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Guide to Building a HTPC, Workstation and Server - Page 574

post #17191 of 18891
6/3/11 at 4:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

Intel HD Graphics supports 24.000Hz refresh rate, but does not support 23.976 Hz, that is incomplete because most BD movies are 23.976 fps and if you play a BD movie of 23.976 fps at 24.000Hz desktop refresh rate, there will be a frame repeated every ~42 seconds. But not everybody cares about/notices it.

Thanks for the clarification. I can probably live with that.

Assuming I don't really care about gaming, is there any other real advantage for an HTPC of going with a separate video card vs. just using the Intel HD Graphics built into the CPU?
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post #17192 of 18891
6/3/11 at 4:22pm
Thread Starter 
There are several real advantages of a discrete graphics card over IGP. This is mainly related to recent software developments that effectively use "stream processors" of GPU (notably madVR video renderer and SmoothVideo Project (SVP)). Roughly speaking a better gaming card is also better for video playback (to some extent). But these are somewhat advanced topics. You can add a discrete card at any time later.
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post #17193 of 18891
6/3/11 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

More information will be helpful. Motherboard model? How do you see the system report the video card is not plugged in? For me this seems to be a hardware problem (either the graphics card or the motherboard). I would replace the graphics card by another and see if the problem occurs. Test the graphics card in another system is a good idea. Clean install OS is also a good idea, that could eliminate software issues.

MB ASROCK H55M PRO

To clarify, the system reports the video card is not plugged in under the control panel.sound. Specifically, the AMD HDMI Output is reported as not being plugged in but the video feed works fine. I have a desktop but the audio has defaulted back to the MB Audio HDMI out option. Since the AMD HDMI output is on the video card, I assumed the system was telling me the video card was not plugged in but the only problem I am having is with the audio...

The video card is plugged in. I can get it to work by rebooting the pc remotely without touching the hardware....
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post #17194 of 18891
6/3/11 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 
So it's not graphics (= black screen) but HDMI audio device that disappears, right? I think quite a few people reported this issue (with not only Radeon but also Intel HD Graphics), e.g. when woken up from sleep. For example, ATI HDMI Output sound driver = "Not Plugged In" after Reboot. Disable the device, then enable it will fix it, but too cumbersome. A workaround here.
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post #17195 of 18891
6/4/11 at 9:12am
I have a question regarding the Media Storage Servers. I'd like to build the 24-Bay Rackmount Server. Do I need to buy any of the HBAs now if I only have 4 HDDs? I'd like to be able to just buy what I need now and expand later when I need more space. Is this possible?

Thanks for the great guide.
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post #17196 of 18891
6/4/11 at 9:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RADEN305 View Post

I have a question regarding the Media Storage Servers. I'd like to build the 24-Bay Rackmount Server. Do I need to buy any of the HBAs now if I only have 4 HDDs? I'd like to be able to just buy what I need now and expand later when I need more space. Is this possible?

Thanks for the great guide.

You can add them later so that you can start with the minimum components.
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post #17197 of 18891
6/4/11 at 9:43am
Rene,

Does the abridged edition include the "my pick" build?
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post #17198 of 18891
6/4/11 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfox View Post

Rene,

Does the abridged edition include the "my pick" build?

Yes. The abridge edition does not include High-End/Premium systems and Server II, otherwise it is the same as the full edition.
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post #17199 of 18891
6/4/11 at 10:16am
Seems that your revisesd system allowed me to download easily today

Tom
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post #17200 of 18891
6/4/11 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

So it's not graphics (= black screen) but HDMI audio device that disappears, right? I think quite a few people reported this issue (with not only Radeon but also Intel HD Graphics), e.g. when woken up from sleep. For example, ATI HDMI Output sound driver = "Not Plugged In" after Reboot. Disable the device, then enable it will fix it, but too cumbersome. A workaround here.

Right, just the audio giving me issues.

Just donated again and downloaded the latest guide (painless process).

What I have going does not pass the WF test at all. Going to replace video card with a Sapphire 100326L recommended in the guide. Hopefully it will resolve the issue once and for all.

