the latest bios for the AB9pro allows you to go to 2.2v... I'm using the same ram...

:D

the latest bios for the AB9pro allows you to go to 2.2v... I'm using the same ram...

:D

Yes, I know. I already changed the voltage settings for the AB9 Pro to 2.2V. I was asking about the motherboard for my HTPC, which is the ASUS P5K-VM.

Yes, I know. I already changed the voltage settings for the AB9 Pro to 2.2V. I was asking about the motherboard for my HTPC, which is the ASUS P5K-VM.
Ballistix DDR2-800 2GB kit BL2KIT12864AA804 should work fine at a lower voltage 1.9V-2.1V with slower timings (5-5-5-18). 2.2V may be necessary for 4-4-4-12.

ASUS P5K-VM supports DRAM voltage up to 2.1V.

- BIOS setup > Advanced > Jumperfree Configuration > DRAM Voltage: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.90V] [2.00V] [2.10V]

Ballistix DDR2-800 2GB kit BL2KIT12864AA804 should work fine at a lower voltage 1.9V-2.1V with slower timings (5-5-5-18). 2.2V may be necessary for 4-4-4-12.

ASUS P5K-VM supports DRAM voltage up to 2.1V.

- BIOS setup > Advanced > Jumperfree Configuration > DRAM Voltage: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.90V] [2.00V] [2.10V]

Mine shows v02.58. I'll have to check to see if there is a newer version because when I display BIOS setup > Advanced > Jumperfree Configuration >

this is what appears on my screen:

Ai Overclocking
CPU Ratio Adjustment
DRAM Frequency
DRAM Timing Control
DRAM Static Read Control

Transaction Booster

CPU Spread Spectrum
PCIE Spread Spectrum

All were set to 'AUTO'. Since I can't find DRAM Voltage (which is shown in the User's manual), I did change DRAM Timing Control to manual and set the timing to 5-5-5-18 from 5-5-5-9.

Mine shows v02.58. I'll have to check to see if there is a newer version because when I display BIOS setup > Advanced > Jumperfree Configuration >

this is what appears on my screen:



All were set to 'AUTO'. Since I can't find DRAM Voltage (which is shown in the User's manual), I did change DRAM Timing Control to manual and set the timing to 5-5-5-18 from 5-5-5-9.
I see why you are asking this. At least BIOS looks like this at least in some version:

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2074/g71090copierlb1.jpg

I see why you are asking this.

Yeah, it's strange. It looks like I have the same BIOS version (at least the version # at the bottom of the screen is the same), but I don't have the last 2 items on the list (CPU Voltage and DRAM Voltage).

Here's a screen shot from my HTPC:

http://i.pbase.com/o2/56/251656/1/96960752.2F3QjFaF.ASUSP5KVMbios.jpg

The number v02.58 is not a BIOS version, it's a version of AMI's BIOS setup utility. Google with two keywords: "v02.58" and AMI; you will see the number v02.58 is common in many motherboards' BIOS setup.

I am really enjoying using the guide and have come up with a question. Using the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 motherboard from the guide with a quad-core processesor Q9300, would it be recomended to use a different memory than the recommended A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 because you I want to use a quad-core and it is shown with a dual core? I notice the premium system with the quad-core is using G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ DDR2-1000 which I think is faster and not that much more expensive right now, but it is shown with that motherboard instead of the one I am interested in and I am not sure it would be compatible. What would be a good 4gb set of memory to use with the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 and quad-core or is that not a good idea? Would the G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ DDR2-1000 be compatible with this motherboard? Also would substituting a XFX GeForce 8800 GT 512MB DDR3 PV-T88P-YDF4 for the 9600GT shown with the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 be a good idea since it can be had for about the same price? I want what is best for the quad-core processor on the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank You.

I am really enjoying using the guide and have come up with a question. Using the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 motherboard from the guide with a quad-core processesor Q9300, would it be recomended to use a different memory than the recommended A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 because you I want to use a quad-core and it is shown with a dual core? I notice the premium system with the quad-core is using G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ DDR2-1000 which I think is faster and not that much more expensive right now, but it is shown with that motherboard instead of the one I am interested in and I am not sure it would be compatible. What would be a good 4gb set of memory to use with the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 and quad-core or is that not a good idea? Would the G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ DDR2-1000 be compatible with this motherboard? Also would substituting a XFX GeForce 8800 GT 512MB DDR3 PV-T88P-YDF4 for the 9600GT shown with the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 be a good idea since it can be had for about the same price? I want what is best for the quad-core processor on the GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank You.

DQVE1B16K/F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ works fine with GA-EP35-DS4 and E8400/Q9300. 8800 GT is better than 9600 GT in gaming if this is one of your goals.

DQVE1B16K/F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ works fine with GA-EP35-DS4 and E8400/Q9300. 8800 GT is better than 9600 GT in gaming if this is one of your goals.

Thanks renethx.

renethx,

Thanks for a useful thread. Getting ready to build my first htpc setup. I'm looking for blu-ray playback ability and possibly gaming and some video encoding. any input would be appreciated:

cpu Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz Socket 775
cpu cooler ZEROtherm BTF90
Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS4 (rev. 2.0)
Memory G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ
Graphics Card XFX GeForce 8800 GT 512MB DDR3 PV-T88P-YDF4 HDD1 WD VelociRaptor 300GB Hard Drive
HDD2 Samsung SpinPoint T166 500GB HD501LJ 500GB Optical Drive LG Electronics GGC-H20L LightScribe Blu-ray/HD DVD Combo Drive PSU Enermax MODU82+ 625W EMD625AWT
Case SilverStone Grandia GD01-MX SST-GD01B-MXR

Looks like a pretty good system. Would just have to comment, depending on how much you record and how often you're able to watch your recordings, that 500GB HDD may not be enough. In case you're in the US, Fry's currently has the Samsung 750GB on sale for $99.99.

wow what an amazing guide, I'm glad I stumbled upon it, and can't wait for it to be completely finished!

my current system:

Intel Q9450 @ 3.6Ghz and xigmatek HDT S1283 cooler
Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard
Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800 twinx 6400C4 RAM (1Gb x2)
MSI HD3870 (RX3870) O.C. Edition video card
Western Digital 500Gb SE16 HDD
Samsung 20X DVDRW (not sure of model number)
Cooler Master CM690 case, Real Power Pro 650W power supply

sorry if I missed something!

anyway, I came here because I wanted some advice on TV Tuners. I have Comcast digital cable at home. I currently get cable directly through the wall in my bedroom. I'm assuming this will NOT work in the future once 2009 rolls around and I have to buy a cable box for my bedroom as well... With this said, what TV tuner will function through 2009??? I don't want to buy one, only to have to buy another one in 6 to 8 months?? I was looking at the ATI 650 theater pro... is this a good tuner? I intend to record TV shows... that's about it... No HD or anything, at least not yet... but will have it in the future, will this work with HD programs as well? Will it work after the switch to all digital? Or am I going to be required to have a pre-built computer with cablecard after 2009???

basically everything wrapped up into a single question... is it worth buying a TV tuner now, or should I wait a few months?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm hoping someone can answer them! (even if they sound incredibly foolish) heh

anyway, I came here because I wanted some advice on TV Tuners. I have Comcast digital cable at home. I currently get cable directly through the wall in my bedroom. I'm assuming this will NOT work in the future once 2009 rolls around and I have to buy a cable box for my bedroom as well... With this said, what TV tuner will function through 2009??? I don't want to buy one, only to have to buy another one in 6 to 8 months?? I was looking at the ATI 650 theater pro... is this a good tuner? I intend to record TV shows... that's about it... No HD or anything, at least not yet... but will have it in the future, will this work with HD programs as well? Will it work after the switch to all digital? Or am I going to be required to have a pre-built computer with cablecard after 2009???

basically everything wrapped up into a single question... is it worth buying a TV tuner now, or should I wait a few months?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm hoping someone can answer them! (even if they sound incredibly foolish) heh
Analog cable doesn't get cut off on 2009, only analog broadcasts. While I'm sure cable companies would love to have all their customers switched to digital so they can collect equipment rental fees for every TV in the house, I think the FCC might step in and impose a transition period before they actually go all digital. What your cable company might do is to move channels into a digital-only tier keeping only the basic channels on analog.

The ATI 650 has two tuners. One for analog and one for digital, so yes, you can use it to watch from regular cable. You can also use it to capture your local channels on HD either via antenna or cable. For the price though, you can get something better. Check out hdtvtunerinfo.com (http://www.hdtvtunerinfo.com/comparetuners.html). You'll find that most DTV tuners also have an analog tuner.

If you only want analog, then you can just buy an analog tuner now and get a digital tuner later. I use a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2 ($50 from eBay) for recording analog and it works really great for me.

With regards to buying a CableCARD-ready PC, I wouldn't. By the time the switch to all digital really does come around (I'm guessing in at least 5 years), there might be a new system in place.

basically everything wrapped up into a single question... is it worth buying a TV tuner now, or should I wait a few months?

I don't know about Comcast. The current ATSC tuners supporting clear QAM should work unless ATSC standards (and the modulation method) change. So you don't need to wait. The support for clear QAM under Vista Media Center is a different story. AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe (and HDHomeRun lacking NTSC) is supported by VMC. Hauppauge and ATi need its own software afaik. Of course NTSC works.

q6600 / 8800GT 512MB / 500GB Samsung 7200 / Razer Barracuda AC1 / Abit IP35 pro / logitech 5.1 x530

Please verify that this is a good build and will do what I need it to do:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
Motherboard: Either ASUS P5E-VM or GIGABYTE GA-73PVM-S2H...still undecided
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800
Optical Drive: LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black GGC-H20L
HDD1: Seagate 250GB 7200RPM HDD (for OS, apps, that I already own)
Capture Card: DVico Fusion HDTV 3 Gold (will this work with Vista?)

Undecided:
Case
Power Supply (probably ~430W?)
HDD2 (most likely a 500GB-750GB Seagate, 7200RPM)
Optical2 (DVD drive I can make region free assuming I cant do this with the BD drive)
IR Receiver

What I want to do:
Play Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, DVD (multi-region)
Watch Xvid, h264, HD x264 mkv, HD TS video
Capture clear QAM/OTA with DVico card, capture with Hauppage HD PVR as I will most likely purchase this.
Edit/Reencode above captures as needed.
Only concerned about DD 5.1 and DTS as this is all my receiver supports anyhow

I also plan to eventually put together a media server to go with this. Most likely will run Vista with VMC or maybe SageTV. Will the above do everything I need with no stuttering, etc? Should I add a graphics card? Thanks for your help! :)

I'm planning to upgrade to my current HTPC for HD media playback using an 8200 mobo. It's main purpose will be as a Media Center for PVR purposes and to play Blu-Ray, HD DVD and DVD content (from physical disc and HDD).

The reason for this upgrade is a dead mobo.

Here is my current setup:

-Case: Antec Fusion
-Mobo: MSI K8NGM2-FID
-CPU: AMD Althon 64 X2 4600+
-Cooler: Zalman CNPS7700-AlCu
-Ram: Corsair ValueSelect 3GB PC3200 (2 x 512 MB, 2 x 1024 MB)
-HDD: 2x WD Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500GB
-Optical Drive: Samsung SH-S182M 18x DVD+R
-NSTC Tuner: Nvidia DualTv
-ASTC Tuner: Vbox 164e
-XP MCE 2005 Roll Up 2 w/remote, MCE wireless keyboard and IR blaster

Components I've purchased for my upgrade:

-GPU: ASUS EN8400GS SILENT/HTP/512M GeForce 8400GS 512MB (For use in Hybrid SLI)
-Optical Drive: LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GGC-H20L

Here are the remaining components I'm set on for my upgrade:
(Although I'm open to suggestions)

-Mobo: ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI (I don't think there are any other 8200 µatx mobos out yet for consideration)
-Cooler: Scythe Ninja Mini (Probably run this without the fan)
-Ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
-CPU: AMD Phenom 9600 2.2GHz AM2+ 95W
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64bit


I plan on using Arcsoft TotalMedia Theater for HDM playback, and TheaterTek for DVD playback.

Vista 64bit Compatible:
Vbox 164e
nVidia DualTv
TheaterTek
MyMovies
DVRMSToolbox

Vista 64bit Compatible (with hacks):
Arcsoft TotalMedia Theater
Showanalyzer

Any and all help is appreciated...

Careful with the GA-73PVM-S2H. It has no memory voltage adjustment, so you must use 1.8v sticks. That leaves out Ballistix.

^Really? I checked on their manufacturers website for both of those boards, and the exact module # is listed as being compatible for both.

On a side note, I'll be using SPDIF out for audio until I upgrade my AVR. I'm planning on getting the Denon 3808ci, so hopefully there is no HDMI repeater issues like the G35 has.

Does Vista Ultimate get me anything over Home Premium for HTPC use?

OK, I'm not sure I can wait for Geforce 8200 anymore. My inital plan was to use HFX mini cabinet with two soundcards which didn't give me enough space for a graphic card. HFX mini is fanless case and from the feedbacks from owners of 780G, I don't think that's good solution either (hot heatsink). Also, I would not be surpised if similar problems occur with Geforce 8200.

I've decided to go with HFZ Classic case which gives enough room for a graphic card. This is also a fanless case (one fan a an option), so heat dissipation is important. I'll be using cooling heatpipes. I need some help choosing components. My HTPC will be used for music and movies (no gaming).

Motherboard: AMD 770 chipset seems to be good solution, but I don't which is recommended. Any recommendations? Also open to other chipsets.

CPU: I was thinking of AMD 4850e which is a 45w processor.

Grahpic card: This is were I'm most uncertain. Geforce 8500GT, Geforce 8600GT, ATI 3450, ATI 3650 or something else? Is ATI considered to be better then Geforce when it comes to video (SD and HD)? I need a card that is passive, has two DVI outputs and VGA. I've a Panasonic 42PX600 plasma which only supports 1:1 pixelmapping over VGA. So I'll probably use VGA for this screen, but also like to try DVI-HDMI. Then I've a second small 17" LCD which I'll connect with DVI. I'll use this screen to scroll in music library. It's an bonus that the screens can be used at the same time, but not very imortant.

So, some recommendations here are definetly needed. :) I want great video performance for both SD and HD material. Perhaps I should mention that I'll be using XP Pro if that matters when it comes to HD playback.

RAM: Whatever fits the motherboard. Not sure if I should go with 2GB or 4GB.

You might want to consider analogue-out for the audio at the time being, to make sure you can benefit from True HD and LPCM tracks - from my understanding, current software downmixes True HD etc to regular DTS and Dolby Digital, so you'll be missing out on the higher fidelity soundtracks on BD and HDDVD disks.

Ultimate offers no benefits over Home Premium for HTPC purposes, or for any other purposes as far as I know

What card will you be using the 8400GS with in hybrid sli?

Is core2duo not an option for you? The quad 6600s are cheap and very over-clockable - and fast even at default

My AVR doesn't accept analog inputs (its 10 years old), so I'll have to wait for my AVR upgrade.

I'll be using an 8200 based mobo with IGP for the main GPU, so Intel is not an option at this time. My HTPC has been down for about 3 weeks and I'm tying to get something somewhat future proof together.

Thanks for your input...

Please verify that this is a good build and will do what I need it to do:
My current recommendation for Intel mATX system is:

- Pentium Dual-Core E2220 2.4GHz
- abit I-N73HD
- DDR2-800 2GB kit (Ballistix, A-DATA, G.SKILL, Corsair etc.)
- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PVT84JUSD4 (only $70 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150258)) or PVT84JUAL3 ( only $60 (http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3514923&Sku=P450-8676&SRCCODE=COMPGOOBDF&CMP=OTC-GPRODUCTS))
- LG GGC-H20L
- HDD1: WD WD3200AAKS 320GB (a single platter; 40GB for OS, the rest for storage)
- HDD2 (& HDD3): WD WD10EACS 1TB (for storage)
- AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe OEM
- Antec NSK2480 (PSU included)
- Microsoft Remote Control and Receiver for Media Center PC with Windows

If you want to spend more, you can choose:

- E7200 or E8400 (but overclocking E2220 to 3.0GHz is too easy)
- DDR2-800 4GB kit
- A bigger ATX case like SilverStone GD01-MX supporting more HDDs
- Logitech Harmony One universal remote

As for motherboard, I don't see reasons for going with P5E-VM HDMI. A cheaper processor with a discrete graphics supporting HA is better (just IMO). Among the GeForce 7100 mbs, abit I-N73HD is the best choice for HTPC. eVGA does not support S3 wake up by USB devices, GIGABYTE has compatibility problems with several PCIe tuner cards. I would choose AverTV PCIe tuner because it is one of the only two cards supported by Vista Media Center when you watch clear QAM (if you don't use VMC, then this does not apply to you). If you want watch movies with multiple regions, then you will need

- AnyDVD HD, that makes any movie region-free

This guide has been awsome. here is the list for my non-gaming HTPC for HD and regular DVD playback/backup what do you guys think? Please lemme know if you see something wrong with this combo

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB)
AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core
GIGABYTE GV-NX86T256H-ZL GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 HDCP SLI
GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX
Antec earthwatts EA500 500W
500gb for storage and 80gb for OS and pics, mp3s

what OS would you guys recomend

OK, I'm not sure I can wait for Geforce 8200 anymore.
If you quit GeForce 8200 (I have already quit it), then there is no reason for sticking to the AMD platform, Intel is much better.

- E2220, E7200 or E8400
- abit IP35 Pro, GA-EP35-DSxx, ASUS P5K Pro/EPU

I haven't tested graphics cards with XP, so I am not sure which is better, ATI or NVIDIA. NVIDIA has been slow in developing XP drivers. 1GB is enough for playing movies and music under XP.

This guide has been awsome. here is the list for my non-gaming HTPC for HD and regular DVD playback/backup what do you guys think? Please lemme know if you see something wrong with this combo

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB)
AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core
GIGABYTE GV-NX86T256H-ZL GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 HDCP SLI
GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX
Antec earthwatts EA500 500W
500gb for storage and 80gb for OS and pics, mp3s

what OS would you guys recomend
I don't see 4850e in the CPU support list (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2539). Otherwise looks good.

