Guide to Building a HD HTPC [Text View] - Page 59

renethx

07-16-10, 10:11 AM

First, let me thank everyone who has helped so far. I am about to pull the trigger and order some components. Before I do so, I'd like to run my build by the experts to ensure I've not made any mistakes. I plan to use my Onkyo HT-s6100 (home theater in a box) which essentially uses a HT-R667 receiver and supports HDMI 1.3. I plan to run HDMI from the HTPC to the receiver and then HDMI from the receiver to the TV--this is my current setup. So it's beneficial to have video and audio over HDMI from the HTPC to the receiver.

I plan to use the HTPC for playing .flac audio files, and various types of video files (MKV, Xvid, .ts, and so on). I download a lot of concerts, and I've got a lot of material in PAL format so it's important that I can play NTSC and PAL DVD files. So here is what I plan to purchase:

GIGABYTE GA-H55M-S2H
Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B Micro ATX
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
AVS Gear GP-IR01BK Windows Vista Infrared MCE Black Remote Control

Reading around, it seems as if the benefits from an H57 board won't do anything for me. I am not using RAID. This board is about $30 cheaper, so that's good. Any big issue there?

No separate graphics card--I would like to use the on-board video to keep the heat down as well as the cost.

My home network is powered by a new Cisco wifi router (including N). Any suggestions for a wireless card? Are all N's now the same? This HTPC will be one floor away from the modem and router, so ethernet is not available.
I don't see a big issue. If you are picky on the output refresh rate, Clarkdale may be disappointing (no 23.976Hz), however.

Adding a discrete graphics card does not increase heat that much. The power consumption of the total system (AC wall):

|Idle|BD playback
Core i3 system + onboard video|43W|60W
Core i3 system + HD 5570|56W|66W

Kiroro

07-16-10, 10:50 AM

Hey Guys, I'm building my first HTPC, here is the list:

Core i3 530
Asus P7H55-M PRO
Samsung 1TB 7200rpm
Antec Micro Fusion (including a 350W 80+ psu)
G.Skill 2X2GB DDR3 1600
possible a blue-ray drive

I'm wondering if the 350W psu coming with the case is enough for my build. or Should I grab a corsair 400W?

renethx

07-16-10, 11:03 AM

sketch2099

07-16-10, 01:22 PM

hi all, just built my first htpc with the midrange ATX intel-intel components and i'm loving it. renethx i can't thank you enough for putting in the time & effort to create this fantastic building guide. as soon as i saw this guide i knew i was going to trust your component recommendations.

that being said, they only issue that i've had so far is with audio over HDMI. My HTPC is hooked up into a Denon 3808 and i'm getting some funny audio behavior. the sound is skipping around my speakers, i'll play song and it will come out of the front two main, then stop and come out of the rear speakers. sometimes it will just stop working altogether. overall the audio quality isn't that great either. can be staticy, especially at higher volumes. would anyone be able to help me out with this?

another thought, my avr says multi ch in, so it's not doing the decoding, which means my audio isn't being bitstreamed. could this be a factor? i don't know how to change it to bitstream though

renethx

07-16-10, 02:08 PM

Do you see 100% of the frames like you do with the i3?

If you do then that is definitely going to be the route I go (and just buy the card when/if I need it).
Update

This time I used MPC Video Decoder (non-DXVA) instead of Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder. The result is pretty good.

- Frames drawn: 449 out of 450
- CPU usage: ~70% max @2.5GHz

As this is CPU/software mode, any GPU will give a similar result if you disable MPC's internal filter "H.264/AVC (DXVA)".

S1dewinder

07-17-10, 12:12 AM

I don't see a big issue. If you are picky on the output refresh rate, Clarkdale may be disappointing (no 23.976Hz), however.

Adding a discrete graphics card does not increase heat that much. The power consumption of the total system (AC wall):

|Idle|BD playback
Core i3 system + onboard video|43W|60W
Core i3 system + HD 5570|56W|66W

So does the i3 just not support 23.976 or just not as well as NTSC? Would I have audio/video sync issues?

Thanks again.

renethx

07-17-10, 12:21 AM

So does the i3 just not support 23.976 or just not as well as NTSC? Would I have audio/video sync issues?

Thanks again.
No support for 23.976/59.94. It supports 24.000/60.000 (and PAL). No AV sync issue.

SJMAYE

07-17-10, 04:09 AM

A couple questions on component selection for video cards and motherboards.

Video cards- I am currently using an old nVidia 8600GT displayed on a 73" DLP tv. I have been frustrated with the nVidia drivers, yet grown accustom to using them. It appears the big selling point for the ATI cards is bitstreaming. If that is not important to me is there any difference worth noting between the ATI and nVidia cards?

Motherboards- I am looking for an ATX motherboard. There differences in the number and types of expansion slots. I will only ever run a single 16x PCI-e video card. Should I be favoring motherboards with more pcie slots or pci slots? Or should I even have pci slots?

If you don't care about bit streaming are the ATI and nVidia cards considered equal for HTPC purposes?

renethx

07-17-10, 04:13 AM

If you don't care about bit streaming are the ATI and nVidia cards considered equal for HTPC purposes?
Yup, very roughly. Perhaps all NVIDA cards, GTX 460 and later, will support HD audio bitstreaming.

SJMAYE

07-17-10, 04:15 AM

Yup, very roughly. Perhaps all NVIDA cards, GTX 460 and later, will support HD audio bitstreaming.

Thx. That is good to know when shopping for price.

So I am clear. The nVidia cards with HDMI out do not have audio in the HDMI cable going to the TV? I have to use separate audio cables?

renethx

07-17-10, 04:19 AM

As with ATI, there are a variety of NVIDIA cards, from weak post-processing to good post-processing, from VP2 to VP4. So not every NVIDIA card is equally good.

renethx

07-17-10, 04:40 AM

The nVidia cards with HDMI out do not have audio in the HDMI cable going to the TV? I have to use separate audio cables?
Older NVIDIA cards do not have a HD audio controller. They accept S/PDIF audio (stereo PCM, DD, DTS) from the mb, interleave it with video signal, then send it over HDMI. Even for this, the card must have a S/PDIF connector and not every card has it.

Newer cards have a HD audio controller. Which card supports which formats (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#Introduction:%20Component%20Select ion:%20Graphics%20and%20Sound%20Devices).

If you connect the card to a TV, then the audio formats are further restricted by the TV (obviously). Many TV accept only stereo PCM from HDMI IN. Some accept DD and DTS too.

jnm4lsu

07-17-10, 07:04 PM

apilon

07-18-10, 12:07 AM

ReneThx i read your recommendation for HTPC very informative but noticed that none of your system include a dvd writer and OS any reason for that ?
<

renethx

07-18-10, 12:18 AM

Trying to decide which would be better for HTPC. Already have an i3-530 and a Silverstone GDBR-01 as well as 4gb G-Skill and 2-WD20EARS.
Is the Gigabyte H57M-USB3 worth the price difference?
What about the H57chipset vs. the H55, are there any "realworld HTPC" advantages?
This will serve as a HTPC and storage for recorded TV and ripped DVD/BD media. Want to be able to bit-stream to new Onkyo 807.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
GDBR-01 -> GD01B-R?

H57 has two more PCI Express lanes and supports onboard RAID 0/1/01/5. That's it. The differences of these two mbs are

|Memory socket|DisplayPort|PCI Express slots|IDE|SATA 2.0|USB 3.0|IEEE 1394|Dolby Home Theater
ASRock H55M/USB3|2|No|Two PCI Express x1|No|5|1|No|No
GA-H57M-USB3|4|Yes|One PCI Express x4|Yes|7|2|Yes|Yes

These extra features of GA-H57M-USB3 have nothing to do with video playback performance, of course. It's totally up to each user which suits better his needs.

renethx

07-18-10, 12:26 AM

ReneThx i read your recommendation for HTPC very informative but noticed that none of your system include a dvd writer and OS any reason for that ?
<
Peripheral components and OS are gathered in Peripheral Components and OS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#Peripheral%20Components%20and%20OS ).

404Ender

07-18-10, 01:04 AM

Are the low-end micro-ATX systems adequate for flawless playback of Blu-rays, streamed 1080p files and Hulu/Netflix/Youtube vids, or would that require the mid-range? I'm trying to build a cheap, small HTPC for streaming media from my home server to my TV, but that has room to expand upon in the future.

renethx

07-18-10, 01:49 AM

Are the low-end micro-ATX systems adequate for flawless playback of Blu-rays, streamed 1080p files and Hulu/Netflix/Youtube vids
Yes.

Flomaster

07-18-10, 12:46 PM

ok im about to pull the trigger on this setup here from Newegg. I have returned my Zotac ionitx-G-E Synergy mobo and DDR2 ram. reason being is I want a more power than the zotac was offering.

I plan on using this HTPC for downloading via newsgroups Pc will be on 24/7 and playing all my content via XBMC. it will be running Linux Ubuntu 10.04 desktop edition.

I would like to ability to play Hulu HQ and Youtube HQ videos will this do it for me as the Zotac failed when watching at Full screen

http://images10.newegg.com/ProductImageCompressAll/19-115-222-03.jpgIntel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222)

http://images10.newegg.com/ProductImageCompressAll/13-157-201-03.jpgASRock H55M/USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157201)

http://images10.newegg.com/ProductImageCompressAll/20-231-303-02.jpgG.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303)

I am about $100 more on this setup then I was with the Zotac, but if I get flawless HULU and 1080p its worth it for a more powerful beast

I will be using hdmi for video and audio has anyone tested this setup with Ubuntu?

-=Jason=-

pacman9889

07-18-10, 02:33 PM

Hey all, first of all, love the guide, it has been my saving grace throughout this build. I've pretty much followed your recommendations with the i3/ASROCK combination. My question is this: I know HDMI will work flawlessly, but that is once I get the TV I don't have yet. Until then, it will be hooked up to a standard analog TV. So I need to get some sort of converter for the VGA to RCA/S-Video/Component connection. I could get one of those little converter boxes or a cheap graphics card with TV out. I'm looking at these two boxes

http://www.ayagroup.com/product.php?productid=17730

http://www.cowboom.com/store/productDetails.cfm?contentID=660821

My hunch is just to get a cheap video card with TV out. Maybe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150390 (Radeon 4350)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187041 (8400GS)

The price difference is really the same if I choose the nicer box, and $20 doesn't make much difference to me. Or should I just go with the video cards, or will that cause me more headaches later on? Any sort of advice would be great. Thanks!

JAB

07-18-10, 03:48 PM

NYCGirl

07-18-10, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the guide. I have never seen a guide that is as comprehensive and organized as this. I was reading the OS section of the guide. Vista did used not support QAM (not just cable card tuner but any digital tuner that is hooked up to a raw cable) when I was using it except for a machine that came with VMC TV pack. Does it support QAM now? I am not sure if there's been any fix / SP2 for instance to fix that issue.

BrockLee

07-18-10, 05:08 PM

H8nXTC

07-18-10, 10:15 PM

Do these motherboards with hdmi, dvi and vga outs support multiple monitors? I'm looking to output to an HDTV and an older VGA monitor (later to be upgraded to DVI monitor). Can I do this with the boards you've picked out or do I need a separate graphics card for that?

The motherboards I've messed with will do 1 digital (HDMI or DVI) and VGA (analog), but not all 3 or not both HDMI and DVI at the same time.

renethx

07-19-10, 01:34 AM

I'd like to build a combined media server / HTPC. Given the following:

* NORCO RPC-4220 case (I have the 120mm fan bracket)
* 2 x Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8
* ATI Radeon HD 5xxx
* Ceton InfiniTV 4

The above requires one PCIe x16, two PCIe x4 and one PCIe x1. I don't care about USB3, nor do I really care about 6Gbps SATA. I'm currently looking at the Asrock X58 Extreme, but it looks like the cheapest processor I could pair with it is a Core i7-930 at roughly $290.

Any recommendations for motherboard and CPU combination or other comments in general? TIA /jab

Edit: So, here are some possible combos:

* Asrock X58 Extreme (http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=X58%20EXTREME) + Intel Core i7-930 = $357
* GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 (http://gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3519#sp) + AMD Athlon II X4 635 = $280
* GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD7 (http://gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3416#sp) + AMD Athlon II X4 635 = $355

The last of those is extended ATX, which I don't think will fit the case, due to spacing between the expansion slots and I/O plate. Anyone know for certain?

What I'm very fuzzy on is whether the Asrock involves any bandwidth sharing between the slots. The Gigabyte does, although I don't understand the implications. For example, does it matter for HTPC purposes whether the video card has full x16 bandwidth or only x8 bandwidth?
Some recent mb having three or more PCIe x16 slots (x4 or higher electrically) are:

AMD 880G/890GX/890FX: You can use a cheaper processor such as Athlon II X4 635, $100. You can even use onboard video (880G/890GX only) if DD/DTS is enough for you. No bandwidth sharing because 880G/890GX+SB850 has 24 PCIe 2.0 lanes and 890FX+SB850 has 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes.

- ASRock 880G Extreme3, $110 (iGPU + x8,x8,x4; all 2.0). Highly recommended if you want to go cheap. Edit: Nope! The only PCIe x1 slot is blocked by the large NB heatsink!
- ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3, $140 (iGPU + x8,x8,x4; all 2.0). Many reviewers recommend it; however all the four PCIe slots are adjacent to each other, not great.
- ASRock 890FX Deluxe3, $155 (x16,x16,x4; all 2.0).
- ASUS M4A89TD PRO/USB3, $175 (x16,x16,x4; all 2.0).
- GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5, $180 (x16,x8,x8; all 2.0).
- MSI 890FXA-GD70, $200 (x16,x8,x8,x4; all 2.0).

Intel P55: You can use Core i3-530, $113 (video disabled of course). All mb have two PCIe 2.0 x8 connected to CPU and one PCIe 2.0 (1.0 in bandwidth) x4. No bandwidth sharing because CPU has 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes and P55 has 8 PCIe 2.0 (1.0 in bandwidth) lanes, except for a few mb with USB 3.0/SATA 3.0 (these chips consume PCIe lanes).

The first generation (pre-USB 3.0/SATA 3.0) released in September 2009:

- ASRock P55 Extreme, $140. Inexpensive and nice.
- ASRock P55 Deluxe, $180
- ASUS P7P55D PRO, $170
- ASUS P7P55D Deluxe, $220
- EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR, $200
- EVGA P55 FTW 132-LF-E657-KR, $230
- Intel DP55WG(Warrensburg; Media Series), $140. Inexpensive and nice.
- Intel DP55KG (Kingsberg; Extreme Series), $200
- GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD5, $220
- GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD6, $250
- MSI P55-GD80, $210

The second generation:

- GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD5
- GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD6, $250

x4 down to x1 if some of the PCIe x1 slots is used (check the manual).

Intel X58: The processor, as well as the mb, is expensive (the minimum Core i7-920, $284). No bandwidth sharing because X58 has 36 PCIe 2.0 lanes and ICH10R has 6 PCIe 1.0 lanes.

- ASRock X58 Extreme3
- ASUS P6X58D-E
- GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R
- MSI X58A-GD65

renethx

07-19-10, 01:50 AM

renethx

07-19-10, 01:52 AM

Do these motherboards with hdmi, dvi and vga outs support multiple monitors? I'm looking to output to an HDTV and an older VGA monitor (later to be upgraded to DVI monitor). Can I do this with the boards you've picked out or do I need a separate graphics card for that?
All the mb having HDMI, DVI and VGA support dual display with HDMI + VGA and DVI + VGA. Some mb support HDMI + DVI (in particular Intel chipset).

renethx

07-19-10, 03:16 AM

The number of views is over 3 millions. I guess it's time to start a new thread with entirely new contents. :) The manuscript is not ready yet, unfortunately. :o

SJMAYE

07-19-10, 04:21 AM

Elpee

07-19-10, 09:45 AM

The number of views is over 3 millions. I guess it's time to start a new thread with entirely new contents. :) The manuscript is not ready yet, unfortunately. :o
Absolutely agree with you. Many newbies cannot search and find what they need throughout this thread. :D

pacman9889

07-19-10, 10:37 AM

In planning the upgrade I want to be ready for Windows Activation. My current HTPC was on a systems builder license for Vista before upgrading to Windows 7. I was actually able to do a clean install of Win7 instead of doing the upgrade. I had no activation issues at all.

When I replace the motherboard, cpu, and ram will I have any problems with reactivating Win 7?

I'm sorry I can't give you a definitive answer, but I'm 95% sure you will need to re-activate. I've had to do it because of adding hard drives (even though I cloned them), so I'm sure you'll have to re-activate. Part of the activation technology is built around knowing the hardware of the computer its installed on, and to Win7, it will think its on a completely different computer. You should just be able to call them and get it worked out though.

