Guide to Building a HTPC, Workstation and Server - Page 32

This thread is massive, but if i could get some opinions on a potential build i would be very grateful.

- GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
- MSI RX2600XT-T2D512EZ Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDMI HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Silent Heat Pipe Video Card - Retail
- XCLIO GOODPOWER 500W ATX 500W Power Supply - Retail
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
- A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1A16K - Retail (x2)
- Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
- D-Link DWL-G550 PCI High-Powered Wireless Desktop Adapter - Retail
- Origen AE S21T

Assuming all of that will work together, and that i can find an S21T(might have to go for the CW03) then i think my only other choices are a Blu-Ray drive and OS. Why are there so many Vista choices? Does it matter for HTPC use? I'll be using MediaPortal as my front end hopefully. Also i'm assuming i can use the DVI->VGA adapter that comes with the video card to connect it to the touchscreen's VGA in. Sorry for all the questions, but this will be my first time building a computer from the ground up and i want to make sure it's a rewarding experience. Thanks.

Setup: Server + client setup.

On the client side, if all that is going to happen on the client side is streaming video or playing it from a Hard drive from Server (HD 1080p,etc) [i.e not other games, dvd ripping,etc], why need a special graphics card (i.e. more $$$) and and instead just use a powerful CPU on the client to do all the decoding,etc?

If that is the case, any recommendations on an Intel motherboard+some integrated graphics (with HDMI output and/or component output)?

Would an E8400 meet the CPU requirements? or do I need to go Quad?

thanks, pps

You've convinced me to create a client HTPC (as opposed to an HD Extender).

And that I don't need a specialized graphics card --- just an E6750 or E8400 OC to 3.6Mhz will do just fine for any HD or Blueray playback (over networked folder) or

So now, any suggestions on an inexpensive Intel motherboard with onboard DVI / HDMI output?

Motherboard requirements:
- Takes Intel E8400
- 2 Sata
- Overclocking capability
- Onboard GigE
- DVI/HDMI output

That's it!

I'm having trouble finding one.....

Hi all,

I've been lurking on these forums for quite some time now because of my plans to build a new pc. I've been using XBMC to view downloaded content on my television, but unfortunately, the xbox is not quite up to the job of displaying HD content, so I would like to move up on the ladder.

Based on the recommended systems on this board and recommended components over @ silentpcreview, I've come to the main components listed below. As you will see, I still have some decisions to make and I'm hoping some of you can help me with that.

Purpose of this build: HTPC/Workstation/Gaming (COD4)
Major requirement: SILENCE!
HTPC requirements: HD content, doesn't have to include HD-DVD/BluRay yet, as I'm waiting for more affordable combo drives with less playback issues

Case: Antec Solo (bought already)
Case fans: Nexus Real Silent 120mm (rear) + Nexus Real Silent 92mm (front)
Power supply: Corsair 520HX or 550VX or 450VX
Processor: Intel E8400
Cooler: Scythe Ninja or Thermalright Ultra-120 (if stock cooler is too noisy)
Motherboard:

• Abit IP 35 Pro or
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P (or EP variant) or
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 (or EP variant) or
• Intel DP35DP

Memory: Corsair TWIN2X 6400C4 DDR2, 2048MB CL4, Kit w/two 1GB Dimm's, E.P.P Technology
Graphics: Sapphire HD 3850 512MB Ultimate Edition
Hard drive: Samsung SpinPoint T166 500GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM
Wireless network adapter: ???
Optical drive: ???

Concerning power supply: I would love a modular PSU, but I'm also taking the energy consumption into consideration. However, from reading some of the forums, I've got the impression that the VX-series generates more noise.

Concerning cooler: don't know if the E8400 needs this much cooling power. Choice of cooler also depends on whether it fits on the motherboard and in the case. (read that the Thermalright may be a little too big for the Solo). If stock cooler is silent enough, I will stick to that.

Concerning motherboard: would like firewire support and optical audio out (receiver is not HDMI capable). Main concern is compatibility issues with PSU, memory, ... The Abit seems like a solid board, but when reading several support forums (Corsair, Abit), it seems to be suffering from a lot of compatibility issues. Had some bad experiences with Gigabyte on a previous build a couple of years ago.

Concerning wireless network: I currently have a US Robotics Turbo Pci adapter, but as this product is discontinued, no Vista drivers are available. The wireless netword card is needed to connect to a USR Turbo Router downstairs (internet connection).

Optical drive: dvd burner which should be silent...maybe thinking of Plextor, but open for suggestions. I currently own a Sony DRU-510a and might decide to keep that for the time being, as I'm not really planning on playing dvd discs from the htpc.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope some of you may make some helpful suggestions!

Cheers,
Joris

Thanks for the reply! Although the technical details of that DXVA thread are beyond me, I think I understand the main idea: The x.264 files need to be encoded in exactly the right format (profile 4.1 for HD, 3.1 for SD), or else the GPU-decoder will not be able to assist with the decode and playback will rely entirely on CPU.