My current recommendation for Intel mATX system is:

- Pentium Dual-Core E2220 2.4GHz
- abit I-N73HD
- DDR2-800 2GB kit (Ballistix, A-DATA, G.SKILL, Corsair etc.)
- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PVT84JUSD4 (only $70 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150258)) or PVT84JUAL3 ( only $60 (http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3514923&Sku=P450-8676&SRCCODE=COMPGOOBDF&CMP=OTC-GPRODUCTS))
- LG GGC-H20L
- HDD1: WD WD3200AAKS 320GB (a single platter; 40GB for OS, the rest for storage)
- HDD2 (& HDD3): WD WD10EACS 1TB (for storage)
- AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe OEM
- Antec NSK2480 (PSU included)
- Microsoft Remote Control and Receiver for Media Center PC with Windows

If you want to spend more, you can choose:

- E7200 or E8400 (but overclocking E2220 to 3.0GHz is too easy)
- DDR2-800 4GB kit
- A bigger ATX case like SilverStone GD01-MX supporting more HDDs
- Logitech Harmony One universal remote

As for motherboard, I don't see reasons for going with P5E-VM HDMI. A cheaper processor with a discrete graphics supporting HA is better (just IMO). Among the GeForce 7100 mbs, abit I-N73HD is the best choice for HTPC. eVGA does not support S3 wake up by USB devices, GIGABYTE has compatibility problems with several PCIe tuner cards. I would choose AverTV PCIe tuner because it is one of the only two cards supported by Vista Media Center (if you don't use VMC, then this does not apply to you). If you want watch movies with multiple regions, then you will need

- AnyDVD HD that makes any movie region-free

I'd actually suggest the E4500/E4600 before either of these. I just picked up an E4600 for $100 and was able to bump the FSB to 266 with stock cooling and no voltage increase. It's rock solid stable and running at just under 3.2Ghz with only a 2-3C increase. At only $10 more than the typical E2220 price and $30 less than the E7200 price, it was quite the bargain if you ask me. :D

I don't see 4850e in the CPU support list (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2539). Otherwise looks good.
Thanks. changed proc to AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Brisbane 2.7GHz

If you quit GeForce 8200 (I have already quit it), then there is no reason for sticking to the AMD platform, Intel is much better.

- E2220, E7200 or E8400
- abit IP35 Pro, GA-EP35-DSxx, ASUS P5K Pro/EPU

I haven't tested graphics cards with XP, so I am not sure which is better, ATI or NVIDIA. NVIDIA has been slow in developing XP drivers. 1GB is enough for playing movies and music under XP.
What's better with Intel? It's definetly more expensive. I would think a AMD 770 chipset toghether with a AMD 4850e CPU is more then good enough for music and movies, but correct me If I'm mistaken.

My current recommendation for Intel mATX system is:

Thanks for the info! I should have actually noted in my original post, I actually have the E8400 as well as the Blu-ray drive already (got in on the E8400 price mistake (x2) on CompUSA Friday). I can sell both rather than just 1 if I decide its more than I need though. My thinking was with said processor, maybe I could avoid needing a graphics card (more cost, more heat, more power). Especially since most graphics cards dont have an actual HDMI port on them unless you spend a bit more money. Figure I can get it going now and add a graphics card later if there is a need. Will one be required to get this job done?

As far as tuner card, will the older FusionHDTV 3 not work? There are Vista drivers for it on DVicos website. Ive had this card for awhile, and was hoping to carry this over just to be able to record a few things OTA or via clear QAM while hopefully eventually using the Hauppage PVR to do most of the work.

I already have the Harmony 880 actually, which is why Id like to find an IR receiver only, but looks like I have to pay for another unused remote in most cases. The one you mentioned is definitely the most likely option.

Most people here seem to suggest a seperate NAS/media server PC rather than a bunch of HDDs in one box (again more heat/noise), so somewhat surprised by the suggestion of a large case for more HDDs.

Thanks for the info though, especially about AnyDVD HD...good to know I wont need a second DVD drive just for my Buffy set :).

questions about remote controls...

can I control the mouse pointer and clicks with things like the Harmony One or Harmony 880? Do I need to buy some kind of IR receiver to let the computer know I'm sending commands?

I want to be able to use the transport buttons (play, stop, ff, rew etc...), but I also want to be able to move the mouse to resize windows, open other apps, browse internet.. etc..

As for motherboard, I don't see reasons for going with P5E-VM HDMI. A cheaper processor with a discrete graphics supporting HA is better (just IMO).

Well, a significant reason is if you want multi-channel HD audio without having to use an analog sound card in the PC.

The P5E-VM (G35) can send full 1080p with full HD audio over HDMI today, all Intel based, and pretty cheap (IMO). Only real issue remaining is 24p support, which appears to be extremely well compensated for right now.

Well, a significant reason is if you want multi-channel HD audio without having to use an analog sound card in the PC.

The P5E-VM (G35) can send full 1080p with full HD audio over HDMI today, all Intel based, and pretty cheap (IMO). Only real issue remaining is 24p support, which appears to be extremely well compensated for right now.


Wow, I didn't realize MC lossless audio was possible from a HTPC. Guess I need to get back into stuff.

Are there any inexpensive combo Blu-ray/HD DVD write/read drives yet? :)

What is being used for HD software for Blu-ray/HD DVD playback?

I totally want to build one now. For a HD HTPC, and a gaming pc (hopefully capable to run PS2 games via an emulator, and yes I own the games so its legal), would a quad core be more suitable or would a good quality dual core be optimal?

Wow, I didn't realize MC lossless audio was possible from a HTPC. Guess I need to get back into stuff.

Are there any inexpensive combo Blu-ray/HD DVD write/read drives yet? :)

What is being used for HD software for Blu-ray/HD DVD playback?

I totally want to build one now. For a HD HTPC, and a gaming pc (hopefully capable to run PS2 games via an emulator, and yes I own the games so its legal), would a quad core be more suitable or would a good quality dual core be optimal?

A Q6600 or Q9300 will ensure you never have a problem, but you can do well with a E6750 or better.

For gaming, these IGP's aren't so great. It should work fine for PS2 emulation, and possibly something low-impact like WoW, but anything higher and they'll be borderline unusable for games.

HD playback works well with CyberLink PowerDVD or ArcSoft TMT (I prefer TMT - leaner player, and to me a better picture, and they seem like a better company).

You should also get AnyDVD HD, as it can help alleviate any HDCP or copy protection problems. You shouldn't need it anymore with TMT, but I think PDVD still needs it if you go through an HDMI AVR. And it's just a good tool overall, especially if you want to rip your legally purchased BD's to your hard drive (ISO is the best/most fault-free model to use for this).

No good R/W HD drives yet, but the LG is a good RO drive (I can vouch for it), and apparently the Lite-On is okay too (no personal experience).

No HD audio bitstreaming, but the players convert everything to LPCM, which of course sounds identical (you just don't get the lights on your AVR). Check out the TMT and PDVD threads for more detail on the players.

Also note - the G45 is coming out in a few months. If you want something to enjoy now, the G35 is it (and maybe the 8200 for AMD CPUs if they can ever fix the drivers). If you don't need anything now, or don't mind potentially upgrading in a few months, the G45 (and 8300 Intel) should be able to play games since it's an improved graphics core. But as of yet, no firm dates on any of the next-gen stuff.

Hope this helps!

A Q6600 or Q9300 will ensure you never have a problem, but you can do well with a E6750 or better.

For gaming, these IGP's aren't so great. It should work fine for PS2 emulation, and possibly something low-impact like WoW, but anything higher and they'll be borderline unusable for games.

HD playback works well with CyberLink PowerDVD or ArcSoft TMT (I prefer TMT - leaner player, and to me a better picture, and they seem like a better company).

You should also get AnyDVD HD, as it can help alleviate any HDCP or copy protection problems. You shouldn't need it anymore with TMT, but I think PDVD still needs it if you go through an HDMI AVR. And it's just a good tool overall, especially if you want to rip your legally purchased BD's to your hard drive (ISO is the best/most fault-free model to use for this).

No good R/W HD drives yet, but the LG is a good RO drive (I can vouch for it), and apparently the Lite-On is okay too (no personal experience).

No HD audio bitstreaming, but the players convert everything to LPCM, which of course sounds identical (you just don't get the lights on your AVR). Check out the TMT and PDVD threads for more detail on the players.

Also note - the G45 is coming out in a few months. If you want something to enjoy now, the G35 is it (and maybe the 8200 for AMD CPUs if they can ever fix the drivers). If you don't need anything now, or don't mind potentially upgrading in a few months, the G45 (and 8300 Intel) should be able to play games since it's an improved graphics core. But as of yet, no firm dates on any of the next-gen stuff.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the great info!

What's better with Intel? It's definetly more expensive. I would think a AMD 770 chipset toghether with a AMD 4850e CPU is more then good enough for music and movies, but correct me If I'm mistaken.
Agreed with the last sentence. A typical low-end combination of CPU and mb in each platform is

Intel

- Pentium Dual-Core E2220 2.4GHz, $90
- GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L, $90

AMD

- Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz, $90
- GIGABYTE GA-MA770-DS3, $90

Both are very good and show more or less identical performance. (Personally I would still choose Intel.)

Thanks for the info! I should have actually noted in my original post, I actually have the E8400 as well as the Blu-ray drive already (got in on the E8400 price mistake (x2) on CompUSA Friday). I can sell both rather than just 1 if I decide its more than I need though. My thinking was with said processor, maybe I could avoid needing a graphics card (more cost, more heat, more power). Especially since most graphics cards dont have an actual HDMI port on them unless you spend a bit more money. Figure I can get it going now and add a graphics card later if there is a need. Will one be required to get this job done?

As far as tuner card, will the older FusionHDTV 3 not work? There are Vista drivers for it on DVicos website. Ive had this card for awhile, and was hoping to carry this over just to be able to record a few things OTA or via clear QAM while hopefully eventually using the Hauppage PVR to do most of the work.

I already have the Harmony 880 actually, which is why Id like to find an IR receiver only, but looks like I have to pay for another unused remote in most cases. The one you mentioned is definitely the most likely option.

Most people here seem to suggest a seperate NAS/media server PC rather than a bunch of HDDs in one box (again more heat/noise), so somewhat surprised by the suggestion of a large case for more HDDs.
If you have E8400, then P5E-VM HDMI ($130) without a discrete graphics is surely a choice. But a discrete card with a much cheaper mb like abit I-N73HD ($68 at mwave.com) is a much smarter choice ($130 is ridiculously overpriced for the crappy IGP). The two XFX cards I recommended support HDMI (both video and audio; audio is S/PDIF pass-through). What you need is a generic DVI-HDMI adapter and a 2-pin digital audio cable (to connect the mb's internal S/PDIF header with the card).

FusionHDTV 3 should work with its own software. My previous comment applies to the case of watching clear QAM under Media Center.

WD Green drives are very cool and quiet. A typical ATX case can hold 4-6 drives and serves also as a server until you build a dedicated media server.

Well, a significant reason is if you want multi-channel HD audio without having to use an analog sound card in the PC.

The P5E-VM (G35) can send full 1080p with full HD audio over HDMI today, all Intel based, and pretty cheap (IMO). Only real issue remaining is 24p support, which appears to be extremely well compensated for right now.

You complained:

The danger of not including some sort of quote in your post. Someone casually readiing your post, with no direct reference, would learn something incorrect.

I noted it and have quoted the original question in every answer since your complaint. But it seems that you still didn't read the original question. :confused:

Wow, I didn't realize MC lossless audio was possible from a HTPC. Guess I need to get back into stuff.

Are there any inexpensive combo Blu-ray/HD DVD write/read drives yet? :)

What is being used for HD software for Blu-ray/HD DVD playback?

I totally want to build one now. For a HD HTPC, and a gaming pc (hopefully capable to run PS2 games via an emulator, and yes I own the games so its legal), would a quad core be more suitable or would a good quality dual core be optimal?
The upcoming (June) ATI Radeon HD 4850 supports multi-channel lossless HDMI audio (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029603), the full hardware acceleration for HD contents, and very good gaming performance. A typical mid-range system is

- Core 2 Duo E7200 2.66GHz
- Intel P45 chipset mb
- Radeon HD 4850

A discrete card is much more flexible than IGP; you can use it with any motherboard and upgrading (graphics/mb) is easy. (A downside is higher power consumption, of course.)

The upcoming (June) ATI Radeon HD 4850 supports multi-channel lossless HDMI audio (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029603), the full hardware acceleration for HD contents, and very good gaming performance. A typical mid-range system is

- Core 2 Duo E7200 2.66GHz
- Intel P45 chipset mb
- Radeon HD 4850

A discrete card is much more flexible than IGP; you can use it with any motherboard and upgrading (graphics/mb) is easy. (A downside is higher power consumption, of course.)

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your dedication to this thread. It will be very valuable for a long time.

HD playback works well with CyberLink PowerDVD or ArcSoft TMT (I prefer TMT - leaner player, and to me a better picture, and they seem like a better company).


I concur with your assessment of Arcsoft. While PDVD is removing HD-DVD support, Arcsoft is not. Arcsoft also seems like a "hungrier" company, willing to do what ever is needed to eat the market share which currently belongs to PDVD.

Having a FULLY working trial, with identical code to the full version, is nice too. A real "try before you buy". Add do that a 30% off your first activation and it is a real winner.

A setup that some may want to consider is the Small Form Factor (SFF) Shuttle boxes. This is a barebones system which includes case, motherboard, power supply and heat-sink/fan. It has VGA and HDMI outputs. It has one PCI slot and one PCIeX16 slot which, if used, will disable the HDMI. It's actually quite sharp looking...

http://rcp.shuttle.com/ResourceCenter/Upload/877/877_WebImage_WebImage_200707191528_1
http://rcp.shuttle.com/ResourceCenter/Upload/877/877_WebImage_WebImage_200707191532_2
http://rcp.shuttle.com/ResourceCenter/Upload/877/877_WebImage_WebImage_200707191535_5

They also have a slightly more expensive unit that comes with a COLOR lcd display and IR remote that is MCE compatible. BTW, the unit shown above is selling for $279 from Tiger Direct.

I bought the unit on my way home from work. After dinner, I installed a Q6600, 2gb's of Corsair DDR2-800, an IDE dvd rom drive, an SATA 500gb hd, a universal 3.5" card reader (since I didn't want a floppy), Vista 32, AnyDVD-HD and Arcsoft TMT. I hooked up my external LG Dual-Format and plugged my Onkyo 705's HDMI input, and for good measure a 19" LCD via the VGA out. Then I popped in my Fifth Element disc and went to Chapter 3 and watched the 3 panning scenes with amazement as nary a stutter was to be seen !! :D CPU usage was even on all 4 cores at about 20%. Oh, yes, I was getting full 7.1 via HDMI.

For spec's go here (http://us.shuttle.com/barebone/Models/sg33g5_pro.html)

I'm a happy camper :D

If you quit GeForce 8200 (I have already quit it), then there is no reason for sticking to the AMD platform, Intel is much better.

- E2220, E7200 or E8400
- abit IP35 Pro, GA-EP35-DSxx, ASUS P5K Pro/EPU

I haven't tested graphics cards with XP, so I am not sure which is better, ATI or NVIDIA. NVIDIA has been slow in developing XP drivers. 1GB is enough for playing movies and music under XP.

Why did you give up? Immature drivers? And where did you get your mobo from? I haven't been able to find the abit A-N78HD for sale anywhere. I really like reading the info you post on your findings. I used your bible for the MSI K8NGM2-FID mobo over at anandtech, it helped me tremendously.

I'm going to have a run at the ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI mobo. Can you look at my upgrade post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13880035#post13880035) and give me your opinion?

Thanks in advance.

Oh, yes, I was getting full 7.1 via HDMI.

Pretty sure you weren't. You were getting matrixed compressed 5.1 via DTS-Connect/DD-Live. It doesn't support 7.1-channel HD audio.

Right now, only the G35 supports 7.1 HD audio, and the 8200 theoretically does, although the drivers are still broken (except for one guy).

I'm looking to make a processor upgrade to run both HD disks on my LG dual format player, and some of the more cpu intensive ffdshow configurations for SD DVD. I currently have an Intel P35 1066/1333 capable motherboard, two gigs of ram and an 8600GT videocard. I was wondering what would be a better fit (since they both can be had for about the same price) a Q6600 quad-core or a E8400 dual core? Should I go higher? I am concerned with high quality video performance only. Thanks.

Pretty sure you weren't. You were getting matrixed compressed 5.1 via DTS-Connect/DD-Live. It doesn't support 7.1-channel HD audio.

Right now, only the G35 supports 7.1 HD audio, and the 8200 theoretically does, although the drivers are still broken (except for one guy).

Actually, he was. Any Intel chipset that supports SDVO (945G, G965, G33, G35) can also support HDMI 7.1 audio if the vendor puts a Chrontel 7315 or an SiI 1392 (I think that's the chip) on the motherboard, or with an ADD2 card if the motherboard includes an HD Audio Link header.

G35 is just the most popular solution. It wasn't the first.

Jim White - with the new Shuttle - how loud is that box?

Why did you give up? Immature drivers? And where did you get your mobo from? I haven't been able to find the abit A-N78HD for sale anywhere. I really like reading the info you post on your findings. I used your bible for the MSI K8NGM2-FID mobo over at anandtech, it helped me tremendously.

I'm going to have a run at the ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI mobo. Can you look at my upgrade post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13880035#post13880035) and give me your opinion?

Thanks in advance.
Actually I have not given up the GeForce 8200 chipset, it's the abit board that I gave up because it can't wake up from S3 properly and each time it starts Vista fails to recognize my USB keyboard (besides non-working application players; the PowerDVD 8 Ultra latest build recognizes GeForce 8200 as an unknown graphics). It will be in my closet until abit releases BIOS update.

Driver and player support for GeForce 8200 are still immature. Moreover GeForce 8200 may not be future-proof because it is not clear if it supports protected audio path. If it does not support PAP, then the only way to get lossless sound is create your own mkv files using eac3to. You'd better prepare to upgrad mb a couple of times until all the audio and PAP issues are cleared up if you are going with the IGP route.

I'm looking to make a processor upgrade to run both HD disks on my LG dual format player, and some of the more cpu intensive ffdshow configurations for SD DVD. I currently have an Intel P35 1066/1333 capable motherboard, two gigs of ram and an 8600GT videocard. I was wondering what would be a better fit (since they both can be had for about the same price) a Q6600 quad-core or a E8400 dual core? Should I go higher? I am concerned with high quality video performance only. Thanks.
Dual core (2.4-2.66GHz) is enough. For example

Pentium Dual-Core E2220 2.4GHz (soon be replace by 45nm Core 2 Duo E3xxx)
Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz
Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00GHz

Frys is advertising an E4500 CPU (2.2ghz Allendale core) and ECS 945GCT-M/1333 motherboard bundle for $99 tomorrow. Combined with an ATI 3450 graphics card and a couple gigs of memory this should handle 1080p H264 videos and bluray disks right? If so this seems like a killer deal--with a case, hard drive, and DVD drive the total price would easily be under $300.

A downside of ECS 945GCT-M/1333 is that it supports only 10/100Mbps LAN.

You'd better prepare to upgrad mb a couple of times until all the audio and PAP issues are cleared up if you are going with the IGP route.

Absolutely right! Hopefully people getting into the HTPC world recognize this. Fortunately, the MB's are priced cheap enough to make this possible, but it really is a requirement.

Which is why I keep recommending people go with the G35 now, since it actually works, and then see what works next (possibly the 8200, or 8300, or G45, or the HDMI audio cards).