Flomaster

07-19-10, 10:43 AM

looks like XBMC and Intel are a NO GO im glad I didn't pull the trigger and spend more on a system that was worthless to me.

http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=570367&postcount=16

Hey guys !

My opinion is to stay away from intel H55 chipsets until the new and three times faster intel solution arrives at the end of this year. http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...item&px=ODAxNA

The reason why i am telling this:

The H55 chipsets don't have enough shader power. This means you won't be able to enjoy the hq video shader based upscalings like lanczos. Even bicubic is not working well.

I tried it on both windows and linux. The framerate to upscale an xvid SD video to 1080p was around 17-20 fps WITHOUT any hw decoding acceleration enabled. Imagine how it would be capable of decoding it with hw acceleration and maybe having also a hw deinterlacing active at the same time.

That was my experience, but i'd be happy if someone could get better results.

mifronte

07-19-10, 02:55 PM

Hello.

I have an old tower with a SuperMicro P3TDLR motherboard that I would like to convert into a ripping workstation as CHEAPLY as possible. I have a DVD collection of approximately 1000 and is planning to archive them to a media server. I will be running Windows XP Pro SP3.

The motherboard support up to 4 EIDE devices. Three of which will be hard drives. It also has a built-in SCSI controller which won't be used (no SCSI devices). For expansion, it has two shared 64-bit 33MHz/66MHz PCI slots and two shared 32-bit 33MHz PCI slots, which I would like to use to install SATA BD/DVD drives and maybe additional hard drives.

My main concern is to get the correct PCI SATA controller that can support multiple BD/DVD drives.

01. Which PCI Sata controller(s) should I use to support more than one BD/DVD drive? I do not want to over-saturate the PCI Bus and so I am thinking at least two controllers, one on the 64-bit bus and the other on the 32-bit bus, correct?

02. Which BD and DVD SATA drives are recommended? I would only need one drive capable of writing/burning since my main goal is to convert my library collection as quickly as possible.

03. What size power supply should I get? I currently have a PowerMan 230 watt.

Did is say I would like to do this as cheaply as possible?

Thanks.

renethx

07-19-10, 03:05 PM

looks like XBMC and Intel are a NO GO im glad I didn't pull the trigger and spend more on a system that was worthless to me.

http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=570367&postcount=16
Why not use the Intel driver's own algorithm with DSPlayer (= MPC HomeCinema in essence)? You will get (near) perfect results. :)

Intel HD Graphics is an "integrated" GPU, hence obviously weak in applications that use shader units (e.g. games, video post-processing by shaders that is not optimized for Intel GPU).

BrockLee

07-20-10, 01:52 PM

I wanted to post links so I needed one more post. :)

BrockLee

07-20-10, 01:52 PM

Ok, I believe this is my final build and I could use some feedback. My goal was to have an htpc that can run 1080p and 7.1 audio via HDMI. I also wanted to leave myself options for installing a future tv tuner, bluetooth, wifi and videocard. I believe this setup is very small yet will allow those addon via onboard cards or possibly USB. I will be running Windows 7 32bit version and want to run 2 video outs via HDMI and VGA and will be using an existing keyboard/mouse until I figure out what I really want.

APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811154091 ($40)

GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448 ($105)

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222 ($115)

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193 ($98)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395 ($55)

ASUS Black 24X DVD+R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 ($24)

TOTAL: $437 (plus shipping)

Thanks.

Jobuu

07-20-10, 02:46 PM

For Anyone that has any doubts,

I built a completely brand new system from scratch using Renethx's guide and his help. System is for storing and viewing BR's. Has over 8 TB of HD space., extra fans, remote control, remote keyboard, a very nice looking case and is so quiet that you have to look at the light to see if its on because you can't hear it.

If anyone out there is doubting his input hear this....LISTEN TO HIM!! He knows what he is talking about!!

Enough said!

Jobuu

cobrew

07-20-10, 04:53 PM

What's the consensus on hec cases? I have decided to ditch the dell setup I was gonna use. My issue now is depth. My counter space where I am looking to put my HTPC is just under 18" deep. I figure I need at least 2" for wiring and air flow behind the case. The only cases I can find on newegg with a decent amount of reviews and under 16" deep are the hec cases. The Antec Black M FusionRemote 350 Micro ATX is close at 16.1" deep. I am considering it but I don't want it hanging over the lip of my shelf. All of the other ones seem to be too deep for my build: Antec, Lian, Moneual, & nMEDIAPC. Any suggestions?

system in my "cart" right now:
- ASUS M4A785-M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
- AMD Phenom II X2 550 Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache
- G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
- AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet PCTV tuner
- 2TB WD Cavier Green
- ADESSO WKB-3200UB Black 103 Normal Keys 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Multimedia/MCE Keyboard with Optical Trackball
- AVS Gear GP-IR02BK Vista 2 channel IR Remote Control

Thanks in advance!

vurbano

07-20-10, 05:04 PM

vurbano

07-20-10, 05:47 PM

reconlabtech

07-20-10, 07:20 PM

Destro

07-20-10, 07:35 PM

HDD: Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 80GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $220. A better alternative is OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTX100G 100GB SATA 3.0Gbps SSD, $325.

GREAT thread--so glad I found it.

Would the 60GB OCZ Vertex 2 do the job with Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate (just for the OS and basic software), or do I really need the 100GB?

I won't be doing encoding, video editing, etc with this PC--just recording TV and watching the playback--thus, I won't be needing much software other than the OS on the main drive.

Still, I'm not sure that it's enough space.

Also, since I am using a large case, should I go with a full-size ATX motherboard? It sucks that the ASROCK Extreme is not available in the US.

I am stuck between the GIGABYTE GA-H55-USB3 LGA 1156 and ASRock H55M/USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX.

I am strongly thinking about installing a Ceton InfiniTV 4 if it does eventually release (the product is currently vaporware). I don't think that the ASROCK micro-ATX gives me much room to play with once the Ceton is installed.

Thanks again for the great thread!

cobrew

07-20-10, 08:35 PM

That hard drive will be SLOW if you are doing anything except storing movies on it to play. I have one. It parks its heads/sleeps and is sluggish to respond. Fine for storage. A little annoying if you are going to do anything else. You need a faster smaller drive for your OS. No video card? If you ever want an Radeon HD 5xxx card that bitstreams HD audio also it will take up 2 slots and leave no room for anything else really.

I have a smaller, faster drive for my OS. I just listed what I was about to buy and didn't think about listing it. Thanks for the heads up on the video card. Right now it is a "budget" decision. I don't know if I'll have enough $$$ to upgrade to the Radeon HD 5670 which would be my next addition. Right now I'm trying to figure out if the case I'm checking out is a good fit (hec). If the cheap case is an option, then I might be able to upgrade the video card. In that event... I'd likely swap the mobo for the ASRock H55M Pro and add the video card.

gmanhdtv

07-20-10, 08:43 PM

I watched DellOutlet.com for a couple weeks and picked up an Inspiron 580S that has just about the same configuration and it came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit installed. I paid $380 out the door. The slim design fits on my shelf that the Dish Network DVR was on and I added an AverMedia HD Duet dual tuner ATSC card and got the Vista MCE remote control. Works great!

I agree, I have purchased a total of 4 slims from Dell over the past 8 months, 2 for our household and 2 for friends. All were core duos, all but one with 4 gigs ram and Win7 as well. Highest price paid was $274 (6 gigs of ram) delivered, lowest $220 during Dell 20% bing. For standard HTPC duties with hd playback they can't be beat. I for years was a total DIY person on PC's, but at these prices with a full on site one year warranty with OS license, Dell wins!

rxedhawk

07-20-10, 09:51 PM

Long time lurker, first time poster.

First, this is a great forum and I want to say thanks for putting it together. I've done minor fixes/improvements to my home computers over the years (replace optical drives, upgrade RAM) but haven't built a computer. Reading this forum periodically over the past 6 months has made me feel like an HTPC project just might be feasible.

I'm looking to put together an HTPC that will serve a few, likely basic functions. Basically, I want to ditch cable/satellite and use the box to watch netflix or TV shows from channels' websites, rip/watch blu-rays and DVDs, and as a 2-tuner DVR for HD content via an OTA antenna. One goal of the HTPC is to save money, so a long-term cost-effective system is my goal.

The major question I have is if all of the systems, even the low-end systems, can handle these tasks. The primary item I am concerned with is DVRing (because I don't know if this counts as "encoding") because it seems like that would be the only item that would push me over the edge from a low-end to a mid-range system. That is what it sounds like, but I just want to be sure. If that is the case, the choice just comes down to size, expandability/useful lifetime, and cost.

Since I am looking to do this in part as a cost-saving, I would have no problem spending (including peripherals/OS) ~$800 on a system (something like the "My pick" system) that I can expect to be useful for twice as long as a ~$500 system (for example, the low-end Intel mini-ITX system or the Atom system).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

404Ender

07-20-10, 11:02 PM

renethx

07-21-10, 12:43 AM

GREAT thread--so glad I found it.

Would the 60GB OCZ Vertex 2 do the job with Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate (just for the OS and basic software), or do I really need the 100GB?

I won't be doing encoding, video editing, etc with this PC--just recording TV and watching the playback--thus, I won't be needing much software other than the OS on the main drive.

Still, I'm not sure that it's enough space.

Also, since I am using a large case, should I go with a full-size ATX motherboard?

40GB-60GB is enough unless you install MS Office suite and Adobe suite (and more).

Check the mb specs: Are there enough expansion slots for future use?

renethx

07-21-10, 01:10 AM

I'm looking to put together an HTPC that will serve a few, likely basic functions. Basically, I want to ditch cable/satellite and use the box to watch netflix or TV shows from channels' websites, rip/watch blu-rays and DVDs, and as a 2-tuner DVR for HD content via an OTA antenna. One goal of the HTPC is to save money, so a long-term cost-effective system is my goal.

The major question I have is if all of the systems, even the low-end systems, can handle these tasks. The primary item I am concerned with is DVRing (because I don't know if this counts as "encoding") because it seems like that would be the only item that would push me over the edge from a low-end to a mid-range system. That is what it sounds like, but I just want to be sure. If that is the case, the choice just comes down to size, expandability/useful lifetime, and cost.

Since I am looking to do this in part as a cost-saving, I would have no problem spending (including peripherals/OS) ~$800 on a system (something like the "My pick" system) that I can expect to be useful for twice as long as a ~$500 system (for example, the low-end Intel mini-ITX system or the Atom system).

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Yes, basically every system is enough for rip/watch BD/DVD and record/watch HDTV. (You'd better avoid Atom if you want to do something 'creative'.)

If you don't build a server (for now), you may need a case that can hold a bunch of HDDs, and the number of SATA ports in the mb may be important (although you could add SATA controller cards).

renethx

07-21-10, 01:16 AM

I think I made a mistake choosing MicroATX and the antec fusion case. I now anticipate a problem having only one PCIe slot left. If Verizon slaps the CP flag on all the FIOS channels as is being reported in the Tivo Community I foresee selling the TIvo's and buying the ceton 4 tuner card with xbox360's as media extenders. That will mean no PCIe slot for future raid expansion. Are there fast/quiet DAS solutions that work with existing esata port on the gigabyte GA-MA785GMT- UD2H ??? I saw a software raid box by promise but it looked pricey.

I have also investigated changing the case to Lian LI PC-C34F and an ATX Gigabyte 890 based motherboard. My question is I see that the SATA connections on the new boards are now horizontal and not vertical. These connections look really close to the Lian Li backplane for its 4 bay removeable storage area. Would there be a conflict? I cannot find a scale drawing of the case.. I know that case doesnt look like a piece of AV equipment but neither does a DAS raid box attached to an HTPC.
The eSATA port of GA-MA785GMT- UD2H is just one of the SATA ports connected to SB710. RodNewstrom (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15513958#post15513958) says it support Port Multiplier. So you could attach a 5-Drive SATA Enclosure with Built-in Port Multiplier (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#5-Drive%20SATA%20Enclosure%20with%20Built-in%20Port%20Multiplier). Also check AMS VENUS T5 DS-2350J (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#5-Drive%20SATA%20Enclosure%20with%20Built-in%20Hardware%20RAID).

~ 1" clearance is necessary between the SATA connector and the backplane.

BenSanford

07-21-10, 05:34 AM

[QUOTE=renethx;18936218]40GB-60GB is enough unless you install MS Office suite and Adobe suite (and more).

Totally agree. :)

I recently added an 60 GB SSD to my Win7 64x system for use as a boot drive - all data stored on several 2 TB HD's. Even with MS Office, Photoshop CS4, Delorme USA topos, and Delorme Street Atlas (including map databases) installed on the boot drive, I still have ~20 GB free out of 59.6 GB free space on the boot drive.

Currently, the (hidden) windows pagefile.sys and hiberfil.sys files @ 8 GB and 6GB each are also on the SSD. I've heard differing thought on whether those should stay on the SSD.

Ben Sanford
Falls Church, VA

marlin29311

07-21-10, 07:14 AM

Personally, if you want to keep the SSD for a long time, I would move paging files off the SSD, as you're using unnecesary read/writing, which will eventually kill the SSD. That's just one guy's opinion though...

Flomaster

07-21-10, 10:36 AM

Why not use the Intel driver's own algorithm with DSPlayer (= MPC HomeCinema in essence)? You will get (near) perfect results. :)

Intel HD Graphics is an "integrated" GPU, hence obviously weak in applications that use shader units (e.g. games, video post-processing by shaders that is not optimized for Intel GPU).

my sole purpose for my HTPC is running XBMC and downloading content, I am not interested in anything else, XBMC is user friendly and has that WOW factor, WAF ( every husband knows about the Wife Acceptance Factor)

I am surprised more people here aren't talking about XBMC... it plays your movies, music, tv shows, movie trailers, has plug ins for Emulators, Youtube, Hulu, etc.

-=Jason=-

renethx

07-21-10, 10:40 AM

I am talking about DSPlayer, another internal player of XBMC that could unleash the full potential of Intel HD Graphics ...

Flomaster

07-21-10, 10:43 AM

I am talking about DSPlayer, another internal player of XBMC...

ahh I had no idea, I searched the net and was not able to find anyone running an i3 with XBMC, searched on XBMC forums and came up empty as well. I did find out that Linux and i3 are not compatible, I am running Ubuntu and Windows is NOT an option.

-=Jason=-

vurbano

07-21-10, 10:57 AM

The eSATA port of GA-MA785GMT- UD2H is just one of the SATA ports connected to SB710. RodNewstrom (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15513958#post15513958) says it support Port Multiplier. So you could attach a 5-Drive SATA Enclosure with Built-in Port Multiplier (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#5-Drive%20SATA%20Enclosure%20with%20Built-in%20Port%20Multiplier). Also check AMS VENUS T5 DS-2350J (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#5-Drive%20SATA%20Enclosure%20with%20Built-in%20Hardware%20RAID).

~ 1" clearance is necessary between the SATA connector and the backplane.

wow, if thats true it saves me a bunch of money. Thanks

dedeaux

07-21-10, 11:00 AM

renethx, this guide has been very helpful to me, as well as the many posts in this thread.

I wanted to throw out my list of components I have selected after reading through this thread for about a week and looking at Newegg.

Silverstone GD04B
MSI 890GXM-G65
SAPPHIRE 100289L Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB
Corsair CMPSU-650HX
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 2.8GHz AM3 125W HDT55TFBGRBOX
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 compatible GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP
G.Skill 4GB F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
2 X Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB for Storage
1 X 300 GB drive for OS (currently in an external enclosure)
LG Black Blu-ray Disc Combo CH10LS20K
Logitech diNovo Edge
Ceton InfiniTV 4 for recording

I am looking for some feedback.

1. Is there a way to save money and not sacrifice performance in playback and re-encoding.
2. Is this a good system for recording TV for future playback?

I am building this system to record TV while living here in the US for the next seven months. After that I'll be moving to a remote location without TV/Internet, etc. I am looking at recording quite a bit, and will want to remove commercials and convert to a format that takes up less space which I assume will require re-encoding.

I'll be connecting this to a LCD TV via HDMI, but will also want to stream the content to another computer once I move.

Any insights would be appreciated.

renethx

07-21-10, 11:52 AM

mrckonertr

07-21-10, 12:10 PM

I posted this in the regular thread and it was suggested that I Try posting over here. So here it goes.

I have a simple question I believe. And also hoping for some advice. I currently have a Dell XPS 420. I am looking to adapt to a HTPC. I have built computers before. However, have been away from it for awhile and am just worried, I guess you could say. I am not afraid to open it up and start putting new hardware in it. Just worried of spending the money in the wrong places.

Goal: To use what I have and update other things in order to download all of my movies and music and use them, with the help of media portal and streamedMP, to be viewed on my T.V. And still be able to use it to download, go on internet, e-mail etc. Basically a media server 80% of the time and a regular comp. the other 20%.

