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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 42

post #1231 of 15486
3/6/11 at 10:54am
Well the build came to life last night! I had a little delay because a power outage blew some capacitors in my TV, which resulted in a hunt for replacements. Thank goodness that Parts Express is nearby.

Anyway, I have come to a little block in setting up the file structure. I have setup a partition for OS and Programs (100GB) and a separate partition (1.9 TB) for files. This is my first Windows 7 install, but I remember that Vista wasn't too friendly in moving users files to places other than the standard location. Is this the same in 7? How do you change the storage location for personal files?

How do you organize your files for WMC? Do you create a folder structure on D: like follows?

D:\\Public

Movies
Music
Pictures
TV

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post #1232 of 15486
3/6/11 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrstop View Post

Well the build came to life last night! I had a little delay because a power outage blew some capacitors in my TV, which resulted in a hunt for replacements. Thank goodness that Parts Express is nearby.

Anyway, I have come to a little block in setting up the file structure. I have setup a partition for OS and Programs (100GB) and a separate partition (1.9 TB) for files. This is my first Windows 7 install, but I remember that Vista wasn't too friendly in moving users files to places other than the standard location. Is this the same in 7? How do you change the storage location for personal files?

How do you organize your files for WMC? Do you create a folder structure on D: like follows?

D:\\Public

Movies
Music
Pictures
TV


Its pretty flexible. I have my 1.95tb listed as "data" and have my movies saved there.
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post #1233 of 15486
3/6/11 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrstop View Post

Well the build came to life last night! I had a little delay because a power outage blew some capacitors in my TV, which resulted in a hunt for replacements. Thank goodness that Parts Express is nearby.

Anyway, I have come to a little block in setting up the file structure. I have setup a partition for OS and Programs (100GB) and a separate partition (1.9 TB) for files. This is my first Windows 7 install, but I remember that Vista wasn't too friendly in moving users files to places other than the standard location. Is this the same in 7? How do you change the storage location for personal files?

How do you organize your files for WMC? Do you create a folder structure on D: like follows?

D:\\Public
Movies
Music
Pictures
TV

I have my windows files on an SSD and then Movies, Pictures, Videos, Downloads, etc on a 500gb local drive. All of my videos are on a server. If I remember correctly, right click on on the default file such as video, choose properties and then you should be able to chose where you want that file located. I switched them all to the 500gb drive.
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post #1234 of 15486
3/6/11 at 11:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mesasone View Post

Nobody said the double install method is illegal. The point is that just because you can get the software to install using this method (which you shouldn't even need to use this work around to begin with) doesn't change the terms of the license and we should be careful as to not mislead people to believe otherwise as some have in the past few pages.

You can argue the ethics as you wish, but they are largely irrelevant here.

I might be one of the mislead ones.

What benefits am I giving up with this install compared to purchasing one of Microsofts's other products? Is it future upgrade path or something?
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post #1235 of 15486
3/6/11 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cablemidget View Post

I might be one of the mislead ones.

What benefits am I giving up with this install compared to purchasing one of Microsofts's other products? Is it future upgrade path or something?

Nothing.
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post #1236 of 15486
3/6/11 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrstop View Post

How do you organize your files for WMC? Do you create a folder structure on D: like follows?

D:\\Public

Movies
Music
Pictures
TV


You can do it however you want. Just need to tell Media Browser (or whatever other plugins/software you use) where the files are.

Mine is
D:\\Media\\
BluRay Movies
DVD Movies
TV Shows
Exercise Videos

Then I configure Media Browser to see those 4 folders as it's "top level" and thus there are icons for all 4 once you launch it.

Also I have D:\\Recorded TV which is used by WMC to DVR shows from my tuner.
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post #1237 of 15486
3/6/11 at 12:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bonscott87 View Post

Nothing.

Exactly. No difference except the price.
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post #1238 of 15486
3/6/11 at 2:38pm
On the Rosewill R101-P-BK I've had good results moving the rear mounted 120mm fan to the front of the case as an intake fan. Does a good job of keeping the HDD cool and will speed/slow as needed to keep case temps down. The fan rarely moves off the minimum speed. I also knocked out the "teeth" of the front intake "grill" to reduce airflow restriction. Case is hidden so I don't care about looks, but you could paint the metal behind the grill black if you want it to look better.
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post #1239 of 15486
3/6/11 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bonscott87 View Post

You can do it however you want. Just need to tell Media Browser (or whatever other plugins/software you use) where the files are.

