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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 57

post #1681 of 15486
3/20/11 at 4:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Finally was ilovejedd's request to test out some weird anime. Now I am not into this stuff and had no idea what I was watching but I did download the first MKV from the list that he sent me. CPU use was noticably lower than the previous MKV. I am not sure the details of either file or how either was encoded. The end result was that both looked great --- with the difference that the anime was definitely more strange.



That was standard definition and, I believe, is the easiest one to decode among the sample videos in the link I sent. Were the subtitles working? I didn't notice any in the screenshots. If CPU is already at 37% for that video, it doesn't really bode well for the other clips, particularly those with fancy subtitles. If I remember correctly, I had no problem playing that same clip on an Intel D945GCLF2 (945GC/Atom 330).

*sigh* I was typing on my phone when I made that request so I couldn't check for a specific clip. It's probably too late now to test another clip. Oh well, thanks for the effort.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #1682 of 15486
3/20/11 at 4:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovejedd View Post

That was standard definition and, I believe, is the easiest one to decode among the sample videos in the link I sent. Were the subtitles working? I didn't notice any in the screenshots. If CPU is already at 37% for that video, it doesn't really bode well for the other clips, particularly those with fancy subtitles. If I remember correctly, I had no problem playing that same clip on an Intel D945GCLF2 (945GC/Atom 330).

*sigh* I was typing on my phone when I made that request so I couldn't check for a specific clip. It's probably too late now to test another clip. Oh well, thanks for the effort.

Maybe dpmb can test it for you. He'll have it on Tuesday.

You should send him the link for the exact video that you want him to test.
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post #1683 of 15486
3/20/11 at 7:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2 View Post

They've got 60Mbps here and are in the process of rolling out 100Mbps and with a DOCIS 3 modem you can get all of what you pay for (and more sometimes). The top speed of uverse is 24Mbps which is what I have right now and speedtesting it using broadband reports indicates that I am getting 19 or 20 local and 12 to 15 cross-country.

Wow, you are really lucky because the vast majority of Charter systems are terrible...really, really bad. One only needs to look at broadband reports.

Good luck man, but looks like you got a rare good cable system!
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post #1684 of 15486
3/20/11 at 8:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by badgerpilot View Post

Very nice! The pictures and the narrative is excellent! I take it the performance and temps are all acceptable?

I've only checked temps by running Prime95 for about an hour while monitoring AI Suite. The CPU only got up to 49°C can that be right? My thermal fans only got up to ~1300rpm too. I have a kill-a-watt on it's way, I'll post power consumption when I get it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Really really great project, pictures and narrative.

Do you mind if I include a link in my build section for others to see it?

I would love that. Be my guest.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul E. Fox, II View Post

Very nice! Loved the narrative as well.

Is that Media Center Remote one of the ones that Assassin has in his first post or something else entirely?

The remote is made by AVS gear. Not from assassins list, but similar. I selected that one because it is supposed to have learning capability. I could never get it to enter learning mode as described in the user manual though. I might just get another Harmony so I don't need two remotes lying around.
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post #1685 of 15486
3/20/11 at 8:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovejedd View Post

That was standard definition and, I believe, is the easiest one to decode among the sample videos in the link I sent. Were the subtitles working? I didn't notice any in the screenshots. If CPU is already at 37% for that video, it doesn't really bode well for the other clips, particularly those with fancy subtitles. If I remember correctly, I had no problem playing that same clip on an Intel D945GCLF2 (945GC/Atom 330).

*sigh* I was typing on my phone when I made that request so I couldn't check for a specific clip. It's probably too late now to test another clip. Oh well, thanks for the effort.

Send me the link and I'll give it a shot.
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post #1686 of 15486
3/21/11 at 6:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwpritchett View Post

I would love that. Be my guest.

Great! I'll add it.
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post #1687 of 15486
3/21/11 at 10:02am
Hi ASSASSIN,
I've just a pair of questions:

If I want to use 1080p avsynth scripts on my rig, must be ROCK SOLID i7 @3.7Ghz with intel Hyper Threads Enabled!