First things first here is a list of the computer specs that I know of as of now:

Processor: Intel core 2 Q6600 Qaud core @ 2.4 ghz. 8mb L2 Cache and 1066 FSB
Memory: 3 gigs of memory, not sure if DDR2 etc.
Hd: 300 gig I believe seagate?
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro
O.S.: Windows Vista Home Premium
motherboard: Not sure of make but does accept PCI and PCIe for video cards.
Optical Drives: Unsure of brands, one DVD Writer and one DVD player
Sound: Onboard sound but with optical out.

Secondly, What I will be using for audio and video:

T.V.: Toshiba 50HM66 DLP
Receiver: Onkyo TX SR607

I would like to upgrade my video card firstly. Secondly add some external harddrive. And of course get a BluRay burner, and if possible a dual BluRay/HDDVD. I know there hard to find but I still have some movies I would like to burn.

I am starting to play with media portal. Trying to figure it all out. Still having some trouble with getting it to find all my movies. Thinking of using a different "ripper", currently using Magic DVD Ripper. Also having trouble getting the IMDB to show up.

So there you go. I hope that I havent bored anyone or looked like a complete idiot. Thanks in advance to any and all help.

renethx

07-21-10, 12:39 PM

Yes, you can upgrade the graphics card, add HDDs, add a BD drive etc. with no problem, as long as they physically fit ...

dbone1026

07-21-10, 12:40 PM

I am talking about DSPlayer, another internal player of XBMC that could unleash the full potential of Intel HD Graphics ...

Here is my DSPlayer writeup for anyone interested:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2010/06/25/guide-setting-up-bitstreaming-with-your-windows-7-htpc-xbmc-using-dsplayer/

dedeaux

07-21-10, 04:45 PM

You could save some money by going with:

- A cheaper 880G mb such as ASRock 880GMH/USB3 or GIGABYTE GA-880GMA-UD2H
- Corsari VX450W (or a similar 400-450W PSU)

The max height of the CPU cooler is ~70mm inside this case. Geminii S won't fit it. Scythe BIG Shuriken is good. So this case is not so great for Phenom II X6. BTW Phenom II X6 1055T HDT55TWFGRBOX 95W, ~$210, may be available soon or not so soon (as usual in US). Heat at load is literally reduced by 30W.

You can't edit recordings marked "Copy Once" from Ceton InfiniTV 4.

Thanks for the info on the cooler, I hadn't checked that because I just switched to a different case this morning while looking at options.

I am aware of the restrictions with some of the recordings on the InfiniTV 4 and will work with that as I go.

I know there is a newer 95W 1055T in the pipeline, but I was wanting to get the system built soon. Actually, I will delay it till mid to late August now so maybe by then the processor will be available here in country.

pacman9889

07-21-10, 06:28 PM

Hey all, first of all, love the guide, it has been my saving grace throughout this build. I've pretty much followed your recommendations with the i3/ASROCK combination. My question is this: I know HDMI will work flawlessly, but that is once I get the TV I don't have yet. Until then, it will be hooked up to a standard analog TV. So I need to get some sort of converter for the VGA to RCA/S-Video/Component connection. I could get one of those little converter boxes or a cheap graphics card with TV out. I'm looking at these two boxes

http://www.ayagroup.com/product.php?productid=17730

http://www.cowboom.com/store/product...ntentID=660821

My hunch is just to get a cheap video card with TV out. Maybe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150390 (Radeon 4350)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187041 (8400GS)

The price difference is really the same if I choose the nicer box, and $20 doesn't make much difference to me. Or should I just go with the video cards, or will that cause me more headaches later on? Any sort of advice would be great. Thanks!

Sorry for the double post, this thread grows really quickly, and I think my previous post has gotten lost/forgotten.

kkgsxr

07-21-10, 06:34 PM

slarco

07-21-10, 07:30 PM

I'm about to build a media storage Server from the June recomended Config:

Case: NORCO RPC-450B Black 4U Server Rack-Mount Chassis, $80.
HDD Cage: NORCO Hard Drive Cage for RPC-450, $15. The cage holds five HDDs. The case comes with two of them. So you need to buy only one from iPCDIRECT.
HDD Rail: NORCO Hard drive Rails for RPC-CASE, $2. A pair of rails are used to attach a HDD to the cage. You will need five pairs as the case comes with ten pairs. Buy them from iPCDIRECT.
HDD Rail: NORCO Hard drive Rails for RPC-CASE, $2.
HDD Rail: NORCO Hard drive Rails for RPC-CASE, $2.
HDD Rail: NORCO Hard drive Rails for RPC-CASE, $2.
HDD Rail: NORCO Hard drive Rails for RPC-CASE, $2.
PSU: Corsair TX650W CMPSU-650TX 650W, $90.
CPU: Athlon II X2 240e AD240EHDGQBOX 2.8GHz AM3, $69.
CPU Cooler: Stock Cooler, $0.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-880GA-UD3H AM3 AMD 880G/SB850 chipset ATX, $98.
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit, $57.
Graphics: Radeon HD 4250 (integrated in the chipset), $0.
HBA: Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-port SATA 2.0 Controller PCI Express x4 Card, $98.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to Four SATA Forward Breakout Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087OCF-05M), $11.
Cable: 0.5m SFF-8087 to Four SATA Forward Breakout Cable (e.g. 3ware CBL-SFF8087OCF-05M), $11.
OS HDD: Seagate Momentus 7200.4 250GB ST9250410AS SATA 3.0Gbps mobile 7200 RPM, $50.
Mounter: Scythe Slot Rafter 2.5” HDD/SSD Mounter, $10 (attaching the 2.5” HDD for OS to an empty expansion slot).

Im gonna be using UnRaid as OS with 3 HDD to starts so no need HBA for now. UnRAid for 3HDD is free and also dont need the OS HDD since UnRAid boot from a pendrive. I have 1 wd15ears and 2 Hitachi 1Tb to start.Planing on add more when the time comes.

Does anyone see any potential problem on this config, some part that i can change or upgrade? I'm going to be using this in a network with 2 MAC's for media storage for my photography Business.

Thax in advance for feedback!

JAB

07-21-10, 10:53 PM

Some recent mb having three or more PCIe x16 slots (x4 or higher electrically) are:

AMD 880G/890GX/890FX: You can use a cheaper processor such as Athlon II X4 635, $100. You can even use onboard video (880G/890GX only) if DD/DTS is enough for you. No bandwidth sharing because 880G/890GX+SB850 has 24 PCIe 2.0 lanes and 890FX+SB850 has 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes.

- ASRock 880G Extreme3, $110 (iGPU + x8,x8,x4; all 2.0). Highly recommended if you want to go cheap. Edit: Nope! The only PCIe x1 slot is blocked by the large NB heatsink!
- ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3, $140 (iGPU + x8,x8,x4; all 2.0). Many reviewers recommend it; however all the four PCIe slots are adjacent to each other, not great.
- ASRock 890FX Deluxe3, $155 (x16,x16,x4; all 2.0).
- ASUS M4A89TD PRO/USB3, $175 (x16,x16,x4; all 2.0).
- GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5, $180 (x16,x8,x8; all 2.0).
- MSI 890FXA-GD70, $200 (x16,x8,x8,x4; all 2.0).

Wow, renethx! Thanks!

Here's what puzzles me. As an example, take the GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 (http://gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3519#sp). It has:

* 2 x PCIe x16 at x16 (PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2)
* 1 x PCIe x16 at x8 (PCIEX8)
* 1 x PCIe x16 at x4 (PCIEX4)
* 2 x PCIe x1

Then, we have the following notes:

* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot.

* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot. When PCIEX8 is populated with a PCI Express graphics card, the PCIEX16_1 slot will operate at up to x8 mode.

So, I'm guessing I should do this:

PCIe x1 : Ceton InfiniTV 4
PCIEX8 : Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8
PCIEX4 : Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8

But, do I put the ATI HD5xxx in PCIEX16_1 (which is now running at x8) or in PCIEX16_2 (which isn't recommended when using a single graphics card)? Or, should I move one of the Supermicro cards from PCIEX8 to PCIEX16_2 and put the ATI HD5xxx in PCIEX16_1? Or, is all of this apparent bandwidth sharing a limitation of the GIGABYTE board that simply makes it a poor choice?

Does it even matter for HTPC purposes that the ATI HD5xxx might be in a slot running at x8?

I am very confused. :o

/jab

Morbeas

07-21-10, 11:11 PM

What a wonderful guide! Thanks so much for all that you do for this board renethx. I'm planning on building my own Mini-ITX HTPC with the following components but I have a big concern regarding the PSU on the SG06 case. Could you please take a look and see if the 300W PSU that comes with the case will be able to handle the components?

Silverstone SG06 case
Gigabyte H55N-USB3 mobo
Intel i5-661 CPU
Intel X25-M SSD
Visiontek Radeon HD 4850 1GB
Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB RAM
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit OS

Thanks so much in advance! :)

renethx

07-21-10, 11:42 PM

Hey all, first of all, love the guide, it has been my saving grace throughout this build. I've pretty much followed your recommendations with the i3/ASROCK combination. My question is this: I know HDMI will work flawlessly, but that is once I get the TV I don't have yet. Until then, it will be hooked up to a standard analog TV. So I need to get some sort of converter for the VGA to RCA/S-Video/Component connection. I could get one of those little converter boxes or a cheap graphics card with TV out. I'm looking at these two boxes

http://www.ayagroup.com/product.php?productid=17730

http://www.cowboom.com/store/product...ntentID=660821

My hunch is just to get a cheap video card with TV out. Maybe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150390 (Radeon 4350)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187041 (8400GS)

The price difference is really the same if I choose the nicer box, and $20 doesn't make much difference to me. Or should I just go with the video cards, or will that cause me more headaches later on? Any sort of advice would be great. Thanks!

Sorry for the double post, this thread grows really quickly, and I think my previous post has gotten lost/forgotten.
I don't have hand-on experience with these converters. The graphics cards will work fine for composite/S-/component video..

renethx

07-21-10, 11:55 PM

I just purchased a GA-H55N-USB3 for a HTPC.
Config:
CPU- i3 530
HDD- Samsung 320Gb SATA
RAM- G.Skill 4Gb
OS- Win7 32bit

I am trying to get the HD audio codecs working to my Integra DHC 9.9. For the life of me I can't get the DTS master audio and TrueHD loaded on the HDMI audio interface. Only DTS and Dolby Digital show up under the supported formats. I have loaded all the latest drivers from the Gigabyte website. I even loaded the HD audio codecs from the Realtek site. I do find it odd that the HDMI interface is showing up with a Microsoft driver from 2009, even if I point the driver update to the realtek or intel driver directories, windows states it has the latest driver installed.

What am I missing? Did anyone else purchase this board and get the codecs loaded?

BTW: I opened a case with Gigabyte support...They responded that the board does not support 5.1 audio. I had to paste the specs of the board in a response, not thrilled with GA support.:mad:
You can safely ignore whatever GIGABYTE support says. :)

There are two HD audio "codecs".

- Intel Display Audio (via the HDMI port on the rear panel). The driver you need is included in the Intel graphics driver (15.17.7[.64].2141 is the latest).
- Realtek ALC892. SPDIF optical out and analog outs/ins in the rear panel. The driver is Realtek one (http://218.210.127.131/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false).

These two audio codecs are independent of each other. If you don't use S/PDIF or analog, you can disable the latter in BIOS.

Do you see "Intel Display Audio" and "Dolby TrueHD"/"DTS-HD" in the sound control panel like this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18926529#post18926529)?

H8nXTC

07-21-10, 11:58 PM

Hey all, first of all, love the guide, it has been my saving grace throughout this build. I've pretty much followed your recommendations with the i3/ASROCK combination. My question is this: I know HDMI will work flawlessly, but that is once I get the TV I don't have yet. Until then, it will be hooked up to a standard analog TV. So I need to get some sort of converter for the VGA to RCA/S-Video/Component connection. I could get one of those little converter boxes or a cheap graphics card with TV out. I'm looking at these two boxes

http://www.ayagroup.com/product.php?productid=17730

http://www.cowboom.com/store/product...ntentID=660821

My hunch is just to get a cheap video card with TV out. Maybe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150390 (Radeon 4350)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187041 (8400GS)

The price difference is really the same if I choose the nicer box, and $20 doesn't make much difference to me. Or should I just go with the video cards, or will that cause me more headaches later on? Any sort of advice would be great. Thanks!

Sorry for the double post, this thread grows really quickly, and I think my previous post has gotten lost/forgotten.

You might be able to find a cheap used ATI All-In-Wonder HD Premium/Deluxe (HD 3650) too. http://www.diamondmm.com/AIWHD3650PM.php

renethx

07-22-10, 12:40 AM

I am very confused. :o

/jab
The four PCIe x16 slots work this way:

- x16, x16, x4, x0 if there is no device in PCIEX8
- x16, x8, x4, x8 if there is a device in PCIEX8

"Recommendation" is to assure the primary graphics card works at x16 for the best gaming experience. x4 is enough for every task except for 3D rendering. You can insert the graphics card whichever slot you like.

renethx

07-22-10, 12:44 AM

Could you please take a look and see if the 300W PSU that comes with the case will be able to handle the components?

Silverstone SG06 case
Gigabyte H55N-USB3 mobo
Intel i5-661 CPU
Intel X25-M SSD
Visiontek Radeon HD 4850 1GB
Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB RAM
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit OS
Yes, no problem. The max power consumption of you system (excluding PSU) is < 200W.

JAB

07-22-10, 01:23 AM

The four PCIe x16 slots work this way:

- x16, x16, x4, x0 if there is no device in PCIEX8
- x16, x8, x4, x8 if there is a device in PCIEX8

"Recommendation" is to assure the primary graphics card works at x16 for the best gaming experience. x4 is enough for every task except for 3D rendering. You can insert the graphics card whichever slot you like.

Thanks, renethx. Time to put together the shopping list.

I'll be sure to send another donation, once I have everything assembled and know the total cost. I think you should assess a royalty based on a percentage of the final build cost for everyone who uses your guide. :)

Morbeas

07-22-10, 06:26 AM

Yes, no problem. The max power consumption of you system (excluding PSU) is < 200W.

Thanks so much renethx. So how much further do you think I could go as far as the video card goes? Since this will also be a gaming machine, I'd like to get as powerful as the PSU could support.

Also, where do you get your pricing from? It seems you list some of these components cheaper than I could find on the net.

Morbeas

07-22-10, 06:35 AM

Also, one final thing. Do you think this build will need any further cooling than what comes stock with the case? I'm trying to keep it as quiet as possible but I also don't want things to overheat.

Thanks again.

renethx

07-22-10, 06:53 AM

Thanks so much renethx. So how much further do you think I could go as far as the video card goes? Since this will also be a gaming machine, I'd like to get as powerful as the PSU could support.

Also, where do you get your pricing from? It seems you list some of these components cheaper than I could find on the net.
The max power draw of CPU, RAM, MB, HDD combined is < 80W DC. So any graphics card with TDP up to ~220W is OK. But the card length must be less than 9.5".

HD up to 4870, 160W, 9.45"
HD up to 5850, 151W, 9.5"
GTX up to 470, 215W, 9.5"

All price information come from Google Product Search (the lowest price [shipping also considered] among reputable retailers).

Morbeas

07-22-10, 06:59 AM

The max power draw of CPU, RAM, MB, HDD combined is < 80W DC. So any graphics card with TDP up to ~220W is OK. But the card length must be less than 9.5".

HD up to 4870, 160W, 9.45"
HD up to 5850, 151W, 9.5"
GTX up to 470, 215W, 9.5"

All price information come from Google Product Search (the lowest price [shipping also considered] among reputable retailers).

Oh wow, awesome. Are those TDP figures with the card idle or at full load? Also, is there a website where I can grab those TDP figures for myself instead of constantly bugging you? :)

renethx

07-22-10, 07:03 AM

TDP means the max power draw. If you search in professional reviews, you should be able to find TDP.

For example, "GTX 470" review TDP (http://www.google.com/search?hl=&q=%22gtx+470%22+review+TDP).

kkgsxr

07-22-10, 08:49 AM

You can safely ignore whatever GIGABYTE support says. :)

There are two HD audio "codecs".

- Intel Display Audio (via the HDMI port on the rear panel). The driver you need is included in the Intel graphics driver (15.17.7[.64].2141 is the latest).
- Realtek ALC892. SPDIF optical out and analog outs/ins in the rear panel. The driver is Realtek one (http://218.210.127.131/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false).

These two audio codecs are independent of each other. If you don't use S/PDIF or analog, you can disable the latter in BIOS.

Do you see "Intel Display Audio" and "Dolby TrueHD"/"DTS-HD" in the sound control panel like this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18926529#post18926529)?