I guess I am going to have to build my HTPC with Xp because I cannot get Vista to work connecting a D-Vhs vcr. I am a beginner. A freind tried it for me. Should build a dual boot system? This is not my preference but I want this to work. Or should I just go with XP? Thank You. Rocka2.

I guess I am going to have to build my HTPC with Xp because I cannot get Vista to work connecting a D-Vhs vcr. I am a beginner. A freind tried it for me. Should build a dual boot system? This is not my preference but I want this to work. Or should I just go with XP? Thank You. Rocka2.

What isn't working?

I guess I am going to have to build my HTPC with Xp because I cannot get Vista to work connecting a D-Vhs vcr. I am a beginner. A freind tried it for me. Should build a dual boot system? This is not my preference but I want this to work. Or should I just go with XP? Thank You. Rocka2.

What isn't working?

The Mitsubishi HS-HD200U D-VHS VCR is not recognized by firewire in Vista my new operating system on newly built computer. I assume it is Vista that does not recognize this unit. The Mitsubishi VCR was recognized on the old with XP. After testing the new computer with XP, it is not the new computer because the Mitsubishi VCR is recognized, so it must be Vista. I was concerned it might be the new computer. I guess I am going to have a dual operating system computer because I have to have the Mitsubishi VCR with firewire. So much for simplicity.

Absolutely right! Hopefully people getting into the HTPC world recognize this. Fortunately, the MB's are priced cheap enough to make this possible, but it really is a requirement.

Which is why I keep recommending people go with the G35 now, since it actually works, and then see what works next (possibly the 8200, or 8300, or G45, or the HDMI audio cards).

I have no problem upgrading mobos, but now that I've purchased the 9850 Phenom, I'll be locked into an AMD board for a little while.

I have no problem upgrading mobos, but now that I've purchased the 9850 Phenom, I'll be locked into an AMD board for a little while.

Yeah, that's a bit of a bummer. As far as we know, the Intel MB's seem to have more options over the next 6 months:

- G35
- G45
- 8200 Intel
- 8300 Intel

Where the AMD options are limited to just the 8200/8300 AMD. Granted, the 8200/8300 AMD are out first, but they are barely functional right now, so by the time they are fully functional (hybrid-SLI and all), the Intel versions will likely be out with the same working GPU/IGP drivers.

Anyway, I'm sticking with Intel now (I just got a Q9300), and hope the G45 or 8200/8300 Intel versions come out working soon, or the HDMI audio cards come out at some point and we can dump all this IGP nonsense.

I am thinking of building my first HTPC and have a couple of questions.

My TV is a several year old Hitachi 51SWX20B 51 in.
It has 1 dvi input and I have used it a couple times with my cable box (SA 8300HD) with a hdmi adaptor. I remember the first time I used it I got an error message about HDCP so I went back to component. I tried again several months later and it worked.

My question is I want to use this video card on a XP machine:

Visiontek Radeon X1650 Pro HD Video Card - 256MB GDDR2, PCI Express, HDMI, DVI, VGA, HDTV, Video Card

Sorry, I can't link yet.

It states:
Vista Ready
HDCP Enabled
HDTV Ready
DirectX 9
OpenGL 2.0

Will I run into HDCP issues using the hdmi -> dvi adapter?
Is this a good card?

Thanks for the great guide.

My question is I want to use this video card on a XP machine:

Visiontek Radeon X1650 Pro HD Video Card - 256MB GDDR2, PCI Express, HDMI, DVI, VGA, HDTV, Video Card

Sorry, I can't link yet.

It states:
Vista Ready
HDCP Enabled
HDTV Ready
DirectX 9
OpenGL 2.0

Will I run into HDCP issues using the hdmi -> dvi adapter?
Is this a good card?
In principle you won't have HDCP issues. The card is too old. You'd better chose Radeon HD 3450/3470/3650 or GeForce 8500 GT/8600 GT. They are available at ~$60.

Great guide, has helped me out a bunch.

Hi guys,

Many thanks for the informative post. Long time reader, first time poster round here :)

I'm planning on building my first htpc and my priority is video quality. I have a TH-42PZ70 Panny plasma and no AV receiver. That being said, I need to hook up the media center using a HDMI cable only.

I was considering the following setup:

Case: Zalman HD160 Plus

PSU: Enermax Modu82 + 625W

Board: Asus P5e

CPU: Q9450

RAM: 2 x Corsair PC2-8500 XMS2 Dominator C5D 2 GB

GPU: Problem here. I have a 9800GTX and a 7900GT lying around. I was thinking it may be best to wait for the new ATI 4xxx with hdmi?

HDD: WD Raptor 74g + WD 1TB. Is the whole SSD thing worth it?


Please advise on this. Should I get a dedicated sound card? Will the motherboard be easy to setup to output sound to a single hdmi cable?

Again many thanks for your precious advice!

Hi guys,

Many thanks for the informative post. Long time reader, first time poster round here :)

I'm planning on building my first htpc and my priority is video quality. I have a TH-42PZ70 Panny plasma and no AV receiver. That being said, I need to hook up the media center using a HDMI cable only.

I was considering the following setup:

Case: Zalman HD160 Plus

PSU: Enermax Modu82 + 625W

Board: Asus P5e

CPU: Q9450

RAM: 2 x Corsair PC2-8500 XMS2 Dominator C5D 2 GB

GPU: Problem here. I have a 9800GTX and a 7900GT lying around. I was thinking it may be best to wait for the new ATI 4xxx with hdmi?

HDD: WD Raptor 74g + WD 1TB. Is the whole SSD thing worth it?


Please advise on this. Should I get a dedicated sound card? Will the motherboard be easy to setup to output sound to a single hdmi cable?

Again many thanks for your precious advice!
What is the purpose of this system? Gaming HTPC? Which P5E? If you have a 9800GTX, why do you need a second video card? Raptor is noisy for HTPC. 7200rpm 320GB is good enough for gaming.

Thank you for your reply. The purpose of the system is to watch HD mkv rips and maybe some gaming.

The p5e is, I believe, the ddr2/x38 ATX one.

I could use the 9800 GTX on another build, I thought it'd be good for the htpc since it has the spdif header. My question is if that is a good solution or i would be better off waiting for the ATI, since that has a audio chip.

The raptor is also spare at the moment so I thought it'd make a good boot drive, since i intend to have a smaller, faster boot drive and a 1TB drive for storage.

Anyone has any experience with the board in question and the 9800gtx? Does the sound pass through ok?

In principle you won't have HDCP issues. The card is too old. You'd better chose Radeon HD 3450/3470/3650 or GeForce 8500 GT/8600 GT. They are available at ~$60.

I started looking into the GeForce 8600 GT/GTS cards.

There are several manufacturers:
XFX
MSI
PNY
ESC
to name a few.

Which would be the better choice if any?

Thanks for your input,
Craig

I started looking into the GeForce 8600 GT/GTS cards.

There are several manufacturers:
XFX
MSI
PNY
ESC
to name a few.

Which would be the better choice if any?

Thanks for your input,
Craig

Check newegg, and look at the user feedback ratings. Buy the one that is near/at the top and at the price you want. There are sometimes minor differences like clock speed and memory.

I started looking into the GeForce 8600 GT/GTS cards.

There are several manufacturers:
XFX
MSI
PNY
ESC
to name a few.

Which would be the better choice if any?

Thanks for your input,
Craig
Well, the quality of video is more or less identical because of the same graphics chip. The main criteria are HDCP, fan noise, and price. My recommendation goes to:

- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PV-T84J-USD4, $70 after rebate at Newegg.com

This occupies two slots. If don't like it, then

- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PV-T84J-UAL3, $70 after rebate at Newegg.com

Thank you for your reply. The purpose of the system is to watch HD mkv rips and maybe some gaming.

The p5e is, I believe, the ddr2/x38 ATX one.

I could use the 9800 GTX on another build, I thought it'd be good for the htpc since it has the spdif header. My question is if that is a good solution or i would be better off waiting for the ATI, since that has a audio chip.

The raptor is also spare at the moment so I thought it'd make a good boot drive, since i intend to have a smaller, faster boot drive and a 1TB drive for storage.

Anyone has any experience with the board in question and the 9800gtx? Does the sound pass through ok?
It looks like you are spending lots of money for nothing.

- CPU: Q9450 is overkill. E8400/E7200 is good enough for HTPC/gaming HTPC.

- RAM: PC2-8500 is pointless unless you are an overclocker. PC2-6400 is good enough and cheap.

- X38 is overkill for HTPC/gaming HTPC unless you go with CrossFire. P35 is enough, e.g. P5K Pro, P5K EPU etc.

- Most of the current GeForce cards have an S/PDIF header so that you get HDMI audio (S/PDIF pass-through) with a generic DVI-HDMI adapter. All the current ATI Radeon HD cards (3450/3470/3650/3850 etc.) has a built-in audio controller so that you get HDMI audio (S/PDIF-quality) with a proper DVI-HDMI adapter. What HD 4800 series cards make themselves different (from HTPC's viewpoint) is that the built-in audio controller supports 7.1 channel lossless audio (and possibly HDMI 1.3 audio). But if your purpose is feed audio to your plasma TV via HDMI, any of the above cards should be fine. If you are gaming, go with the upcoming HD 4850 or GTX 200 series.

- Raptor is faster (and noisier). But unless you intend an ultimate gaming machine, a usual 7200rpm HDD is enough.

Well, thanks for all the advice. I'll be looking into some of your suggestions and report back when I start the build.

Again, many thanks for your replies. Cheers!

Hello all - I was curious if anyone has any recommendation to better manage my monitor setup. I have a PC that I use for both gaming and VMC. The PC is connected to a 21" LCD monitor as well as a 50" HDTV plasma. The PC and LCD are always on, but I obviously dont have the plasma on 24/7. Using nVidia Control Panel, I can easily setup the plasma for VMC use, but when I change to a different input or turn the plasma off, I have to manually configure the plasma the next time I want to use VMC.
In a perfect world, I think it would be great if I could turn the plasma on, switch it to the VMC "input" and see my VMC desktop with additional PC configuration.

Any suggestions?

Hey guys, looking for some recommendations for a media server build. I was looking at the recommended systems on the front page and they are a little overkill for me. Just looking for something with probably 4 HDD's max and RAID. Is it as easy as building a simple PC, adding a couple drives, a RAID card and WHS or something like that?

TIA.
Aaron

Hey guys, looking for some recommendations for a media server build. I was looking at the recommended systems on the front page and they are a little overkill for me. Just looking for something with probably 4 HDD's max and RAID. Is it as easy as building a simple PC, adding a couple drives, a RAID card and WHS or something like that?

TIA.
Aaron

WHS tends to fight with RAID. You can do it, but it can take a little time (especially if you have large RAID arrays).

In any case, you don't really need WHS for RAID. Just Vista or XP (if you want GPT I think you need Vista).

And yes, it's that simple.

WHS tends to fight with RAID. You can do it, but it can take a little time (especially if you have large RAID arrays).



Interesting.....seems to go against what I think a server OS and redundant/backup HDD system would do. Obviously have some more reading to do. Thanks for the heads up!

Interesting.....seems to go against what I think a server OS and redundant/backup HDD system would do. Obviously have some more reading to do. Thanks for the heads up!
UnRaid will do what you want with a whole lot less hassle. Google either unRaid or lime technology for more information.

I'm looking for a somewhat budget way to get into a 1080p blu ray/HD DVD HTPC with MC lossless support via HDMI and minor gaming capability...

So far, I'm thinking on the following:

E2220 processor, P5E-VM G35 motherboard, PC2-6400 DDR2-800 4GB ram, GGC-H20L blu ray/HD DVD drive, WD WD10EACS 1TB HD, Antec NSK2480 case w/ps, Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate OS, AnyDVD HD software


Any comments or suggestions?

Use this combination:

- abit I-N73HD, $68
- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PV-T84J-USD4, $70 (AR).

This gives far much better graphics performance (both video playback and gaming) than G35. Of course your purpose is 7.1 channel HDMI audio, go with G35.

Use this combination:

- abit I-N73HD, $68
- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PV-T84J-USD4, $70 (AR).

This gives far much better graphics performance (both video playback and gaming) than G35. Of course your purpose is 7.1 channel HDMI audio, go with G35.

Would there be a better alternative that would also provide HDMI lossless MC audio?

I thought about going with the abit I-N73HD and possibly the 4850...

The reason for the G35 was to save $ and yet still have MC lossless audio. If the G35 will sacrifice overall performance, I'd rather pony up the extra $ for a dedicated card.

Would there be a better alternative that would also provide HDMI lossless MC audio?

I thought about going with the abit I-N73HD and possibly the 4850...

The reason for the G35 was to save $ and yet still have MC lossless audio. If the G35 will sacrifice overall performance, I'd rather pony up the extra $ for a dedicated card.
There are two ways to get lossless digital audio from the PC currently and in the near future:

- Use eac3to to create your own mkv files with FLAC audio track and play them with either G35 or GeForce 8200/8300, nForce 750a/780a SLI (the current only solution).

- Wait for PowerDVD 8.5 and use ASUS Xonar AV1 or Auzentech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 and HDMI Xtension card. G45 and HD 4850 may be added in the list of supported hardware by PowerDVD 8.5.

Use this combination:

- abit I-N73HD, $68
- XFX GeForce 8600 GT PV-T84J-USD4, $70 (AR).


Im actually starting to lean your way on this motherboard...question though: if I was to just get this motherboard now, along with an E8400 processor, and hold off on a video card (most likely for one of the newer cards that supports LPCM through HDMI) what kind of performance would I be getting now sans video card? Im wondering if this would at least be adequate, or just not work well at all.

Hey guys, after several problems with my Sharp BD player, I decided to go ahead and build an HTPC. I just have a few questions....to which I've searched but to no avail.

1. Here is my set up.....will it be enough to run blu-ray/HD DVD?
AMD 64 X2 5200 (windsor)
3GB PNY DDR2 PC5300
ECS GF8200A motherboard
WD Caviar SE SATA 500GB HDD
Running Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit
LG GGC-H20L (on order)

2. Setting everything up yesterday I ran into some problems, and it may be better to start a new thread, but I figured I would try here first. Connecting to my Toshiba 51H84 (RPTV) via HDMI, the only resolution I can get to "fit" on the screen is 720p. Now the TV is supposed to have a native res of 1080i, but when I choose that res in the Nvidia control panel, it cuts off a little of the edges. It doesn't cut off a lot, only about the width of the task bar, but no task bar makes things kind of hard to use! But on the opposite side, when I choose 720p, I have to use the control panel to "resize" the desktop because 720p doesn't fill the whole screen. Right now, I am using two screens VGA/HDMI so I can effectively run Windows, but that is pretty hard on the integrated graphics to power a 1440x900 monitor and a 1920x1080 TV.

Any feedback??

jeff_c, I take it you can't resize the 1080 desktop in nvidia control panel?

One trick that might help is to unlock the taskbar and drag it to double height.

Well, since I am a complete n00b, i just wasn't aware of the term "overscan". It looks like I will be making a custom resolution when I get home tonight.

And that is correct about not being able to resize 1080i. When I try that, the sliders are already at there maximum minimizing (ha ha) position. I can't adjust it any further than what it is.

Thanks for the quick response, but I think I found some good info about correcting overscan in NCPL.

Im actually starting to lean your way on this motherboard...question though: if I was to just get this motherboard now, along with an E8400 processor, and hold off on a video card (most likely for one of the newer cards that supports LPCM through HDMI) what kind of performance would I be getting now sans video card? Im wondering if this would at least be adequate, or just not work well at all.
Basically you can play all the 1080p/i contents smoothly except:

- BD movies (AVC) with PowerDVD, TMT, Nero

There are two ways to get lossless digital audio from the PC currently and in the near future:

- Use eac3to to create your own mkv files with FLAC audio track and play them with either G35 or GeForce 8200/8300, nForce 750a/780a SLI (the current only solution).

- Wait for PowerDVD 8.5 and use ASUS Xonar AV1 or Auzentech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 and HDMI Xtension card. G45 and HD 4850 may be added in the list of supported hardware by PowerDVD 8.5.

What about simply playing the BD through PDVD8 or TMT (om a G35, etc.)? Not sure what line you're drawing here.

What about simply playing the BD through PDVD8 or TMT (om a G35, etc.)? Not sure what line you're drawing here.
It depends on the definition of "lossless". Non-existence of PAP automatically means downsampling to 16bit/48kHz that's a kind of "lossy". To get the full resolution audio from the source > 16bit/48kHz, the above two are the only methods. That's the reason why many people in the G35 thread are talking about eac3to and FLAC.

It depends on the definition of "lossless". Non-existence of PAP automatically means downsampling to 16bit/48kHz that's a kind of "lossy". To get the full resolution audio from the source > 16bit/48kHz, the above two are the only methods. That's the reason why many people in the G35 thread are talking about eac3to and FLAC.

Gotcha... although I don't think anyone has confirmed that the 16-bit "downsample" is even audible? I've tried on the PS3 compared to TMT, and I can't tell a difference on my Sig setup.

This guide, very nice, says that right now there is no way to deliver Dolby HD and DTS equivalent out of the HTPC due to coaxial and fibre bandwith constraints.

But what about mobos with build in HDMI?

This guide, very nice, says that right now there is no way to deliver Dolby HD and DTS equivalent out of the HTPC due to coaxial and fibre bandwidth constraints.

But what about mobos with build in HDMI?
There is no way to get Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA bitstreams out of PC for two reasons:

1. Microsoft Vista/XP audio API does not support it.
2. Protected Audio Path (PAP) does not exist yet in PC so that an application player can't send bitstreams.

The best ways to get audio equivalent to TrueHD/DTS-HD MA bitstreams from PC right now are

1. LPCM (decoded from TrueHD/DTS-HD MA) over HDMI
2. Analog (converted from LPCM, which is decoded from TrueHD/DTS-HD MA)

But even LPCM decoded from TrueHD/DTS/HD MA is already donwnsampled by the player to 16-bit/48kHz because of the absence of PAP.

There is no way to get Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA bitstreams out of PC for two reasons:

1. Microsoft Vista/XP audio API does not support it.
2. Protected Audio Path (PAP) does not exist yet in PC so that an application player can't send bitstreams.


What's the estimated time frame for existence of these? I'm guessing PAP is hardware, so not easily/cheaply upgradeable once it's available?

Is it smart to hold on a high end build untill this is sorted?
thanks

What's the estimated time frame for existence of these? I'm guessing PAP is hardware, so not easily/cheaply upgradeable once it's available?

Is it smart to hold on a high end build untill this is sorted?
thanks
CyberLink is developing its own PAP and the upgcoming PowerDVD 8.5 (August?) will support it. PAP is similar to PVP: every audio signal transmitted through a user accessilbe path (e.g. PCI Express bus and HD Audio Link bus) is encrypted so that the sound device must be able to decrypt signal by hardware (like AES-128 Decryption Engine in video) or driver. At the initial release only two sound devices will support CyberLink's PAP: ASUS Xonar AV1 and Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1.

oh ok so this issue can be easily solved when the time comes.