In my rig (i7 950), wich are the hardware for that, expecially HTPC case and CPU cooling?

Thanks a lot

bye
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post #1688 of 15486
3/21/11 at 10:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwpritchett View Post

The remote is made by AVS gear. Not from assassins list, but similar. I selected that one because it is supposed to have learning capability. I could never get it to enter learning mode as described in the user manual though. I might just get another Harmony so I don't need two remotes lying around.

Did you get it from New Egg/Amazon?
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post #1689 of 15486
3/21/11 at 10:47am
Anyone try this case and MB combo? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856115034
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post #1690 of 15486
3/21/11 at 11:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by grimas View Post

Anyone try this case and MB combo? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856115034

Audio
Onboard Audio Realtek ALC662
Channel 6-CH

Looks a little dated but if you don't need 8-CH HD Audio you could be okay. It'd be nice to actually see pictures of the MOBO inside.
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post #1691 of 15486
3/21/11 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rinorho View Post

Hi ASSASSIN,
I've just a pair of questions:

If I want to use 1080p avsynth scripts on my rig, must be ROCK SOLID i7 @3.7Ghz with intel Hyper Threads Enabled!

In my rig (i7 950), wich are the hardware for that, expecially HTPC case and CPU cooling?

Thanks a lot

bye

I'm confused about your actual question.

Do you want to know what motherboard, case and CPU cooler to buy? Not really following you here.
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post #1692 of 15486
3/21/11 at 11:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by grimas View Post

Anyone try this case and MB combo? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856115034

Eh. Lukewarm deal at best. Here's a link to the manufacturer's page:
http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us...ent.php?S_ID=7

First, I am not a huge fan of biostar.

Second, it looks like periodically this runs $109 (its price is $130 now).

Thirdly, shipping is $16.

It looks like it has these parts:

Case ($50)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154087

Motherboard (likely this board) ($75)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138189

So basically you are getting the remote for $5 which you can find on special for $15 sometimes.

So you are saving roughly $10-$20 before the $16 shipping.

I think your money is better spent elsewhere.
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post #1693 of 15486
3/21/11 at 12:00pm
Thread Starter 
Added a mini-ITX Sandy Bridge recommendation and updated my RAM recs.
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post #1694 of 15486
3/21/11 at 12:16pm
Thanks! Was getting lazy and looking for the "simple solution" after 2 days of "research" online...

Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Eh. Lukewarm deal at best. Here's a link to the manufacturer's page:
http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us...ent.php?S_ID=7

First, I am not a huge fan of biostar.

Second, it looks like periodically this runs $109 (its price is $130 now).

Thirdly, shipping is $16.

It looks like it has these parts:

Case ($50)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154087

Motherboard (likely this board) ($75)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138189

So basically you are getting the remote for $5 which you can find on special for $15 sometimes.

So you are saving roughly $10-$20 before the $16 shipping.

I think your money is better spent elsewhere.
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post #1695 of 15486
3/21/11 at 12:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I'm confused about your actual question.

Do you want to know what motherboard, case and CPU cooler to buy? Not really following you here.

Wich is the hardware (the HTPC case, CPU and CPU cooling) for to run 1080p avsynth scripts?

I've got one i7 950

thanks a lot
bye
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post #1696 of 15486
3/21/11 at 1:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

First, I am not a huge fan of biostar.

Ouch. Kick to my budget HTPC junk.

It was the Biostar/CPU combo deal at Microcenter that first sucked me in to the HTPC game from my formerly comfortable position on the sideline. Unfortunately I jumped before finding this thread or I would have spent a little more and gone with one of the recommended boards. Oh well, hoping for the best. The build went great. Win7 installed and all drivers/firmware updates have been applied, except for the Samsung F4 (need to check the build date).

Haven't gotten around to setting up the HTPC software and getting media in place yet.

Question, I did not add any additional thermal grease to the CPU so it just has the stuff that was already on the chip from the factory. Should I pick some up, pull off the CPU fan and add some extra?
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post #1697 of 15486
3/21/11 at 2:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 12th Man View Post

Ouch. Kick to my budget HTPC junk.