As always, thanks for he feedback.
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post #17201 of 18891
6/5/11 at 6:48am
Thanks for the highly anticipated updated buyers guide. I have one general question about the microATX mid-range Intel system motherboard choices. I would like to add this http://www.digitalnow.com.au/product_pages/Quad.html tuner card and wondering am I better to go with your alternative suggestion as the MB layout provides a second PCIe x1 away from the PCIe x16 slot in case I wanted to add a video card later on which may get in the way?
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post #17202 of 18891
6/5/11 at 9:04am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by podopple View Post

Thanks for the highly anticipated updated buyers guide. I have one general question about the microATX mid-range Intel system motherboard choices. I would like to add this http://www.digitalnow.com.au/product_pages/Quad.html tuner card and wondering am I better to go with your alternative suggestion as the MB layout provides a second PCIe x1 away from the PCIe x16 slot in case I wanted to add a video card later on which may get in the way?

The third (x4) or fourth (x8) slots can be used for a PCIe x1 device (as well as a graphics card; x4 has enough bandwidth for video playback), unless you are going to use a PCI device ...
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post #17203 of 18891
6/5/11 at 1:20pm
Thank you so much for the guide. It is proving immensely helpful.
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post #17204 of 18891
6/5/11 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

The third (x4) or fourth (x8) slots can be used for a PCIe x1 device (as well as a graphics card; x4 has enough bandwidth for video playback), unless you are going to use a PCI device ...

Thank you Sir!
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post #17205 of 18891
6/7/11 at 8:22am
curious... i acquired a 2 post rack mount setup (great lakes). will a 20bay norca 4u setup work ok with this system or is 4 post recommended?
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post #17206 of 18891
6/7/11 at 9:29am
Thread Starter 
Maybe OK.
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post #17207 of 18891
6/7/11 at 3:52pm
Hi All,

Hopefully this is a simple question that someone can answer. I have a main HTPC setup in a Zalman HD160XT and I have run out of space to add additional hard drives in this case. I have a Zalman HD135 laying around and I would like to use this case to store additional drives to "link" or "daisy chain" to the main HTPC. I'd like to inteconnect the cases with a single connector - is this even possible? In addition, how might I power the additional drives in the secondary case? I am using a Gigabyte GA-P55-UD3R motherboard. Is there anyway to accomplish this? TIA
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post #17208 of 18891
6/7/11 at 8:27pm
Looking at the 11.5 full list for Intel Mid Range System and would like a short and concise reason to go with a SSD based on the following:

Basic specs:


Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Pro3-M LGA 1155
Memory: G.SKILL 4 gig Kit? Price of RAM dropping - might go for th 8 gig kit.
Graphics Card (AMD): I have an older 5670 which works fine. Always have liked it, but could pony up for a 66xx if need be.
I'll be running a Sandy Bridge, either I3-2120 or I5-2500
nMEDIAPC HTPC 5000B, with card reader


Reading around I see a SSD gives me "FAST" boots and other stuff. And yet to a non gamer, HTPC primary use - in 2D...a SSD just doesn't seem to be worth the added cost. To this olde farte it gives me the same advantage as the import cars that run the "coffee can" muffler to get that added 5 HP on a 120HP 4 banger- whoop de doo. Now, using the car analogy, if the SSD gives me a super charged, billet crank, 6 cylinder BANG then OK, state your reasons.

The case will hold 4 standard 3.5 inch drives. I COULD use the 5.25 inch slot for LCD Fan Controller, streaming any BR or DVD from a shared network drive after initial Operating System Installation. Easy to find one of these controllers with a 2.5 inch HD holder too.

I understand this begs the question of why bother with the Z68 MOBO, but to me it offers a bridge to do more than the 1155/1156 based MOBOs with the H67/P67....and I burned up an old 775 based system
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post #17209 of 18891
6/7/11 at 9:18pm
I've been thinking about building a centralized WHS to store all my media that i'm collecting, and eventually rip/store all my dvds so that i don't have to put in a disc to watch a movie anymore, and also build an HTPC to stream all that media to. It's been a big relief to find this thread, thanks Rene for your hard work.