Mine is
D:\\Media\\
BluRay Movies
DVD Movies
TV Shows
Exercise Videos

Then I configure Media Browser to see those 4 folders as it's "top level" and thus there are icons for all 4 once you launch it.

Also I have D:\\Recorded TV which is used by WMC to DVR shows from my tuner.

i do basically the same. Bold=top folder in mediabroswer

on my 2tb drive i have. All this fill its up....think im down to 100gb left
E:\\Movies Where all the movies are stored minus a few exceptions
E:\\James Bond (every james bond movie in bluray
E:\\new movies and tv Where i toss freshly ripped movies i havent seen yet and where downloaded tv shows go that i have yet to watch

Then on my 1tb...about 400gb left i think
F:\\video\\Ski All my ski related movies
F:\\video\\Soccer Archived soccer games and soccer related documentaries
F:\\Video\\TV Where i store all the tv shows.
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post #1240 of 15486
3/6/11 at 9:08pm
Thread Starter 
Mediabrowser has its own forum too. Lots of great info there.

http://www.mediabrowser.tv/forum/index.php
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post #1241 of 15486
3/7/11 at 5:15am
Again, great information in this thread.

Other thoughts I had vs. building an HTPC is purchasing a PC that was pre-built and adding some pieces (BluRay drive and tuner card).

Any reason that either one of these might not work that you can think of?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+E...&skuId=1700107

or

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+I...&skuId=1677209
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post #1242 of 15486
3/7/11 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

Again, great information in this thread.

Other thoughts I had vs. building an HTPC is purchasing a PC that was pre-built and adding some pieces (BluRay drive and tuner card).

Any reason that either one of these might not work that you can think of?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+E...&skuId=1700107

or

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+I...&skuId=1677209

Links don't work. Prebuilts aren't good because they are very limited when it comes to updating. If it has all you need then your ok. But down the road you pretty much always want to change something and when you do you will regret it.

But if not they can be fine.
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post #1243 of 15486
3/7/11 at 8:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

Again, great information in this thread.

Other thoughts I had vs. building an HTPC is purchasing a PC that was pre-built and adding some pieces (BluRay drive and tuner card).

Any reason that either one of these might not work that you can think of?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+E...&skuId=1700107

or

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+I...&skuId=1677209

Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboy714 View Post


Links don't work. Prebuilts aren't good because they are very limited when it comes to updating. If it has all you need then your ok. But down the road you pretty much always want to change something and when you do you will regret it.

But if not they can be fine.

I would agree. My last HTPC was a refurb HP slimline to which I added a Bluray/HDDVD drive and a graphics card. It has done well but there are proprietary connections that make it difficult at times. My new HTPC was built using the specs on this thread and I couldn't be happier. It's set up the way that I want without all of the bloatware that comes with a prebuilt. There's many ways to do a HTPC so you should do what satisfies you and fits your budget/needs. Basically there is no right or wrong way. I couldn't get the links to work either so I can't give specifics on the particular prebuilts that you linked to.
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post #1244 of 15486
3/7/11 at 8:11am
Thanks for the input.

I'm not opposed to building my own HTPC, just wondering if there's something out there that would meet the needs for now. Mostly it's just for using Windows 7 Media Center for OTA recording, so I'd add a tuner card. Possibly blu-ray rips and DVD rips with a Blu-Ray drive.


Not sure why the links don't work.

Maybe this will work?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960
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post #1245 of 15486
3/7/11 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

Thanks for the input.

I'm not opposed to building my own HTPC, just wondering if there's something out there that would meet the needs for now. Mostly it's just for using Windows 7 Media Center for OTA recording, so I'd add a tuner card. Possibly blu-ray rips and DVD rips with a Blu-Ray drive.

Not sure why the links don't work.

Maybe this will work?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

The links work, but for those prices, I would definitely build my own. In the long run, you'll have a much nicer build. Also, for those prices, you can have an SSD drive for your boot drive, a 2TB drive for your data and a Bluray write drive. The case can be any form factor you want. If you are concerned about building one, it's easier than you think.
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post #1246 of 15486
3/7/11 at 9:06am
The good thing about the prebuilts is you get windows included. If thats something you need. Because thats normally an extra 100 bucks right off the top.
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post #1247 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboy714 View Post

The good thing about the prebuilts is you get windows included. If thats something you need. Because thats normally an extra 100 bucks right off the top.

I built mine for not much more than those prices and that included windows.
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post #1248 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboy714 View Post

The good thing about the prebuilts is you get windows included. If thats something you need. Because thats normally an extra 100 bucks right off the top.