With that i assume mobos with HDMI will have both video and 7.1 decoded truHD. But mobos without HDMI will have to use 1 of the two sound cards?

And is this why those particular sound cards will work?:

"Optical / Coaxial COMBO Port
The SPDIF Output port has 25mbps bandwidth and supports DTS-
HD/DolbyTrue HD. It is possible to shift between Optical and Coaxial in this port. Optical cable can be connected with the TOSLINK adaptor (included with soundcard)."
From Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1. http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php#specifications
and the fact that they will decrypt the PAP?

But with this, will most receivers have compatible 25mbps SPDIF? let alone accept 7.1 from SPDIF?

and with the prelude card, the 7.1 out of the SPDIF is already decoded streams?, so receiver doesn't have to have Dolby TruHD decoder?

thanks!

oh ok so this issue can be easily solved when the time comes.

With that i assume mobos with HDMI will have both video and 7.1 decoded truHD. But mobos without HDMI will have to use 1 of the two sound cards?

And is this why those particular sound cards will work?:

"Optical / Coaxial COMBO Port
The SPDIF Output port has 25mbps bandwidth and supports DTS-
HD/DolbyTrue HD. It is possible to shift between Optical and Coaxial in this port. Optical cable can be connected with the TOSLINK adaptor (included with soundcard)."
From Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1. http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php#specifications
and the fact that they will decrypt the PAP?

But with this, will most receivers have compatible 25mbps SPDIF? let alone accept 7.1 from SPDIF?

and with the prelude card, the 7.1 out of the SPDIF is already decoded streams?, so receiver doesn't have to have Dolby TruHD decoder?

thanks!
AFAIK the current mb LPCM HDMI (G35 and GeForce 8200) will not support PAP. So you hear only downsampled audio.

You need a daughter card called "HDMI Xtension" or something to get HDMI audio from X-Fi Prelude.

oh ok so this issue can be easily solved when the time comes.

With that i assume mobos with HDMI will have both video and 7.1 decoded truHD. But mobos without HDMI will have to use 1 of the two sound cards?

And is this why those particular sound cards will work?:

"Optical / Coaxial COMBO Port
The SPDIF Output port has 25mbps bandwidth and supports DTS-
HD/DolbyTrue HD. It is possible to shift between Optical and Coaxial in this port. Optical cable can be connected with the TOSLINK adaptor (included with soundcard)."
From Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1. http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php#specifications
and the fact that they will decrypt the PAP?

But with this, will most receivers have compatible 25mbps SPDIF? let alone accept 7.1 from SPDIF?

and with the prelude card, the 7.1 out of the SPDIF is already decoded streams?, so receiver doesn't have to have Dolby TruHD decoder?

thanks!

As far as I know, nothing will accept or send anything more than 2-channel uncompressed over SPDIF (optical or coax). The spec doesn't allow for it, even though the physical wire can handle it.

AFAIK the current mb LPCM HDMI (G35 and GeForce 8200) will not support PAP. So you hear only downsampled audio.


G35 does not support PAVP. G45 will.

As far as I know, nothing will accept or send anything more than 2-channel uncompressed over SPDIF (optical or coax). The spec doesn't allow for it, even though the physical wire can handle it.

The ADAT protocol, which can be used on Toslink cables with some receivers, can transmit 48-bit 24kHz 8-channel sound. However, this is a somewhat bizarre solution and supported by all of about three motherboards.

G35 does not support PAVP. G45 will.

I'm waiting with excitement for the G45 (and the HDMI audio cards).

I am tentatively optimistic. If our guys can get HW accel working (and 24p) we should see a nice chipset in a number of configurations.

The recent PC World Magazine has an article on building a HTPC - it recommends the following components:

mother board: ASUS M3A32-MVP
processor: AMD Athlon X2 BE 2400
graphics: ATI Radeon HD 3450
tv tuner: ATI TV Wonder 650
case: silver stone crown CW03-MT
power supply: antec neopower 650

Any comments?

Thanks,
Greg

Small tech company went out of business and their was an auction Saturday morning. I couldn't attend the auction but drove past after the auction that evening. Out by the loading dock were a bunch of desks and cabinets and a large crate holding a bunch of PCs all thrown in. I was pulling the systems out and they were mostly Pentium III in various states of ripped apart. Down in the bottom of the crate I found a HP workstation. This model :http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11976_div/11976_div.HTML

Looks to have the processors and 2GB of memory and one HD. It boots up into XP but I don't know the credentials to login.
I don't understand what a system like this was doing in a crate full of Pentium iii's but...hey this thing looks pretty decent for a couple years old!

Is this system capable of being used for an HTPC? It looks to have a graphics card with 2 DVI connectors. One of the connectors works the other didn't. But maybe it isn't configured??

Anyway, I'm going to try and reload XP onto it and see what happens but I was wondering what this system would need to be used for an HTPC. Looks to have an integrated audio card too but I suppose I could add a card that supports 5.1 analog outs to my A/V receiver.

-t

This has XP 64-bit loaded on it. Should I use the same OS or would 32-bit XP be fine?

I'm reluctant to post and ask this, with so much information out here. But now, I've been reading and am pretty confused. Thinking maybe I should just go with the low-end ATX system at the beginning of this thread. That being said, if anyone has the patience to read this and offer some thoughts, thanks so much.

On my first HTPC I put together 4 years ago, I did a LOT of reading, and in the end got bunch of stuff that for what I want to use it for was overkill at the time, some of which I've sold off. So, this time , I want to get by with the least expense needed, but don't want to be sorry I scrmpted if I miss on something I need.

So, here's what I want to do, in no particular order:


Move to VMC, likely with My Movies, replacing XP and DVD Lobby
Want to be able to play good quality HD movies, w/o fighting pauses and macro blocking
Want to be able to play quality music, although...
I don't plan, now anyway, to upgrade my Onkyo 7.1 sound system. It is not HDMI, and does not support DTS
Been using J River Media 10 with FLAC.
Occasional viewing of Internet based TV and NetFlix
Wake from sleep is important
Want to use Girder and remotes to allow theater lighting automation (Currently doing that on my old system)
Mouse/remote control integration
I do have a HD TV card (MDP-120...not sure it will work with Vista, but I think so), but never use it as I can only do HD OTA. So I use Dish DVR for that.


I"m hoping this system will be a little more WAF. Despite all the efforts with the remote programming for single button launch, etc, it still is more than she cares to do.

I currenlty use TheaterTEk. I can abandon that assuming easy, and quality video.

I've seen some comments about going with NVidia MOBOs that have it all on the board, but then, I think maybe they meant Nvidia based, not actually from Nvidia, as I don't see anything in the way of a MOBO from them. But the posts don't mention specific models.

I will likelyh use one of my other PCs to host the video files, to keep thte heat out of the HTPC itself. I"m doing that now, but am outgrowing the raided 200gb drives.

I guess that's enough for now. I"ve probably forgotten something.

Any thoughts on direction for hardware, or shall I just follow the ATX suggestion at the front of this post?

Oh, I will mention that my current MOBO is a DFI Lanparty Ultra II B. I've been happy with the performance and the sound has been good, from on-board, for me. Not enough power for the HD though. And maybe I should mention, I'll be playing throuh DVI (could do HDMI) to a SIM2 720P projector (link300) on a 92" screen.


Thanks!

The recent PC World Magazine has an article on building a HTPC - it recommends the following components:

mother board: ASUS M3A32-MVP
processor: AMD Athlon X2 BE 2400
graphics: ATI Radeon HD 3450
tv tuner: ATI TV Wonder 650
case: silver stone crown CW03-MT
power supply: antec neopower 650

Any comments?
A not so well-balanced system. M3A32-MVP is pricey because of ASUS and CrossFire (dual x16 graphics) which is of no use for HTPC. HD 3450 is the cheapest and weak graphics. I would choose a cheaper mb and choose a better grahics instead. BE-2400 is not bad, but you can buy 4850e with only $10 more.

Finally had enough pieces to put my HTPC together receiving some help. I have been purchasing parts for 4 to 5 months. I bought a HD/Blu-ray writer combo drive. I used only premium stuff. It is almost an exact copy of one of the recomended systems. I am using a 46 inch LCD as a monitor (1080p). I am really enjoying it even though I am still learning what to do with it. It is incredible as it should be with the help of this thread and forum. Helped a freind with one too and it is incredible also. Thank you very much.

Can anyone help me, i have a sony 40w2000 that im connecting to my 8800gtx via dvi to hdmi, the problem is i cant get any piture at all no matter what resolution i choose, nvidia control panel can see the tv and i can change settings for it, i have tried changing refresh rates but that didnt help.

I am using a 18 pin dvi and i know there is also a 24 pin, would that make a difference.

My computer recently stopped working and when it was tested by a local PC shop it was stated it needed a new motherboard. Instead of getting an identical replacement board, I thought about upgrading. Here are the listed specs and please offer any upgrade recommendations.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (C) DC 2.13 GHz 1066 MHz fsb
Chipset: Intel 945G
Motherboard: Asus P5LP-LE Leonite-GL8E -NEEDS REPLACEMENT!
Memory: 2 GB (Max 4GB x 1) PC2-4200 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM
Hard drive: 500 GB (2 x 250) SATA 3G (3.0 Gb/sec) 7200 rpm
Optical Drive: 16X DVD(+/-)R/RW 12X RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe SATA drive

Link to HP Pavilion Media Center m7760n (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00820224&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3339302&lang=en)

I am considering the following:
ABIT I-N73HD
XFX PVT84JUSD4 GeForce 8600

I would like to use this as a media center for lossless music, and possibly a HTPC for blu-ray/HD DVD down the road with the GGC-H20L.

I would prefer audio to be output via digital coax, as my preamp does not have HDMI. I would also like video to be output via HDMI (50" plasma) and VGA. When I make the move to blu-ray/HD DVD I may want to revisit audio as my preamp could use 8ch. analog.

Gaming will most likely be limited to Flight Simulators.

Thanks in advance!

My computer recently stopped working and when it was tested by a local PC shop it was stated it needed a new motherboard. Instead of getting an identical replacement board, I thought about upgrading. Here are the listed specs and please offer any upgrade recommendations.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (C) DC 2.13 GHz 1066 MHz fsb
Chipset: Intel 945G
Motherboard: Asus P5LP-LE Leonite-GL8E -NEEDS REPLACEMENT!
Memory: 2 GB (Max 4GB x 1) PC2-4200 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM
Hard drive: 500 GB (2 x 250) SATA 3G (3.0 Gb/sec) 7200 rpm
Optical Drive: 16X DVD(+/-)R/RW 12X RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe SATA drive

Link to HP Pavilion Media Center m7760n (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00820224&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3339302&lang=en)

I am considering the following:
ABIT I-N73HD
XFX PVT84JUSD4 GeForce 8600

I would like to use this as a media center for lossless music, and possibly a HTPC for blu-ray/HD DVD down the road with the GGC-H20L.

I would prefer audio to be output via digital coax, as my preamp does not have HDMI. I would also like video to be output via HDMI (50" plasma) and VGA. When I make the move to blu-ray/HD DVD I may want to revisit audio as my preamp could use 8ch. analog.

Gaming will most likely be limited to Flight Simulators.

Thanks in advance!

Since you already have a core2duo you may as well get a g35 motherboard. This is the only motherboard supported by intel processors that can output lossless (HDMI Hi Resolution) currently. In addition, 99% of modern motherboards out there will be able to output audio via digital coax (or optical which can be turned into digital coax with an adapter) This allows you to have your music server for lossless music (Via the digital output) and would allow you to also have lossless HD audio in the future with bluray discs (Of course you need a blu ray drive and a receiver with HDMI audio, I don't think you can get HD audio with analog outputs)

A caveat is that G35 does not support PAP. So you will get only downsampled audio (if your receiver supports HDMI). G45 is better (but only if your receiver support HDMI 1.3), but available only July at the earliest. Better solutions are coming every half year. By the time you buy a HDMI-capable receiver, everything will be outdated. :) I-N73HD + GeForce 8600 is a good option at this time.

A caveat is that G35 does not support PAP. So you will get only downsampled audio (if your receiver supports HDMI). G45 is better (but only if your receiver support HDMI 1.3), but available only July at the earliest. Better solutions are coming every half year. By the time you buy a HDMI-capable receiver, everything will be outdated. :) I-N73HD + GeForce 8600 is a good option at this time.

Will the I-N73HD + GeForce 8600 work well with the E6400 2.13 GHz processor?

Would you recommend anything else along with the purchase of the motherboard/video card to better suit my HP Pavilion Media Center m7760n PC?

Also, does the I-N73HD have digital coax out?

Will the I-N73HD + GeForce 8600 work well with the E6400 2.13 GHz processor?

Would you recommend anything else along with the purchase of the motherboard/video card to better suit my HP Pavilion Media Center m7760n PC?

Also, does the I-N73HD have digital coax out?
The motherboard works with E6400. It has an optical out in the rear panel, but you will need a coax bracket (building it yourself is easy; see this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13230868#post13230868)). I think the onboard video (GeForce 7100) is good enough for your current purpose (at least much better than 945G) so you may postpone buying a graphics card until you buy a BD drive. By then a better solution (e.g. a card with a HDMI 1.3 audio controller built-in) may be available. But it matters only if you buy a HDMI receiver...

Will the I-N73HD + GeForce 8600 work well with the E6400 2.13 GHz processor?

Would you recommend anything else along with the purchase of the motherboard/video card to better suit my HP Pavilion Media Center m7760n PC?

Also, does the I-N73HD have digital coax out?

For what it's worth, I think that's a mistake. You probably should just go with the G35 for now, and upgrade to the G45 later (or G55/65/75 or whatever when you're ready).

The G35 works well for a HTPC, and has been proven for a few months. Right now, it's your best option for HDMI audio + video. Sounds like you don't need HDMI audio right away, but if you're going that direction, you might as well start with the basics now. It has SPDIF out.

And the G35 just works great. Only issue is no 24p output right now, which isn't a huge deal for most.

This review of the N73HD wasn't very positive, even preferring the G35:
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1423/15/page_15_final_thoughts/index.html

For what it's worth, I think that's a mistake. You probably should just go with the G35 for now, and upgrade to the G45 later (or G55/65/75 or whatever when you're ready).

The G35 works well for a HTPC, and has been proven for a few months. Right now, it's your best option for HDMI audio + video. Sounds like you don't need HDMI audio right away, but if you're going that direction, you might as well start with the basics now. It has SPDIF out.

And the G35 just works great. Only issue is no 24p output right now, which isn't a huge deal for most.

This review of the N73HD wasn't very positive, even preferring the G35:
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1423/15/page_15_final_thoughts/index.html

For this setup, I wont be going to HDMI audio, as a Nuforce AVP16 will be used, along with a Emotiva XPA-5 amp and some DIY speakers (statements)...

What recommended software do I need to purchase for blu-ray/HD DVD playback for the GGC-H20L drive...? I didn't see this drive listed under the compatibility list for Power DVD8 Ultra.

Also, which adaptor would I use to connect the sound card to a preamp for MC lossless audio, or are there other alternatives? I am assuming both would work...

Male RCA to female 3.5mm http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/6801.jpg
Female RCA to male 3.5mm http://www.rpelectronics.com/Data/362-115.JPG

What recommended software do I need to purchase for blu-ray/HD DVD playback for the GGC-H20L drive...? I didn't see this drive listed under the compatibility list for Power DVD8 Ultra.

Also, which adaptor would I use to connect the sound card to a preamp for MC lossless audio, or are there other alternatives?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040109&p_id=680&seq=1&format=2
http://www.rpelectronics.com/Default.asp?Main=/English/OnlineCat.asp?Menu=/English/Content/Categories/CatM_24.asp%26Detail=/English/Content/Divisions/Div_24_850.asp
ArcSoft TotalMedia Theater and CyberLink PowerDVD 8 Ultra both work well with GGC-H20L. Trial versions are available for both.

That adapter is not a correct one. You need four 3.5mm stereo plug/2 RCA jack cables (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=666&seq=1&format=2). 4 x 2 channel = 8 channel.

Creative cards require special cables.

ArcSoft TotalMedia Theater and CyberLink PowerDVD 8 Ultra both work well with GGC-H20L. Trial versions are available for both.

That adapter is not a correct one. You need four 3.5mm stereo plug/2 RCA jack cables (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=666&seq=1&format=2). 4 x 2 channel = 8 channel.

Creative cards require special cables.

Great. That makes sense. Thanks for the replies!

I've been reading the posts, asking questions and gettting good feedback...like most, I'm still confused though.

I'm looking for a HTPC that will output video via HDMI(up to 1080P) as well as audio.

Currently, I plan on having my HTPC connected directly to my Plasma TV. I'd like an HDMI out on my HTPC that can handle video as well as audio. Obviously I'm not going to get an HD audio out of my tv speakers...That said, when I put a Blu Ray into my PS3 which has DTS HD Audio, it plays on my TV and shows "DTS-HD MA"...I'm assuming it somehow down converts to something my TV can handle...I'm assuming if it were hooked up to a Receiver it would play in something other than the 2.1 my tv outputs.

Basically, I'm looking/hoping for this capability in my HTPC. Is there anything out there I can put into my HTPC that can output HD Video (1080P) and audio (DTS HD or DTS or Dolby True HD) to my TV Speakers (not necessarily HD Audio) DD or 2.1 would be fine.

In the future I'll look to upgrade to something that can handle both HD video and Audio.

I've heard of the G35 and 780G as I've looked into them both...can either of these handle this?

Thanks for helping a confused guy out

Is there anything out there I can put into my HTPC that can output HD Video (1080P) and audio (DTS HD or DTS or Dolby True HD) to my TV Speakers (not necessarily HD Audio) DD or 2.1 would be fine.
Right now you can't get DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD (HDMI 1.3 audio) from PC. The best you get is 7.1 LPCM (G35 and GeForce 8200). There will be two sound cards that support HDMI 1.3 (ASUS Xonar AV1 and Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1). Intel G45 and possibly ATI Radeon HD 4800 series cards will also support HDMI 1.3.

renethx,

I just want to make sure I understand what you're saying...all I'm looking for is something that can take the DTS HD/Dolby True and output in a non-hd audio such as DD, not play it in that format??

This is my concern...I just bought Rambo on Blu Ray for example...I put the Blu Ray (1080P and DTS HD) on my HP MediaSmart Server. I'd like to stream that movie to my HTPC and play it through Vista Media Center...what you're saying is the HTPC won't do anything with the audio since its in DTS HD???

I appreciate your help on this

When you say the G45 will support HDMI 1.3, does this mean the HD Video and DTS HD/Dolby True???

all I'm looking for is something that can take the DTS HD/Dolby True and output in a non-hd audio such as DD, not play it in that format??