Anyway, i have a question that's not fully addressed in the guide you DL after donating, happy to do that btw. I more have a list of questions:

1. Using a BD player on the htpc. You listed BD drives, which is great, but you never put them in any build, not even a recommended build. Installing them isn't my issue, it's utilizing them like a true BD-player. If i installed a BD drive in my htpc, would i be able to simply play the content (video and audio) through an hdmi cable? If i installed a discrete graphics card would i still just use the hdmi out on the card and have audio also go through the DGC's hdmi out?

2. I have dish network cable service at home, will any tv tuner allow me to connect my dish network to and record the signal? How would one accomplish this?

3. With respect to the WHS, i'm not to the point that i need a 10-20 bay server, i plan on just using a normal case and basic components and start with a 2TB hdd. That aside, you did mention of using your server as a dvr, provided it has tv tuners, could you maybe layout a build on how to accomplish this as well?

4. Also on the general streaming from WHS - router - htpc, can my htpc simply use a wireless card and access and stream media from the WHS attached to router, even HD media (1080p BD rips)?

As you might tell, i am by no means a networking professional, so my questions and concerns might seem very obvious, but this is new territory for me regarless, so please excuse my ignorance.
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post #17210 of 18891
6/7/11 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hapaboy View Post

Hi All,

Hopefully this is a simple question that someone can answer. I have a main HTPC setup in a Zalman HD160XT and I have run out of space to add additional hard drives in this case. I have a Zalman HD135 laying around and I would like to use this case to store additional drives to "link" or "daisy chain" to the main HTPC. I'd like to inteconnect the cases with a single connector - is this even possible? In addition, how might I power the additional drives in the secondary case? I am using a Gigabyte GA-P55-UD3R motherboard. Is there anyway to accomplish this? TIA

Yes, you can do this. Just add a PSU and a bunch of HDDs in the HD135 case and connect HDDs to the main chassis.

PSU mod: Read the article Power Up an ATX PSU without a Motherboard), or use 20-pin Power Supply Jump Start Connector (in this case you turn on/off the enclosure by the PSU switch).

Controller for HDDs in the second chassis: Use 5-Port (or 5x1) Port Multiplier (to be placed in the second chassis) and connect it to one of the eSATA port of the mb by an eSATA cable. Or you can use AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-port SAS/SATA controller card. But in this case you will need two SFF-8088 or SFF-8470 (Infiniband) cables to connect the two chassis. Cables and brackets will be more expensive than the controller itself.
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post #17211 of 18891
6/7/11 at 11:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomandbeth View Post

Looking at the 11.5 full list for Intel Mid Range System and would like a short and concise reason to go with a SSD based on the following:

Yes, you can go with a normal HDD, say 2TB with a 80GB partition for OS, without sacrificing the major functions of HTPC, and save $60. This component selection is more or less a matter of budget.
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post #17212 of 18891
6/7/11 at 11:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RealNate View Post

Anyway, i have a question that's not fully addressed in the guide you DL after donating, happy to do that btw. I more have a list of questions:

1. Install a BD drive, a graphics card (or use IGP of CPU/motherboard) and connect the HDMI port of the graphics card to your display/receiver as you do with a standalone BD player. You install OS, drivers for various hardware, then a software BD player (e.g. PowerDVD, TotalMedia Theatre). You can play BDs.

2/3. Right now there is no PC tuner card for (US) satellite service.

4. In general you'd better avoid wireless. Wired Gb LAN is recommended.
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post #17213 of 18891
6/8/11 at 4:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RealNate View Post

I've been thinking about building a centralized WHS to store all my media that i'm collecting, and eventually rip/store all my dvds so that i don't have to put in a disc to watch a movie anymore, and also build an HTPC to stream all that media to. It's been a big relief to find this thread, thanks Rene for your hard work.

Anyway, i have a question that's not fully addressed in the guide you DL after donating, happy to do that btw. I more have a list of questions:

1. Using a BD player on the htpc. You listed BD drives, which is great, but you never put them in any build, not even a recommended build. Installing them isn't my issue, it's utilizing them like a true BD-player. If i installed a BD drive in my htpc, would i be able to simply play the content (video and audio) through an hdmi cable? If i installed a discrete graphics card would i still just use the hdmi out on the card and have audio also go through the DGC's hdmi out?

2. I have dish network cable service at home, will any tv tuner allow me to connect my dish network to and record the signal? How would one accomplish this?