Agreed. That was what started me looking at them. Saving the $100+ would help.
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post #1249 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

Thanks for the input.

I'm not opposed to building my own HTPC, just wondering if there's something out there that would meet the needs for now. Mostly it's just for using Windows 7 Media Center for OTA recording, so I'd add a tuner card. Possibly blu-ray rips and DVD rips with a Blu-Ray drive.


Not sure why the links don't work.

Maybe this will work?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

Well you should be opposed --- to buying a prebuilt and here's why.

Let's take a look at that second link which is a Dell from Best Buy ($550 plus tax. Where I live this would be $583).
Here are the specs on that PC:
Intel i3 3.2GHz (which means its the i3 550), 4GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB 7200RPM Hard drive, DVD-RW drive, Win7 Home Premium 64 Bit.

A few points: Dell, HP, Gateway and others give you specs in a fairly attractive case but what's inside? Usually entry level parts (at best) with proprietary connections or attachments.

With the being said let's take a look at an "entry level" HTPC that you could build yourself with the exact same specs and likely better parts...

Disclaimer - Do NOT build this PC. This is for reference only!




So this is a PC with the exact same specs as that Dell, a full version of Windows 7 at retail (if you look you can find it a little cheaper) with arguably better parts.

Also, there are $20 in rebates with this build. So in the end you are getting a better build with the exact same specs for $150 less.
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post #1250 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by badgerpilot View Post

My new HTPC was built using the specs on this thread and I couldn't be happier.

That's what I like to hear!
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post #1251 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Well you should be opposed --- to buying a prebuilt and here's why.







Also, there are $20 in rebates with this build. So in the end you are getting a better build with the exact same specs for $150 less.

Wonderful Thanks for the input. Then build is what I shall do.

I'm thinking of adding a Blu-Ray drive (vs. the DVD/CD drive), 2TB drive (vs. the 1tb).

Would it be worth going with the Gigabyte motherboard for an extra $40?
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post #1252 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

Wonderful Thanks for the input. Then build is what I shall do.

I'm thinking of adding a Blu-Ray drive (vs. the DVD/CD drive), 2TB drive (vs. the 1tb).

Would it be worth going with the Gigabyte motherboard for an extra $40?

Do NOT build that PC that I just listed. That was merely for reference.

Yes, I would go with the Gigabyte or ASUS motherboard. I flip flop on which one I like better but currently I like the ASUS just a smidge better. They are both awesome.

I would go with a 2TB green drive and partition about 50GB for your operating system.

Post your parts when you have them picked out and I will help you make some changes.
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post #1253 of 15486
3/7/11 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Do NOT build that PC that I just listed. That was merely for reference.

Yes, I would go with the Gigabyte or ASUS motherboard. I flip flop on which one I like better but currently I like the ASUS just a smidge better. They are both awesome.

I would go with a 2TB green drive and partition about 50GB for your operating system.

Post your parts when you have them picked out and I will help you make some changes.

How about this:


Cart Item List:
Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1
Intel Core i3-560 3.33GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819115068
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$149.99
1
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813128429
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$109.99
1
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152245
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99
1
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231190
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$44.99
1
Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371029
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$6.00 Instant
$59.99
$53.99
1
Rosewill R101-P-BK Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811147112
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$29.99
1
SAMSUNG Black Blu-ray Drive SATA Model SH-B123L LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827151222
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$69.99
1
Microsoft Windows 7 Family Pack/ Home Premium Upgrade - Retail 3 PCs
Item #:N82E16832116775
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$26.00 Instant
$149.99
$123.99
1
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213
Item #:N82E16815116036
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$1.50 Instant
$129.99
$128.49
Grand Total: $801.41
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post #1254 of 15486
3/7/11 at 11:15am
Great thread, I've learned a lot and still have a few pages to go through.

I am currently in Afghanistan, so my theater is seeing no use. However I have some down time occasionally with internet, so I want to start building my HTPC. Keep in mind I won't use it for a year.

I wasn't planning on picking up a processor or MB. Mainly just researching sales on cases or power supplies, as I imagine those don't change much.

I also want to do a NAS/hybrid computer. I have a rack system and want one unit to pull double duty. I have plenty of space in the rack, but don't anticipate a need for more that 12 HD trays in the case. Any recommendations? I briefly read the NAS thread, but that had some cases that were 300 dollars!
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post #1255 of 15486
3/7/11 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjminch View Post

Great thread, I've learned a lot and still have a few pages to go through.

