AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Cheapest ever HTPC that's decent. Proud of myself.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Cheapest ever HTPC that's decent. Proud of myself. - Page 15

post #421 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Logic_BomB View Post

Assassin - Your guide is a little sparse on HDD selection (I don't have access to either drives you suggest).

Are hard drives mostly the same or are there some definite reasons to choose one over another?

There are only 3 manufacturers now
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #422 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:25am
So it basically doesn't matter? Just pick the size I need and not worry about the minutia?
Reply
Reply
post #423 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:35am
I think most people just get what they can find a deal on. If you read through reviews you'll never pick a drive. People get a bad one or theirs breaksdown and they write a negative review about a certain brand but research has shown that reliability is pretty similar among WD and seagate. Drives are mechanical, run one long enough and eventually it'll die. Instead of spending twice as much for the most expensive drive, it might be more prudent to buy 2 drives so you can have 1:1 backup.

Some people also buy external drives if they see a good deal and then crack the case open. You'll lose warranty on the external.
Reply
Reply
post #424 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stettin View Post

Since everyone is bragging about hardware in here, I figure I'd chime in and look for a little advice.

I have the opportunity to get a i5-3570k for about $150 after taxes/shipping 2 ways (relative works for Intel). I have a hard time passing it up because it is such a great deal, but wonder if it is overkill for a HTPC. I currently have a core2duo e8400 with an ATI 5670 discreet video. The prob is the board is full ATX. I want to get to a small form factor purpose built case (yet to be determined) and possibly get by with integrated video. I need to bitstream HD audio through TMT5/MPC-HC, do bluray, DVD, MKV, etc, all of which I can do now.

Should I just go with a cheaper pentium or i3 sandy bridge chip, even though they are not much cheaper? Or just go for the big "discount" even though I might end up spending a bit more money? I'm also a bit concerned about heat as the i5 is 77w. I'm also interested in cpu fan recommendations since I hear the stock fan/thermal paste is pretty poor on the boxed processors.

Yes it's overkill, but because all of these tend to run fairly cool, it's not unsuitable other than for price. It's 77w, but that's at full power, and in most actual HTPC use, it won't draw much more than the i3. It does have the HD4000 graphics, but I haven't seen a review of what that actually provides in real world htpc use. The reality is that you will be paying more for likely no real discernable difference in an htpc over using an i3-2100 or i3-2125 (unless you try to transcode some video, and then you will notice a difference). But if the price difference isn't all that much, my natural inclination would be to cast logic aside and get the 3570K, but that's just me.

By the way, if you happen to live within distance of a Micro Center, you can actually get that CPU cheaper than that, because they sell it for $189 but give $50 off a Z77 motherboard if you buy them together, making the effective price $139. (And they're willing to bend those rules. They gave me $50 off an Intel DH77KC with my 3570K (for a desktop, not an HTPC). It cost me $260 for the cpu and motherboard.)

Also, the stock cooler on Sandy and Ivy bridge processors is just fine as long as you're not overclocking.

Actually, if you can wait a little, and assuming he can get comparable discounts on all chips, you might wait on the release of the i3-3225 which will be the HD4000 version of the i3 and will likely be the ideal htpc choice.
Reply
Reply
post #425 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:51am
FWIW I have Ivy Bridge recommendations now in my hardware guide. May help with some research for some of you.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160
Reply
Reply
post #426 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post


Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if you are getting a good deal on it. And I woudn't lose any sleep over Newegg reviews.

Thanks both to you and assassin. I may give it a couple of weeks and see if it goes on sale again.
Reply
Reply
post #427 of 841
5/29/12 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

FWIW I have Ivy Bridge recommendations now in my hardware guide. May help with some research for some of you.

http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160

Nice addition and explanation.

My reaction is that the only reason to buy an IB right now for an HTPC is if you either have an immediate need or are simply too impatient to wait for the i3-3225.

