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#1 ·
 Guide to Building a Home Theater PC




Buyer's Guide to Building a Home Theater PC - October/November 2011

Announcement (updated on October 1, 2011)


Here is the basic plan for "Buyer's Guide to Building a Home Theater PC" (formerly "Recommended HTPC Systems"):

1. Issues and Editions. The guide will be issued every month, on around the 20th day of the month, in the PDF format (a PDF reader is required to read it, such as Adobe Reader [ free download ] or Adobe Acrobat).

2. Asking a Donation! I am asking a donation for the latest issue ( why ). There are two choices:
  • Single issue ($4 USD or more): You can download the current latest issue.

     
  • 4 issues ($10 USD or more): You are eligible to download 4 consecutive issues. For example if you send a donation on April 1st, you can download March (during 4/1-4/20), April (during 4/20-5/20), May (during 5/20-6/20) and June (during 6/20-7/13) issues. How this works: Each donator will be provided with a download link to the issue file, which is valid for 2500 hours = 104 days = 3 months and 2 weeks (for example, April 1 to July 13 if you donate on April 1). I will update the file in the server on around the 20th day of each month and will announce it in this thread. Then you can download the new issue at the link provided. You will use the link repeatedly during the subscription period. So please keep the download link.

At this time only a donation by PayPal is accepted. Click the button

then select either one described above, click the PayPal icon and follow the instruction in the loaded page to send a donation. If you don't have a PayPal account, don't worry, click the link "Continue" following "Don't have a PayPal account?" in the page to create an account (it's free) and send money using your credit card or bank account. You will receive a download link instantly. Note that
  • The price field is editable; please change it and donate as much as you can.


     
  • Please add your User Name at AVS Forum in "Add special instructions to merchant" if you want to get my support via PM or posts in the thread. Otherwise I can't identify you with an AVS Forum member unless your user name is the same as your PayPal account holder name.

3. Older Issues will be released free. Older issues will be released for free, either in this thread like the previous "Recommended Systems" or in PDF for download or both. I am planning on releasing a couple of months old issue every couple of months.

4. Have a Question? If you have a question (how to build, how to configure or whatever), please either post it in the thread (yes, please post any question in the thread, hoping that invoke interest in the latest guide
), PM me or email me. I will try to answer it; if I can't, somebody else may be able to help you.

Why do I ask a donation? Maintaining the guide consists of
  • Research latest hardware components;
  • Acquire key hardware components and do lots of experiments;
  • Write the information obtained in a readable form, that requires lots of time, meditation and inspiration (not kidding).

Among them the most difficult part is the second part because it involves lots of money ($1000 or more per month, not kidding, I consider $1000 is the minimum amount to maintain and keep the guide up to date) and currently it relies heavily on the donations. So please consider making a donation, as much as you can afford, if you think the guide is helpful and want to see it updated for some time to come.


BTW the amount of donations in 2010 is
  • October 16 2010 - November 15 2010: $60
  • September 16 2010 - October 15 2010: $85
  • August 16 2010 - September 15 2010: $145

This is good enough to buy a motherboard per month, but nothing more.
This guide is going to die sooner or later if this continues.

Release Notes
  • October/November 2011 Issue: Released on December 11, 2011.


    - Sandy Bridge-E LGA 2011 systems took the place of 3-year-old Bloomfield LGA 1366 systems.

    - All systems were reexamined and nearly half of the systems were updated or completely changed because of new hardware components and price change of many components.

    Sample (21 pages):
  • August/September 2011 Issue: Released on October 1, 2011.


    - The low-end and mid-range systems are restructured.

    - Nearly half of the systems were updated or completely changed because of new hardware components and price change of many components.

     
  • June/July 2011 Issue: Released on July 14, 2011. The June issue has been delayed because of the delay of the May issue. So I decided to combine the June and July issues.


    - AMD A-Series APU (Llano) systems took place of all the Socket AM3 systems in the low-end and mid-range AMD systems.

    - Nearly half of the systems were updated because of new hardware components (new AMD 990FX/990X/SB950 chipset motherboards, new X58/ICH10R chipset motherboards etc.) and price change of many components.

     
  • May 2011 Issue: Released on June 3, 2011.