When you say the G45 will support HDMI 1.3, does this mean the HD Video and DTS HD/Dolby True???
Then any PC with S/PDIF or HDMI out can do that (i.e. getting BD streams from a server and outputting 1080p video/DD audio).

HDMI 1.3-capable PC can output DTS-HD MA and TrueHD bitstreams.

I was just curious if any budget HTPC cases have IR control for On/Off? I was looking at the Antec Fusion 430 and wasn't sure if the IR control also allowed for power on/off...

Anyone striped a few velociraptors yet? Just curious as to if anyone's had problems at all.

I was just curious if any budget HTPC cases have IR control for On/Off? I was looking at the Antec Fusion 430 and wasn't sure if the IR control also allowed for power on/off...
Yes Fusion 430 remote control for power on/off. You can use IMON inside/LCD for this purpose.

Thank you to renethx and everyone for a great thread.

I need an HDMI video card that can also pass the onboard audio from my Dell Optiplex 745 through that same HDMI cable to my plasma TV. I don't need anything too fancy as far as sound goes, but I do need to play 1080i content, and I do need both audio and video to run through a single HDMI cable from the PC to the TV. Gaming is not a concern. Can you guys suggest a good card for this?

Thanks.

Thank you to renethx and everyone for a great thread.

I need an HDMI video card that can also pass the onboard audio from my Dell Optiplex 745 through that same HDMI cable to my plasma TV. I don't need anything too fancy as far as sound goes, but I do need to play 1080i content, and I do need both audio and video to run through a single HDMI cable from the PC to the TV. Gaming is not a concern. Can you guys suggest a good card for this?

Thanks.
I assume your motherboard does not have an internal S/PDIF header. ATI Radeon HD 3650 is a good choice.

I assume your motherboard does not have an internal S/PDIF header. ATI Radeon HD 3650 is a good choice.

Thanks for the quick reply. Just to clarify, are you saying any 3650 with DVI connectors will do, or specifically the ones that have a HDMI port built into the cards, because I don't see how the DVI connectors (which is video only?) even with those DVI-HDMI adapters, would pass the audio through the HDMI cable? Am I missing something?

Also, would your answer change if I did have an internal SPDIF header?

What about the 8500GT?

Thanks.

Thanks for the quick reply. Just to clarify, are you saying any 3650 with DVI connectors will do, or specifically the ones that have a HDMI port built into the cards, because I don't see how the DVI connectors (which is video only?) even with those DVI-HDMI adapters, would pass the audio through the HDMI cable? Am I missing something?

Also, would your answer change if I did have an internal SPDIF header?

What about the 8500GT?
All the latest ATI graphics chipsets include HDMI audio controller. What you need is a special DVI-HDMI dongle. Make sure you buy a proper dongle or buy a card that comes with a dongle or has a HDMI out.

None of the NVIDIA discrete GPU includes HDMI audio controller. However many cards have an S/PDID connector and support S/PDIF pass-through. What you need is a generic DVI-HDMI dongle (and the mb's S/PDID header and a 2-pin digital audio cable). All the NVIDIA models I recommended in Recommended Systems (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972#RecSys) support it.

Well, I didn't get any replies to my earlier post, so I guess the route to go is with the basic ATX system in the beginning of the thread.

But these latest posts re: sound do have me wondering best method for good sound.

My Receiver is an Onkyo TX-DS898.The specs I think may pertinenant to this question are:


110 Watts RMS to each of 7 channels
7 Channel Amp
7 Assignable Digital Inputs (4 optical/3 Coax)
THX Surround EX
THX Select Certified
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logice II
DTS, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS=ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS Neo:6
Non-Scaling Configuration


I do have 7 Speakers setup and a Sub.

It seems I don't see that many movies that have THX. Some that I play sound really good on my setup, and some I think "Seems like there should be more there...".

Anyway, I don't anticipate updating the receiver right now (but may some time). But I would like to maximize what I have. Considering that I want to get a system that will play the HD/Blue-Ray DVDs (ripped to disk, some of them), and sound is important, should I get a sound card? Or will this system not take advantage of that? I"ve read about what sounds like 'mobos that are coming' with built in good sound, but no matter when we do these things, there is always something coming if we wait.

Thoughts?

Well, I didn't get any replies to my earlier post, so I guess the route to go is with the basic ATX system in the beginning of the thread.

But these latest posts re: sound do have me wondering best method for good sound.

My Receiver is an Onkyo TX-DS898. I do have 7 Speakers setup and a Sub.

It seems I don't see that many movies that have THX. Some that I play sound really good on my setup, and some I think "Seems like there should be more there...".

Anyway, I don't anticipate updating the receiver right now (but may some time). But I would like to maximize what I have. Considering that I want to get a system that will play the HD/Blue-Ray DVDs (ripped to disk, some of them), and sound is important, should I get a sound card? Or will this system not take advantage of that? I"ve read about what sounds like 'mobos that are coming' with built in good sound, but no matter when we do these things, there is always something coming if we wait.
The basic ATX system is perhaps too basic for your system in video/audio. S/PDIF and a motherboard supporting DTS Connect is a good choice for your system (every audio from your PC is encoded into DTS and your receiver decodes it). You surely need a HDMI receiver to enjoy the latest sound formats, but this is not your option right now. So a possible system is:

- Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 (or Pentium Dual-Core E2220 or Core 2 Duo E8400 depending on your budget)
- GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 (supporting DTS Connect)
- DDR2-800 2 x 2GB
- ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650

By the time you upgrade your receiver, you will be able to buy a much better video/audio solution like a graphics card supporting HDMI 1.3 audio bitstream. So you don't have to worry about the upgrade path in future (that's why expansion slots are there).

Well, I didn't get any replies to my earlier post, so I guess the route to go is with the basic ATX system in the beginning of the thread.

But these latest posts re: sound do have me wondering best method for good sound.

My Receiver is an Onkyo TX-DS898.The specs I think may pertinenant to this question are:


110 Watts RMS to each of 7 channels
7 Channel Amp
7 Assignable Digital Inputs (4 optical/3 Coax)
THX Surround EX
THX Select Certified
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logice II
DTS, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS=ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS Neo:6
Non-Scaling Configuration


I do have 7 Speakers setup and a Sub.

It seems I don't see that many movies that have THX. Some that I play sound really good on my setup, and some I think "Seems like there should be more there...".

Anyway, I don't anticipate updating the receiver right now (but may some time). But I would like to maximize what I have. Considering that I want to get a system that will play the HD/Blue-Ray DVDs (ripped to disk, some of them), and sound is important, should I get a sound card? Or will this system not take advantage of that? I"ve read about what sounds like 'mobos that are coming' with built in good sound, but no matter when we do these things, there is always something coming if we wait.

Thoughts?

No need for the additional soundcard. Most motherboards have digital outputs, which may as well all have been created equal. Some motherboards also support DD Live/DTS Connect which is sometimes nice, sometimes not.

I was just wondering if I have a good preamp (NuForce AVP 16), would it be better to use a digital audio connection (optical or coax) or use the analog outs on a sound card to have lossless LPCM for blu-ray/HD DVD...?

I was just wondering if I have a good preamp (NuForce AVP 16), would it be better to use a digital audio connection (optical or coax) or use the analog outs on a sound card to have lossless LPCM for blu-ray/HD DVD...?

You should use:

a) Optical/Coax out for compressed digital, or
b) HDMI out for digital LPCM (lossless) audio (only G35 and 8200 right now)

Analog sound cards generally aren't that great (the DACs), and most AVRs gut all the processing and speaker calibration when you use analog inputs.

which is better?

Samsung F1 HD322HJ or WD3200AAKS


Just wondering if there is a specific reason to pick the WD over the F1?

Anyone tried any of the tri-core CPUs from AMD? I'm upgrading one of my HTPCs (Currently E6600+HD 2400 on P965 chipset) to a 8300 based board with HDMI (8300 is just an upgrade from 8200 right?) And then I need a AM2+ CPU aswell.

I have another HTPC with a Phenom 9500+AMD780G, and I'm mostly happy, but is it nessecary to get a Phenom 9850 or will a 8750 be able to do the job?

I want to upscale DVDs, and watch 1080p mkvs.

Anyone tried any of the tri-core CPUs from AMD? I'm upgrading one of my HTPCs (Currently E6600+HD 2400 on P965 chipset) to a 8300 based board with HDMI (8300 is just an upgrade from 8200 right?) And then I need a AM2+ CPU aswell.

I have another HTPC with a Phenom 9500+AMD780G, and I'm mostly happy, but is it nessecary to get a Phenom 9850 or will a 8750 be able to do the job?

I want to upscale DVDs, and watch 1080p mkvs.

Where are you getting the 8300? It's not available as far as I can tell.

Check the 8200 thread. A few folks are using the 8200 with the Phenom xx50's, and it's working well (and you get the extra HT3 or whatever).

which is better?

Samsung F1 HD322HJ or WD3200AAKS


Just wondering if there is a specific reason to pick the WD over the F1?

Go with the WD7500AAKS. Cost about the same (only slightly more).

The WD runs cooler and quieter than the Samsung, from what I have read.

Where are you getting the 8300? It's not available as far as I can tell.

Check the 8200 thread. A few folks are using the 8200 with the Phenom xx50's, and it's working well (and you get the extra HT3 or whatever).

http://www.amentio.no/PartDetail.aspx?q=p:1951348

Which should be this card if I'm not mistaken.

http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=149&l3=676&l4=0&model=2181&modelmenu=1

Sorry to sound like a noob as usual, but if a G35 is being used for lossless audio, and then a gfx card like the 8600 is added, does that affect the lossless audio from the motherboard?

Sorry to sound like a noob as usual, but if a G35 is being used for lossless audio, and then a gfx card like the 8600 is added, does that affect the lossless audio from the motherboard?

G35 doesn't do hybrid anything, so I'm not aware of anyone who has bothered with a secondary gfx card (since it would require two HDMI cables, kind of defeating the purpose).

The 8200 kinda sorta supports this, or it will at some point, so check out that thread (AMD only right now).

Taking the plunge, using mostly renethx recommendations, with the following:

CPU: Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz Socket 775 $133.00
CPU Cooler: Zerotherm BTF90 $30.00
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R Intel P35 chipset ATX $120.00
Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $25 $48.00
Graphics Card: ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650 $90.00
HDD: Samsung HD501LJ 500GB $90.00
PSU: Antec NeoPower 430 $70.00
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC20M SST-LC20B-M $140.00
AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe OEM $90.00
LG GGC-H20L $200.00

Questions:
1. Will I have any problems using a Linux OS with this setup?
2. I want to confirm that I will be setup for HD and 5.1 sound.
3. The case seems a little hard to find and does not come with fans. Any recommendations for fans? Any other case recomendations in the mid range price with VFD/IR?

Thanks

Taking the plunge, using mostly renethx recommendations, with the following:

CPU: Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz Socket 775 $133.00
CPU Cooler: Zerotherm BTF90 $30.00
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R Intel P35 chipset ATX $120.00
Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $25 $48.00
Graphics Card: ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650 $90.00
HDD: Samsung HD501LJ 500GB $90.00
PSU: Antec NeoPower 430 $70.00
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC20M SST-LC20B-M $140.00
AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe OEM $90.00
LG GGC-H20L $200.00

Questions:
1. Will I have any problems using a Linux OS with this setup?
2. I want to confirm that I will be setup for HD and 5.1 sound.
3. The case seems a little hard to find and does not come with fans. Any recommendations for fans? Any other case recomendations in the mid range price with VFD/IR?

Thanks

I assume you're planning on playing BluRay / HD-DVD movies since you chose that optical drive - What software are you planning on using in Linux to do this? Last I read, success has been limited (i.e. no sound) and that is after ripping the movies to the hard drive. If you want to just put in the disk and play, I don't think that's currently an option in Linux.

2) The current ATI cards only support 2 channel PCM or 5.1 SPDIF (Dolby Digital & DTS) so you won't be able to output any of the HD audio formats over that card (in Windows, have no idea what sort of support AMD / ATI has in their drivers for Linux)

Regarding playing HD movies in Linux, I heard of some software called DecryptHD that allows for realtime decryption, streaming to mplayer or another player to play. I read about it in the doom9 forums, but as I don't have a drive yet, I haven't been able to try it. The creator reported that it works for titles that he's tried, but I don't expect it to work without fiddling or universally.

Sorry to sound like a noob as usual, but if a G35 is being used for lossless audio, and then a gfx card like the 8600 is added, does that affect the lossless audio from the motherboard?
This is a frequently asked question despite Ab's firm belief that everybody must be thinking exactly the same way as his way ("defeat the purpose" or something). :) For example,

- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13368309#post13368309)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13240686#post13240686)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13217488#post13217488)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13100461#post13100461)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13353111#post13353111)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12201991#post12201991)
- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13053797#post13053797)

You can't use a discrete graphics card and G35's onboard HDMI audio at the same time at least under Vista (unless Intel makes its own discrete graphics cards) because of the following reason:

- MultiMonitor Support and Windows Vista (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/display/multimonVista.mspx)

A partly success story with ASUS P5E-V HDMI (G35, ATX) under XP is:

- here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13101172#post13101172)

On the other hand, you can use a discrete video card with GeForce 8200's onboard HDMI audio (7.1 lossless) exactly for the same reason as above. Read the following post:

- Any GeForce graphics card + GeForce 8200 HDMI audio work together perfectly! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13897618#post13897618)

Thanks for the replies. I am still deciding on what route to go.

Currently I am leaning towards the G35. I plan on using Intel and there doesn't seem to be many other choices for lossless audio. I looked into Intel's version of the 8200 and didn't come up with much.

If I decided to go with a gfx card like the 4850, what board would you recommend?

I assume I could probably skimp on the processor and use something like the E2220 if I had a dedicated card, opposed to probably running a Q6600 with the G35.

I really do appreciate all the help as I want to make sure I get the best option for my budget. Nothings worse than spending a bunch of $ and then wishing I got something else.

If I decided to go with a gfx card like the 4850, what board would you recommend?
Basically you can use any mb with Radeon HD 4850 because the video card provides both video and audio. Lots of P45 boards (all ATX) will be available soon (the official release date is June 3rd, 2008). For example, GIGABYTE P45 mbs are here (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_List.aspx?VenderType=Intel&CPUType=socket+775#Intel%20P45). If you like a mATX, then ASUS P5K-VM ($105), GIGABYTE GA-G33M-S2L ($95), GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L ($65).

I assume you're planning on playing BluRay / HD-DVD movies since you chose that optical drive - What software are you planning on using in Linux to do this? Last I read, success has been limited (i.e. no sound) and that is after ripping the movies to the hard drive. If you want to just put in the disk and play, I don't think that's currently an option in Linux.

2) The current ATI cards only support 2 channel PCM or 5.1 SPDIF (Dolby Digital & DTS) so you won't be able to output any of the HD audio formats over that card (in Windows, have no idea what sort of support AMD / ATI has in their drivers for Linux)

As for Linux, I like the open source idea, and I'm a big XBMC fan and they are porting that to Linux.

It looks like the P45 boards are just around the corner, so I'm going to wait a bit, I think, before I do anything.

Hopfully, the cost of the new boards wont be to high, otherwise, I'll stay with the P35's and swap later, I don't know, it's a mad business!!

GIGABYTE P45 motherboards are brilliant!

GIGABYTE P45 motherboards are brilliant!

Do you have a suggested mid range system recommendation using the P45?

Would you think Gigibyte EP-45 is > Asus P5Q3 Deluxe?

I am going to research the P45 boards as they look sweet.

Do you have a suggested mid range system recommendation using the P45?

Mid-Range ATX System

P45 is a brilliant chipset that will last longer than any other Intel chipsets (because this is the last chipset for LGA 775). GA-EP45-DS3R, the successor to GA-EP35-DS3R, supports dual PCIe 2.0 x8, fully usable three PCIe x1 slots, dual PCIe Gb LAN with teaming and IEEE 1394. It's a very well-balanced mid-range motherboard (maybe the best I have ever seen). But what we really need is a better video/audio solution. In this sense, the next mid-range system is a bit boring (until HD 4650 is released): just replace the mb of the current system with GA-EP35-DS3 or GA-EP35-DS3R.

CPU: Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz Socket 775, $133.
CPU Cooler: ZEROtherm BTF90, $30 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 chipset ATX, $?
Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $25 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Graphics Card: ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650, $90.
HDD: Western Digital WD3200AAKS 320GB SATA, $64.
PSU: Seasonic M12II-430, $86.
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC20M SST-LC20B-M, $190.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=111899

High-End ATX System

The next high-end system (tentative) is more exciting.

CPU: Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00GHz Socket 775, $200.
CPU Cooler: ZEROtherm BTF90, $30 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS5 Intel P45 chipset ATX (dual PCIe 2.0 x8, fully usable three PCIe x1 slots, 10 SATA ports, dual PCIe Gb LAN with teaming, Dolby Home Theater and IEEE 1394), $?
Memory: A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Kit, $82.
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 4850 (supports 7.1 LPCM HDMI audio and possibly HDMI 1.3 audio), $199
HDD: Western Digital WD3200AAKS 320GB SATA, $64.
PSU: Enermax MODU82+ 525W EMD525AWT, $118.
Case: SilverStone Grandia GD01-MX SST-GD01B-MXR, $235.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=111900

BTW I decided to start a new thread instead of incrementally change the contents, and perhaps write a new guide every half a year, July and January every year (until my passion continues), partly because the thread became too long and because I want to keep older guides intact as a record of past HTPC systems.

Would you think Gigibyte EP-45 is > Asus P5Q3 Deluxe?

I am going to research the P45 boards as they look sweet.
At least feature-wise ASUS P5Q3 Deluxe (or any other mb of any brand) can't compete with GA-EP45-DS5 and GA-EP45-DQ6. And I don't think it's a good idea to choose DDR3 over DDR2 at this time.

This is a frequently asked question despite Ab's firm belief that everybody must be thinking exactly the same way as his way ("defeat the purpose" or something). :)

If you mean my point of "why would anyone ever use two HDMI cables from a single device (one for video and one for sound), except as a temporary workaround"?

Yes, I stick to that. Anyone who claims differently is justifying something odd. You would never buy a BD player or video game system that required you to plug in two separate HDMI cables to get video and sound.

(I'm talking HDMI here, not component/optical or some other combination. And I'm not talking testing or temporary workaround.)

Anyway, this is sort of a pointless discussion as the G35 (Intel) and 8200 (AMD) now both seem to work fine with a single cable, and more options are coming later this year hopefully (like the HDMI sound card with video passthrough, the Radeon gfx card with HDMI audio, and the G45 and 8300 Intel/AMD mbs).

Sort of an indication that the component manufacturers also see one HDMI cable as the only viable solution.

