRAID-View
Windows Home Server (WHS), with or without FlexRAID (in place of Folder Duplication)
unRAID (a Linux variant with RAID 4 capability)
You can also use Linux with software RAID, OpenFiler etc. as long as your hardware components are supported.
Case: Currently NORCO RPC-4020 and NORCO RPC-4220 are the best cases for a media storage server. Both support 20 HDDs in hot-swap bays at a relatively cheap price. The latter has a backplane with five SFF-8087 connectors instead of twenty SATA connectors in the former. If you need more storage space, build another server of the same type and store them in a rack such as iStarUSA WO22AB 22U WO Open Frame Rack (http://www.istarusa.com/server_cabinet/open_frame_rack/default.aspx), ~$300:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164632&d=1264316033

PSU: Each hard disk drive consumes as low as 5W at idle, but as much as 30W at start-up (depending on each model). So we will need a powerful PSU to start up all the drives at a time. A typical power consumption of a server consisting of twenty HDDs is
~600W at start up
~200W at seek
~150W at idle
CPU: We chose a cheap dual-core processor because archiving/streaming/recording is not CPU-intensive.
Memory: 2GB is enough for a similar reason.
Motherboard: Basic requirements are
Onboard graphics
2 PCI slots or 2 PCI Express 1.x x4 slots for storage controllers for 16 storage HDDs
6 onboard SATA ports for additional storage HDDs and the OS HDD.
A Gb LAN (that provides enough bandwidth for streaming HD contents to several HTPC simultaneously)
Proper support for power management, in particular WOL (Wake-On-LAN)
If you are going to use the server as a DVR, you may want more expansion slots. The motherboard chosen here has enough expansion slots and is reasonably cheap. You can even use a RAID controller PCIe x8 card.
HBA (host bus adapter): As the number of onboard SATA ports is not enough, we use SATA controller cards. I chose cheap non-RAID SATA controller PCI-X (compatible with PCI) or PCI Express x4 cards, that are enough for our purpose.
OS drive: You can use any drive for OS (a USB flash memory for unRAID).
Storage drives: There are several good cheap 1TB/1.5TB HDDs.
WD Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 5400 rpm SATA 3.0Gbps, $85.
Samsung HD103SI 1TB 5400 rpm SATA 3.0Gbps, $71.
WD Caviar Green WD15EADS 1.5TB 5400 rpm SATA 3.0Gbps, $105.
Samsung HD154UI 1.5TB 5400 rpm SATA 3.0Gbps, $110.
Backup

You will need to back up important, irreplaceable data (e.g. personal documents and family photos), perhaps off-site. Building a dedicated backup system is one method (you can use similar hardware components here). A caution to those who consider RAID5: RAID 5 is not a backup strategy, it's about uptime - if a drive fails, you can swap it for a new one to rebuild with no service interruption. You may lose the entire date in the array instantly however if multiple drives fail or if a hardware issue kills the array. FlexRAID and unRAID are better in this point: you can still get data from each non-failed drive.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164581&d=1264311871

______
System
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20 HDD Rack Mount System I

The first system uses NORCO RPC-4020 case (20 SATA connectors in the backplane) and two 8-port SATA controller PCI-X cards.

System

Case: NORCO RPC-4020 4U EATX/ATX (20 x SATA/SAS drive bay), $264.
PSU: Corsair TX750W CMPSU-750TX 750W, $105.
CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock Cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G chipset ATX, $93.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics: Radeon HD 4200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HBA: Supermicro AOC-SAT2-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI-X Card, $96.
HBA: Supermicro AOC-SAT2-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI-X Card, $96.
OS HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
Total Cost: $842 (storage drives are not included)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164634&d=1264316105

Remarks

Supermicro AOC-SAT2-MV8 is a PCI-X card. However it works fine with a PCI slot and the performance is good enough for WHS or unRAID (this is natural considering the bandwidth of PCI is 133MB/s, higher than most single disks).
You may need two Right (Left?)-Angle SATA cables so that one of the Supermicro cards does not interfere with the onboard SATA ports, such as:


StarTech SATA18LA1 18 inch Left Angle Serial ATA Cable (http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemDetail.aspx?productid=SATA18LA1&c=US)
20 HDD Rack Mount System II

The second system uses NORCO RPC-4220 case (five SFF-8087 connectors in the backplane) and two 8-port SATA controller PCI Express x4 cards.

System

Case: NORCO RPC-4220 4U EATX/ATX (20 x SATA/SAS drive bay), $298.
PSU: Corsair TX750W CMPSU-750TX 750W, $105.
CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock Cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G chipset ATX, $93.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics: Radeon HD 4200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HBA: Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI Express x4 Card, $100.
HBA: Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI Express x4 Card, $100.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to Four SATA Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087OCR-05M or Norco C-SFF8087-4S), $11.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087-05M or Norco C-SFF8087-D), $11.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087-05M or Norco C-SFF8087-D), $11.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087-05M or Norco C-SFF8087-D), $11.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087-05M or Norco C-SFF8087-D), $11.
OS HDD: WD Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT 320GB SATA 3.0Gbps mobile 7200 RPM, $73.
Total Cost: $949 (storage drives are not included)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164635&d=1264316105
Remarks

Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 is a PCI Express x4 card so that there should be enough bandwidth even if you go with software RAID. However currently the supported OS' are limited to:
Windows Home Server, 2003, 2008 and Vista
RedHat Enterprise Linux
Fedora Linux 9
SuSE Linux Enterprise
So you can't use it with, for example, unRAID or OpenFiler.
15 HDD Tower System

In case you prefer or have to use a tower case, here is a 15 HDD tower system.

System

Case: Cooler Master Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX (9 x 5.25” bay), $48.
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
HDD Cage: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
PSU: Corsair TX650W CMPSU-650TX 650W, $95.
CPU: Athlon II X2 240 ADX240OCGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $60.
CPU Cooler: Stock Cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G chipset ATX, $93.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $65.
Graphics: Radeon HD 4200 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HBA: MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.
HBA: MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.
HBA: MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.
HBA: MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.
HBA: MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.
Cable: 18 inch SATA Cable x 16, $15.
OS HDD: WD Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps, $63.
Total Cost: $839 (storage drives are not included)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164636&d=1264316105

A couple of other tower cases suitable for a server are:

15 HDDs in Hot Swap Bays, $547
Chenbro SR109 EATX/ATX, $250.
Chenbro 84H210910-010 5-in-3 Hotswap HDD Cage, $99.
Chenbro 84H210910-010 5-in-3 Hotswap HDD Cage, $99.
Chenbro 84H210910-010 5-in-3 Hotswap HDD Cage, $99.
15 HDDs in Hot Swap Bays, $378
Cooler Master Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX (9 x 5.25” bay), $48.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
18 HDDs in Non-Hot Swap Bays, $238
Antec Twelve Hundred ATX (12 x 5.25” bay), $112.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
Lian Li EX-23NB Internal HDD Kit, $21.
20 HDDs in Hot Swap Bays, $552
Antec Twelve Hundred ATX (12 x 5.25” bay), $552.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
Athena Power BP-SATA3051B 5-in-3 backplane, $110.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=164637&d=1264316114

You can use any combination of the following HBAs:

Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI Express x4 Card, $100.
Supermicro AOC-SAT2-MV8 8-port SATA Controller PCI-X Card, $96.
PROMISE SATA300 TX4 4-port SATA Controller PCI Card, $58.
MonoPrice 2530 2-port SATA RAID Controller PCI Express x1 Card, $14.

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