But there are always a couple of types of overkill. One is that you're wasting money. The other is that the use of the higher performance part is actually counterproductive in terms, for example, of added heat, power and noise, or in the case of PSUs, lost efficiency. If SB is an indication, though, the IB i5s probably don't use much if any more power than the i3s, so it really becomes basically a question of, are you willing to spend the extra money recognizing that you probably won't see much if any actually difference in performance. But you can get it now, rather than waiting.
Reply
Reply
post #428 of 841
5/29/12 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

Yes it's overkill, but because all of these tend to run fairly cool, it's not unsuitable other than for price. It's 77w, but that's at full power, and in most actual HTPC use, it won't draw much more than the i3. It does have the HD4000 graphics, but I haven't seen a review of what that actually provides in real world htpc use. The reality is that you will be paying more for likely no real discernable difference in an htpc over using an i3-2100 or i3-2125 (unless you try to transcode some video, and then you will notice a difference). But if the price difference isn't all that much, my natural inclination would be to cast logic aside and get the 3570K, but that's just me.

By the way, if you happen to live within distance of a Micro Center, you can actually get that CPU cheaper than that, because they sell it for $189 but give $50 off a Z77 motherboard if you buy them together, making the effective price $139. (And they're willing to bend those rules. They gave me $50 off an Intel DH77KC with my 3570K (for a desktop, not an HTPC). It cost me $260 for the cpu and motherboard.)

Also, the stock cooler on Sandy and Ivy bridge processors is just fine as long as you're not overclocking.

Actually, if you can wait a little, and assuming he can get comparable discounts on all chips, you might wait on the release of the i3-3225 which will be the HD4000 version of the i3 and will likely be the ideal htpc choice.

Unfortunately I don't have a MC or Frys nearby. I get 90% of my parts from Newegg. The EPP programs for Intel usually push the mid to high range processors. Two years ago I got an i7 for myself and wanted an i3 for my wife (her dad works for Intel). There were no i3's available at all, and I think that might be the case for the new ivy bridge i3's that come out in a little while. As for cpu fan, I was interested in something possibly quieter than the stock CPU fan, and with better performance.

I guess it comes down to that if my cost is roughly the same out of pocket for a sandy bridge i3 (right now) and a ivy bridge i5, it sounds like the i5 will be fine as long as the load isn't high.


I'm too lazy to try the multi-quote, but I'll take a look at Assassin's recommendations later today
Reply
Reply
post #429 of 841
5/29/12 at 11:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

Nice addition and explanation.

My reaction is that the only reason to buy an IB right now for an HTPC is if you either have an immediate need or are simply too impatient to wait for the i3-3225.

I have a baby on the way end of July, so my thinking is that I have to get this done sooner rather than later because I'll probably not have the time or the $ to do it afterward.
Reply
Reply
post #430 of 841
5/29/12 at 11:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stettin View Post

I guess it comes down to that if my cost is roughly the same out of pocket for a sandy bridge i3 (right now) and a ivy bridge i5, it sounds like the i5 will be fine as long as the load isn't high.

The i5 will be fine any time. It's not that you won't be able to cool it or anything. If you do something that really pushes it, like transcoding, it will draw more power than the i3, but so what temporarily, and it will do the task faster. The key thing is that when you're doing normal stuff like watching a movie, the power draw difference won't be huge.

The point is that you probably won't see any difference in the quality of that movie, and it's a personal choice whether to spend the extra money.
Reply
Reply
post #431 of 841
5/29/12 at 9:09pm
My parts from bestdirect.ca shipped tonight! Should get them on thursday! Turns out the free shipping is UPS, so nice tracking and all!!

The RAM and SSD I got off Newegg.ca shipped with Purolator, but there's no tracking info yet...

I'll post a build thread with lot's of pics when I have everything - hopefully this weekend.
Reply
Reply
post #432 of 841
5/30/12 at 7:01pm
Thread Starter 

Reply
Reply
post #433 of 841
5/30/12 at 7:16pm
Where can I get an HTPC case like that?
Reply
Reply
post #434 of 841
5/31/12 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

Where can I get an HTPC case like that?

Like what?

Try newegg.com (.ca if you're in Canada).
Reply
Reply
post #435 of 841
5/31/12 at 6:53am
Could use some help, not exactly sure what I need.

Getting an itx case as gift & reusable memory so need a motherboard processor &
ssd right?
Would like a board/processor that does onboard video & need optical/coaxial out.
Think I will need at least 120g ssd but not sure.
Reply
Reply
post #436 of 841
5/31/12 at 7:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevBel View Post


Like what?

Try newegg.com (.ca if you're in Canada).