You just saved me from jumping off a bridge :D
You nailed it, I had the default HDMI audio driver installed, not the intel driver. I had to point the HDMI audio device to the intel driver folder and that solved all my problems. I now have TrueHD and DTS MA working in media center!!! This has taken me 2 computers, 3 video cards, and countless hours to get here...victory is sweet!
Thanks for the help!!:)
Kevin

Maconi

07-22-10, 11:13 PM

Alright so I finally took the dive and bought my HTPC. This is what I bought, let me know if I made any mistakes as I can still cancel the order if I need to (or let me know if I should add anything).

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035
MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131625R
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227478
HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
Wireless: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166025
Remote: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121003

rxedhawk

07-23-10, 01:58 AM

Ok, so I have decided to not go the cheapo route, hoping to get a longer lifespan.

Option 1: Similar to the "recommended system" - microATX
Note: Starred items change in 2nd option
Core i3-530
****ASRock H55M Pro
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit
EVGA 01G-P3-1235-LR GeForce GT 240
****CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2
Would like to go with the $20 cheaper 400W version, if possible
****Antec Fusion Remote Black (or the Silver one to save $20)
SAMSUNG Black BDROM/DVD writer SH-B083L/BSBP
Avertv MTVHDDUWB HD Duet (White Box)
Windows 7 64 bit
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
OR
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31500341AS 1.5TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

Price: $770 (if all rebates materialize)

Option 2: ATX system (which would let me add significant storage later, seems like it may have a longer useful lifespan) - Starred items from above are changed here
Core i3-530
****MSI P55A-G55 LGA 1156
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit
EVGA 01G-P3-1235-LR GeForce GT 240
****CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 cheaper...
****Antec Fusion Max (with 4x3.5" internal bays)
SAMSUNG Black BDROM/DVD writer SH-B083L/BSBP
Avertv MTVHDDUWB HD Duet (White Box)
Windows 7 64 bit
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
OR
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31500341AS 1.5TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

Price: $896 (if all rebates materialize)

Any input on the HDDs or overall builds would be appreciated.

Thanks.

renethx

07-23-10, 02:18 AM

rxedhawk

07-23-10, 03:20 AM

I would use an iGPU for now (so no P55, H55M Pro has an issue in HD audio bitstreaming), then add a discrete graphics card later (HD 6xxx, GT 4xx) when necessary.

The number of HDDs depends on the case. SilverStone GD01, GD03, LC20M, LC10-E, LC13-E, LC16M, LC17 are better in this respect.
If I am reading you right, you are recommending something along the lines of option 1 but swap the motherboard for something like an ASRock H55M/USB3, remove the video card, and switch to an LC10B(lack?)-E (for example)?

I would add on the GP-IR02BK Remote (2 channel), then.

renethx

07-23-10, 03:32 AM

Yup, that's an option. GT 240 is good in video, but it does no support HD audio bitstreaming, not good for "a longer lifespan".

omholt

07-23-10, 10:22 AM

Which graphic card (or motherboard with graphic) meets the following criteria:

- Can be passive cooled. My HTPC has no fans, heat is lead to heatsinks
- Supports HA with two screens at the same time
- Support for HD Audio and 3D (HDMI 1.4?)

Will only be used for movies. 100% in benchmark would obviously be nice.

And two more questions:
Any graphic cards that have very low levels of jitter with their HDMI output?

Is Intel still considered to be better then AMD?

renethx

07-23-10, 10:36 AM

Which graphic card (or motherboard with graphic) meets the follow criteria:

- Can be passive cooled. My HTPC has no fans, heat is lead to heatsinks.
- Able to support HA with two screens at the same time
- Support for HD Audio and 3D (HDMI 1.4?)

Will only be used for movies. 100% in benchmark would obviously be nice.

And two more questions:
Any graphic cards that have very low levels of jitter with their HDMI output?

Is Intel still considered to be better then AMD?
HA with two screens at the same time: This is a bit demanding. HD 5000 series UVD 2 supports dual 1080p video decoding, but only HD 5750 or higher is good enough for stutter-free playback. HD 5000's support for MPEG-4 MVC and HDMI 1.4a video signals has not been announced.

Perhaps you'd better wait for GF108 (GeForce GT 440?) in September, or Radeon HD 6000 series in October. These cards will support HD audio bitstreaming, MPEG-4 MVC decoding and HDMI 1.4a, and perhaps dual 1080p video stream as well.

Passive cooling? Well, I don't think passive cooling is easy for these 'high-performance' GPUs.

pacman9889

07-23-10, 10:53 AM

You might be able to find a cheap used ATI All-In-Wonder HD Premium/Deluxe (HD 3650) too. http://www.diamondmm.com/AIWHD3650PM.php

I'm starting to lean to this route, but I question if the card would somehow disable the onboard graphics of the i3. Or is it just dependent on which HDMI port I eventually plug into? Or is it that the HD 3650 would give better graphics than the integrated i3?

Also, I can't seem to find it anywhere whether the TV tuner on the card is single or dual. I'm assuming single.

fallenturtle

07-23-10, 11:05 AM

I'm ordering a new motherboard (Asrock 770 Extreme3), CPU (Athlon II X4 3.00ghz), and memory (CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 1600 [PC3 12800]).

I think I'm okay with my setup, but I'm concerned about the memory and its voltage. The memory I'm getting is 1.65 and Consair suggests it for Intel based systems. More expensively they have a set of memory with the same stats but it's at 1.5v and aimed at AMD based systems. I was aiming for the cheaper because from what I can tell... both this motherboard and the CPU should be okay with 1.65v memory... am I correct in thinking this or is this going to cause me performance issues? I'm not planning to overclock it.

renethx

07-23-10, 11:20 AM

Just raise the memory voltage to 1.65V in BIOS and you will be fine.

H8nXTC

07-23-10, 11:31 AM

The Corsair memory should be 1.5v at at 1333 (default) and you'll need to bump it to 1.65v in the bios if you go to 1600MHz speed. I've got new Corsair and that's how it is for my sticks. I actually was a bit disappointed that newegg.com advertised my sticks at 1600 and 1.5v but doesn't state the 1.5v is only for 1333MHz.

TV Tuner on the A-I-W HD is single.

PeterPL

07-23-10, 12:27 PM

I'm using Corei3 + H55 and everything is great with this setup exept one thing 24p movies I can't watching movies comfortable because I see jerking (with Reclock is little better but no perfect when I bitstreming) so I want smooth 24p with bitstreaming without using Reclock.

And my question is:
Is it any problems now on ATI HD5450 with this ? or any other issues with watching 24p movies with bitstreaming audio ?
Is it worth to buy this card or wait little on Intel new fixed drivers ?

Thanks

H8nXTC

07-23-10, 12:45 PM

I don't think that a driver update will fix it, otherwise it would have been done by now. The HD 5450 should do fine. Here's one I suggest:
http://www.hisdigital.com/us/product2-506.shtml
Good fast 1GB of memory with EyeFinity and low profile bracket included (also single slot full bracket included).

PeterPL

07-23-10, 01:28 PM

^nice version :), but I heard from some people 24p is working ok only for few minutes after that is start jerking too, is it true ?

and do I have to change refresh manualy to 24p everytime when I want to watch 24p movie from 59/60Hz ?

qafyg

07-23-10, 02:37 PM

pacman9889

07-23-10, 05:35 PM

I was about to pull the trigger on my mid-range build w/ 5670 and noticed a great sale on a Seasonic M12D 750W PSU. Do you guys think this PSU with it's 160mm depth (vs 140mm for Corsair vx450W) will fit in the antec fusion remote with a bluray player?

This PSU is modular, so less clutter is good, but it won't help much if I can't connect a BD Drive!

I think it would fit in theory, but in practice it will be very tight. I just got the case and my PSU in it, and heres what it looks like

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/7744/imag0018.jpg
By pacman9889 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/pacman9889) at 2010-07-23

Its a pretty tight fit, about a 4cm gap for the wires to bend. Also, my PSU is 8 cm long, which I thought was pretty standard, so I don't see how either of your two choices would fit.

rxedhawk

07-23-10, 06:09 PM

Yup, that's an option. GT 240 is good in video, but it does no support HD audio bitstreaming, not good for "a longer lifespan".
I'm about to pull the trigger, but had 2 more quick questions. The first is the PSU - I wanted to confirm that the Corsair 450W and stock fans with the LC10B-E (dual 80mm rear fans) were the way to go. The second was if there was enough quality or sound difference that would make you go with the WD HDD rather than the Seagate, which I believe is a bigger version of the one you recommended.

Build info: (changes from option 1 above marked with ++++)

Core i3-530
++++ASRock H55M/USB3
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit
++++No video card
****CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2
Would like to go with the $20 cheaper 400W version, if possible
++++LC10B-E
SAMSUNG Black BDROM/DVD writer SH-B083L/BSBP
Avertv MTVHDDUWB HD Duet (White Box)
++++GP-IR02BK Remote (2 channel)
Windows 7 64 bit
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
OR
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31500341AS 1.5TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

qafyg

07-23-10, 06:12 PM

Thanks for the picture pacman9889, it's super helpful. Are you sure your PSU is only 8cm long?

The dimension I have found are as followed :

Seasonic M12D 750W : W:15cm, H:8.6cm, D:16cm
Corsair VX450W : W:15cm, H:8.6cm, D:14cm

renethx

07-24-10, 03:40 AM

I'm about to pull the trigger, but had 2 more quick questions. The first is the PSU - I wanted to confirm that the Corsair 450W and stock fans with the LC10B-E (dual 80mm rear fans) were the way to go. The second was if there was enough quality or sound difference that would make you go with the WD HDD rather than the Seagate, which I believe is a bigger version of the one you recommended.

Build info: (changes from option 1 above marked with ++++)

Core i3-530
++++ASRock H55M/USB3
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit
++++No video card
****CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2
Would like to go with the $20 cheaper 400W version, if possible
++++LC10B-E
SAMSUNG Black BDROM/DVD writer SH-B083L/BSBP
Avertv MTVHDDUWB HD Duet (White Box)
++++GP-IR02BK Remote (2 channel)
Windows 7 64 bit
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
OR
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31500341AS 1.5TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
Make sure the mb has enough features you will want in future. Compare:

|Memory socket|DisplayPort|PCI Express slots|IDE|SATA 2.0|USB 3.0|IEEE 1394|Dolby Home Theater
ASRock H55M/USB3|2|No|Two PCI Express x1|No|5|1|No|No
GA-H57M-USB3|4|Yes|One PCI Express x4|Yes|7|2|Yes|Yes
GA-H55-USB3 (ATX)|4|Yes|Thee PCI Express x1|Yes|7|2|Yes|Yes

You could attach two 92mm fans inside the drive cages, but the HDDs hanging over the mb block some of the SATA ports... (ASRock H55 Extreme3 is ideal.)

Corsair CMPSU-400CX should be enough (check this chart (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816491#post18816491); add 7W for each additional HDD).

I recommend 500GB-platter 1TB HDDs over older 333GB-platter HDDs:

- Seagate 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB. (11, 12 etc. represents the generation.)
- WD WD10EALS, WD1002FAEX (SATA 3.0). (WD2001FASS 2TB is expensive.)

rxedhawk

07-24-10, 10:10 AM

Make sure the mb has enough features you will want in future. Compare:

|Memory socket|DisplayPort|PCI Express slots|IDE|SATA 2.0|USB 3.0|IEEE 1394|Dolby Home Theater
ASRock H55M/USB3|2|No|Two PCI Express x1|No|5|1|No|No
GA-H57M-USB3|4|Yes|One PCI Express x4|Yes|7|2|Yes|Yes
GA-H55-USB3 (ATX)|4|Yes|Thee PCI Express x1|Yes|7|2|Yes|Yes

You could attach two 92mm fans inside the drive cages, but the HDDs hanging over the mb block some of the SATA ports... (ASRock H55 Extreme3 is ideal.)

Corsair CMPSU-400CX should be enough (check this chart (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816491#post18816491); add 7W for each additional HDD).

I recommend 500GB-platter 1TB HDDs over older 333GB-platter HDDs:

- Seagate 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB. (11, 12 etc. represents the generation.)
- WD WD10EALS, WD1002FAEX (SATA 3.0). (WD2001FASS 2TB is expensive.)
The H55 Extreme3 does seem ideal, but I can't find it for sale. I've searched Google shopping, Amazon, and all of the dealers listed on the ASRock site under "where to buy". This is why I was looking at the P55 for the ATX build.

Any suggestions?

H8nXTC

07-24-10, 10:17 AM

I think this was just announced recently and should be arriving soon. I think ASRock just released a video of this product on YouTube.com.

renethx

07-24-10, 10:30 AM

MSI P55A-G55 is not even enough, only 4 of the 8 SATA ports are angled. I would like all ports angled. GA-P55A-UD4P is good (and expensive, $182). I think Jobuu built his 8-HDD system (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18933558#post18933558) with this mb.

Scythe KAZE JYU SLIM (http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/035/sy1012sl12_detail.html) is only 12mm thick, if it fits the cage (I don't know), I recommend it.

slarco

07-24-10, 01:37 PM

kciaccio

07-24-10, 01:48 PM

You could go cheaper if you wanted to. Components are over kill. Motherboard with six sata ports. A single core CPU. 1 gig of ram DDR2 is more than enough. Decent power supply. Choose a good case that has good airflow and HDD abilities is more important than anything. As far as a power supply here is a calculator you can use.
http://lifehacker.com/5313141/power-supply-calculator-figures-out-what-size-psu-to-buy

yangxu

07-24-10, 02:41 PM

Hi all, I'm planning on building a system with the following components (using renethx's premium mini-ITX build as a reference):

CPU: Core i3-530
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 Mini-ITX
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D Ripjaw 2x2GB
Graphics Card: Gigabyte HD 5670 1GB
HDD: WD Scorpio Blue 500GB
Optical: Lite-On 8x DVD-RW Notebook Drive
Case: Silverstone Sugo05B

I have a few concerns:

1. Will the Ripjaw ram and i3 interfere with each other in terms of dimension and spacing? I didn't choose the one listed by renethx because this one is currently on sale for $10 less...

2. Toms Hardware has listed 4850 as a much more powerful card than the 5670, should I go with the 4850 instead? My concern is that the card might draw more power than the 5670 and I'm uncertain whether the 300W powersupply included in the Sugo05B is enough to handle the components listed above. I'm planning to do some gaming on this (MW2 at 720p with maxed details), but if this is out of the question, I can live with it.

renethx

07-24-10, 02:48 PM

Any response to this?

Anyone?
I see no potential issue. It will work fine with unRAID.

renethx

07-24-10, 03:01 PM

Maconi

07-24-10, 03:06 PM

renethx

07-24-10, 03:12 PM

Anyone have any input (good/bad)?
Good. Check 500GB platter 1TB HDDs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18951825#post18951825) (not big difference in performance/noise/power though).

Maconi

07-24-10, 04:18 PM

Good. Check 500GB platter 1TB HDDs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18951825#post18951825) (not big difference in performance/noise/power though).
Will do and thanks for the response.

Can't wait to get it hooked up and try it out. :)

A question about the remote though. What's the difference between the IR01BK and IR02BK? (it says 1 Channel and 2 Channel, but what does it mean and why would it matter?)

yangxu

07-24-10, 04:32 PM

Ripjaw should be fine unless you use a third-party low-profile cooler.

For what purpose are you using the system? For a non-gaming system, HD 5670 is the best choice. For a gaming system, choose whatever gaming card you like (with TDP < 200W and length < 9.5"). Edit: yup, gaming. :)

Thanks for the quick reply, renethx!
I'll go ahead with the 4850 then :D

badbob001

07-24-10, 10:19 PM

Finally got my replacement GA-H55-USB3 and i3-530 and it finally works! It was horrible staring at my useless new case for two weeks. I was super paranoid and tested the replacements in this order:

Motherboard with only power and front panel connections
Motherboard with cpu, power, and front panel
Motherboard with cpu, ram, power, front panel, and monitor
The same but inside the case

In all instances, the motherboard has a few LEDs that light up so I know it's on, unlike originally.

Renethx, thanks for you help! I've sent some milk money your way!