    - All LGA 775 systems were replaced by LGA 1155 systems finally.

    - Intel Z68 chipset motherboards are used in place of P67 in many systems.

    - Standard Mini-ITX and Budget/Low-End microATX/ATX systems were completely re-organized reflecting the recent release of Pentium Sandy Bridge processor.

    - 15-bay server systems are now using an Intel processor and Intel-brand motherboard (one reason for that is Intel Gb LAN).

    - 20-24 bay server systems have more processor/motherboard options.

     
  • April 2011 Issue ( free download ): Released on April 23, 2011.


    - All Radeon HD 5xxx cards were replaced by the latest Radeon HD 6xxx.

    - Several older motherboards and SSDs were replaced by new ones.

    - A Xeon LGA 1155 workstation was added.

    - Server systems were streamlined and divided into two categories: Server I (12 and 15-drive systems) and Server II (20 and 24-drive systems).

     
  • March 2011 Issue ( free download ): Released on March 21, 2011.


    - Every Intel LGA 1156 (Clarkdale and Lynnfield) system was replaced by a LGA 1155 (Sandy Bridge) system.

    - "Intel for 3D" (Clarkdale + a discrete graphics) systems were removed because Sandy Bridge supports 3D.

    - A LGA 1366 workstation was added.

    - Rocket 620 SATA controller card in a couple of server systems was replaced by Rosewill RC-211 because Rocket 620 BIOS disables other controller's BIOS.

     
  • February 2011 Issue ( free download ): The initial version released on February 23, 2011, the final version released on March 4, 2011.


    - An AMD E-350 APU system was added in the mini-ITX system ("Budge Mini-ITX System").

    - Intel High-End/Premium/Ultimate Systems and Workstation were all updated (i.e. Lynnfield systems were revived) because Intel recalled Intel 6 Series chipsets .

    - Minor changes in the server systems (new motherboards, a new SATA 6.0Gbps controller card) for better cost/performance.

    - Every single system was reviewed and components were replaced if necessary.

     
  • January 2011 Issue ( free download ): Issued on January 20, 2011. As Intel Sandy Bridge quad-core processors were released on January 9, mainly Intel High-End/Premium/Ultimate Systems were updated.

     
  • December 2010 Issue ( free download ): Issued on January 5, 2011. This is the first PDF version of the Buyer's Guide. 80 pages in US letter. Almost every section of the June 2010 issue was updated. This issue is also posted here .


Past Guides in This Thread



_____________________________
Preface to the Guide - May 11, 2008
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯


This is a guide to building a HTPC (Home Theater PC), a revised, enlarged version of Core 2 Motherboard Complete List - With Hardware Recommendations for a HD HTPC . In general emphasis is on the aspect of smooth playback of HD contents (including Blu-ray Disc, HD DVD and 1080p H.264 files), hence I added "HD (High Definition)" in the title. The main parts are:
  • Part I. Hardware Guide
  • Part II. Assembling Guide (under construction)
  • Part III. Software Guide (under construction)

"Hardware Guide" includes a practical selection guide of various hardware components as well as theoretical aspects of hardware if necessary. This part should be helpful to select right components quickly when building a HTPC. "Assembling Guide" is a practical guide to assembling a HTPC. I will choose one of the recommended systems in Part I and give a step-by-step instruction of assembling components. The content of "Software Guide" is still undecided (I welcome suggestions).


There are six appendices:
  • Appendix I. Overview of Intel CPU
  • Appendix II. Overview of AMD CPU
  • Appendix III. Complete List of Core 2 Motherboards
  • Appendix IV. Complete List of AM2 Motherboards
  • Appendix V. Motherboard Naming Rules
  • Appendix VI. List of Bandwidth

These are for reference only.