It was the Biostar/CPU combo deal at Microcenter that first sucked me in to the HTPC game from my formerly comfortable position on the sideline. Unfortunately I jumped before finding this thread or I would have spent a little more and gone with one of the recommended boards. Oh well, hoping for the best. The build went great. Win7 installed and all drivers/firmware updates have been applied, except for the Samsung F4 (need to check the build date).

Haven't gotten around to setting up the HTPC software and getting media in place yet.

Question, I did not add any additional thermal grease to the CPU so it just has the stuff that was already on the chip from the factory. Should I pick some up, pull off the CPU fan and add some extra?

I'm sure the build will be fine.

You don't have to add any additional thermal compound if you don't want to assuming your temps are decent. Check your CPU temps and report back to use what they are.
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post #1698 of 15486
3/21/11 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rinorho View Post

Wich is the hardware (the HTPC case, CPU and CPU cooling) for to run 1080p avsynth scripts?

I've got one i7 950

thanks a lot
bye

That CPU is way overkill for a HTPC - even if using avisynth.

So pick whatever motherboard, CPU cooler, graphics card (there is no onboard graphics with i7) and case suits you and you'll be able to play whatever you want.

The nvidia 430 graphics card is a great choice if you are on a budget as it can do 3D video as well as all other formats.

BTW - That processor at $280 costs more than 2 of my lowest budget HTPCs which include case, psu, Ram, CPU, CPU cooler, hard drive and even an optical drive combined.

And both will play 1080p exactly the same.
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post #1699 of 15486
3/21/11 at 5:17pm
Thread Starter 
Samsung Green F4 2TB are $75 with free shipping at newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152245
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post #1700 of 15486
3/21/11 at 7:39pm
Maybe some of you more experienced HTPC builders can shed some light on this. I'm just beginning my research for "cutting the cord" and it seems that there isn't much discussion about the mini-ITX format. Is there some reason for that? Maybe dislike for an external AC-DC adapter? Lack of expandability? Seems like there would be others like myself that would like a Zino/ASRock-sized DIY solution for the bedroom or kitchen. Just wondering...
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post #1701 of 15486
3/21/11 at 7:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdbrown View Post
Maybe some of you more experienced HTPC builders can shed some light on this. I'm just beginning my research for "cutting the cord" and it seems that there isn't much discussion about the mini-ITX format. Is there some reason for that? Maybe dislike for an external power supply? Lack of expandability? Seems like there would be others like myself that would like a Zino/ASRock-sized DIY solution for the bedroom or kitchen. Just wondering...
I love the mini-ITX form factor.

I think that many people are okay with having a HTPC case that is the same size as their other AV gear. This makes the micro-ATX form factor the ideal choice for that situation. Micro-ATX in general is a little bit less expensive (the smaller the board usually the greater the cost) as well. Also micro-ATX does offer better expandability with more open slots.

However, for a "secondary" (or even primary if you are cramped for space or just want something really small and really cool looking) HTPC for the bedroom or kitchen I think ITX is the best choice. It has 1 slot which you can leave open or use a tuner card. I recently added a Sandy Bridge ITX board so now you have SB, Clarkdale or zacate options for your ITX build depending on your budget and needs.



Following up on this.

Even if you do use the slot for something other than a tuner you can always add an external tuner like the HD Homerun.
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post #1702 of 15486
3/21/11 at 8:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital_Brain View Post
I will check the temps and get back with that info later today.

Before the fan upgrade the CPU was 16 C to 18 C and the system was 32 C to 35 C.
Even those are good temps, seems like the bp655 is a good case once you replace the fan and sort the LEDs, have you had any problems with the psu? I've read a few reviews saying about rattling and cut outs
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post #1703 of 15486
3/21/11 at 8:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris19992 View Post
Even those are good temps, seems like the bp655 is a good case once you replace the fan and sort the LEDs, have you had any problems with the psu? I've read a few reviews saying about rattling and cut outs
Those are excellent temps. Not just good!
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post #1704 of 15486
3/21/11 at 9:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post
Those are excellent temps. Not just good!
Those are my "before" case fan upgrade temps.
I apologize for not posting my new "after" fan upgrade temps yet. I will try to get them in the morning. I want the system to be running for a bit so I get some good warm values.