Here is my current build:

Cooler Master CM620 II Advanced Mid-Tower Case
Not too big and loved the neater side-load drive bays. Back side under the motherboard has some space to hide most of the cables.
I have no idea why ATX cases need more than two 5-1/4" bays; all that wasted space can be used for more 3-1/2" bays!
Intel i3-530 cpu
Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 ATX motherboard
Needed PCIe slots for future expansion.
G.Skill 2x2GB ram
Corsair 400W power supply
Mounted so it sucks in cool air from the outside through the bottom vent and then out the back, thus is isolated from the case's internal airflow. There is some debate on if it would be better to have it suck in the hot air from the inside of the case to contribute to the internal airflow.
3 x Samsung 2TB 5400rpm ATA drives
Two in Windows RAID1 and third one for temp files and backup.
2 x Western Digital 40GB 7200rpm IDE drives
Boot drives and also in Windows RAID1. Didn't buy these since I have about 20 of these to spare.
Windows 7 Ultimate (for Media Center)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=181302&stc=1&d=1280026439

As you can tell, I'm a little paranoid about losing data since I've seen so many work, family, and friend hard drives fail. The motherboard has a Gigabyte SATA2 chip (Jmicron JMB363) that has RAID1 support for two specific SATA ports, but I think I read that Jmicron has very poor RAID1 performance compared to even Windows software mirroring, so I went with Windows RAID. A big downside to Windows RAID, I think, is that an OS crash may cause a resync more often than with chipset RAID. Any recommendations for not-crazy-expensive hardware RAID1 cards that are better than software/motherboard RAID? So many look like software-RAID-on-a-card. Even thought about getting a Drobo S for raid6-level protection, but it's obscenely expensive for something with questionable reliability and certain lackluster performance.

Anyway, the third 2TB drive will be for video recordings for that day, after which a scheduled script will move them to the RAID. That drive will also be used with the MOZY backup service to provide both a local backup of the RAID array as well as a cloud copy. Yes, super paranoid. I may even move this drive to an eSata enclosure for easy emergency transport.

Only real thing left is that ceton card! I would not be surprised if by the time there is enough supply for me to purchase, the SiliconDust network cablecard tuner would be also available (perhaps November). I love my current HDHomerun, but I'm not sure if my motherboard's crappy RealTek NIC can support three more HD streams. Do only Intel boards use Intel NICs?

gsr

07-24-10, 10:37 PM

Finally got my replacement GA-H55-USB3 and i3-530 and it finally works!
Congrats - it's always frustrating when a new part is DOA and the only way to confirm it is by RMAing parts.

Only real thing left is that ceton card! I would not be surprised if by the time there is enough supply for me to purchase, the SiliconDust network cablecard tuner would be also available (perhaps November). I love my current HDHomerun, but I'm not sure if my motherboard's crappy RealTek NIC can support three more HD streams. Do only Intel boards use Intel NICs?
The Ceton tuner should be shipping in the next week or so - we've heard that production started a little over a week ago, so the cards should be here in the states any time now.

The SiliconDust CableCard tuner hasn't even started beta testing yet or been submitted for Cable Labs certification, so it's extremely unlikely it will be available before the end of the year (Q1 or Q2 of next year seems a lot more likely).

Destro

07-25-10, 01:01 AM

Destro

07-25-10, 01:11 AM

[

Totally agree. :)

I recently added an 60 GB SSD to my Win7 64x system for use as a boot drive - all data stored on several 2 TB HD's. Even with MS Office, Photoshop CS4, Delorme USA topos, and Delorme Street Atlas (including map databases) installed on the boot drive, I still have ~20 GB free out of 59.6 GB free space on the boot drive.

Currently, the (hidden) windows pagefile.sys and hiberfil.sys files @ 8 GB and 6GB each are also on the SSD. I've heard differing thought on whether those should stay on the SSD.

Ben Sanford
Falls Church, VA

Looks like the 60GB drive is going to work for me then--I am building a 2nd high performance i7 PC for video editing, encoding, etc. This machine is just going to be for watching and recording TV.

renethx

07-25-10, 02:02 AM

I want to have space for
1) A Discrete Video Card; and
2) A Ceton Infinity TV 4 Tuner.

The Ceton Infinity TV site states that it will work in a type 1x through 16x slot.

Thus, I assume that an ASROCK H55 will support a 5670 or other discrete video card (in the 16x slot) with the Infinity TV in a 1X slot. Is there any disadvantage to running the TV tuner in a 1x slot?

Anyone have any experience running a SATA 3 SSD? I might upgrade to the GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4 for the SATA 3 capability and go with a Crucial SSD--it appears to be roughly the same price as the recommended Vertex 2.
Absolutely none.

GA-P55M-UD4? It support neither SATA 3.0 nor USB 3.0, it's an older mb (released in September last year). AFAIK, there is no H55/H57/P55 *micro*ATX mb that support SATA 3.0 (6Gbps). You have to choose an AMD 880G/890GX + SB850 chipset mb.

renethx

07-25-10, 02:04 AM

Finally got my replacement GA-H55-USB3 and i3-530 and it finally works!

Renethx, thanks for you help! I've sent some milk money your way!
Glad to hear that. Thanks!

TheSensFan

07-25-10, 09:31 AM

I am just curious what changes / configuration changes you might have made to the fonts of desktop etc.

Currently running Win 7 on my 47" and finding it difficult on the see the fonts from sitting on the couch.

Any recommendations how you have made this easier on your eyes? :)

HazelW

07-25-10, 03:04 PM

Windows 7 Ultimate (for Media Center)

I thought Business and Home Premium also include Media Center?

vurbano

07-25-10, 05:06 PM

renethx

If I were to install a 4 tuner ceton card what would be the hard drive recommendation? No problem recording 4 streams at once or streaming from a WD green drive or an AV-GP drive? If I do it I was thinking of the 2TB WD AV-GP drive dedicated for that purpose.

gsr

07-25-10, 06:08 PM

If I were to install a 4 tuner ceton card what would be the hard drive recommendation? No problem recording 4 streams at once or streaming from a WD green drive or an AV-GP drive? If I do it I was thinking of the 2TB WD AV-GP drive dedicated for that purpose.
You shouldn't need to get anything special for a drive. I tested recording 7 streams and watching an 8th previously recorded show from a 2nd system on my BeyondTV system a while back just to be sure all the tuners were working and the system wouldn't have any problems handling the rare case that there were that many shows I wanted to record at once. This was recording to a WD 1TB Green drive and I had no problems at all. IIRC, those AV-GP drives will drop data (by design) in favor of keeping up, so I'm not sure I'd actually recommend using one of them. I think I'd rather have the system stutter a bit if it's under extreme load but retain all data than not stutter and lose data.

dysfunction26

07-25-10, 07:50 PM

I wanted to get a few opinions on my planned build. I have already bought the case, motherboard, and two video cards to run SLI. Here are the parts I have:

nMEDIAPC Red Wood Wood/Steel HTPC 8000 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204039

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-204-039-02.jpg

evga nForce 790i Ultra SLI

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188025

http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/chipsets/2008/790i-launch/790iUltra.jpg

2 x PNY VCG961024GXEB GeForce 9600 GT 1GB

http://www.buy.com/prod/pny-geforce-9600gt-1gb-ddr3-650mhz-256-bit-pci-e-2-0-directx-10-video/q/loc/101/210941044.html

http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/large_images/044/210941044.jpg

This is the rest I plan on buying to complete the build:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/pimg/CP-210-IN_400.jpg

Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-371-015-11.jpg

COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 compatible GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103046

http://www.fragmaster.pe/admin/uploads/cooler_cm_geminii-s.jpg

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

http://www.pcstats.com/articleimages/200906/WD1001FALS_det.jpg

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/20-231-180-03.jpg

Anything you guys would change, besides the parts I already have? I am trying to keep it on the cheap somewhat.

saxnix

07-25-10, 08:10 PM

Now.....if only you could get an olde wood frame style tv box to frame your plasma/lcd you would be all set. :)

dysfunction26

07-25-10, 11:11 PM

Now.....if only you could get an olde wood frame style tv box to frame your plasma/lcd you would be all set. :)

I have a front projector, I am sure it would be expensive to frame a 120" screen with an antique style frame...lol.

saxnix

07-26-10, 12:09 AM

I can just see the channel selector dial being the size of a steering wheel. Now that would be one hell of a unique home cinema. 8)

renethx

07-26-10, 02:16 AM

I wanted to get a few opinions on my planned build. I have already bought the case, motherboard, and two video cards to run SLI.
What's the main usage of the system? Without knowing that, it's hard to comment.

TheSensFan

07-26-10, 08:23 AM

Anything you guys would change, besides the parts I already have? I am trying to keep it on the cheap somewhat.

If you do not care how loud the system...

That video card is somewhat loud under load. I had a similar form factor card and you could hear it increase in RPM once any load was put on it.

As well it generates allot of heat, so be sure that case is able to vent properly. Most cases I have come across like that are meant for HTPC type applications and therefore expecting lower than normal heat generation from components.

My 2 cents...

dysfunction26

07-26-10, 08:55 AM

What's the main usage of the system? Without knowing that, it's hard to comment.

It's going to be an all in one type of system, mainly HTPC. I will do light to moderate gaming on it as well. I can mount two more big fans over the front vents if need be. Most of the reviews say the one fan seems to do a good job at cooling. I will see if I can tune down the fans if they are too loud. My projector is not the quietest either, but I heard this case keeps the sound in pretty well.

cobrew

07-26-10, 12:26 PM

Any thoughts on this build? I went to purchase something different last night and noticed newegg had a combo deal with the case i was buying.

$533
This HTPC SuperCombo includes:
1. Antec Black M FusionRemote 350 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case (Model:M FusionRemote 350)
2. AMD Athlon II X3 445 Rana 3.1GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor (Model:ADX445WFGMBOX)
3. ASUS AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX Motherboard (Model:M4A785-M)
4. LG Black 10X Blu-ray Disc Combo 16X DVD±R SATA Model w/ LightScribe Support (Model:UH10LS20) - OEM
5. AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet - PCTV Tuner (Model:MTVHDDUWB) - OEM
6. G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (Model:F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ) - Two units in 4GB total
7. Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (Model:ST31000528AS)
8. Rosewill 6 ft. HDMI Cable (Model:RC-6-HDMI-MM-BK)

I plan to add a $60 Adesso wireless keyboard and possibly the PowerColor Go! Green AX5450 512MK3-SH for $45 (plus a $10 mail in rebate). This will total out to be around $660 after shipping.

The main use will be the primary HTPC (7mc) to record and view live tv. I'll have one extender, xbox360, and possibly add another extender in the future. I won't have my surround sound finished for several months so I'm not concerned about HD audio right now. My biggest 'wants' are hd picture from the HTPC to my 46" LCD and to ability to eventually stream to multiple extenders. I won't be running any other software on HTPC as I have several other PCs in the house.

TIA

ericbsmith

07-26-10, 12:57 PM

Any thoughts on this build?
Overall doesn't look like a bad deal. I have that same ASUS motherboard in my both my HTPC and my file Server; works well for both. My HTPC is also in a Antec Fusion V2, which is basically a full-height version of the Black M, and I'm quite happy with it overall. My Server has one pair of that exact same G.Skill RAM, which works flawlessly. The onboard ATI HD4200 is quite capable of providing 1080p resolution DVD & Blu-Ray when paired with a processor with a good high Hypertransport speed (which that Athlon II x3 has).

Overall it doesn't look like a bad deal at all, provided you want all the features it offers (e.g. if you really want 4GB of RAM, a TV Tuner Card, and a Blu-Ray player, not all of which are necessary for a HTPC). Without that combo deal I might suggest that 2GB of RAM and a slightly cheaper processor such as the Athlon II x2 245 2.9GHz would be enough for an HTPC if you were looking for a slightly cheaper option, but with the combo those are just a couple bucks more.

wethead4

07-26-10, 01:17 PM

cobrew

07-26-10, 01:38 PM

Thanks Eric. I pulled the trigger on my setup (with combo). I priced it with the options you mentioned. It would save me about $20, but the combo gives the extra RAM and the AMD Athlon II X3 445 instead of the X2 245. I may not need it, but worth the $20. I also kept the video card cause it was $45 with free shipping and a $10 mail-in. I figured I could swing the $35. Thanks again!

luketo

07-26-10, 04:27 PM

Hey guys,

I'm looking to put together one of Renethx systems and wanted to know what you guys think of it.

Intel (LGA 1366)

CPU: Core i7-930 2.80GHz LGA1366

CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA1366 Intel X58 chipsets ATX

Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ DDR3-1600 3 x 2GB Kit

Graphics Card (ATI): Two Sapphire HD 5850 GDDR5 1GB 100282-3SR for CrossFireX

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB

PSU: Enermax MODU87+ 700W EMG700AWT

Case: Thermaltake DH104 VH4001BNS ATX, with 7” touch screen/IR receiver/remote

I will using this to watch and store my Blu-ray movies only.

What software do I need with this set up? Thanks.

luketo

07-26-10, 04:31 PM

Forgot to mention

LG GGw-H202 Blu-Ray Player. and will be using Windows 7 MC.

rxedhawk

07-26-10, 04:59 PM

Any thoughts on this build? I went to purchase something different last night and noticed newegg had a combo deal with the case i was buying.

Looks interesting...I haven't pulled the trigger on my system and I am intrigued...

rxedhawk

07-26-10, 06:27 PM

nMEDIAPC Red Wood Wood/Steel HTPC 8000 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204039

I love this case, but was a little scared off by the size - I would have to set it next to the TV rather than under it.

trginter

07-26-10, 08:38 PM

innocentfreak

07-26-10, 08:43 PM

Finally got my replacement GA-H55-USB3 and i3-530 and it finally works! It was horrible staring at my useless new case for two weeks. I was super paranoid and tested the replacements in this order:

Are you using HDMI to connect to your TV?

The reason I ask is because I am still having issues with my GA-H55-USB3 and audio over HDMI. It detects the TV but tells me nothing is plugged in for HDMI for audio. As a result I get sound while videos are playing, but I can't seem to get regular Windows sounds.

Lostclusters

07-26-10, 09:39 PM

Hi Rene,

It's been a while since I have posted here. I have looked at your pick HTPC for June 2010. Looking over the specs for the PSU and the case it seems the PSU is too big for the case. Is this not true?

badbob001

07-26-10, 11:55 PM

Are you using HDMI to connect to your TV?

The reason I ask is because I am still having issues with my GA-H55-USB3 and audio over HDMI. It detects the TV but tells me nothing is plugged in for HDMI for audio. As a result I get sound while videos are playing, but I can't seem to get regular Windows sounds.

I haven't moved it in place yet near the TV so I haven't tested HDMI. Note that your board has two audio cards: the one on the motherboard that supports the analog-out ports and the Intel one built into the CPU (assuming you have one of those cpu+gpu intel chips). For HDMI, your sound source needs to be the Intel one.

badbob001

07-27-10, 12:13 AM

I seem to be having a display issue when viewing Win7 Media Center recordings/TV with closed captioning text. This screen capture illustrates the issue:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=181515&d=1280206743

As you can see, enabling closed captioning shows this large box on the screen. The expected result is for the text to be near the bottom and have a black background only directly behind the text.

Viewing the clip on an old laptop running Win7 doesn't encounter this problem, so I'm guessing it's video component related:
* i3-530 on Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 connected to DVI monitor.
* Intel video driver: 4/21/2010 8.15.10.2119

Can someone using the i3-5xx for video check out the following clip to see if you have the same issue? You obviously need to enable closed captioning while viewing the clip.
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B38jLur5krJ4YmFjMzRmNTctODIyZS00NWU1LThkODItZTg1ZjI yMjVjNjUx&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

I hope this can be resolved purely by software since I wasn't planning on buying a video card just days after getting the i3-530 working. My father told me it was a bad idea to by a TV with a built-in VCR. Maybe I should have remembered that when I chose a CPU with the GPU built-in. :)

Thanks!

innocentfreak

07-27-10, 12:17 AM

I haven't moved it in place yet near the TV so I haven't tested HDMI. Note that your board has two audio cards: the one on the motherboard that supports the analog-out ports and the Intel one built into the CPU (assuming you have one of those cpu+gpu intel chips). For HDMI, your sound source needs to be the Intel one.

Yeah I have the I5-661. I will have to check and make sure I selected the Intel option. It is weird though that it would work when videos were playing if I don't have it setup correctly.

My biggest problem is my wireless keyboard I have doesn't work so I am stuck using a backup which has a range of about 5 feet. Working on a 58" Plasma at 5 feet is a pain in the ass. Unfortunately I don't have a monitor with HDMI to test it out where I can sit at a desk and fool with it. Instead I am stuck pulling a chair up in front of my coffee table.

renethx

07-27-10, 01:43 AM

I'd like to build an htpc system using a gigabyte GA-MA74GM-s2 with raedon 2100 onboard graphics, 4gigs of ram and an athlon x4 2.8 ghz processor. I have an 8600GTX graphics card lying around but in the effort of being more energy efficient and trying to create the slimest build possible i'd like to avoid using if possible.

my question is, do i need this graphics card or can i run Bluray/4-TVtuner (infinitv)/mkv bluray rips @ 1080p with the onboard graphics? Btw i might use 1 or 2 extenders too.
If you are going to use onboard video, I recommend 780G/785G/790GX/880G/890GX. 760G is good but does not support hardware decode acceleration (not a big issue for X4, though). 740G is too old to support an AM2+/AM3 processor.

renethx

07-27-10, 02:08 AM

Hey guys,

I'm looking to put together one of Renethx systems and wanted to know what you guys think of it.