Then follow
__________________
Contents of the Guide
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Main Part
  1. Hardware Guide (Page 1)
    1. Introduction (under construction)
    2. Recommended Systems
      • Peripheral Components
      • MicroATX System
      • ATX System
      • Home Media Server
    3. CPU and CPU Cooler
    4. Motherboard
      • Intel Platform
      • AMD Platform
    5. Memory
    6. Graphics Device
    7. Sound Device
    8. HDD
    9. Optical Drive
    10. TV Tuner
    11. PSU
    12. Case
    13. Input Devices
  2. Assembling Guide (Page 2) (under construction)
  3. Software Guide (Page 3) (under construction)

Appendix
  1. Intel Processors – An Overview (Page 4)
    • Contents
    • Preface
    1. History
    2. P6 Microarchitecture
    3. NetBurst Microarchitecture
    4. Mobile Microarchitecture
    5. Core Microarchitecture
    6. Atom Microarchitecture
    7. Nehalem Microarchitecture
  2. AMD Processors – An Overview (Page 5)
    • Contents
    • Preface
    1. History
    2. K5 Processor
    3. K6 Processor
    4. K7 Processor
    5. K8 Processor
    6. K10 Processor
  3. Core 2 Motherboards – A Complete List of (Page 6)
    • Contents
    • Preface
    1. Overview of Recent Chipsets for the Intel Platform
    2. Intel 865 Chipset Motherboards
    3. Intel 945/946 Express Chipset Motherboards
    4. Intel 975X Express Chipset Motherboards
    5. Intel 965 Express Chipset Motherboards
    6. Intel 3 Series Chipset Motherboards
    7. Intel 4 Series Chipset Motherboards
    8. Intel Tylersburg & Ibexpeak Chipset Motherboards
    9. NVIDIA nForce4 Series for Intel Chipset Motherboards
    10. NVIDIA nForce 500 Series for Intel Chipset Motherboards
    11. NVIDIA nForce 600i Series Chipset Motherboards
    12. NVIDIA nForce 700i Series Chipset Motherboards
    13. NVIDIA GeForce 7-Series GPU and nForce 6-Series MCP Motherboards
    14. NVIDIA GeForce 8-Series mGPU Motherboards
    15. ATI Chipset Motherboards
    16. SiS Chipset Motherboards
    17. VIA Chipset Motherboards
    18. Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Motherboards
    19. Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Motherboards
  4. AM2 Motherboards – A Complete List of (Page 7)
    • Contents
    • Preface
    1. Overview of Recent Chipsets for the AMD Platform
    2. AMD 480 Series Chipset Motherboards
    3. AMD 580 Series Chipset Motherboards
    4. AMD 690 Series Chipset Motherboards
    5. AMD 7-Series Chipset Motherboards
    6. AMD 8-Series Chipset Motherboards
    7. NVIDIA nForce3 Series Chipset Motherboards
    8. NVIDIA nForce4 Series for AMD Chipset Motherboards
    9. NVIDIA nForce 500 Series for AMD Chipset Motherboards
    10. NVIDIA nForce 600a Series Chipset Motherboards
    11. NVIDIA nForce 700a Series Chipset Motherboards
    12. NVIDIA GeForce 6-Series GPU and nForce4 Series MCP Motherboards
    13. NVIDIA GeForce 7-Series GPU and nForce 6-Series MCP Motherboards
    14. NVIDIA GeForce 8-Series mGPU Motherboards
    15. SiS Chipset Motherboards
    16. ULi Chipset Motherboards
    17. VIA Chipset Motherboards
  5. Naming Rules of Motherboards (Page 8)
  6. List of Bandwidth (Page 8)
  7. MSI K8NGM2-FID: The Definitive Guide (page 9)

Discussion Posts (Click Here)
 
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5
#12,761 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2002hdmax /forum/post/18243101


Thanks again renethx for all you help on this site.

I plan on using Unraid with this MB GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H Is it fine to use one of the external USB ports for the pen drive that will contain the Unraid OS?

You will use a USB flash drive instead of a HDD for UnRAID.
 
#12,762 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by swing8 /forum/post/18243855


I'm confused about what exactly bitstreaming is and why it's so important.


I've got the Intel Core i3 530, ASRock H55M Pro outputting to a Sony HT-CT100 soundbar, which supports Dolby Digital/DTS/ProLogic II. How does bitstreaming apply to this setup? The manual says to output sound in Multi-channel PCM. Where would I do that?

Bitstreaming means sending compressed audio streams instead of first decoding compressed data to LPCM in PC, then sending LPCM. So your receiver must be able to decode compressed audio formats (typically Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD HRA, and DTS-HD MA).


HT-CT100 does not decode TrueHD/DTS-HD. So you can ignore this aspect.
 