On another note...yes, the In-Win case is very well ventilated, with a good airflow. So I did have a trade-off in that I gave up a more compact size in exchange for the ability to use a standard size DVD/BlueRay player as well as room for 2-hard drives and in exchange I also got a decent amount of airspace in the case for a nice, cool running and quiet system...that will pay for itself over the next 6 months.

And all it took, was to stumble upon some little ole' forum created in the far corners of the internet, by someone named Assassin, who wanted to share this wonderment known as "A Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide".
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post #1705 of 15486
3/21/11 at 10:24pm
assassin - Thanks for the ITX info. I could see the micro-ATX blending in with my A/V equipment in the cabinet. But, the WAF is pretty low for something even that size sitting out in the bedroom or especially on the kitchen counter. The configuration I'm working on includes 2 HDHRs for OTA streaming to TVs in the LR, BR and kitchen. The one thing holding me up is the desire to play a BD at any of those locations. I haven't done any ripping yet; maybe I'll get there some day but cutting the cable bill is a higher priority. Don't really want to add a separate BD player in 3 locations so was looking for an all-inclusive, really small HTPC solution. I can post a copy of my layout but didn't know if that would be appropriate for this thread.
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post #1706 of 15486
3/22/11 at 2:34am
Thanks so much for the awesome thread, and all the great information

I purchased the Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H-B3 and the LIAN LI PC-C36B as part of my build. My problem/question is with the included 300W power supply.

It has a 20 + 4 pin connector and a 4 pin connector for the motherboard. THe motherboard has a 24 pin connector and an 8 pin connector. I am not planning on running any cards on the PC (no added power requirement).

Will this power supply work with my board? Will it hurt anything to try it?

The manual isn't that clear (at least not to me).

http://download.gigabyte.ru/manual/m...-b3_v1.1_e.pdf

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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post #1707 of 15486
3/22/11 at 5:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital_Brain View Post

And all it took, was to stumble upon some little ole' forum created in the far corners of the internet, by someone named Assassin, who wanted to share this wonderment known as "A Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide".

Thanks. Glad I could help!
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post #1708 of 15486
3/22/11 at 6:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WldCrd View Post

Thanks so much for the awesome thread, and all the great information

You are welcome. Thanks for contributing!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WldCrd View Post

It has a 20 + 4 pin connector and a 4 pin connector for the motherboard. THe motherboard has a 24 pin connector and an 8 pin connector. I am not planning on running any cards on the PC (no added power requirement).

Will this power supply work with my board? Will it hurt anything to try it?

Yes!

No it won't hurt at all. If you were loading down by overclocking it then I would at least use caution. But for simple HTPC uses there is absolutely no risk in using the 4 pin connector in the 8 pin motherboard connection location.

Just plug it in where it fits.

Example:
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post #1709 of 15486
3/22/11 at 6:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris19992 View Post

Even those are good temps, seems like the bp655 is a good case once you replace the fan and sort the LEDs, have you had any problems with the psu? I've read a few reviews saying about rattling and cut outs

The power supply has been rock-solid, no rattling and definitely no cutouts.
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post #1710 of 15486
3/22/11 at 7:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital_Brain View Post

I will check the temps and get back with that info later today.

Before the fan upgrade the CPU was 16 C to 18 C and the system was 32 C to 35 C.

I finally found time to get the updated temps. I woke up at 4:30am so what better time to play with my new HTPC.

The new temp readings were done by running the Performance Assessment which really gets all the processors going.
My new readings were at 40C for the CPU and 25C for the System as opposed to the much noisier case fan giving me 35C for the CPU and 18C for the System. So I gave up some cooling for a significantly quieter system. I am not overclocking anything just running a plain vanilla setup and yet the temps have plenty of headroom. Am I allowed to say my HTPC is COOL? :-D

*I think I had the CPU and systems numbers switched in my earlier posts, the hotter number is typically the CPU.
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