At least feature-wise ASUS P5Q3 Deluxe (or any other mb of any brand) can't compete with GA-EP45-DS5 and GA-EP45-DQ6. And I don't think it's a good idea to choose DDR3 over DDR2 at this time.

Sounds good. Thanks!

Another question is 45nm vs. 65nm and DC vs. QC for HTPC/gaming use.

Ex: Would the E8400 be a better solution than a Q6600.

Sounds good. Thanks!

Another question is 45nm vs. 65nm and DC vs. QC for HTPC/gaming use.

Ex: Would the E8400 be a better solution than a Q6600.
65 nm is an old technology. QC 45 nm is good for CPU-intensive tasks such as transcoding. Otherwise DC 45 nm is enough.

Great. Thanks again.

Thanks renethx for the specs

The new P45 boards look really good! One questions though, what is "Dolby Home Theater" all about on the new boards. Is this better or worst than "DTS Connect"? Also, does any of it matter once we have the new Radeon HD 4850 cards? Any links I can research the info on?

I have a Denon receiver so I found that I'll have trouble with some HDMI audio solutions like that with the G35. :( So I'm looking for an alternative.

Thanks for all the GREAT info renethx!

The new P45 boards look really good! One questions though, what is "Dolby Home Theater" all about on the new boards. Is this better or worst than "DTS Connect"? Also, does any of it matter once we have the new Radeon HD 4850 cards? Any links I can research the info on?

I have a Denon receiver so I found that I'll have trouble with some HDMI audio solutions like that with the G35. :( So I'm looking for an alternative.

Thanks for all the GREAT info renethx!
Basically Dolby Home Theater offers functions equivalent to DTS Connect. Which is better is another subject. Of course these technologies matter only when your receiver does not support HDMI.

I was wondering what thoughts any might have on the specs on a server and extender I am looking at. Any comments would be welcome! They are:

Zalman Aluminum/Steel Chassis HT Enclosure
Intel Core2Duo 2.53 FSB 1066 MHz 3 Meg Cache
Intel Media Edition ATX Motherboard
3 GB DDR2 1066 MHZ FSB
X-Fi Extreme Audio
4 750 GB Western Digital 7200 RPM 16 GB Cache Superfast Drives (Storage)
1 320 GB Western Digital 7200 RPM 16 GB Cache (Boot Drive)
Nvidia Gforce 8600GT Silent Video Card
Pioneer Blu-Ray Drive
MS IR Remote and Eye
Wireless R/F Keyboard with Touchpad
MS Vista Ultimate 64 Bit
PowerDVD 8
AnyDVD HD
Mymovies OEM

Media Center Extender

Mini Enclosure
Intel Core2Duo 2.2 FSB 800
Intel Media Edition mATX w/ onboard sound and video
1 GB DDR 800 MHz FSB
1 320 GN Western Digital 7200 RPM drive
Lite-on DVD/CD Burner
MS IR Remote and Eye
Wireless R/F Keyboard w/ Touchpad
MS Vista Ultimate 64 bit
Mymovies OEM

I'm in the process of putting together componentents for an HTPC.
I found a pretty good deal (I think?) on a VisionTek-ATI RADEON HD3870 OC 512MB GDDR4 for $120. Would this suffice for, or would it be better to wait for the newer Radeon cards? I haven't purchased a motherboard or processor yet, waiting for some to the new MB's to launch. Plan on going Intel based. Mostly HTPC and internet surfing little or no gaming.
I can still return the card if I would be better off waiting.
any guidance appreciated
thanks in advance

I'm in the process of putting together componentents for an HTPC.
I found a pretty good deal (I think?) on a VisionTek-ATI RADEON HD3870 OC 512MB GDDR4 for $120. Would this suffice for, or would it be better to wait for the newer Radeon cards? I haven't purchased a motherboard or processor yet, waiting for some to the new MB's to launch. Plan on going Intel based. Mostly HTPC and internet surfing little or no gaming.
I can still return the card if I would be better off waiting.
any guidance appreciated
thanks in advance

It depends on what sound you would like to get. If it's S/PDIF, keep HD 3870. If it's multichannel LPCM HDMI audio, then HD 4850 ($199) is the only choice at this time (except the IGP solutions G33/G35, GeForce 8200/8300, nForce 750a/780a SLI).

At least feature-wise ASUS P5Q3 Deluxe (or any other mb of any brand) can't compete with GA-EP45-DS5 and GA-EP45-DQ6. And I don't think it's a good idea to choose DDR3 over DDR2 at this time.

Do you have projected pricing of these models?

I found the DQ6 over at thepotterhouse.net and it was $505, but I'm assuming that's Singapore currency.

It depends on what sound you would like to get. If it's S/PDIF, keep HD 3870. If it's multichannel LPCM HDMI audio, then HD 4850 ($199) is the only choice at this time (except the IGP solutions G33/G35, GeForce 8200/8300, nForce 750a/780a SLI).

Is the 4850 model @ $199 DDR3 or DDR5?

GDDR3

http://www.tomshardware.tw/550,news-550.html (RV770 PRO = HD 4850, RV770 XT = HD 4870)

GDDR3

http://www.tomshardware.tw/550,news-550.html (RV770 PRO = HD 4850, RV770 XT = HD 4870)

That's what I thought. Either way it doesn't matter to me, I was just curious :)

This is my new projected HTPC/gaming build:

Gigabyte GA-EP45-DQ6 or DS5 Motherboard
Pentium Quad-Core Q9300 Processor
ATI Radeon 4850 GFX Card
A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Ram
WD WD10EACS 1TB Hard Drive
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD & DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L Optical Drive
SilverStone CW02 or GD01 Case
Enermax MODU82+ 525W EMD525AWT Power Supply
Scythe NINJA MINI or ZEROtherm BTF90 CPU Cooler
Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Premium SP1 Operating System
Microsoft Wireless Bluetooth Entertainment Desktop 7000 or Logitech diNovo Mini

Gaming will include WoW and Flight Simulators. I will eventually upgrade to 6 internal (or possibly external if excess heat is an issue) 1TB HD's.

HDMI will go to Onkyo 805 for lossless audio, and then pass 1080p to Sammy 6187w.

The last months I was waiting for AMD 780g chipset. Now that's released I bumped into this forum. This chipset is advised in the low-end system. Why is that? Is Intel's 45g the answer tho this chipset? The last posts are all about the p45 chipset, why is this better then an AMD solution?

Another subject is the sound. I have an Onkyo r508 receiver with: DTS®, DTS® 96/24, DTS® Neo:6 5.1, Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Pro Logic® II. So the HD 4650 is overkill because my reveiver doesn't handle LPCM? Is the HD 3650 is the best solution for me when I choose for an Intel chipset?

This is my new projected HTPC/gaming build:

Gigabyte GA-EP45-DQ6 or DS5 Motherboard
Pentium Quad-Core Q9300 Processor
ATI Radeon 4850 GFX Card
A-DATA ADQVE1B16K DDR2-800 2 x 2GB Ram
WD WD10EACS 1TB Hard Drive
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD & DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L Optical Drive
SilverStone CW02 or GD01 Case
Enermax MODU82+ 525W EMD525AWT Power Supply
Scythe NINJA MINI or ZEROtherm BTF90 CPU Cooler
Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Premium SP1 Operating System
Microsoft Wireless Bluetooth Entertainment Desktop 7000 or Logitech diNovo Mini

Gaming will include WoW and Flight Simulators. I will eventually upgrade to 6 internal (or possibly external if excess heat is an issue) 1TB HD's.

HDMI will go to Onkyo 805 for lossless audio, and then pass 1080p to Sammy 6187w.

For a few dollars more, you might want to get the Q9450 that has a slightly higher clock speed and 12MB of cache. Microcenter has the Q9450 retail box revision for only $25 more than Newegg sells the Q9300. (or $50 less than Newegg's Q9450)

Either of them are probably over kill...... I am currently deciding between the E8400 or the Q9450.

For a few dollars more, you might want to get the Q9450 that has a slightly higher clock speed and 12MB of cache. Microcenter has the Q9450 retail box revision for only $25 more than Newegg sells the Q9300. (or $50 less than Newegg's Q9450)

Either of them are probably over kill...... I am currently deciding between the E8400 or the Q9450.

I agree the Quad is overkill, and I know I "should" go with the E8400, but I just want the Quad for some unjustified reason :)

Thanks for the Q9450 tip, as I will check it out!

HI All,

I wanted to post what I have spec'ed out for my first HTPC as well as my first PC build. My use will be as a DVR, host my music and movies I own. It will be connected to a LCD TV and 5.1 speaker set up.

Please review and let me know what changes you recommend.

Thanks,


CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2
Motherboard ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Power Rosewill Stallion Series Single 12cm Ball Bearing Fan RD450-2-SB ATX V2.2 450W
TV Card Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1800 MCE
Vid Card Sapphire 100236l Radeon 512 meg
HD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB
HD Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB
RAM G.Skill 4 gig DDR2 800 (2x2gig)
HTPC Case Silverstone LC17-B atx
DVD RW SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM
Blu Ray DVD ROM Sony BDUX10S SATA Blu-ray Disc-ROM Drive

HI All,

I wanted to post what I have spec'ed out for my first HTPC as well as my first PC build. My use will be as a DVR, host my music and movies I own. It will be connected to a LCD TV and 5.1 speaker set up.

Please review and let me know what changes you recommend.

Thanks,


CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2
Motherboard ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Power Rosewill Stallion Series Single 12cm Ball Bearing Fan RD450-2-SB ATX V2.2 450W
TV Card Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1800 MCE
Vid Card Sapphire 100236l Radeon 512 meg
HD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB
HD Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB
RAM G.Skill 4 gig DDR2 800 (2x2gig)
HTPC Case Silverstone LC17-B atx
DVD RW SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM
Blu Ray DVD ROM Sony BDUX10S SATA Blu-ray Disc-ROM Drive

- Q6600 is perhaps overkill.
- Remember that P5K-E/WIFI-AP consumes 30W more power than most other P35 mbs.
- LG GGC-H20L is $40 cheaper than SONY BDUX10S. Do you need another DVD writer?

The last months I was waiting for AMD 780g chipset. Now that's released I bumped into this forum. This chipset is advised in the low-end system. Why is that? Is Intel's 45g the answer tho this chipset? The last posts are all about the p45 chipset, why is this better then an AMD solution?

Another subject is the sound. I have an Onkyo r508 receiver with: DTS®, DTS® 96/24, DTS® Neo:6 5.1, Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Pro Logic® II. So the HD 4650 is overkill because my reveiver doesn't handle LPCM? Is the HD 3650 is the best solution for me when I choose for an Intel chipset?

You could use a 780G mb in a "high-end" system (a Phenom processor, a better case with touch screen, a better PSU). G45 should be better than 780G at least in audio (7.1 LPCM vs 2 LPCM/SPDIF). A basic problem of the AMD platform is processor (no dual-core K10 processor yet, higher power consumption of the quad-core K10 processor etc.).

HT-R508 supports only HDMI pass-through (from HDMI 1/2 IN to HDMI OUT). So LPCM HDMI audio is not processed by the receiver and buying HD 4850 is almost meaningless. HD 3650 is better for you.

I was looking at the 780G boards but with the new Radeon HD 4850 coming out I thought maybe a 690 board would do just as well since I wasn't going with a Phenom. My proposed build would be as follows:

ECS AMD690GM-M2 AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - $35.99

AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor - $87.00

WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $39.99

hec 6K28BB8F Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - $34.99

I have a 300w PSU from my Compaq Presario SR1820NX I converted to an unRAID server I can use. I also have a spare Memorex DVD/CD IDE combo drive to rip DVD's as I currently do not own any HDDVD's or Blueray's but plan to eventually add a BR Drive.

I also have several 160G Seagate IDE HDD's laying around but since there is only one IDE controller on the MB I thought maybe I should get a cheap Sata HDD for better performance; thinking Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $44.99. Is it worth it or should I just use one of my IDE HDD's?

I will be running XP Home Edition on this (I have a extra copy not in use). Total cost with 160G Sata HDD is ~ $256.00 with shipping or $204 w/o the HDD. Opinions?

BCDouglas

I thinks it's a good idea to couple HD 4850 with cheap CPU/mb. But I can't guarantee the quality of the ECS board. Another option is a 945GC or G31 mb with Pentium DC E2220.

I'm using the board right now in Vista but I'm having some problems. I have the board setup with a AM2 5000+, 2 gigs of RAM and 250 gig HD. ATSC HD is choppy. So I'm thinking of getting a dedicated video card but I thought the 690G with a 5000+ would work for ATSC HD.

Besides that problem the board has been very stable.

I'm using the board right now in Vista but I'm having some problems. I have the board setup with a AM2 5000+, 2 gigs of RAM and 250 gig HD. ATSC HD is choppy. So I'm thinking of getting a dedicated video card but I thought the 690G with a 5000+ would work for ATSC HD.

Besides that problem the board has been very stable.

Do you do any DVD to hard drive? I take my DVD's then use DVD Shrink (or DVD Decrypter then DVD Shrink) with no compression. I eventually will go BR to hard drive when the discs get cheaper so I wanted to make sure I have an upgrade path (i.e. the Radeon 4850, BR Drive, appropriate software) to do this.

My "HTPC" now is over 6 years old with single core AMD, AGP graphics (Radeon 9550), etc. It will handle the standard DVD stuff but obviously HD is not an option.


Opinions?

Haven't tried any DVDs on this new build, in fact I don't even have a DVD drive installed. I wanted this PC just for OTA and streaming video files from my other PC.

I'm building my home theatre system and sofar i have this:

1. Philips 37PFL9732D/10 LCD HDTV
2. Marantz SR7002 Reciever (7.1, HDMI 1.3)
3. Monitor Audio Radius 5.1 speaker setup

I also have DVICO Fusion Dual Express hybrid DVB-T tuner card and Techistar Skystar HD2 DVB-S tuner card.

Since I'm browsing this forums for some time now everything was kinda clear to me - I was waiting for 8300 chipset boards (preferably in Intel version). But my patience is running out.

Is P45 board with 4850 video answer to my problems? Are P45/4850 combos tested enough? I require audio trough HDMI, solid video in full HD and moderate gaming.

Give me some board/CPU combos I can work with please.

Thanks

I thought I could use my old pc for HTPC:
amd 64 3200+
1 gigabyte corsair value
radeon x1950 pro
...
It always played all HD-trailers and the blu ray movie I downloaded off the net (Eragon) perfectly smooth. Eragon was a full blu ray movie in 20 gigabytes but it was on my harddrive instead of a disk, and it played without a single problem.

Now today I got my first blu ray disks, and they are nothing but a slide show, stuttering every second. Just because the data has to be read off of a blu-ray disk instead of a hard drive, it has to play 10 times slower? The blu-ray drive i got recently is GGW-H20L. Is there no solution to this besides tossing the whole system? Could I try stock ATi drivers (using NGO package) ? Could I reformat? Could I get a better videocard? I would really appreciate any help.

I thought I could use my old pc for HTPC:
amd 64 3200+
1 gigabyte corsair value
radeon x1950 pro
...
It always played all HD-trailers and the blu ray movie I downloaded off the net (Eragon) perfectly smooth. Eragon was a full blu ray movie in 20 gigabytes but it was on my harddrive instead of a disk, and it played without a single problem.

Now today I got my first blu ray disks, and they are nothing but a slide show, stuttering every second. Just because the data has to be read off of a blu-ray disk instead of a hard drive, it has to play 10 times slower? The blu-ray drive i got recently is GGW-H20L. Is there no solution to this besides tossing the whole system? Could I try stock ATi drivers (using NGO package) ? Could I reformat? Could I get a better videocard? I would really appreciate any help.

I'd suggest trying AnyDVD HD (15 day trial) and with that running, try playing off the disk. If still seeing poor playback, utilize AnyDVD to copy the data to your hard drive and try playing it again. At least at this point you'd know if your current system is capable of playing it back.

What software are you using for playback? PowerDVD, TMT, WinDVD? TMT has a 15 day trial as well that you could try.

Im using powerdvd ultra
What does AnyDVD do to the playback when playing off the disk?
Btw my cpu shows 90+ % load during playback

Im using powerdvd ultra
What does AnyDVD do to the playback when playing off the disk?
Btw my cpu shows 90+ % load during playback

It removes the BluRay / HDDVD encryption so the CPU should have to work a little less. The file you downloaded would have had the encryption removed as well.

I'm building my home theatre system and sofar i have this:

1. Philips 37PFL9732D/10 LCD HDTV
2. Marantz SR7002 Reciever (7.1, HDMI 1.3)
3. Monitor Audio Radius 5.1 speaker setup

I also have DVICO Fusion Dual Express hybrid DVB-T tuner card and Techistar Skystar HD2 DVB-S tuner card.

Since I'm browsing this forums for some time now everything was kinda clear to me - I was waiting for 8300 chipset boards (preferably in Intel version). But my patience is running out.

Is P45 board with 4850 video answer to my problems? Are P45/4850 combos tested enough? I require audio trough HDMI, solid video in full HD and moderate gaming.

Give me some board/CPU combos I can work with please.

Thanks
If you want an immediate solution, then GeForce 8200 is a good one, although gaming performance is very limited (but so is 8300).

I haven't tested P45 or HD 4850.

I thought I could use my old pc for HTPC:
amd 64 3200+
1 gigabyte corsair value
radeon x1950 pro
...
It always played all HD-trailers and the blu ray movie I downloaded off the net (Eragon) perfectly smooth. Eragon was a full blu ray movie in 20 gigabytes but it was on my harddrive instead of a disk, and it played without a single problem.

Now today I got my first blu ray disks, and they are nothing but a slide show, stuttering every second. Just because the data has to be read off of a blu-ray disk instead of a hard drive, it has to play 10 times slower? The blu-ray drive i got recently is GGW-H20L. Is there no solution to this besides tossing the whole system? Could I try stock ATi drivers (using NGO package) ? Could I reformat? Could I get a better videocard? I would really appreciate any help.
Is your video card AGP or PCI Express? If PCI Express, then upgrading the video card is a solution. If AGP, then perhaps you'd better buy new CPU/mb with IGP/memory (the total cost could be as low as $170).

I hope nobody blames me for downloading Eragon blu ray. I had to test if my pc was strong enough to play the format. Thats the only thing that ^movie^ was good for anyway, such a worthless cheesefest in itself.

Installing AnyDVD did not improve the playback speed.
Could it be a problem with the blu-ray drive? Its GGW-H20L from LG, do those exhibit any issues?
Also what about replacing the videocard with something like radeon 2600 xt? I heard those have a good video processing that takes a lot of strain off the cpu.

Is your video card AGP or PCI Express? If PCI Express, then upgrading the video card is a solution. If AGP, then perhaps you'd better buy new CPU/mb with IGP/memory (the total cost could be as low as $170).

Its agp. Would 2600 xt or perhaps even 3850 (the best agp card) not be enough for smooth playback? Whats nvidia's best HTPC card that can be found for AGP ?