#12,763 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/0


Mini-ITX system, that's a lot cheaper and better in performance. If Apex MI-008 is too large, you can find a smaller case

By going with a laptop will I be loosing a lot of performance even if I find a similar laptop but with 720rpm HD?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...724&CatId=4938


How much in performance will I be loosing compare to a desktop HTPC using the same i5 CPU and this mother board: Asus P7H55-M Pro Socket 1156 Intel H55 Chipset Dual-Channel DDR3 2133 ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/0


Yup, you can use your existing system as a server and can place it anywhere on your local network.

Using Media Center can I record OTA tv shows in a hard drive that is located in another computer somewhere in the network?


I have never build a server before so this may be a silly question.


Do I need to set up anything differently to have a server with the TBs hard drivers in the basement? How fast should it be? Can it be just a Pentium 3 with 2G of ram, running XP?
 
#12,764 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenopy /forum/post/18245024


First off, renethx, AWESOME post. Easily one of the best guides I have ever seen.


I do have a question though.

I have decided to go with the Mini-ITX Standard Build for my HTPC (Bottom of Post).


I need to be able to play video not only on my own HDTV (Using HDMI) but I also need to be able to connect to SDTV's.


I am thinking doing this for Standard Definition:

3.5mm to RCA Cable for Sound

Apple DVI to Video Adapter for Video (Plus RCA Cable)


My big question is, will that work?

I can find nothing that says whether that ZOTAC board has DVI-I ports (although they look like it). Also, if there is any other reason it wouldn't work?

The DVI port of H55ITX-A-E is DVI-I so it supports VGA too. But perhaps Apple DVI to Video Adapter for Video won't work; it is designed for specific ATI graphics cards (which perhaps has an VGA to SDTV encoder).


You'd better add a discrete graphic card that has a 7-pin mini-DIN connector (e.g Radeon HD 4xxx) and use a S-video cable.
 
#12,765 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by QBA /forum/post/18245577


By going with a laptop will I be loosing a lot of performance even if I find a similar laptop but with 720rpm HD?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...724&CatId=4938


How much in performance will I be loosing compare to a desktop HTPC using the same i5 CPU and this mother board: Asus P7H55-M Pro Socket 1156 Intel H55 Chipset Dual-Channel DDR3 2133 ?


Using Media Center can I record OTA tv shows in a hard drive that is located in another computer somewhere in the network?


Do I need to set up anything differently to have a server with the TBs hard drivers in the basement? How fast should it be? Can it be just a Pentium 3 with 2G of ram, running XP?

It depends on the task. For video playback, there should be no difference.


Yes.


A server (processor, HDD etc.) doesn't need to be fast if its purpose is streaming videos to multiple PCs. 1-2TB 5400rpm HDDs with 64K clusters and Gb LAN will be enough.
 
#12,766 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/18245713


A server (processor, HDD etc.) doesn't need to be fast if its purpose is streaming videos to multiple PCs. 1-2TB 5400rpm HDDs with 64K clusters and Gb LAN will be enough.

When using WHS (with no underlying hardware RAID), are 5400 rpm drives fast enough for streaming HD content? I can't imagine the drives being the bottle neck, but just want to make sure.


Sorry for the noob question
 
#12,768 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by J_P_A /forum/post/18245978


When using WHS (with no underlying hardware RAID), are 5400 rpm drives fast enough for streaming HD content? I can't imagine the drives being the bottle neck, but just want to make sure.


Sorry for the noob question

I have 14 drives in my WHS, all either 5400 or 5900 RPM, never had one issue streaming HD content to multiple players at once.
 
#12,769 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by carboranadum /forum/post/18242185


Dell is "special" and uses proprietary connectors.



CJ

Maybe for a PC bought in the early 90's. Dell has been using standard power connectors for years!


The power supply in the 537s is not a standard power supply in regards to its PHYSICAL size. I believe it is a 2u sized power supply. The motherboard, drive and other power connections are all standard.
 
#12,770 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinqian /forum/post/18246013


The one exception is the Core i7m Arrandale series. They are based on the same architecture as the Core i3/i5s.

Yes. The naming convention for the mobile Cores is a mystery to me, but anything Arrandale has integrated graphics.
 