3. With respect to the WHS, i'm not to the point that i need a 10-20 bay server, i plan on just using a normal case and basic components and start with a 2TB hdd. That aside, you did mention of using your server as a dvr, provided it has tv tuners, could you maybe layout a build on how to accomplish this as well?

4. Also on the general streaming from WHS - router - htpc, can my htpc simply use a wireless card and access and stream media from the WHS attached to router, even HD media (1080p BD rips)?

As you might tell, i am by no means a networking professional, so my questions and concerns might seem very obvious, but this is new territory for me regarless, so please excuse my ignorance.

If you really wanted to, you could drop your satellite and get cable, there's 1 tuner available that allows you to get all encrypted and premium channels excluding on demand.
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post #17214 of 18891
6/8/11 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RealNate View Post

I've been thinking about building a centralized WHS to store all my media that i'm collecting, and eventually rip/store all my dvds so that i don't have to put in a disc to watch a movie anymore, and also build an HTPC to stream all that media to. It's been a big relief to find this thread, thanks Rene for your hard work.

Anyway, i have a question that's not fully addressed in the guide you DL after donating, happy to do that btw. I more have a list of questions:

1. Using a BD player on the htpc. You listed BD drives, which is great, but you never put them in any build, not even a recommended build. Installing them isn't my issue, it's utilizing them like a true BD-player. If i installed a BD drive in my htpc, would i be able to simply play the content (video and audio) through an hdmi cable? If i installed a discrete graphics card would i still just use the hdmi out on the card and have audio also go through the DGC's hdmi out?

2. I have dish network cable service at home, will any tv tuner allow me to connect my dish network to and record the signal? How would one accomplish this?

3. With respect to the WHS, i'm not to the point that i need a 10-20 bay server, i plan on just using a normal case and basic components and start with a 2TB hdd. That aside, you did mention of using your server as a dvr, provided it has tv tuners, could you maybe layout a build on how to accomplish this as well?

4. Also on the general streaming from WHS - router - htpc, can my htpc simply use a wireless card and access and stream media from the WHS attached to router, even HD media (1080p BD rips)?

As you might tell, i am by no means a networking professional, so my questions and concerns might seem very obvious, but this is new territory for me regarless, so please excuse my ignorance.

@renethx
Are you still considering an HTPC related (PC/Server/Tuner/...) software/setting-up guide?
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post #17215 of 18891
6/8/11 at 8:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

Maybe OK.

from the looks of it i think i'd rather set the server on a flat bootom V rack platform. thanks for looking those up. i wasnt having much luck
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post #17216 of 18891
6/8/11 at 10:37am
this is what I'm talking about!
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post #17217 of 18891
6/8/11 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post


2/3. Right now there is no PC tuner card for (US) satellite service.

There are other solutions however. I use an Hauppauge HDPVR very successfully to record from my DirecTV satellite receiver on to my HTPC. It can be used with standalone software that comes with the unit and there are native and 3rd party software drivers to allow it to be used with Windows 7 Media Center. There is a similar product from Aver Media called HDDVR as well.
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post #17218 of 18891
6/8/11 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by d60pdp View Post

@renethx
Are you still considering an HTPC related (PC/Server/Tuner/...) software/setting-up guide?

Yes, of course. But it seems the project has never started. I am thinking about starting a more casual thread, like "Video playback guide" and gradually add contents.
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post #17219 of 18891
6/8/11 at 7:12pm
I was wondering if the people that were affected by the Intel issue with their motherboards would still get the May 2011 issue like you said earlier in the thread?
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post #17220 of 18891
6/9/11 at 3:15am
Hi Renethx, I had a setup of yours that worked really well:

- M3A78
- Phenom X3 8750
- Scythe NINJA MINI
- Antec Fusion Remote Black
- PSU Corsair VX450W

A thunderstorm blew away PSU and MB (and possibly - I don't know yet - CPU and RAM) so I bought your excellent guide (name Augusto), but I have two questions:

- would you suggest a MB to replace the M3A78 (not available any more)?
- is there a chance that any of the cpu in the guide will work fanless (as I used to do with the phenom-scythe)?

Thanks
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