I am currently in Afghanistan, so my theater is seeing no use. However I have some down time occasionally with internet, so I want to start building my HTPC. Keep in mind I won't use it for a year.

I wasn't planning on picking up a processor or MB. Mainly just researching sales on cases or power supplies, as I imagine those don't change much.

I also want to do a NAS/hybrid computer. I have a rack system and want one unit to pull double duty. I have plenty of space in the rack, but don't anticipate a need for more that 12 HD trays in the case. Any recommendations? I briefly read the NAS thread, but that had some cases that were 300 dollars!

Honestly if you aren't going to use it for 12 months you should just wait. PCs are a moving target where there are new and improved products out every 2-3 months or so. In 12 months you can either get some better gear or current gear will be a fraction of what it costs now.

I'd wait and just research like crazy and educate myself. Maybe build a system for someone else who is going to use it now.
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post #1256 of 15486
3/7/11 at 12:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

How about this:


Cart Item List:
Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1
Intel Core i3-560 3.33GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819115068
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$149.99
1
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813128429
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$109.99
1
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152245
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99
1
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231190
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$44.99
1
Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371029
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$6.00 Instant
$59.99
$53.99
1
Rosewill R101-P-BK Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811147112
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$29.99
1
SAMSUNG Black Blu-ray Drive SATA Model SH-B123L LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827151222
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$69.99
1
Microsoft Windows 7 Family Pack/ Home Premium Upgrade - Retail 3 PCs
Item #:N82E16832116775
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$26.00 Instant
$149.99
$123.99
1
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213
Item #:N82E16815116036
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$1.50 Instant
$129.99
$128.49
Grand Total: $801.41

Couple of thoughts...

1. I'd get the i3 540 and save yourself $25 or so. It looks like it is OOS at newegg until 3/14.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-221-_-Product
If you wanted to get it now it is available at buy.com and amazon.com.

Great MB, HD, RAM, PSU, Case. If you need 3 copies of Win7 then go with the upgrade pack. If not then just get 1 copy and save yourself $25.

Good build. Only thing additional you could get is a SSD but that is a complete luxury item.
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post #1257 of 15486
3/7/11 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Couple of thoughts...

1. I'd get the i3 540 and save yourself $25 or so. It looks like it is OOS at newegg until 3/14.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-221-_-Product
If you wanted to get it now it is available at buy.com and amazon.com.

Great MB, HD, RAM, PSU, Case. If you need 3 copies of Win7 then go with the upgrade pack. If not then just get 1 copy and save yourself $25.

Good build. Only thing additional you could get is a SSD but that is a complete luxury item.

It should be a good build... it's yours (from page 1)

I've flip flopped on the SSD, but I'm not thinking that it will be worth the $$ for what I'll use it for.

I may use the other Win7 for another computer I have, so it'll be $25 worth spending (if I can "double install").
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post #1258 of 15486
3/7/11 at 12:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post


It should be a good build... it's yours (from page 1)

I've flip flopped on the SSD, but I'm not thinking that it will be worth the $$ for what I'll use it for.

I may use the other Win7 for another computer I have, so it'll be $25 worth spending (if I can "double install").

Check Amazon. They had a price that was hard to beat for the Win 7 3 license. I just checked and it is back up but they frequently drop it to $99.
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post #1259 of 15486
3/7/11 at 12:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGA View Post

It should be a good build... it's yours (from page 1)

I've flip flopped on the SSD, but I'm not thinking that it will be worth the $$ for what I'll use it for.

I may use the other Win7 for another computer I have, so it'll be $25 worth spending (if I can "double install").

Of course - I know its mine.

You are absolutely correct about the SSD. You can always add it later and clone your hard drive partition over to it if you want to.

I have done this build 5 or 6 times now with the ASUS/Gigabyte board and all of them are going strong with no issues. The last one I built is waiting for Win7 to come in the mail so I can complete it. I used the Gigabyte USB2.0 board on that one which is very similar to your board.
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post #1260 of 15486
3/7/11 at 1:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Honestly if you aren't going to use it for 12 months you should just wait. PCs are a moving target where there are new and improved products out every 2-3 months or so. In 12 months you can either get some better gear or current gear will be a fraction of what it costs now.

I'd wait and just research like crazy and educate myself. Maybe build a system for someone else who is going to use it now.

Thanks I figured as much. It's more fun to window shop online, but I suppose I could use the research.
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