I will using this to watch and store my Blu-ray movies only.

What software do I need with this set up? Thanks.
Good, but overkill. There is a sticky thread on Windows Media Center.

renethx

07-27-10, 02:09 AM

xj-boonie

07-27-10, 07:45 AM

So I've got a temp job (1-2 years) working away from home. I have been loading up my laptop with videos off of my HTPC when I'm home, and have been using it for netflix and such, but it's kinda inconvenient, so I've been thinking of building a mini-pc for such duties.

I want to be able to watch Hulu, Netflix and DVD's (maybe blu-ray also) on my TV. Right now, I just plug a HDMI cable into my laptop, and that works, but there are times i'd like to be able to surf and watch something.

Either a mini-itx or uATX machine, probably a i3-530 and use the built in graphics. 2x2GB DDR3 Ram, a 500GB to 1TB hard drive (though the antec 300-150 case (I think) only takes notebook drives..)), and probably a blu-ray drive, but may cheap out and just throw in a dvd drive for now. Case doesn't have to be a home theater pc case. I've got a copy of Win7 Pro to put on it, and would like to be able to control it via a remote. I'll probably be using the hdmi input on the TV and it's speakers for now.

Here's a proposed build:

Intel i3-530 CPU
Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 mini-ITX motherboard
4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (G. Skill or whoever)
WD Black 750GB HDD (subject to change)
APEX MI-008 Black mini-ITX case (nice cause it allows use of full size optical drive and hdd)
LG DVD-burner or Samsung Blu-ray combo drive (haven't decided)

Thoughts? I'm concerned with the position of the power supply blocking cooling of the CPU, so might pull it and replace it with a picopsu, but have never used one of those. Any recommended remote/ir receiver?

Thanks,
Mike

luketo

07-27-10, 08:09 AM

Good, but overkill. There is a sticky thread on Windows Media Center.

Thanks for the reply renethx,

Then which system would be best for just streaming and watching blu-ray?

High-end?
Mid-range?

renethx

07-27-10, 08:25 AM

Thoughts? I'm concerned with the position of the power supply blocking cooling of the CPU, so might pull it and replace it with a picopsu, but have never used one of those. Any recommended remote/ir receiver?
SilverStone NT07-1156 is available now. Internal (Antec, for 3.5" bay) or external IR receiver should be good.

renethx

07-27-10, 08:26 AM

Thanks for the reply renethx,

Then which system would be best for just streaming and watching blu-ray?

High-end?
Mid-range?
Mid-range is optimal.

luketo

07-27-10, 08:33 AM

Thanks.......great thread by the way!!!

jetfxr27

07-27-10, 09:28 AM

the number of views is over 3 millions. I guess it's time to start a new thread with entirely new contents. :) the manuscript is not ready yet, unfortunately. :o

Congrats
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/Gfunkdeluxe/clapping_audience.gif

Lostclusters

07-27-10, 12:34 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lostclusters View Post
Hi Rene,

It's been a while since I have posted here. I have looked at your pick HTPC for June 2010. Looking over the specs for the PSU and the case it seems the PSU is too big for the case. Is this not true?

Which system are you referring to?

Recommended HTPC Systems – June 2010 Edition

My Pick of HTPC

MicroATX Mid-Range Intel System

PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX

renethx

07-27-10, 12:43 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lostclusters View Post
Hi Rene,

It's been a while since I have posted here. I have looked at your pick HTPC for June 2010. Looking over the specs for the PSU and the case it seems the PSU is too big for the case. Is this not true?

Recommended HTPC Systems – June 2010 Edition

My Pick of HTPC

MicroATX Mid-Range Intel System

PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX
VX450W is a standard-size ATX PSU, hence fits the case fine. "microATX" is the form factor the case supports. There is another Antec microATX case, called "MicroFusion Remote 350"; its built-in PSU is smaller.

Lostclusters

07-27-10, 01:06 PM

VX450W is a standard-size ATX PSU, hence fits the case fine. "microATX" is the form factor the case supports. There is another Antec microATX case, called "MicroFusion Remote 350"; its built-in PSU is smaller.

I'll take your word on that. However the height dimension listed on the PSU manufacturer's web sight exceed the height of the case (which include the feet I'm sure) listed on the case manufacturer's web site.

Also, almost every customer review on Newegg on the Graphics Card (Optional): Sapphire HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB 100287L report no sound out of the HDMI connection.

It is not my intention to snipe here, just checking out the issues before I jump.

dbone1026

07-27-10, 01:12 PM

I'll take your word on that. However the height dimension listed on the PSU manufacturer's web sight exceed the height of the case (which include the feet I'm sure) listed on the case manufacturer's web site.

Also, almost every customer review on Newegg on the Graphics Card (Optional): Sapphire HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB 100287L report no sound out of the HDMI connection.

It is not my intention to snipe here, just checking out the issues before I jump.

Looking at the newegg reviews I see about 3 people mention no audio over HDMI out of 27 reviews, does not sound like "almost every customer"...

I have this card and never had an issue with audio using the 5670 + HDMI

renethx

07-27-10, 01:17 PM

Lostclusters

07-27-10, 01:20 PM

Hmmm ... would have sworn there was more. But you are right, only three. "Almost every customer" withdrawn. Thanks for your endorsement.

Lostclusters

07-27-10, 01:31 PM

VX450W (http://www.corsair.com/products/vx/default.aspx): 150mm (W) x 86mm (H or thickness) x 140mm(L or depth)

So the height is much smaller than the case height 147mm (including feet).

Perhaps the success rate is far much higher than the failure rate. :)

I do not know how I got the dimensions wrong. Maybe I transposed the height and width of the PSU. I stand corrected x2. Thanks for help with the cranial extraction. Sorry for the grief.

badbob001

07-27-10, 03:06 PM

Are you using HDMI to connect to your TV?

The reason I ask is because I am still having issues with my GA-H55-USB3 and audio over HDMI. It detects the TV but tells me nothing is plugged in for HDMI for audio. As a result I get sound while videos are playing, but I can't seem to get regular Windows sounds.

Just connected my system to my TV over HDMI and everything works instantly.

If you're having issues, I suggest you go to the Intel website and the driver update utility to scan your system for outdated drivers:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/default.aspx?iid=gg_support-EN_01+home_downloadctr

badbob001

07-27-10, 03:14 PM

I replaced an old tower with a 200W P/S, Pentium 4 2.4GHz, ATI 9600, and 3 harddrives with a new tower with a 400W P/S, i3-530 2.9GHz, built-in video, and 6 harddrives...

...and my UPS' estimated battery runtime went from 40 minutes to 50-60 minutes. Freaking unbelievable! The current load is about 80W... and I now feel silly thinking my 400W P/S was not enough. I'm so glad I upgraded... thanks to Renethx's help.

Rafa Rocks

07-27-10, 03:36 PM

Hello Friends.

I´m from Brasil and I love this thread.

English is not my natural language.Sorry for the mistakes.

I want to build an HTPC just for watching bluray and HDrips (720p and 1080p).No video encoding, no video editing,no games...

I want a PC with no noise and small size.

I have a WDTV LIVE and I want to move to HTPC.

My choice is:

1-Intel i5 661
2-Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3
3-Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1.333MHz 4GB (2x 2GB)
4-HD Western Digital Green 1Tb
5-Case ITX Nilko NK 300 with Internal Power 160W
6-A Bluray Drive.

SO, I want to know:
1-The configurations is ok?Just that?

2-The power is enough (160W)?

3-The HTPC will make audible noise when watching movies?

4-With the Intel i5 661 without a discrete graphic card the quality of the picture will be good enough at 1080p?
Same level as my WDTV LIVE?Better?Worse?

5-The refresh rate of 23,976 is ok with this configuration?

6-Any tips for lowering the noise?

7-The Intel i5 661 with the stock cooler makes audible noise?

8-Any other tips or advices?

What kind of HTPC has a better picture/image than a WDTV/Popcorn hour media player?

Thanks for your help

innocentfreak

07-27-10, 07:05 PM

Just connected my system to my TV over HDMI and everything works instantly.

If you're having issues, I suggest you go to the Intel website and the driver update utility to scan your system for outdated drivers:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/default.aspx?iid=gg_support-EN_01+home_downloadctr

Yeah I ran that originally. I wonder if somehow I installed the realtek HD audio driver and that is the problem.

I am starting to wonder if it is my TV. Almost like there is a delay before it detects audio so it doesn't kick in unless the video is playing.
Here is what I see under Sound and Playback.
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/4103/capturedg.jpg

And this is what Intel shows...
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3158/intelu.jpg

badbob001

07-27-10, 09:37 PM

innocentfreak

07-27-10, 09:43 PM

My sound settings simply show this:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=181572&stc=1&d=1280284004

I only have the HDMI going to TV and no other audio connections. You're using the SPDIF ports as well? Could that be what is confusing your system? I believe the intel audio involves only the HDMI port and all other audio ports are realtek/azalia. I don't know why two HDMI ports are shown, but I'm guessing the second one is for the DisplayPort.

I had installed both the realtek/azalia drivers, from the gigabyte site, as well as the intel ones, which I believe are part of the video drivers.

My intel drivers page looks exactly like yours, where the audio section is unknown probably because it's for an non-intel component.

I only have HDMI connected to the TV. The SPDIF showed up upon the initial install of all the drivers. There just showing ready though and nothing connected.

Oh well I appreciate it. I will keep fooling with it when I have time and hopefully when my replacement keyboard comes. I get sound in videos and samples of songs from Amazon so at least it is usable.

404Ender

07-27-10, 10:05 PM

Just received the following in the mail:

APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811154091

GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222

G.Skill 2GB (2 x 1GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231185

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

ASUS Black 24X DVD+R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Should I use Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit?

Any recommendations for a remote or an additional fan to go with it (do I need one?)? Is it a tough build (tight squeeze) or will it be fairly easy to fit everything in the small case?

Zak3nnay0

07-27-10, 10:58 PM

All the mb having HDMI, DVI and VGA support dual display with HDMI + VGA and DVI + VGA. Some mb support HDMI + DVI (in particular Intel chipset).

What happens when all three outputs are occupied? Is it possible to switch which two display i want active in software?

renethx

07-28-10, 02:19 AM

What happens when all three outputs are occupied? Is it possible to switch which two display i want active in software?
You will see all three displays in Control Panel\Appearance and Personalization\Display\Screen Resolution. But only two are active at a time. You can choose any two displays there.

gcoupe

07-28-10, 09:00 AM

Hello Friends.

My choice is:

1-Intel i5 661
2-Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3
3-Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1.333MHz 4GB (2x 2GB)
4-HD Western Digital Green 1Tb
5-Case ITX Nilko NK 300 with Internal Power 160W
6-A Bluray Drive.

SO, I want to know:
1-The configurations is ok?Just that?

2-The power is enough (160W)?

3-The HTPC will make audible noise when watching movies?

4-With the Intel i5 661 without a discrete graphic card the quality of the picture will be good enough at 1080p?
Same level as my WDTV LIVE?Better?Worse?

5-The refresh rate of 23,976 is ok with this configuration?

6-Any tips for lowering the noise?

7-The Intel i5 661 with the stock cooler makes audible noise?

8-Any other tips or advices?

I'm not an expert, but a few things jump out at me:

1) If you're just wanting an HTPC for playback, then why go for an i5 661? An i3 530 would be perfectly suitable (it's what I have in my HTPC). And it will run cooler (hence less fan noise).

2) The stock cooler on the i3 530 is quiet - you don't need to get a third-party cooler.

3) My experience with Corsair XMS3 DDR3 memory was not good. I originally had 2x2GB of Corsair (part number TW3X4G1333C9DHX). Whether it was because I was not overclocking it, I don't know, but it gave me problems. I swapped it for 2x2GB of Kingston ValueRAM, and had no further problems. See here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18602649#post18602649).

4) With the current Intel Graphics drivers, you won't get 23.976 playback, so you'll get extra frames every 40 seconds or so. Some people are very sensitive to this, others are not.

Hope this helps.

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 11:33 AM

Is anyone else using a Xbox 360 HD DVD drive with their HTPC setup? Is it just plug and play, or is there special software required?

dbone1026

07-28-10, 11:38 AM

Is anyone else using a Xbox 360 HD DVD drive with their HTPC setup? Is it just plug and play, or is there special software required?

It was just plug and play for me, I used it as a portable ROM drive

H8nXTC

07-28-10, 11:39 AM

Is anyone else using a Xbox 360 HD DVD drive with their HTPC setup? Is it just plug and play, or is there special software required?

The driver loads from windows, but you'll need software like Power DVD 7 to play HD DVD movies.

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 11:56 AM

The driver loads from windows, but you'll need software like Power DVD 7 to play HD DVD movies.

If I bought an LG combo drive BR/HD DVD, would I still need that software?

dbone1026

07-28-10, 12:07 PM

If I bought an LG combo drive BR/HD DVD, would I still need that software?

You will need some sort of software if you actually want to play back a disc regardless of what drive you buy. You could possibly get away with using MPC HC for playback of a Blu Ray disc but will not be the same as using TMT or PDVD

H8nXTC

07-28-10, 12:42 PM

If I bought an LG combo drive BR/HD DVD, would I still need that software?

The retail version of that drive came with Power DVD 7 included for free.

Rafa Rocks

07-28-10, 12:47 PM

I'm not an expert, but a few things jump out at me:
Hope this helps.

Geoff Coupe ,

this helps a lot.

thanks from Brasil!

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 01:35 PM

The retail version of that drive came with Power DVD 7 included for free.

Thanks everyone. I am buying it used, hopefully the person still has the disc...lol.

BrockLee

07-28-10, 02:23 PM

Let me know how your build goes and how you like the final product as I'm waiting to pull the trigger on almost the exact same build.

Just received the following in the mail:

APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811154091

GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222

G.Skill 2GB (2 x 1GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231185

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

ASUS Black 24X DVD+R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Should I use Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit?

Any recommendations for a remote or an additional fan to go with it (do I need one?)? Is it a tough build (tight squeeze) or will it be fairly easy to fit everything in the small case?

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 07:10 PM

When using the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, is it necessary to have the remote?

stuvwxyz99

07-28-10, 08:35 PM

I'm planning on the following. It's the standard ITX system from post 14135, but with the Apex MI-100BK case and 4GB of memory.

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156
MB GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset Mini-ITX
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit
HDD: Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS 500GB SATA 3.0Gbps mobile 7200 RPM
Case: Apex MI-100BK w/ 250W PSU
Optical: LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Disc Reader SATA Model iHOS104-08

This is my first time building a PC. I hope it will be relatively straight forward. Anything a total noob like me should know?

I'm having some trouble putting this kit together. The HD and BD drives are not recognized in the BIOS/POST. They do seem to get power (the light on the BD drive is on). But the BD drive will not eject. I tried another Optical Drive (a DVD Writer) and get the same symptoms: light on but will not eject.

I've tried using different SATA cables with no luck.

An External DVD drive will boot into the Windows Installation.

Could it be a problem with the SATA ports on the MB? Why would the optical drives not eject?

gsr

07-28-10, 08:45 PM

When using the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, is it necessary to have the remote?
The Xbox HD DVD drive is just a drive, it only knows how to get the bits off of the disc you put in the drive and pass them along to the operating system - it doesn't know how to actually play a movie and has no idea what a remote control is. Just like with an internal DVD or Bluray drive, the software you have installed on the PC and the remote you have configured to work with that software is what matters - the drive just allows you to read the media types it supports.

So along with the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, you'll need a software player such as ArcSoft TMT (any version, including the latest) or PowerDVD (but only version 7 will work for HD DVD's). The software you use will determine what remote control options you have - I believe both TMT and PowerDVD will work fine with a Windows Media Center remote and USB infrared receiver.

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 08:48 PM

The Xbox HD DVD drive is just a drive, it only knows how to get the bits off of the disc you put in the drive and pass them along to the operating system - it doesn't know how to actually play a movie and has no idea what a remote control is. Just like with an internal DVD or Bluray drive, the software you have installed on the PC and the remote you have configured to work with that software is what matters - the drive just allows you to read the media types it supports.

So along with the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, you'll need a software player such as ArcSoft TMT (any version, including the latest) or PowerDVD (but only version 7 will work for HD DVD's). The software you use will determine what remote control options you have - I believe both TMT and PowerDVD will work fine with a Windows Media Center remote and USB infrared receiver.