I was joking about the pic Mfusick posted of a cats face.
Reply
Reply
post #437 of 841
5/31/12 at 8:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherokeeMan View Post

Could use some help, not exactly sure what I need.

Getting an itx case as gift & reusable memory so need a motherboard processor &
ssd right?
Would like a board/processor that does onboard video & need optical/coaxial out.
Think I will need at least 120g ssd but not sure.

You need to provide some details like what case and what memory you're getting.

And you should read Assassin's guide in the sticky threads at the top of the page.
Reply
Reply
post #438 of 841
5/31/12 at 8:47am
All I know is its an iwin itx case with power supply
& ddr3 memory. Going to have it this weekend, will know exact model then.
Have been reading the guides, this is my 1st build.
Reply
Reply
post #439 of 841
5/31/12 at 8:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherokeeMan View Post

All I know is its an iwin itx case with power supply
& ddr3 memory. Going to have it this weekend, will know exact model then.
Have been reading the guides, this is my 1st build.

What are going to be using it for?
Bluray? 3D?
Reply
Reply
post #440 of 841
5/31/12 at 9:30am
going to be using it for 1080p, mkvs. not sure i will ever use 3d although my tv is capable.
i am planning on ripping my bluray collection to hdd's which are
going to be in different computer.
Reply
Reply
post #441 of 841
5/31/12 at 10:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherokeeMan View Post

going to be using it for 1080p, mkvs. not sure i will ever use 3d although my tv is capable.
i am planning on ripping my bluray collection to hdd's which are
going to be in different computer.

From what I've understood, basically any Intel Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge processor will be able to handle 1080p mkvs.
If you want to do 3D, you need to get an i3 or better. You could always get a discrete graphics card but with a mini ITX build it probably won't fit.

For the motherboard, just make sure it's compatible with the processor you choose and has HDMI and optical output.

If you're going to be running Windows, I've been told you probably need a 60gb or larger SSD.
Reply
Reply
post #442 of 841
5/31/12 at 10:21am
I run Win 7 x64 Ultimate on a 30Gb SSD just fine.
Reply
Reply
post #443 of 841
5/31/12 at 10:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

I run Win 7 x64 Ultimate on a 30Gb SSD just fine.

30GB drives are slow by their nature. IOPS increase dramatically in proportion to size.

30GB drives all use old controllers and technology because they simply are not made in the newest generation of drives. For example, I don't think there is a single SATA III 30/32GB drive made. By the end of the year, you probably won't even find 30GB drives for sale anywhere but ebay.

30GB drives are overpriced and have by far the highest per GB price of any capacity SSD

30GB drives will have a shorter life expectency because their limited capacity will use up the limited writes more quickly.

All SSDs slow down as they fill up, so if you're running your SSD 80% full all the time you are losing even more performance.

If you put any reasonable number of programs on a 30GB drive, they won't fit. I have 47GB on my HTPC's 64GB drive. I only buy 120s and bigger now.

And why wouldn't anyone buy a 120/128 when perfectly fine ones can be purchased for less than $100 while a slow, undersized 30GB will cost $50 or more. At LEAST buy a 60/64 - perfectly good ones can easily be found for $60-70.
Reply
Reply
post #444 of 841
5/31/12 at 12:03pm
Slow compared to my older IDE, definitely not. I got it used for $40 and install any programs I dont want on the SSD to a 200Gb IDE. You can definitely find some bigger SSD drives at nice prices but like I said, 30Gb SSD with Win 7 x64 no issues for me.
Reply
Reply
post #445 of 841
5/31/12 at 12:32pm
yes, definately need the room of a 120 since ripping.
just cant find one at good price now.
Reply
Reply
post #446 of 841
5/31/12 at 12:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020 View Post

30GB drives are slow by their nature. IOPS increase dramatically in proportion to size.

30GB drives all use old controllers and technology because they simply are not made in the newest generation of drives. For example, I don't think there is a single SATA III 30/32GB drive made. By the end of the year, you probably won't even find 30GB drives for sale anywhere but ebay.

30GB drives are overpriced and have by far the highest per GB price of any capacity SSD

30GB drives will have a shorter life expectency because their limited capacity will use up the limited writes more quickly.

All SSDs slow down as they fill up, so if you're running your SSD 80% full all the time you are losing even more performance.