If you are not gaming, a 3850 would be great. It should go a long way towards relieving your CPU of the load.

But the 2600 would not be enough ? Its twice cheaper than 3850
I am gaming, but Im building a separate pc with quad core and 8800gt in sli for that. The HTPC has to stay in the dedicated HT room.

Its agp. Would 2600 xt or perhaps even 3850 (the best agp card) not be enough for smooth playback? Whats nvidia's best HTPC card that can be found for AGP ?
From what I heard last time, hardware acceleration was broken in AGP. It seems that it's OK now. Then 2600 XT or 3650 should be fine. There is no AGP version of GeForce 8 or 9 series.

But if you are going to spend $100 on the old technology, I would rather recommend a new IGP solution (dual-core processor, DDR2 SDRAM, PCI Express).

Has anybody heard when the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R will be advilable? I'm going nuts! I want to build

I hope nobody blames me for downloading Eragon blu ray. I had to test if my pc was strong enough to play the format. Thats the only thing that ^movie^ was good for anyway, such a worthless cheesefest in itself.

Installing AnyDVD did not improve the playback speed.
Could it be a problem with the blu-ray drive? Its GGW-H20L from LG, do those exhibit any issues?

AnyDVD doesn't remove the AACS encryption while you're playing it realtime. Most likely the bit of overhead the CPU has to spend on the decryption, added to the H.264 decode, is what is putting you over the edge into Choppyville.

AnyDVD doesn't remove the AACS encryption while you're playing it realtime. Most likely the bit of overhead the CPU has to spend on the decryption, added to the H.264 decode, is what is putting you over the edge into Choppyville.

Yes it does. It removes the AACS (including BD+) whenever it sees it, whether it's a mounted ISO with AACS, or a physical disc with AACS.

However I agree it's unlikely this has any impact on CPU utilization.

When you save to hard drive, the AACS encryption is gone because AnyDVD HD removes it permanently.

When you read it from the disc realtime, the AACS is decrypted, not removed (because you don't modify the original disk), which eats CPU cycles-- cycles which are not eaten when you use the files from hard drive which have AACS permanently removed.

Copying it on the hard drive made it stutter a lot less. It wasnt a slide show any more, but still had hickkups every 3 seconds or so. Then I changed power dvd priority to "above normal" and it played smoothly except a few stutters throughout the whole movie. That was the "Sleugh" with Jude Law. "Flying Daggers" plays smoothly right from the blu-ray disk, for some reason. "Planet Earth" stutters just like Sleugh.

AMD: GeForce 8200/GeForce 8300 (formerly 9200), codenamed MCP78

Intel: GeForce 8200/GeForce 9200, codenamed MCP7A. Summary of MCP7A is MCP79/MCP7A and NVIDIA MCP7A Line-Up; Hybrid SLI For Intel. Expected in April. The CPU chart at NVIDIA site does not include MCP7A yet (as it is not officially released yet).

I expect Wolfdale (and Yorkfield)/MCP7A to be the best chip/chipset for HTPC and gaming. MCP78 is OK, but AMD chips are very weak right now.

Renethx - this conversation was from back in March ... we are only interested in the Intel progression ... any update, like great news on AVAILABILITY ???

When you save to hard drive, the AACS encryption is gone because AnyDVD HD removes it permanently.

When you read it from the disc realtime, the AACS is decrypted, not removed (because you don't modify the original disk), which eats CPU cycles-- cycles which are not eaten when you use the files from hard drive which have AACS permanently removed.

Wrong.

Not if you don't do it that way. You can save to the hard drive with AACS, then on playback use AnyDVD HD to remove it.

This is actually the safer way, since SlySoft is regularly updating their software, and you won't have to re-rip anything later.

Copying it on the hard drive made it stutter a lot less. It wasnt a slide show any more, but still had hickkups every 3 seconds or so. Then I changed power dvd priority to "above normal" and it played smoothly except a few stutters throughout the whole movie. That was the "Sleugh" with Jude Law. "Flying Daggers" plays smoothly right from the blu-ray disk, for some reason. "Planet Earth" stutters just like Sleugh.

Have you tried changing your Power settings in Windows to "High Performance"?

Wrong.

Not if you don't do it that way. You can save to the hard drive with AACS, then on playback use AnyDVD HD to remove it.

This is actually the safer way, since SlySoft is regularly updating their software, and you won't have to re-rip anything later.

[shrug] I've only ever seen it done that way. I'm aware that you can rip it with the AACS intact, but in that case you're still relying on a piece of software (which eats CPU power) to decrypt real time. Don't know why you'd have to re-rip just because AnyDVD HD was upgraded: once you've ripped, the data's in the clear.

In any case, my point was that if the original poster is running from hard drive, he might have AACS already removed and use no extra CPU, whereas when it's on disk you are 100% certain he is decrypting realtime and that could mean the difference between smooth and choppy playback.

Renethx - this conversation was from back in March ... we are only interested in the Intel progression ... any update, like great news on AVAILABILITY ???

OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 MCP7A B1 stepping delivers this weekend (May 12, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?%20threadid=73492)

On May 16, NVIDIA will deliver its B1 stepping sample of its long delayed MCP7A chipset. This product shall be one of the highlights at the Computex 2008 show in June.

From what we gathered, static boards would be shown as it is said that there are still issues like ram compatibility is still a problem on the current revisions of the chipset.

It is also known that actual production of the chipset will be at the end of June. Thus, we wouldn't be seeing the final MCP7A products at least until late June or July onwards.

The MCP7A is the most powerful IGP for the Intel platform (in comparison with Intel G35).

OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 Manufacturer shy away from NVIDIA MCP7A (May 27, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=431730#post431730)

Although MCP7A is a highly anticipated chipset with the best IGP performance, a number of manufacturers have told OCWorkbench that they're concentrating on the discrete chipset P43, P45 and G45 instead of the MCP7A.

They claimed that they were disappointed by the performance of MCP73 which features an IGP with a single channel DDR. Furthermore, ram compatibility is an issue with the earlier chipset. They don't seem to be confident that the MCP7A will get all these problems resolved in time.

There are also some manufacturers that have them ready for display at Computex Taipei 2008 though. Maybe we will see running demos of the new boards based on the MCP7A chipset.

OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 NVIDIA plans MCP 80 series (May 11, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?%20threadid=73490) (This is a chipset for the upcoming Nehalem processor.)

With more integrated chipsets being made for the new AMD and Intel processors, NVIDIA is also ready to challenge the two giants with their MCP 80 series of Integrated chipsets.

Currently there aren't much detail information of the upcoming MCP 80 series. We expect it to be for new architectures that feature INTEL CPU with an integrated memory controller built in. MCP 80 series should support technologies like PureVideo and hybrid SLI.

We will post more information when we get them.

An abit MCP7A motherboard IN7AG at COMPUTEX 2008 (June 3-7):

http://www.4gamer.net/games/045/G004546/20080602031/SS/002.jpg

http://www.4gamer.net/games/045/G004546/20080602031/SS/003.jpg

-- Award Winning GA-EP45-DQ6 and GA-EP45-DS5 -- 2008/06/03 (http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/News/Motherboard/News_List.aspx?NewsID=1391)

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/News/2008_mb_news/news_mb_2008awards.jpg

Taipei, Taiwan, June 03, 2008 – GIGABYTE UNITED INC., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is proud to announce its GA-EP45-DQ6 and GA-EP45-DS5 motherboards have both won a "Best Choice of COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2008 Award", an award recognized and given by an evaluation committee comprised of experts from the industry, academia, media, and government.

My prediction (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13993804#post13993804) was correct. :)

[shrug] I've only ever seen it done that way. I'm aware that you can rip it with the AACS intact, but in that case you're still relying on a piece of software (which eats CPU power) to decrypt real time. Don't know why you'd have to re-rip just because AnyDVD HD was upgraded: once you've ripped, the data's in the clear.

In any case, my point was that if the original poster is running from hard drive, he might have AACS already removed and use no extra CPU, whereas when it's on disk you are 100% certain he is decrypting realtime and that could mean the difference between smooth and choppy playback.

Because all AnyDVD does is remove encryption, and about half the bugs are about introducing errors as part of it. You'd arguably have to re-rip everything with the fixed AnyDVD HD each time they fixed a bug to be sure you weren't effected by it.

The accepted best method at this point is to rip with the encryption intact, and play with AnyDVD HD.

And we just all agreed above that the "real-time" AACS removal is hardly a CPU load.

Because all AnyDVD does is remove encryption, and about half the bugs are about introducing errors as part of it. You'd arguably have to re-rip everything with the fixed AnyDVD HD each time they fixed a bug to be sure you weren't effected by it.

The accepted best method at this point is to rip with the encryption intact, and play with AnyDVD HD.

And we just all agreed above that the "real-time" AACS removal is hardly a CPU load.

While this may be true, I've NEVER had to re-rip anything after an AvyDvd update over the past 3 years. And we know Slysoft likes to update...

While this may be true, I've NEVER had to re-rip anything after an AvyDvd update over the past 3 years. And we know Slysoft likes to update...

Did you rip Ratattaoui (sp?)? That was one that just recently had video and audio hic-cups because of bugs in AnyDVD, that got fixed with an update. And that's just off the top of my head, there are dozens of others.

Unless you're watching everything after every update, you frankly don't know what would require a re-rip.

And the point is, the better approach is to eliminate the need for re-rips by ripping wih encryption intact. There's no negative (CPU load is negligible), and only positive. It's the documented best way to rip.

Did you rip Ratattaoui (sp?)? That was one that just recently had video and audio hic-cups because of bugs in AnyDVD, that got fixed with an update. And that's just off the top of my head, there are dozens of others.

Unless you're watching everything after every update, you frankly don't know what would require a re-rip.

And the point is, the better approach is to eliminate the need for re-rips by ripping wih encryption intact. There's no negative (CPU load is negligible), and only positive. It's the documented best way to rip.

I did rip Ratatouille. I'm pretty sure my son has watched it without complaining. He always tells me if his DVD's are skipping. I'll check this weekend.

Hi

I am building my demo system and require some advise , I have bought a HD 3850 - 512 mb (DDR 3) , 256 bit ; Graphic card .

I would like to know wether this card offloads the decoding from the processor - and - if not

what will be the minmum cpu config requirement

thanks ,
Suranjan

" You must be the change you wish to see in the world " - Mahatma Gandhi

Hopefully, I am not being repetitive here but on the topic of HTPCs, anyone heard anything about motherboards with HD a/v decoding capability built in? Thanks!

And we just all agreed above that the "real-time" AACS removal is hardly a CPU load.

"We" did? I saw your assertion and no one else discussing it.

I've seen no evidence that the realtime decryption is as benign to CPU load as you think, but it doesn't matter, in the big scheme of things, so I'll stop arguing the point.

"We" did? I saw your assertion and no one else discussing it.
...Most likely the bit of overhead the CPU has to spend on the decryption...

You did, yes. "Bit of overhead" sure sounds to me like it's benign. Perhaps it's just your use of the language or something, but that's all I have to go on.

And it's pretty easy to test anyway (I did), and the real-time decryption adds no measurable CPU load, at least on my CPU tests (previously 6750, now a 9300).

So I want a Mobo with a digital coax out on it, and the GA-M78SM-S2H seems to fit the bill.

I'm not very concerned with audio (long story but it's a very limited audio set up and don't feel like getting a converter), but will be playing BluRay movies on it. From what I've read I can't tell which chip is better for HD offloading, but it seems there are people on both sides of the camp.

Besides having a coax instead of an optical out, what makes it different than the GA-MA78GM-S2H for my needs?

I've searched and read, but can't seem to find the answer.

Hopefully, I am not being repetitive here but on the topic of HTPCs, anyone heard anything about motherboards with HD a/v decoding capability built in? Thanks!

The 8200 boards have it.

I recommend the Biostar TF8200 A2+ if you want a full sized board.

I have an older HTPC that I am going to replace. It has this 300 W power supply. I'm wondering if I can continue to use this PS.

ZALMAN ZM300A-APF 300W ATX Power Supply 100 - 240 V CB, CE, FCC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103211)

I'm not loading the unit up with drives or cards. Well, here's what I"m thinking of so far:


SILVERSTONE SST-LC03 Black Aluminum front panel, 1.0mm SECC body ATX Desktop Computer Case (current case) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163016)
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337)
ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121237)
Intel Pentium E2220 Allendale 2.4GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116070)
Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134012)
LITE-ON Black 12X DVD-ROM 32X CD-ROM SATA Blu-ray DVD-ROM Drive Model DH-4O1S-11 - OEM (http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106227)
ZEROtherm BTF90 with manual fan controller (BTF92) 92mm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887012)
An internal HD, maybe 200GB for the OS
2 External 1TB USB drives (1 to backup the other to) in EAGLE Consus I-Series ET-CSIU2J-BK JBOD 2Bay SATA to USB 2.0 External Enclosure (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817193042)


There's a couple fans in the case. I don't remember what they are.

Oh, I do have a MyHD MDP-120 Tuner. As that I have it I may drop it in, but I don't watch through it much, so not necessary. Not sure it will work on Vista yet.

My main purpose for it is for DVD Ripping/Watching, and Playing Music.

Any thought on the Power Supply is appreciated. Also, if any thoughts about this not being strong enough to SMOOTHLY play HD Video, please let me know.

Thanks

[QUOTE=renethx;14023553]OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 MCP7A B1 stepping delivers this weekend (May 12, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?%20threadid=73492)



OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 Manufacturer shy away from NVIDIA MCP7A (May 27, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=431730#post431730)



OCWorkBench - Computex 2008 NVIDIA plans MCP 80 series (May 11, 2008) (http://my.ocworkbench.com/bbs/showthread.php?%20threadid=73490) (This is a chipset for the upcoming Nehalem processor.)



An abit MCP7A motherboard IN7AG at COMPUTEX 2008 (June 3-7):

QUOTE]

Bummer ... so, what is now the BEST shipping/soon to be shipping mATX board with Intel and IGP ??

I have an older HTPC that I am going to replace. It has this 300 W power supply. I'm wondering if I can continue to use this PS.

ZALMAN ZM300A-APF 300W ATX Power Supply 100 - 240 V CB, CE, FCC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103211)

I'm not loading the unit up with drives or cards. Well, here's what I"m thinking of so far:


SILVERSTONE SST-LC03 Black Aluminum front panel, 1.0mm SECC body ATX Desktop Computer Case (current case) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163016)
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337)
ASUS EAH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121237)
Intel Pentium E2220 Allendale 2.4GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116070)
Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134012)
LITE-ON Black 12X DVD-ROM 32X CD-ROM SATA Blu-ray DVD-ROM Drive Model DH-4O1S-11 - OEM (http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106227)
ZEROtherm BTF90 with manual fan controller (BTF92) 92mm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887012)
An internal HD, maybe 200GB for the OS
2 External 1TB USB drives (1 to backup the other to) in EAGLE Consus I-Series ET-CSIU2J-BK JBOD 2Bay SATA to USB 2.0 External Enclosure (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817193042)


There's a couple fans in the case. I don't remember what they are.

Oh, I do have a MyHD MDP-120 Tuner. As that I have it I may drop it in, but I don't watch through it much, so not necessary. Not sure it will work on Vista yet.

My main purpose for it is for DVD Ripping/Watching, and Playing Music.

Any thought on the Power Supply is appreciated. Also, if any thoughts about this not being strong enough to SMOOTHLY play HD Video, please let me know.

Thanks
I'd get a newer PS with more wattage > ~550watts. Strange things happen to PCs when they can't get enough juice and they're often difficult to troubleshoot. It's always better to have more watts, than not enough. Antec offers several models at reasonable prices. Check out Newegg (http://www.newegg.com)

I am building my demo system and require some advise , I have bought a HD 3850 - 512 mb (DDR 3) , 256 bit ; Graphic card .

I would like to know wether this card offloads the decoding from the processor - and - if not

what will be the minmum cpu config requirement?
Yes, the card offloads from CPU. Hence a relatively cheap CPU is enough. Athlon X2 2.0GHz or higher or Intel Pentium Dual-Core/Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or higher is good enough as long as hardware accleration (HA) works. In case HA does not work (as in many mkv files), 2.4GHz or higher may be necessary.

Hopefully, I am not being repetitive here but on the topic of HTPCs, anyone heard anything about motherboards with HD a/v decoding capability built in? Thanks!
Besides GeForce 8200, AMD 780G motherboard is recommended such as GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H. The main difference between GeForce 8200 and AMD 780G is that the former supports multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS HDMI audio, while the latter is limited to 2-channel LPCM/AC3/DTS HDMI audio.

So I want a Mobo with a digital coax out on it, and the GA-M78SM-S2H seems to fit the bill.

I'm not very concerned with audio (long story but it's a very limited audio set up and don't feel like getting a converter), but will be playing BluRay movies on it. From what I've read I can't tell which chip is better for HD offloading, but it seems there are people on both sides of the camp.

Besides having a coax instead of an optical out, what makes it different than the GA-MA78GM-S2H for my needs?

I've searched and read, but can't seem to find the answer.
If you use a coaxial S/PDIF, then you shouldn't be bothered with a coaxial port in the mb rear panel because almost every mb has an internal S/PDIF connector and building a coaxial S/PDIF bracket yourself is cheap ($6) and easy. Read Build a Coaxial S/PDIF Bracket Yourself (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13993911#post13993911).

Currently there are two chipsets that has an IGP good enough for playing back BD movies with a decent CPU: GeForce 8200 and AMD 780G. Either chipset is good for your purpose.

I have an older HTPC that I am going to replace. It has this 300 W power supply. I'm wondering if I can continue to use this PS.

ZALMAN ZM300A-APF 300W ATX Power Supply 100 - 240 V CB, CE, FCC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103211)
IMO the PSU is good for your new system. A typical power consumption of the system when playing back BD movies is < 150W and even under heavy loads, it will rarely go beyond 200W. 15A@12V is a bit weak, though.

Hopefully, I am not being repetitive here but on the topic of HTPCs, anyone heard anything about motherboards with HD a/v decoding capability built in? Thanks!

For HD audio and video, you only have two options right now:

Intel - The G35
AMD - The 8200

The G35 has been out a lot longer, and works great. The 8200 is finally getting the bugs worked out and seems to be working, but the AMD CPU chipset and configuration can be confusing if you're not already familiar with AMD (e.g. not all Phenom's will work, and there are some very specific configurations it looks like you need to make to get things to work).

Check out the G35 and 8200 threads to see specifics.

In the not-too-distant future (i.e. likely Q4 this year), you'll have more options:

1) ASUS Xonar - HDMI audio card with HDMI video passthrough - allows you to use any mobo, and any HDMI gfx card, and get HDMI 1.3a HD audio + video. To me, this looks to be the best longer-term solution as you can buy the specific components for each piece however you want.

2) Intel G45 - An HDMI 1.3a upgrade to the G35, with improved performance.