Do you use the Xbox remote, or something along the line of a Harmony remote? Also, for ArcSoft TMT, is there any reason to get the platinum, or gold over the standard version?

gsr

07-28-10, 09:00 PM

Do you use the Xbox remote, or something along the line of a Harmony remote?
I actually use a Crestron control system (sort of like a Logitech Harmony on a lot of steroids - it's much more complex to setup, but is also far more flexible) and the way it communicates with the PC is somewhat different than the more affordable options that are typically discussed in this thread.

But to answer your underlying question, you need something that is compatible with Windows before you worry about a Harmony, so something like the AVS Gear GP-IR01BK Windows Vista Infrared MCE Black Remote Control (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121003) that Renethx recommends in the Peripheral Components and OS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816474#post18816474) section of his guide. The IR receiver that plugs into a USB port on your computer is key - once you have that then you could use something like a Harmony remote if you wanted to, but you can't just buy a Harmony and expect it to control your PC without anything else (unless you happen to have a case with a built in IR receiver). The Harmony would be programmed to emulate the Media Center remote and send signals to the IR receiver.

gsr

07-28-10, 09:03 PM

Also, for ArcSoft TMT, is there any reason to get the platinum, or gold over the standard version?
IIRC, only the platinum version will play Blurays (and presumably HD DVD's). FYI, they frequently have 30% off sales, so if you're not in a huge rush hold off until they have another sale and you'll save a nice chunk of cash.

Dem Bums

07-28-10, 09:04 PM

Alrighty, so I've been toying with building my own HTPC for quite awhile but have been a little nervous that I won't be able to properly put it together. Now that NewEgg is offering 10% Bing Cashback, I'm thinking now is a great time to pull the trigger on a lot of the parts. Is it a terribly difficult process? I'm no expert by any means, my experience with computer hardware is as follows:

- Installed an SSD into a netbook
- Installed memory into a few computers
- Put together an external hard drive from an enclosure and an internal drive.

Am I going to be overwhelmed?

dysfunction26

07-28-10, 09:10 PM

I actually use a Crestron control system (sort of like a Logitech Harmony on a lot of steroids - it's much more complex to setup, but is also far more flexible) and the way it communicates with the PC is somewhat different than the more affordable options that are typically discussed in this thread.

But to answer your underlying question, you need something that is compatible with Windows before you worry about a Harmony, so something like the AVS Gear GP-IR01BK Windows Vista Infrared MCE Black Remote Control (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121003) that Renethx recommends in the Peripheral Components and OS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816474#post18816474) section of his guide. The IR receiver that plugs into a USB port on your computer is key - once you have that then you could use something like a Harmony remote if you wanted to, but you can't just buy a Harmony and expect it to control your PC without anything else (unless you happen to have a case with a built in IR receiver). The Harmony would be programmed to emulate the Media Center remote and send signals to the IR receiver.

Thanks so much. You are very knowledgeable.

Dem Bums

07-28-10, 09:40 PM

If you guys don't mind, I'd love to post a brief description of what I'm looking to do and ask if the setup I'm looking to do is fine or if there are any alternatives I could take to make it cheaper.

What I want the device to be able to do:

- Stream Netflix Watch Instantly and Hulu flawlessly, if there are hiccups in the stream I'm going to feel like I wasted my money. Am I going to want to have it hard wired or will a wireless signal cut it?

- Watch ripped videos. (I'm sure many people do this but I generally just take a DVD from the library or Netflix and rip it to watch at a later date.) My drive on my computer crapped out on me from ripping DVD's and I'd prefer to avoid this again if possible.

- I want to be able to receive OTA signals and record with the DVR function in Media Center. I realize this is probably the tricky part. I don't watch all that much TV (and most of it is just basic cable), so I'd love to be able to just ditch cable and snag it for free. I live in NYC, about 60 blocks from the Empire State Building, so I think I should get quite a few signals.

I was thinking of just going with the basic system (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#Introduction: My Pick of HTPC) that Renthex suggests:

He states that the graphics card is optional, why is this? Is this for gaming?

So in order to meet my needs for ripping and OTA signals I'm going to need a few things. Could someone make a suggestion as far as TV tuners? Is it best to go internal or should I get a USB TV tuner? I could've sworn I remembered reading that it was better to go the USB route but I could be totally wrong as it sounds a little strange now.

For the antenna I was just going to go with this model from monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2).

For the DVD drive I was thinking of going with this model (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204) from NewEgg.

I also have a Logitech Harmony One, would this work with the HTPC?

Sorry for the enormous post. Is this going to hack it? Any suggestions or downgrades I could make to cut costs a bit? Thanks guys.

rajdude

07-29-10, 08:49 AM

renethx

07-29-10, 09:27 AM

Good. Check 500GB platter 1TB HDDs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18951825#post18951825) (not big difference in performance/noise/power though).
Tech Report (http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/19330/1) compared four 500GB-platter 1TB HDDs.

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C HDS721010CLA332
- Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ
- Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS
- WD Caviar Black WD1002FAEX (SATA 3.0 [6Gbps])

SpinPoint F3 is the best in performance/noise/power/price. BTW the single platter 500GB versions are

- Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ
- Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS (in the recommendation list)

renethx

07-29-10, 10:27 AM

He states that the graphics card is optional, why is this?
A GPU is integrated in the CPU.

sluggy

07-29-10, 11:58 AM

I'm planning on the following. It's the standard ITX system from post 14135, but with the Apex MI-100BK case and 4GB of memory.

CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156
MB GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset Mini-ITX
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 1GB Kit
HDD: Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS 500GB SATA 3.0Gbps mobile 7200 RPM
Case: Apex MI-100BK w/ 250W PSU
Optical: LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Disc Reader SATA Model iHOS104-08

This is my first time building a PC. I hope it will be relatively straight forward. Anything a total noob like me should know?

Hi,

I'm thinking of doing a similar setup, except minus the HDD (flash boot) and optical drive, and swapping the case for an M350 (sorry, too much of a newbie to post urls) and picoPSU. I'm opting to use this setup for XBMC, but was hoping to add a nvidia card to decode 1080p and future proof for DTS-HD and TrueHD support. A few questions

Is this overkill for a xbmc setup (as opposed to using ION)?
Can XBMC decode DTS-HD, TrueHD streams from rips on the hard drive?
Is it possible to install a low profile PCI-E video card in an M350? Any one have any experience trying this?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

renethx

07-29-10, 12:27 PM

Which OS?

bustamelon

07-29-10, 01:05 PM

Ok so I had built a HTPC as per these recommendations:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18333748#ATX System: Mid-Range System: Intel-Intel

I am having some trouble with the stability of this system. I wonder if anyone else has encountered the same issues

* Every half an hour or so the sound stutters for a few seconds while playing any video....it could be recorded TV, DVD or blu-ray.

* The systems hangs for no apparant reason [maybe once a month] the only way to recover is to remove power [reset does not work]

I do have the latest BIOS, and drivers installed from ASrock.com.
Any tips?

Hmm, I'm planning a similar build. There are many possible explanations for the issues but the most obvious are bad hardware (board, memory, cpu) or faulty settings in BIOS. Of those, I think the memory and/or timings/voltage settings have the highest probability of being the cause -- at least in my experience.

I'd start by scouring the webernet for any info you can find on this issue with this combo of hardware. Maybe ASRock has a forum where users have discussed it. Also see if you can find anything about the particular combo of MB/RAM.

sluggy

07-29-10, 01:06 PM

Which OS?

Sorry. Linux. I don't think that I would go back to Windows (currently using a modded xbox), but I'd like to leave my options open.

renethx

07-29-10, 01:13 PM

Sorry. Linux. I don't think that I would go back to Windows (currently using a modded xbox), but I'd like to leave my options open.
Then it's not my territory. :) M350 does not have a slot for an expansion card anyway.

marlin29311

07-29-10, 01:28 PM

Opinion question -

I'm currently looking at building a Core i3 based system with the iGPU to play back ripped DVD's and some other 1080p content.

I keep reading about the new Sandy Bridge stuff coming out at the end of the year - is it really worth it to wait for the new tech? Or am I still going to have to buy a decent vid card if I decide to play some games?

JAB

07-30-10, 12:10 AM

H8nXTC

07-30-10, 12:27 AM

Can anyone recommend good 120mm replacement fans for the Norco RPC-4220? If it matters, the MB is a GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5.

Not knowing anything, I was thinking about the Nexus 120mm Basic or PWM (http://www.nexustek.nl/NXS-silentcasefans.htm).

TIA /jab

The website states there's 6 80mm fans in the Norco 4220, I recommend this one:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1165&ID=1911

Then also have a 120mm version:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1164&ID=1863

renethx

07-30-10, 12:41 AM

H8nXTC

07-30-10, 02:52 AM

Noticed that two items that premium HTPC builders might want to look at seem to have started shipping (or will be shipping soon).

Finally, the AMD Phenom II x4 910e that was announced months ago seems to finally be hitting the streets this week.

And the OCZ RevoDrive appears to be available for order starting this week.

renethx

07-30-10, 05:57 AM

I am willing to accept donations. :)

Maintaining the recommendation list consists of

- Research latest hardware components
- Acquire key components and do lots of experiments
- Write the information in my brain (and Excel workbooks) in a readable format, that often requires meditation and inspiration (not kidding :D).

Needless to say, the hardest part is the second part as it involves (usually lots of) money and currently it relies only on your donations. So please consider making some donation if you think the list is helpful and want to see it revised for some time to come. How to donate (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#post18816470). Thanks for your help! :)

BTW the donations between July 16th and 30th (two weeks) are

- $12 on July 16th
- $25 on July 18th
- $25 on July 20th
- Total: $62

That's an awfully small amount to buy even a cheap motherboard and maintaining the list is simply impossible. :o (Thanks those contributors anyway.)

Edit: There were two more donations:

- $15 on 23th
- $20 on 25th

So the total was $97.

dbone1026

07-30-10, 06:00 AM

I am willing to accept donations. :)

Maintaining the recommendation list consists of

- Research latest hardware components
- Acquire key components and do lots of experiments
- Write the information in my brain (and Excel workbooks) in a readable format, that often requires meditation and inspiration (not kidding :D).

Needless to say, the hardest part is the second part as it involves (usually lots of) money and currently it relies only on your donations. So please consider making some donation if you think the list is helpful and want to see it revised for some time to come. Thanks for your all help! :)

BTW the donations since July 16th are

- $12 on July 16th
- $25 on July 18th
- $25 on July 20th
- Total: $62

That's an awfully small amount to buy even a cheap motherboard. :o (Thanks for those contributors anyway.)

+1

Please donate if you find Renethx's guide useful, and more importantly if you use his guide to build an HTPC/Media Server. Even donating $25 when you are spending $500-$1,000 on a machine is not asking a lot.

marlin29311

07-30-10, 07:12 AM

You will have to buy a discrete card for decent gaming performance with Sandy Bridge. (What games are we talking?)

Initially I was thinking along the lines of like, Starcraft 2 and possibly Portal, but then my eyes got bigger and thought of something more modern like Bad Company 2.

I remember seeing a video where an intel guy was giving a presentation showing the same game being played on a Core i7 + Discreet vs. Sandy Bridge alone and it looked like the same thing. Just curious.

tsanga

07-30-10, 07:30 AM

I don't usually write this kind of post....

If anybody is considering a HDHomerun, today's Woot deal is the dual tuner one for $85 + $5 shipping.
http://www.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=13568

renethx

07-30-10, 08:30 AM

Initially I was thinking along the lines of like, Starcraft 2 and possibly Portal, but then my eyes got bigger and thought of something more modern like Bad Company 2.

I remember seeing a video where an intel guy was giving a presentation showing the same game being played on a Core i7 + Discreet vs. Sandy Bridge alone and it looked like the same thing. Just curious.
This video (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2364504,00.asp)? Perhaps what he said is true...

gsr

07-30-10, 08:43 AM

+1

Please donate if you find Renethx's guide useful, and more importantly if you use his guide to build an HTPC/Media Server. Even donating $25 when you are spending $500-$1,000 on a machine is not asking a lot.
I certainly agree that donations of any amount obviously help, but I do wonder if this is a sustainable model. Once someone builds a system and sends renethx a donation of $25 (or whatever amount they send), that person isn't likely to send any more money for quite a while - perhaps until they're ready to build their next system.

Renethx - have you tried approaching any of the manufacturers or large vendors (like newegg) to see if they're willing to send product samples your way for testing purposes? I would think you're sending enough business their way each month that's it would be in their interest to help you out in making your recommendations. It's really not any different from review samples the various reviewers around the net get their hands on. Just a thought.

cobrew

07-30-10, 09:03 AM

I don't usually write this kind of post....

If anybody is considering a HDHomerun, today's Woot deal is the dual tuner one for $85 + $5 shipping.
http://www.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=13568

I was coming in here to post this. Thanks for ruining my one chance at being able to contribute to this thread as opposed to asking a question! :D

JAB

07-30-10, 10:11 AM

The website states there's 6 80mm fans in the Norco 4220, I recommend this one:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1165&ID=1911

Then also have a 120mm version:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1164&ID=1863

I have the custom 120mm fan plate for the Norco 4220 case.

The Thermaltake looks like a nice fan. The noise characteristics are better than the Nexus fans, except at very low RPM.

JAB

07-30-10, 10:16 AM

+1

Please donate if you find Renethx's guide useful, and more importantly if you use his guide to build an HTPC/Media Server. Even donating $25 when you are spending $500-$1,000 on a machine is not asking a lot.

+1

I think a minimum of 5% of the cost of the machine someone builds is appropriate. I sent 5% and still felt like I was being cheap and a bit unfair to renethx.

Everyone who uses the guide as a basis for building a machine should be donating.

H8nXTC

07-30-10, 10:31 AM

Here's a thought, the updated guide could be made available for download for $2 to 5 (Paypal) to each person. When the new one is released, the past one could then be posted in the thread for reference. That way if you want the most updated guide you'll have to pay a small fee for it (and that will also keep you motivated to keep the guide updated every 3 - 6 months or so), if you don't have the funds for it or aren't using it, but just want to read it then you won't need the most current one and can read the past and older ones for reference in the thread for free...

marlin29311

07-30-10, 11:13 AM

This video (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2364504,00.asp)? Perhaps what he said is true...

Yea, that was the video I saw. I'm curious as to frame rates/quality settings etc, but it seems like it could hold it's own for the average game.

rotelmania

07-30-10, 02:01 PM

I am planning to get P183 case for my computer. Will the ATX power cable on the enermax pro 82 or the eco 80 will be able to reach the socket on the Mobo.

renethx

07-30-10, 02:34 PM

IntegraR0064

07-30-10, 03:26 PM

If you guys don't mind, I'd love to post a brief description of what I'm looking to do and ask if the setup I'm looking to do is fine or if there are any alternatives I could take to make it cheaper.

What I want the device to be able to do:

- Stream Netflix Watch Instantly and Hulu flawlessly, if there are hiccups in the stream I'm going to feel like I wasted my money. Am I going to want to have it hard wired or will a wireless signal cut it?

- Watch ripped videos. (I'm sure many people do this but I generally just take a DVD from the library or Netflix and rip it to watch at a later date.) My drive on my computer crapped out on me from ripping DVD's and I'd prefer to avoid this again if possible.

- I want to be able to receive OTA signals and record with the DVR function in Media Center. I realize this is probably the tricky part. I don't watch all that much TV (and most of it is just basic cable), so I'd love to be able to just ditch cable and snag it for free. I live in NYC, about 60 blocks from the Empire State Building, so I think I should get quite a few signals.

I was thinking of just going with the basic system that Renthex suggests:

He states that the graphics card is optional, why is this? Is this for gaming?

So in order to meet my needs for ripping and OTA signals I'm going to need a few things. Could someone make a suggestion as far as TV tuners? Is it best to go internal or should I get a USB TV tuner? I could've sworn I remembered reading that it was better to go the USB route but I could be totally wrong as it sounds a little strange now.

I also have a Logitech Harmony One, would this work with the HTPC?
.

I have exactly the same question about if the basic "recommended system" can handle the normal set of basic HTPC tasks as mentioned above (i.e. watching hulu and netflix, watching ripped DVDs, and recording OTA video) and I'm sure there are tons of other people with the same question.

You say the video card is optional, but why would you get the video card? You don't mention what the base system is capable of, and what the video card adds. Of course if you're going to be gaming then a video card would be a good idea, but what if you're doing just normal HTPC things? What does the video card get you that the integrated graphics doesn't? Will the system without video card do the basic HTPC tasks mentioned above well, or will it need the video card?

P.S. I do plan to send a donation when I finally build my system.

renethx

07-30-10, 03:40 PM

IntegraR0064

07-30-10, 03:52 PM

Comparing Intel HD Graphics and Radeon in video playback is not so straightforward. Each has its own pros and cons and often a con may not be a con in some situation. (I may have to write an article to explain the details.) Core i3-5xx is an excellent processor and it happens to integrate GPU (Intel HD Graphics). So I recommend everybody who builds a Core i3 system to use it first. You can add a discrete graphics at any time later.