If you put any reasonable number of programs on a 30GB drive, they won't fit. I have 47GB on my HTPC's 64GB drive. I only buy 120s and bigger now.

And why wouldn't anyone buy a 120/128 when perfectly fine ones can be purchased for less than $100 while a slow, undersized 30GB will cost $50 or more. At LEAST buy a 60/64 - perfectly good ones can easily be found for $60-70.

Yes. +1 on all this.

You can get a Vertex3 60GB for $64 and the agility a bit less. That would be the most budget anyone should seek- if your really tight- on budget- then plan on $60 for a 60GB/64GB variant and deal hunt.


But I totally agree that outside this thread (which is a budget thread) I would not look at 60GB sizes and jump to 120GB.

120GB>60GB becuase it's faster, more reliable, and a better value.

The M4 or Vertex3 120/128 sizes are about $99.

No reason not to go with the larger drive. You will be happy later you did.

Only the most extreme budgets should consider smaller.

And- if you can't afford an SSD I might even suggest waiting for one- or increasing your budget - since it's an area that is very important and not worth compromise IMO.

I won't own or operate a PC without a SSD drive for the OS. It's just not worth my time or frustration.
Reply
Reply
post #447 of 841
5/31/12 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Yes. +1 on all this.

You can get a Vertex3 60GB for $64 and the agility a bit less. That would be the most budget anyone should seek- if your really tight- on budget- then plan on $60 for a 60GB/64GB variant and deal hunt.


But I totally agree that outside this thread (which is a budget thread) I would not look at 60GB sizes and jump to 120GB.

120GB>60GB becuase it's faster, more reliable, and a better value.

The M4 or Vertex3 120/128 sizes are about $99.

No reason not to go with the larger drive. You will be happy later you did.

Only the most extreme budgets should consider smaller.

And- if you can't afford an SSD I might even suggest waiting for one- or increasing your budget - since it's an area that is very important and not worth compromise IMO.

I won't own or operate a PC without a SSD drive for the OS. It's just not worth my time or frustration.

I built my brother-in-law a computer a little over a year ago. It was the 1st time I had used an SSD drive in a build so I didn't know what to expect. I couldn't believe how fast Win7 loaded onto to the drive and was more amazed at how fast it booted up.
I swore my next personal build would have one. That was my HTPC I just built.
I bought one of the OCZ Agility 64GB SSD and love it. It's super fast or at least compared to any HDD I've ever owned.
Now I may have to step up to an 120GB SSD just to see how fast it is.
On my current 64GB SSD I have the OS, HW drivers, and Codecs and that's it. I'm at exactly 1/2 capacity(32GB) on the drive and everything else is stored on a Samsung 1TB HDD just to keep the rest of my SSD clear.
So far so good and I'm still impressed everytime I hit the power button how fast this thing boots up.
Reply
Reply
post #448 of 841
5/31/12 at 1:17pm
Are Mushkin SSD's ok?
Newegg has the 120G for 89.00
Reply
Reply
post #449 of 841
5/31/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherokeeMan View Post

yes, definately need the room of a 120 since ripping.
just cant find one at good price now.

Newegg and Amazon each sell the Mushkin Enhanced Callisto Deluxe 120GB for $96 as its regular price (no time limit, no MIR) with free shipping. I've been using one for a few months and it's been fine.

Amazon and Newegg each have the OCZ 120GB Vertex 3 for $99.99 after rebate. Amazon has the Mushkin Chronos 120GB for $96, the Crucial M4 128gb for $110, the Sandisk Ultra 120 for $105. Newegg has the Sandisk Ultra for $99.99.

Not sure what you're considering a "good price."
Reply
Reply
post #450 of 841
5/31/12 at 1:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherokeeMan View Post

Are Mushkin SSD's ok?
Newegg has the 120G for 89.00

I have a Mushkin Enhanced Callisto Deluxe 120GB. Have been using it for several months. Works just fine.

With a few exceptions (Intel, Samsung and Plextor specifically), I don't worry much about brands for SSDs. I pay attention to the controller used. Most of these companies are just buying NAND and a controller and putting it in a container. But frankly I don't think I've ever had a bad Mushkin item.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Cheapest ever HTPC that's decent. Proud of myself.