I'm still optimistic that the Hauppauge HD PVR will encode to the correct x.264 profile for DXVA acceleration. From what I've read, the device will ship with software for creating/burning AVCHD (Blu-Ray format). That's a good sign, right? If it encodes content that is playable in a standalone Blu-Ray DVD player (as Hauppauge claims), then you'd think that it would play nice with DXVA too...



Forgive my ignorance, but why does hardware acceleration not work for network playback? Is this again related to the encoding format of the source file, or is there some other factor?

Also, maybe I'm being irrational, but I'm not excited about relying entirely on the CPU for HD playback. It may work with a fast enough processor, but it wouldn't leave much headroom for background tasks or running multiple extenders, not to mention the added cost & power consumption of a 3.0ghz CPU. I'm really hoping to offload a lot of the decoding work to the GPU! Otherwise, what's the point of having a discrete graphics card in a dedicated HTPC if it doesn't help at all?

In terms of hardware acceleration with a discrete graphics card --- I'm trying to avoid the cost of a graphics card - usually about $100, if the CPU will do the job fine. An E8400 is about $200 (I can get it at Intel discount of $100). E2200 is about $100. The E8400 OC'd would easily do it, based on renethx post above).

But I will get ultimate flexability with a CPU, software based solution. As for power consumption:

E8400 < E2200 + Graphics card ???


[and if I decide in the future to do other things on my HTPC, I have a powerful processor already there]

I am trying to build the cheapest CLIENT HTPC that will handle 1080p streaming (or from a mounted server disk), since I will have about 5 of them in my home

These are my current thoughts, and certainly I am looking for people's opinions on this and if any of the logic holds! Please help!
Q: will I get better quality of picture with a SW based solution?

pps

I've been staking my hopes on the upcoming mobo chipsets that have integrated graphics which include HD decoding on the GPU. IF they work as-advertised, that would be the best of all worlds: no need for a discrete graphics card, and I could also pair it with a more modest (less expensive) CPU.

Of course, that are a lot of unknowns at this point. We don't know if the IGPs will be any good (compared to a discrete graphics card). And we don't know if the hardware encoders will even use a profile that the GPU-decoder will be able to handle. But IF it works, it would probably be the cheapest and most energy-effecient HD HTPC solution available. That's the hope, anyway.

I understand there are side-benefits to having a more powerful CPU -- e.g. faster transcoding, and more flexibility if you ever decide to use your HTPC for another purpose. But or strictly HD video capture/playback, I'd rather spend the extra $$ on other things, such as feeding my storage addiction

Hi,
First off I want to thank Renethhx for taking the time to compile this information.I have ordered all of the following parts and will attempt my first build soon.Since I am new to this I was hoping to get some opinions on what I have ordered just to make sure everything will work together.Iff you see any problems please let me know before I strat putting together.I also wanted to show an accurate price for a mid-high build for those also just starting.
This will be used with my Sony 52" XBR2,Cable box w/firewire(hopefully it will work),if not I will wait for the new HD PVR coming out.Since I already have HD-DVD/Blu Ray Players I choose to wait to get drive until later.
Again thanks for your help and I will be sure to post results and pics when I start and finish.

2x Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (1.5 TB total)

bluegears b-Enspirer 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface

SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum front panel, 0.8 mm SECC body SST-LC17-B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

SABRENT CRW-UINB 52-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port supports SDHC/VISTA

ZEROtherm BTF90 92mm Silent UFO CPU Cooler

GIGABYTE GV-NX85T256H GeForce 8500GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP

2X CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply

SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor


MICROSOFT Windows vista 32bit home premium 1pk DVD


Total Parts Cost-
$300
$100
$130
$ 6
$ 13
$ 41
$ 68
$ 69
$ 72
$ 70
$ 32
$165
$200
$100
-----------------------------------------------
= $1366

- Shipping Costs-
$5
$10
$11
--------------------------------------
= $26.00

+ Mail In Rebates-
$10 Zerotherm Cpu Cooler
$40 Corsair Ram (1) Newegg
$43 Corsair Ram (2) ClubIT
$30 Antec PSU
$25 Abit MOBO
-------------------------------
= $148

Total Build Cost $1244

Yes, I am hoping for the upcoming mobo chipsets that have integrated graphics to include the HD decoding on the GPU.....that would be the best of both worlds, and the cheapest....it's really a question of patience....PPS

Right now, the cost of a client doing 1080p streaming is about (no deals):

HDD - 320 gb $70
Case - $100
Powersupply - $50
Motherboard - $100
Memory 2 GB - $50
Windows - $100
Graphics card - $100
DVD - $30 [everything is ripped at the server, but hey, still want to put that rented DVD right away in the unit beside the TV without ripping).
CPU - $100 for low end E2200.

So we are at $700 and maybe if you look out for deals down to-- $500

This is definitely NOT cheap on a per client basis!

Combined mobo+IGP -- hopefully that will shave $70-100 off the cost.

pps

renethx,

I'm interested in the two configs below that you posted but I have a few questions..