Thanks, that makes sense, and is kind of what I figured. I was planning on doing what you suggest and adding discrete graphics if I need it, but it would be nice to know.

I don't suppose you can give a quick simplified "cliffs notes" of the differences between the integrated graphics of the i3-5xx and an HD 5670 added to the same system, or at least some of the differences off the top of your head?

As another question, If you were to guess, do you think the basic "recommended microATX intel system" using integrated graphics on the core i3-530 would be able to handle the functions laid out in that post (hulu, dvd playback, and single channel OTA recording/playback without skipping or other malfunctions)? It sounds like you're not sure since you're avoiding that question, but even an educated guess would be useful.

Thanks for the help!

H8nXTC

07-30-10, 04:24 PM

Thanks, that makes sense, and is kind of what I figured. I was planning on doing what you suggest and adding discrete graphics if I need it, but it would be nice to know.

I don't suppose you can give a quick simplified "cliffs notes" of the differences between the integrated graphics of the i3-5xx and an HD 5670 added to the same system, or at least some of the differences off the top of your head?

As another question, If you were to guess, do you think the basic "recommended microATX intel system" using integrated graphics on the core i3-530 would be able to handle the functions laid out in that post (hulu, dvd playback, and single channel OTA recording/playback without skipping or other malfunctions)? It sounds like you're not sure since you're avoiding that question, but even an educated guess would be useful.

Thanks for the help!

Yes, the low end and basic systems should and will handle the basic HTPC needs (perhaps not all at the same time). Sounds like that's what you're trying to confirm in your mind.

I've read that the min. for full post processing options on a ATI card is the HD 5670. But I've read on here that some have been able to do it with the HD 5550 cards. Since you've got the HD 5570, can you tell me Renethx if that's true from your experience and it can handle it with the HD 5550 (I suspect so, since others have said so) cards.

renethx

07-31-10, 02:32 AM

As another question, If you were to guess, do you think the basic "recommended microATX intel system" using integrated graphics on the core i3-530 would be able to handle the functions laid out in that post (hulu, dvd playback, and single channel OTA recording/playback without skipping or other malfunctions)? It sounds like you're not sure since you're avoiding that question, but even an educated guess would be useful.
My best 'guess' is that it is able to handle these tasks easily. :)

dysfunction26

07-31-10, 10:15 AM

The Xbox HD DVD drive is just a drive, it only knows how to get the bits off of the disc you put in the drive and pass them along to the operating system - it doesn't know how to actually play a movie and has no idea what a remote control is. Just like with an internal DVD or Bluray drive, the software you have installed on the PC and the remote you have configured to work with that software is what matters - the drive just allows you to read the media types it supports.

So along with the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, you'll need a software player such as ArcSoft TMT (any version, including the latest) or PowerDVD (but only version 7 will work for HD DVD's). The software you use will determine what remote control options you have - I believe both TMT and PowerDVD will work fine with a Windows Media Center remote and USB infrared receiver.

I found a Nero 8 disc that says it supports HD DVD playback. I guess I will see how that goes, then order Power DVD if need be. I ended up getting a Xbox 360 HD DVD drive for $10. It had all the cables, remote, and three movies included in the $10 price. I can't believe I got it for so cheap.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/1872309457.html

Lostclusters

08-01-10, 01:17 PM

I have this card and never had an issue with audio using the 5670 + HDMI

Which version of the ATI driver are you using?

Lostclusters

08-01-10, 05:51 PM

dbone1026

08-01-10, 08:20 PM

Which version of the ATI driver are you using?

Originally I was using the Realtek HDMI driver (I think I got as far as 2.39). I did a clean reinstall of W7 recently (some funky stuff was happening) and instead if using the Realtek HDMI drive I went with the ATI CCC HDMI driver, which is version 10.6. I believe the latest version is 10.7 which I haven't tried yet.

rxedhawk

08-02-10, 10:12 AM

FYI - Amazon gold box deal today for 1TB WD caviar greens

http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27

saad2605

08-02-10, 12:28 PM

Hi. I am building my first HTPC and was wondering which MB would go better with the Intel I7 930. The Asus P6TX58 Deluxe or the P6X58D Premium. Also other recommendations are helpful. Thanks

renethx

08-02-10, 12:44 PM

Premium. Here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#ATX%20System:%20Premium%20System:% 20Intel%20%28LGA%201366%29)

islander84

08-02-10, 07:09 PM

islander84

08-02-10, 11:17 PM

I will need the 10 more SATA ports to add drives, but these cards are not working for me at all. I have tried loading the drivers that came with them and still get blue screens in WHS and sometime WHS wont even load so i am assuming it is hardware failure. i am RMA three of them as i only kept the original packaging for 3 of them but even adding one at a time has given me failures. Hard to believe all 5 cards are bad. any ideas?

renethx

08-03-10, 12:53 AM

Renethx,

Why did you decide to stop using the 5 monoprice 2 port SATA cards for the 15 HDD tower server? I have been building the system based on your march guide using those cards and i think that is where my problem is. i removed the cards and seem to have a stable system with 5 drives now all connected to the motherboard. when i had the cards connected i kept getting failures. have you heard this about these cards? what do you recommend to replace them?
Two reasons:

- AOC-SASLP-MV8 became cheap enough (8 ports, ~$120 including cables).
- The MonoPrice card tends to not work with a PCIe 2.x slot, depending on each motherboard. Rosewill RC-211 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816132008) is better, but not perfect.

I strongly recommend AOC-SASLP-MV8; it's simple and stable. I am sorry for your trouble.

Max2600

08-03-10, 03:49 AM

Good day.
I'm from Russia, sorry for possible mistakes.
Renethx, thank you for your very useful work.
I read about your desire to write an article - a comparison of quality HD video playback Intel HD Graphics and Radeon.
This question interests me very much.
I've heard from several users that the quality of HD video playback from i3-530 worse than the Radeon (HD5570), and more worse in comparison with the Sigma proc (Popcorn Hour C-200). Users say that a picture from Sigma more lively, rich, smooth ... but I think that this is not an objective opinion
Check this information is not possible.
If so, what could be the problem? In the possibilities i3, drivers...?
Could it in some settings, playback?
What software is best for the highest quality playback of HD when using the i3?
I would like to hear your expert opinions.

Thanks for any information.

gferrell

08-03-10, 03:21 PM

tehowell

08-03-10, 05:30 PM

DO I GET IT?

Can I use this MB to build a HTPC for watching BD movies and playing my music collection over a HDMI to my Onkyo receiver? So I need a good BD player, ATI Radeon HD 5xxx graphics card, big HDD and Windows 7 Media Center with various other software. Once done I just plug it into my Onkyo via HDMI and play?

Thanks

gferrell,

I will let the others comment on the specific MB. The specs are similar to the one I'm using.

But here's a question meant to give you a "heads up"; Is your Onkyo receiver a fairly new model (i.e. one with new DSP firmware)?

I bought my TX-SR705 when they were fairly new. It worked great with my HD STB, Panny Blu-Ray player, and XBOX 360 - all connected by HDMI. Then, when I built my HTPC - Win7 32-bit, Core2Duo, Radeon HD5750, Blu-Ray drive, Catalyst 10.7 (ATI HDMI driver), TMT3 Platiinum - and connected it to my Onkyo (by HDMI), I heard loud "chirps" caused by audio dropouts. The thread; "The Official Onkyo TX-SR705 Thread (FAQ in 1st Post) - AVS Forum" describes how to update the Onkyo's DSP firmwares, and doing so resolved the issue. Apparently, most people don't see this (or don't discuss it), but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

With my HTPC, I watch DVDs and Blu-Rays without issue, including bitstreaming the lossless audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA). I now have ~350 DVDs stored in folder structure on a 5 TB WHS [server]. I also recommend you look into MediaBrowser 2.2.5 (with CoverArt plugin) and Media Center Master. Refer to thread "HTPC Software GUIDE for Windows 7 Media Center - AVS Forum". Good luck...

dysfunction26

08-03-10, 06:08 PM

gferrell,

I will let the others comment on the specific MB. The specs are similar to the one I'm using.

But here's a question meant to give you a "heads up"; Is your Onkyo receiver a fairly new model (i.e. one with new DSP firmware)?

I bought my TX-SR705 when they were fairly new. It worked great with my HD STB, Panny Blu-Ray player, and XBOX 360 - all connected by HDMI. Then, when I built my HTPC - Win7 32-bit, Core2Duo, Radeon HD5750, Blu-Ray drive, Catalyst 10.7 (ATI HDMI driver), TMT3 Platiinum - and connected it to my Onkyo (by HDMI), I heard loud "chirps" caused by audio dropouts. The thread; "The Official Onkyo TX-SR705 Thread (FAQ in 1st Post) - AVS Forum" describes how to update the Onkyo's DSP firmwares, and doing so resolved the issue. Apparently, most people don't see this (or don't discuss it), but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

With my HTPC, I watch DVDs and Blu-Rays without issue, including bitstreaming the lossless audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA). I now have ~350 DVDs stored in folder structure on a 5 TB WHS [server]. I also recommend you look into MediaBrowser 2.2.5 (with CoverArt plugin) and Media Center Master. Refer to thread "HTPC Software GUIDE for Windows 7 Media Center - AVS Forum". Good luck...

I have about 175 DVD's, what are the odds of those fitting on a 1TB drive?

vurbano

08-03-10, 06:53 PM

I have about 175 DVD's, what are the odds of those fitting on a 1TB drive?

not good if they are DL. 8.5gb x 175 is what?

tehowell

08-03-10, 07:09 PM

I have about 175 DVD's, what are the odds of those fitting on a 1TB drive?

DVD-5 format discs (single sided, single layer) hold up to 4.7 GB.
DVD-9 format discs (single sided, dual layer) hold up to 8.54 GB.

When I ballpark storage requirements, I've always assumed ~ 6 GB per disc.

I just checked my WHS. I currently have 366 titles in DVD folder format, taking up 2.09 TB. (2,090 GB / 366 ~= 5.7 GB).

After formatting, a 1 TB drive has a storage capacity of 931.5 GB. If the averages hold up, you'll get ~ 163 titles (DVD folder format) per 1 TB drive.

Of course, you could resort to ripping only the main title, english soundtrack and subtitles, etc to save space. You could also transcode them. But with the cost of storage where it is (and dropping), why bother?

dysfunction26

08-03-10, 08:12 PM

DVD-5 format discs (single sided, single layer) hold up to 4.7 GB.
DVD-9 format discs (single sided, dual layer) hold up to 8.54 GB.

When I ballpark storage requirements, I've always assumed ~ 6 GB per disc.

I just checked my WHS. I currently have 366 titles in DVD folder format, taking up 2.09 TB. (2,090 GB / 366 ~= 5.7 GB).

After formatting, a 1 TB drive has a storage capacity of 931.5 GB. If the averages hold up, you'll get ~ 163 titles (DVD folder format) per 1 TB drive.

Of course, you could resort to ripping only the main title, english soundtrack and subtitles, etc to save space. You could also transcode them. But with the cost of storage where it is (and dropping), why bother?

I will just pick up a 2TB drive in a month, or two and rip them then. I am sure it will be a long process...lol. Thanks for your help.

standish

08-03-10, 10:25 PM

What exactly does this mean?

renethx

08-03-10, 11:29 PM

What exactly does this mean?
Clarkdale supports 24.000Hz desktop refresh rate, but does not support 23.976Hz. Most movies are 23.976 fps. So supporting precise 23.976Hz is desirable (if your display supports 24Hz input).

churak

08-04-10, 12:51 AM

I am building my first htpc and need some help. I have a Dell Optiplex 740 small form factor. I have loaded Windows 7 Ultimate N x86. I have been researching this for a week and enjoying all the reading! Here is where I'm starting.

AMD Athlon 64 X2:1-MB L2 dedicated cache
nVidia GeForce 6150LE/Nforce 430 chipset
2gb 800mhz ddr2e
Slim BD drive to be chosen
80gb HDD for OS and 2nd HDD for storage to be chosen

I have Uverse so I do not need or want to record tv. I want the HTPC to serve up movies and music through media center. True HD and DTS HD are important. Below are some board specs.

Some board specs:

Expansion Bus

Bus type
PCI 2.3
PCI Express 1.0A
SATA 1.0A and 2.0
USB 2.0

Bus speed
PCI: 133 MB/s
PCI Express x16: 40 GB/s bidirectional speed
SATA: 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps
USB: 480 Mbps high speed, 12Mbps full speed, 1.2 Mbps low speed

Questions: (Hopefully, I am asking the right ones)

1. Should I go with a video card with audio like the ATI 5xxx because I do not have Spdif off the MB and only have vga out? Nvidea does not have audio onboard right?
1A. Should I just go with a VGA to componand adapter and a audio card with 7.1 multi channel out?(my receiver has multi in)
2. If so, which mfr? I would like to keep the video card under $125
3. Which slim BD drive do you recommend?
4. Is it fine to go with a large external drive for storage? Which one? I can hide it easily.

I am probabably missing some important question. Any help is appreciated.
I am willing to even trade this box in to a pc store near me for different parts to start with if someone thinks that would be best.

renethx

08-04-10, 01:31 AM

@churak

Add

- HD 5450 or HD 5570 card for good video playback and HD audio bitstreaming (check my list for mfr).
- BD slim drive: check the peripheral component section of my list, or buy this model (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118046).
- You can add a USB 2.0 external enclosure, or build a media storage server.

churak

08-04-10, 02:14 AM

@churak

Add

- HD 5450 or HD 5570 card for good video playback and HD audio bitstreaming (check my list for mfr).
- BD slim drive: check the peripheral component section of my list, or buy
- You can add a USB 2.0 external enclosure, or build a media storage server.

Thanks for a great guide! Hopefully, donations are rolling in.

renethx

08-04-10, 02:51 AM

Thanks for the reply. What is the advantage to the 5570?
Better video processing, it's worth the extra cost in some cases.

gferrell

08-04-10, 07:43 AM

gferrell,

I will let the others comment on the specific MB. The specs are similar to the one I'm using.

But here's a question meant to give you a "heads up"; Is your Onkyo receiver a fairly new model (i.e. one with new DSP firmware)?

I bought my TX-SR705 when they were fairly new. It worked great with my HD STB, Panny Blu-Ray player, and XBOX 360 - all connected by HDMI. Then, when I built my HTPC - Win7 32-bit, Core2Duo, Radeon HD5750, Blu-Ray drive, Catalyst 10.7 (ATI HDMI driver), TMT3 Platiinum - and connected it to my Onkyo (by HDMI), I heard loud "chirps" caused by audio dropouts. The thread; "The Official Onkyo TX-SR705 Thread (FAQ in 1st Post) - AVS Forum" describes how to update the Onkyo's DSP firmwares, and doing so resolved the issue. Apparently, most people don't see this (or don't discuss it), but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

With my HTPC, I watch DVDs and Blu-Rays without issue, including bitstreaming the lossless audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA). I now have ~350 DVDs stored in folder structure on a 5 TB WHS [server]. I also recommend you look into MediaBrowser 2.2.5 (with CoverArt plugin) and Media Center Master. Refer to thread "HTPC Software GUIDE for Windows 7 Media Center - AVS Forum". Good luck...

Thanks,
I have the TX-SR806, will that work? How do I know if it has DSP firmware and what is DSP?

cncook001

08-04-10, 07:48 AM

Renethx - have you tried approaching any of the manufacturers or large vendors (like newegg) to see if they're willing to send product samples your way for testing purposes?

A different angle, I have heard some folks mention that if you click on an item from their webpage that redirects you to the seller, the seller gives them a cut on the sale. I have heard of this with books. Maybe you can setup a website that redirects people to your recommend products. If that person purchases the item you get something for referring them.

ludedudeh22a1

08-04-10, 10:39 AM

renethx

08-04-10, 10:59 AM

Renethx, thanks for the great guide. I've sent a donation your way as I'm starting to build my 2nd HTPC.

But first, upon researching my 2nd build, I see that you recommend the ASRock H55M/USB3 in the "My Pick of HTPC" but in the Mid-Range area, you recommend the ASRock H55M Pro. The rest of the components are exactly the same.

Thanks!

Other than the obvious USB3.0, is there any differences for someone who's going to run the Sapphire 5670 bitstreaming with an i3-530? I thought I read that someone said there were HD bitstreaming issues with the Pro.
Thanks for your donation!

H55M Pro has a second PCIe x16 slot that is sometimes useful. This mb has an issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18341445#post18341445) of HD audio bitstreaming with commercial BD players. If you use a discrete graphic card, either mb is OK.