3) Intel/AMD 8300 - An improvement to the 8200, and with Intel CPU support.

4) Radeo 4850 - A Video card with HDMI audio. Better than IGP, since you can use any MB you want, but your stuck with one card for audio and video, so not as good as the Xonar solution.

Anyway, that's the potential future, and who knows when it will arrive. Right now, pick your CPU, and then you pretty much have one choice if you want HD video and HD audio.

Did you rip Ratattaoui (sp?)? That was one that just recently had video and audio hic-cups because of bugs in AnyDVD, that got fixed with an update. And that's just off the top of my head, there are dozens of others.

Unless you're watching everything after every update, you frankly don't know what would require a re-rip.

And the point is, the better approach is to eliminate the need for re-rips by ripping wih encryption intact. There's no negative (CPU load is negligible), and only positive. It's the documented best way to rip.

Unless you want to watch the files on other devices or on multiple machines without a license for AnyDVD on each machine...

Thanks - Renethx ,

Suranjan

Hi ,

Upon assembling a type 3 Hi-End HTPC ; I would like to scale low quality Tv or Vedio signals to HDTV standard or atleast to a signal quality suitable for a 42 inch display - something similar to the Bravia engine ,

A detailed procedure may be lengthy or have been discussed elsewhere a link would get me started ,

I could read up if there are software recommendations and a guide for enriching incoming vedio signals - realtime

thanks
Suranjan

For HD audio and video, you only have two options right now:

Intel - The G35
AMD - The 8200

The G35 has been out a lot longer, and works great. The 8200 is finally getting the bugs worked out and seems to be working, but the AMD CPU chipset and configuration can be confusing if you're not already familiar with AMD (e.g. not all Phenom's will work, and there are some very specific configurations it looks like you need to make to get things to work).

Check out the G35 and 8200 threads to see specifics.

In the not-too-distant future (i.e. likely Q4 this year), you'll have more options:

1) ASUS Xonar - HDMI audio card with HDMI video passthrough - allows you to use any mobo, and any HDMI gfx card, and get HDMI 1.3a HD audio + video. To me, this looks to be the best longer-term solution as you can buy the specific components for each piece however you want.

2) Intel G45 - An HDMI 1.3a upgrade to the G35, with improved performance.

3) Intel/AMD 8300 - An improvement to the 8200, and with Intel CPU support.

4) Radeo 4850 - A Video card with HDMI audio. Better than IGP, since you can use any MB you want, but your stuck with one card for audio and video, so not as good as the Xonar solution.

Anyway, that's the potential future, and who knows when it will arrive. Right now, pick your CPU, and then you pretty much have one choice if you want HD video and HD audio.

Thanks for the great summary!! When are the G45 MBs expected, mATX form factor. Will the G45 MBs also have IGP variants - preferrably nVidia ?

Thanks for the great summary!! When are the G45 MBs expected, mATX form factor. Will the G45 MBs also have IGP variants - preferrably nVidia ?
G45 has only one IGP: GMA X4500. July, but the actual availability is in question: Intel G45/G43 release issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13965937#post13965937) (it's just a rumor, of course).

G45 has only one IGP: GMA X4500. July, but the actual availability is in question: Intel G45/G43 release issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13965937#post13965937) (it's just a rumor, of course).

Renethx, thanks for the update, but the delays you have careful described over the last last several months means we need the best that's available today (now until the end of June). We need to build a powerful HTPC - but it will be used for other functionality in a business environment - hence the Intel Quad core. What do you recommend for mATX + Intel Quad core + IGP ?

We do want HD playback and we MUST have HDMI out.

We want "lowest cost/highest value" for a proof-of-concept build.

Option 2 - adding a low cost graphics card to the mATX MB ... which one?

Thanks,

Scott

Renethx, thanks for the update, but the delays you have careful described over the last last several months means we need the best that's available today (now until the end of June). We need to build a powerful HTPC - but it will be used for other functionality in a business environment - hence the Intel Quad core. What do you recommend for mATX + Intel Quad core + IGP ?

We do want HD playback and we MUST have HDMI out.

We want "lowest cost/highest value" for a proof-of-concept build.

Option 2 - adding a low cost graphics card to the mATX MB ... which one?
There is no clear-cut choice. Which audio format do you want from PC, multichannel LPCM or AC3/DTS pass-through? Do you use a receiver? Which brand?

Multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then ASUS P5E-VM HDMI (Intel G35, $130) is the only practical choice. You have to buy AnyDVD HD ($110). Or you may choose a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb ($60-) and add ATI Radeon HD 4850 ($199).

Stereo LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then you can use a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb with a decent graphics card (HD 3650, GeForce 8600 GT etc.).

There is no clear-cut choice. Which audio format do you want from PC, multichannel LPCM or AC3/DTS pass-through? Do you use a receiver? Which brand?

Multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then ASUS P5E-VM HDMI (Intel G35, $130) is the only practical choice. You have to buy AnyDVD HD ($110). Or you may choose a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb ($60-) and add ATI Radeon HD 4850 ($199).

Stereo LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then you can use a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb with a decent graphics card (HD 3650, GeForce 8600 GT etc.).


Our intended use is not dependent on hi-end audio - so an ASUS PSE-VM HDMI (same as months ago when we first started to plan the build) + which Quad core - lowest power consump but least cost fo the proto, something like the Intel 6600 ??

What is the best value DX10 graphics card with HDMI out in the series you list - or the the ASUS have an AGP?

Our intended use is not dependent on hi-end audio - so an ASUS PSE-VM HDMI (same as months ago when we first started to plan the build) + which Quad core - lowest power consump but least cost fo the proto, something like the Intel 6600 ??

What is the best value DX10 graphics card with HDMI out in the series you list - or the the ASUS have an AGP?
Q6600 is the best choice in terms of cost/performance. Q9300 is cooler but pricier.

If you are going with a discrete grahics, there is no reason for choosing G35. G33/G31 is enough unless you want ICH9R (6 SATA ports with RAID), for example, GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L (only $65). Either GeForce 8600 GT or Radeon HD 3650 should be fine. XFX PVT84JUSD4 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150258) is currently the best choice among GeForce 8600 GT cards (use a generic DVI-HDMI adapter; HDMI audio works fine).

AGP? Another confusion...

Q6600 is the best choice in terms of cost/performance. Q9300 is cooler but pricier.

If you are going with a discrete grahics, there is no reason for choosing G35. G33/G31 is enough unless you want ICH9R (6 SATA ports with RAID), for example, GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L (only $65). Either GeForce 8600 GT or Radeon HD 3650 should be fine. XFX PVT84JUSD4 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150258) is currently the best choice among GeForce 8600 GT cards (use a generic DVI-HDMI adapter; HDMI audio works fine).

AGP? Another confusion...

Thanks Renethx ... that's what I was looking for ... AGP was a typo, should have been IGP.

There is no clear-cut choice. Which audio format do you want from PC, multichannel LPCM or AC3/DTS pass-through? Do you use a receiver? Which brand?

Multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then ASUS P5E-VM HDMI (Intel G35, $130) is the only practical choice. You have to buy AnyDVD HD ($110). Or you may choose a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb ($60-) and add ATI Radeon HD 4850 ($199).

Stereo LPCM/AC3/DTS

Then you can use a cheap G31/G33/GeForce 7100 mb with a decent graphics card (HD 3650, GeForce 8600 GT etc.).

Is the 4850 available today? I thought we were still weeks away from being able to buy that?

And when is the fabled Xonar expected?

Is the 4850 available today? I thought we were still weeks away from being able to buy that?

And when is the fabled Xonar expected?
HD 4850 (and 4870) are released on June 25 (anywhereanytime's time limit is the end of June).

Xonar in late July.

HD 4850 (and 4870) are released on June 25 (anywhereanytime's time limit is the end of June).

Xonar in late July.


Oh, cool, didn't realize we were that close on both of these.

Don't know if this has been covered yet but...

In several of your recommended setups (first post) you list the Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 2GB DDR2 kit. If you check the reviews (at newegg) sorted by date posted, there are several recent reviews claiming that their memory was DOA or died within a month of use. One reviewer claims it fried his motherboard. Seems like most of them say they had batch number 97432.

I just recently purchased some of this ram and after reading those reviews checked what I had. Batch 97432. So far it is running fine but I did read that several users developed problems after some use so I think its best to return what I have and exchange it for another brand. Didn't cut off the upc yet. I got it from Microcenter which has a 14 day return policy on ram I think. I'd rather switch it out now then possibly be mailing ram back and forth to Crucial.

i want to know if the new cpu" nehalem " good for htpc or not?

Luckily, some of this has now been discussed publicly at Computex so I can speak. :)

The initial two processors in the Nehalem family, Gainestown and Bloomfield, would be overkill for an HTPC. Gainestown is a server chip, and Bloomfield is extremely powerful and targeted for enthusiasts. It would be like putting an Extreme Edition processor in your HTPC-- it will work, and work fine, but it's like using a hydrogen bomb to take out that annoying tree stump in the back yard.

Later desktop versions of Nehalem, Lynnfield and Havendale, appear to be much more well-targeted in mainstream/HTPC space. I personally want a Havendale, and suggest going with a 9xxx-series Core 2 Duo or Quad until then.

If you're a gamer or do lots of video encoding, however, I think you will enjoy Bloomfield. The thing is a beast.

are Havendale and Bloomfield going to use different sockets, hence different mobos? ie - no upgrade path between these two versions of nehalem.

There are three familes in the Nehalem desktop processors. (For details, read 後藤 弘茂 (Hiroshige Goto) - Intelが投入するGPU統合CPU「Havendale/Auburndale」 (November 27, 2007) (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2007/1127/kaigai402.htm).)

Boolmfield, high-end desktop platform, the successor to X48

- CPU: Bloomfiled (4 cores+triple-channel DDR3), LGA1366, $316 (2.66GHz)-$999 (3.20GHz)
- IOH (I/O Hub): Tylersberg-DT (X58; desktop version of Tylersburg; PCIe 2.0 x32)
- ICH (I/O Controller Hub): ICH10

IOH is a high-speed I/O controller hub and ICH is a low-speed I/O controller hub. CPU and IOH is connected by QPI (QuickPath Interconnect, Intel's version of HyperTransport) and IOH and ICH by DMI (Direct Memory Iterconnect, the current bus architecture between GMCH and ICH).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112590 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112591

Lynnfield, the mainstream desktop.

- CPU: Lynnfield (4 cores+dual-channel DDR3+PCIe 2.0 x16), LGA1160
- PCH (Platform Controller Hub): Ibexpeak

PCH is a low-speed I/O controller hub, just like ICH10. CPU and PCH is connected by DMI.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112592 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112593

Havendale, the mainstream desktop with IGP.

- CPU: Havendale (2 cores) + GMCH (GPU+dual-channel DDR3+PCIe 2.0 x16) connected by QPI. This is MCM (multi-chip module), LGA1160
- PCH (Platform Controller Hub): Ibexpeak

Havendale's GMCH is naturally expected to be more mature than G45.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112594 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112610

Bloomfield will be available in a very low quantity in Q1 2009 and both Lynnfield and Havendale are released only in Q3 2009 according to the article 後藤 弘茂 (Hiroshige Goto) - ソケット数の制約から脱却するNehalem世代のIntel CPU (June 2, 2008) (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2008/0602/kaigai442.htm). Therefore Core 2 Duo/Quad and P45/G45 will stay current until Q2 2009.

BTW, AMD is also developing Swift, an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) (formerly called Fusion). Swift is a MCM (multi-chip module) comprised of a CPU die and a GPU die, connected by HyperTransport 3 (so it is similar to Havendale). It is expected in H2 2009.

CPU die:
- Barcelona (phenom) cores
- Griffin memory controller

GPU die:
- RV710 (Radeon HD 4450) core

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8894/swiftzs0.gif

Nehalem MA is

Core MA-based with various enhancements:

- New SSE4.2 Instructions
- Improved Lock Support
- Additional Caching Hierarchy (shared L2 cache -> L2 cache + shared L3 cache)
- Deeper Buffers
- Improved Loop Streaming
- Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT)
- Faster Virtualization
- Better Branch Prediction

The below are a block diagram of Core MA core and Nehalem MA core respectively (from 後藤 弘茂 (Hiroshige Goto) - IDFで公開された「Nehalem」の内部アーキテクチャ (April 3, 2008) (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2008/0403/kaigai433.htm)). Resemblance between Core MA and Nehalem MA is evident. This was revealed at Intel Developer Forum (IDF; April 2-3 2008).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112611 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112612

QuickPath Interconnect (QPI)

This is a point-to-point processor interconnect like HyperTransport in the AMD processors, replacing the old parallel FSB.

Integrated Memory Controller (IMC)

Bloomfiled will be officially launched in Q4 2008, but supplied in a very low quantity through Q2 2009. There will be three versions:

- Bloomfield 3.20GHz, QPI 6.4GHz, 8MB L3 cache, DDR3-1333, TDP130W　
- Bloomfield 2.93GHz, QPI 4.8GHz, 8MB L3 cache, DDR3-1066, TDP130W
- Bloomfield 2.66GHz, QPI 4.8GHz, 8MB L3 cache, DDR3-1066, TDP130W

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112613

Hi everyone,

I created a seperate thread here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1032850) a couple of weeks ago but I think it is probably better for me to ask my latest question in this thread. That way it keeps all the similar questions in one thread and I don't have to worry about my thread getting lost in the millions of others:eek:!

My main question at the moment is whether the graphics on the G45 motherboards will be comparable with the graphics of a standalone graphics card. A subquestion to this (if I don't have the patience to wait for them to be released) is how the graphics on the G35 motherboards compare to the graphics of a standalone graphics card. Please remember that this system will be used exclusively for HD playback (mainly H.264), SD playback, playing music and Internet browsing. I will be doing absolutely no gaming. I just want a HTPC that plays back HD content smoothly.

Thanks for any help:).

My main question at the moment is whether the graphics on the G45 motherboards will be comparable with the graphics of a standalone graphics card. A subquestion to this (if I don't have the patience to wait for them to be released) is how the graphics on the G35 motherboards compare to the graphics of a standalone graphics card. Please remember that this system will be used exclusively for HD playback (mainly H.264), SD playback, playing music and Internet browsing. I will be doing absolutely no gaming. I just want a HTPC that plays back HD content smoothly.
As nobody has hands-on experience with G45, this is a mere speculation. A typical discrete graphics is HD 3650.

- PQ: HD 3650 = G45 = G35
- HA: HD 3650 = G45 >> G35
- Deinterlacing: HD 3650 > G45 > G35
- HDMI Audio
--- HD 3650: stereo LPCM/AC3/DTS
--- G45: multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS, supporting PAP (meaning full-resolution audio)
--- G35: multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS

i am wondeirng which heatsink is compatible with this case "Thermaltake Bach" ?

scythe mini ninja or some other heatsink is not on the list? if it is not on the list, please list them.

i am wondeirng which heatsink is compatible with this case "Thermaltake Bach" ?

scythe mini ninja or some other heatsink is not on the list? if it is not on the list, please list them.
The same as SilverStone LC16/LC17/LC18/LC20/GD01/CW01.

Does anyone know if I can have 2 SATA harddrives and a SATA blueray drive on a BIOSTAR TF8200? Is that configuration possible on that motherboard?

Does anyone know if I can have 2 SATA harddrives and a SATA blueray drive on a BIOSTAR TF8200? Is that configuration possible on that motherboard?
There should be no problem.

sweet

Hi ,

Upon assembling a type 3 Hi-End HTPC ; I would like to scale low quality Tv or Vedio signals to HDTV standard or atleast to a signal quality suitable for a 42 inch display - something similar to the Bravia engine ,

A detailed procedure may be lengthy or have been discussed elsewhere a link would get me started ,

I could read up if there are software recommendations and a guide for enriching incoming vedio signals - realtime

thanks
Suranjan

You can get an idea of how low quality video would look scaled up right on your computer. Just temporarily set your monitor to 640x480 and watch a youtube video full screen.

Hi ,

Upon assembling a type 3 Hi-End HTPC ; I would like to scale low quality Tv or Vedio signals to HDTV standard or atleast to a signal quality suitable for a 42 inch display - something similar to the Bravia engine ,

A detailed procedure may be lengthy or have been discussed elsewhere a link would get me started ,

I could read up if there are software recommendations and a guide for enriching incoming vedio signals - realtime

thanks
Suranjan

See threads on FFDshow and Dscaler. They are probably the most comprehensive tools for doing this realtime. For offline, check out Avisynth, if I recall correctly.

I installed ati hd2600 pro agp videocard in my htpc
now, the cpu usage during Planet Earth blu ray playback fell down to 5-25%, but for some reason I still see some mild but continous, stuttering. On the other hand, media player classic home cinema, can play Planet Earth blu ray with no stuttering whatsoever, perfectly smooth. But the cpu usage shows close to 99% and the audio is breaking up really bad, all the time.
1. What is causing video stutter in power dvd 8 ultra with 2600 pro and 25% cpu usage? Audio is perfect.
2. What is causing mpc-hc to constantly break up the sound? Video is perfect, but cpu usage is up to 99%.
3. If the answer to the above is cpu overload, how can I make MPC-HC utilize the hardware acceleration of the hd2600 pro?

As nobody has hands-on experience with G45, this is a mere speculation. A typical discrete graphics is HD 3650.

- PQ: HD 3650 = G45 = G35
- HA: HD 3650 = G45 >> G35
- Deinterlacing: HD 3650 > G45 > G35
- HDMI Audio
--- HD 3650: stereo LPCM/AC3/DTS
--- G45: multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS, supporting PAP (meaning full-resolution audio)
--- G35: multichannel LPCM/AC3/DTS

Hi renethx,

Thank you very much for your reply. Just a few more questions off the back of your reply:


I thought the G35 motherboards already output high-definition audio. Can you give a brief explanation of what PAP is (or simply what it stands for so I can do a bit of reading myself)?; and
Could you just confirm that the G35/G45 should play HD video without a problem (given all the other system components are good enough).


Thanks again for your help:)!

Just a few more questions off the back of your reply:


I thought the G35 motherboards already output high-definition audio. Can you give a brief explanation of what PAP is (or simply what it stands for so I can do a bit of reading myself)?; and
Could you just confirm that the G35/G45 should play HD video without a problem (given all the other system components are good enough).

PAP stands for Protected Audio Path without which audio from every AACS-encrypted content will be downsampled to 16bit/48kHz.

A couple of problems of G35:

- G35 suffers from the so-called HDCP repeater issue (actually it's not a problem of G35, but of software players). If you use a receiver between G35 and the display, you have to use AnyDVD HD to bypass the issue (+$110).
- Denon owners can't get multichannel LPCM over HDMI. Again it's Denon's issue.
- HA does not work. So you need a faster processor such as E8400 (+$100).

I hope G45 does not suffer from these problems.