Config 1
CPU: Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz Socket 775, $142.
CPU Cooler: ZEROtherm BTF90, $30 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R Intel P35 chipset ATX, $130. An alternative is abit IP35 (supports IEEE 1394), $130.
Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $50 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 3650 (any brand), $99. An alternative is PNY Verto 8600 GT 256MB PCIe VCG8600GXPB, $114.
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint T166 500GB HD501LJ 500GB SATA, $106.
PSU: Antec NeoHE 430, $70.
Case: SilverStone Lascala SST-LC20B-M, $190.

Config 2
CPU: Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz Socket 775, $142.
CPU Cooler: Scythe NINJA MINI, $35.
Motherboard: ASUS P5K-VM Intel G33 chipset microATX, $120.
Memory: Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA804 DDR2-800 2 x 1GB Kit, $50 (after rebate at Newegg.com).
Graphics Card: PNY Verto 8600 GT 256MB PCIe VCG8600GXPB, $114. An alternative is ATI Radeon HD 3650 (any brand), $99.
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint T166 500GB HD501LJ 500GB SATA, $106.
PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA 430 (included in the case), $0.
Case: Antec Fusion Black 430, $150.

>What is your preference of the two mobos, ASUS P5K-VM and GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R?

>I like the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC20B-M case because I feel it provides me more growth options. Could I do config 2 with the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC20B-M case and Antec NeoHE 430 PSU?

>Could I do either config with a 2600XT?

>What does the 3650 offer that the 2600XT does not? Which is best for BD/HD DVD playback?

>Which OS would be best for these configs, XP or Vista?

Thank you

Hmmm, this is not my understanding from this thread.

To stream 1080p MKV files (ie. from the server) you will need ~3Ghz CPU, the graphics card is no help. So save yourself $100 and spend it on the CPU.

I am thinking of an Asus P5-VM HDMI motherboard and an E6600 Dual core for the client. An Asus P5-V HDMI and Q6600 Quad-core at the server. (I will be streaming video from the server to multiple TVs through a whole-house component video switcher, plus ripping and encoding etc. The client is for the home cinema.)

.... NOT !!!

it's a Conroe Core2Duo...

Thanks for the clarification, renethx. Last question: is there a reason you recommend waiting for GeForce 8200 over AMD780? The pre-release buzz that I've read seems to favor the AMD.

I just wanted to report back that I finished my build and it's up and running
Thanks for your help renethx

Components

• Origen H6 case
• Asus P5E-VM HDMI
• Intel 3.0 GHz E8400 CPU w/stock cooler
• Sapphire 100218L Radeon HD 2600XT
• 4 Seagate 7200.8 HDD's RAID 10 ON ICH9R (LOUD!)
• Antec True480 PSU
• 3GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-6400
• LG GSA-H62NK DVD burner
• Extra 120mm and 60mm case fans

Plays 1080P video without issues. With the stock cooler, speedfan shows the CPU at 45C and system 46C.

See: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102725

Sapphire 3650 appears to be out.

Hey all!

Looking to build a HTPC that will be easily upgradeable to HD, if necessary, in a year or so. I'm looking at the following for my "core" parts:

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ EE w/ 2x1MB Cache (Socket AM2)
- Asus M2A-VM HDMI w/ AMD 690G, etc. etc.
- Kingston ValueRAM 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
edit: this motherboard looks like it could be better for me:
- MSI K9AGM2-FIH

I do not intend to use this for gaming, but I want it to play any video files I throw at it (mkv, etc.), along with HD DVD and Blu Ray discs. Which motherboard should I go with? If I'm going to need a separate PCI-E video card, what do you recommend? Should I get a cheaper CPU?


Thoughts?? Thanks!

What's the difference between the 3650 and 3670?

Hi,I had another quick question.I have ordered 2-WD Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS for internal.I already have 2-750GB USB 2.0 My Book hard drives.
I am mainly using for storage of HD series/TV and DVD backups for now with Blu Ray to come later.
Performance wise should I try to stick to all internal drives?
I have enough SATA slots to fill on MOBO and case.
I really dont know much about running RAID and what the bennefits will be over using external as I am still learning.
I could easily sell the 2 externals and get 2 more of the WD Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS drives but I want to while they are still $150 .
Any help is greatly appreciated .

The internal drives will get up to 100MB/s, while the external will be limited by the USB interface to about 40MB/s. Plus, the external drives typically are lower-end with slow seek times and rotational rates. So sticking with internal is a good idea.

As far as RAID, unless you absolutely need access to your storage 24x7 and can't stand a few hours of downtime, I would stick with JBOD. Use the external drives for backup. For example, maybe use something like SecCopy to make nightly backups of the internal drives. Or use the Windows backup app. If you can stand a few days of lost data, it's even better to do a weekly backup and keep the drives offsite. Remember, RAID protects against downtime, but offsite backup is the only thing that protects against total loss of the server due to virus, user error, fire, etc. Once you've spent hundreds and hundreds of hours ripping CDs and DVDs, and perhaps you don't even have access to some of those CD and DVDs, it would be a shame to lose it all due to a single virus wiping out the data on all the drives attached to the server, including the backup drives.