#12,771 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by swing8 /forum/post/18243855


I'm confused about what exactly bitstreaming is and why it's so important.


I've got the Intel Core i3 530, ASRock H55M Pro outputting to a Sony HT-CT100 soundbar, which supports Dolby Digital/DTS/ProLogic II. How does bitstreaming apply to this setup? The manual says to output sound in Multi-channel PCM. Where would I do that?

It looks like I do have bitstream working already. I was looking at the Sony soundbar panel which just showed Dolby during a movie. However when no movie is playing it says PCM. When I started Inglorious Basterds, which is apparently the only movie I have with a DTS soundtrack it does change to DTS during playback.
 
#12,772 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 /forum/post/18244120


Yup, I am one of the them (Zotac H55 Mini-ITX + Core i5). Note bitstreaming only applies to the core i5/i3, I believe it does not apply to i7 (correct?)

Ok, this is the first board I've heard that supports it. It looks like a nice board, though I was hoping to stay in the micro form factor to be flexible. Anyone know of any other boards that support Clarkdale bitstreaming?
 
#12,774 ·
This may sound repetitive because you answered these questions already, but this would be a big purchase for me and I need to double check


Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/0


It depends on the task. For video playback, there should be no difference.

So if for video playback there should be no difference by going with the laptop. What about for multitasking?


Watching live OTA 1080i TV shows and recording, playing back other prerecorded TV shows, watching ripped Blue Ray 1080p movies and listening to music would be demanded of this laptop simultaneously by using Media Center extenders by 3 family members.


So is a little more than just video play back by a single party.


Still going with the laptop will be as fast as going with the desktop HTPC using the same i5 CPU and Asus P7H55-M Pro Socket 1156 Intel H55 Chipset Dual-Channel DDR3 2133 ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/0


A server (processor, HDD etc.) doesn't need to be fast if its purpose is streaming videos to multiple PCs. 1-2TB 5400rpm HDDs with 64K clusters and Gb LAN will be enough.

Since the HTPC laptop will be controlling this server, the same simultaneous demands will be apply to this server.


Does this multiple tasking may require faster hardware for the server?
 
#12,775 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx /forum/post/18245534


Bitstreaming means sending compressed audio streams instead of first decoding compressed data to LPCM in PC, then sending LPCM. So your receiver must be able to decode compressed audio formats (typically Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD HRA, and DTS-HD MA).

Can I get Bitstreaming with the specs of this laptop?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...724&CatId=4938
 
#12,777 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkhog /forum/post/18247006


Ok, this is the first board I've heard that supports it. It looks like a nice board, though I was hoping to stay in the micro form factor to be flexible. Anyone know of any other boards that support Clarkdale bitstreaming?

There are plenty of MicroATX boards that support core i3/i5:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=H55+Micro+ATX
 
#12,778 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by gmanhdtv /forum/post/18246155


Maybe for a PC bought in the early 90's. Dell has been using standard power connectors for years!


The power supply in the 537s is not a standard power supply in regards to its PHYSICAL size. I believe it is a 2u sized power supply. The motherboard, drive and other power connections are all standard.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know before testing on a spare motherboard I own.
 
#12,780 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc_G /forum/post/18226061


Check the possible causes listed here:

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/79957.aspx


(long thread, but the last page or two contains a summary of various causes with diagnostics to help determine which one is responsible)
Quote:
Originally Posted by gmanhdtv /forum/post/18246155


Maybe for a PC bought in the early 90's. Dell has been using standard power connectors for years!


The power supply in the 537s is not a standard power supply in regards to its PHYSICAL size. I believe it is a 2u sized power supply. The motherboard, drive and other power connections are all standard.

They're connectors are standard but the wiring is different and so are a couple of voltages. You cannot connect a standard PS into a Dell or the MB will fry. To replace a Dell MB with a non-Dell mb you will also have to change the PS. I was going to replace the PS and MB on my Dell that I bought just 2 1/2 years ago and found out that the outputs on the mATX Gigybyte MB are reversed from the Dell too. I did all this to reuse the case. It was pointless and I ended up just buying a Coolermaster case for $50 and the Dell is still sitting in the corner collecting dust unles I want to go back to Dell for a new MB.
 
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