First HTPC. Going hardcore and need help on current 3D, PSU, blu ray

Wow, that is some overkill. You can play 3D Blu-ray just fine with the iGPU of an Intel i3 CPU with no need for a graphics card. The adding 3D gaming "just in case" is adding a whole lot of excessive cost, noise, and heat. Drop the 3D gaming and you can keep noise, heat and even cost down.


I personally hate cases with built-in displays. Once the wow factor of the screen passes (probably after the first ten minutes) you are left with something that would get little use. Then you have to hope you aren't hit with handshaking issues with using your TV along with the case's screen.


You could get by with probably a 128GB SSD for the OS drive. I wouldn't rely on mirroring of drives for failsafe. You're better off just setting up an external (or even dedicated internal) drive and having Windows run an image backup nightly.


All you "need" for a nice 3D HTPC:

Intel i3

8GB RAM

128GB SSD

Basic Motherboard

Whatever for the HDD

400-500W Power Supply

If your sister is not technically inclined, I discourage her from using her PC as a blu-ray player and Netflix/Amazon/Hulu streamer. Roku and/or stand-alone player do a much better job at that sort of thing, IMO, and are much simpler and cheaper. Doing live/recorded TV, photos, videos, and light gaming is fine on an HTPC though. I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a case either, or even put the PC in the same room as the TV. The PC can be completely hidden at all times (assuming you drop the blu-ray requirement).


As for HTPC sucking at streaming, take Netflix as an example. On the PC, you're either going to run Netflix inside WMC and get 720p max on that beautiful 60" 1080p TV, or you'll have to run the Netflix app in Win 8 in Metro hell with no remote or keyboard support, or run it in a browser and have to use a keyboard or mouse. By contrast, on a Roku, you press the Netflix button and get full 1080p and full remote control with no complexity, compromises or hassle. Some love playing blu-ray on a PC, but I find it expensive, complicated and limited. If you want to play only rips, that's understandable, but playing discs is a bad idea. Is your sister the type who likes to spend hours ripping, editing and maintaining a video library? I know I'm not.


If, on the other hand, you don't mind visiting your sister a lot to maintain and configure this do-it-all machine, then I guess it will bring you closer together.


My 2 cents

 it's all good, bud



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dropkick Murphy  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24373681

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151099

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I am really liking that PSU. I am a Corsair fan based off many of their PSUs have same internals, but that price is reasonable for brand name and warranty.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by bryansj  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24373682


.... excessive cost, noise, and heat. Drop the 3D gaming and you can keep noise, heat and even cost down.


.... hope you aren't hit with handshaking issues with using your TV along with the case's screen.


You could get by with probably a 128GB SSD for the OS drive. I wouldn't rely on mirroring of drives for failsafe. You're better off just setting up an external (or even dedicated internal) drive and having Windows run an image backup nightly.

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ElJimador is right that price is not an issue. But excessive noise and heat is. Since the i7 graphics can handle 3D, we will test that out before considering a discrete card.

 

The touchscreen will be used for short tasks and than turned off while using TV. While touchscreen is 1080p, I am hoping that by turning touchscreen off there will be no issue watching TV. But that is a very good point that maybe someone can answer. Anyone else have a similar build to answer about turning off touchscreen during TV use?

 

After learning the different type of files my sister is concerned about, I have decided to change the main boot drive(s) to 2x Samsung 840 pro (256GB mirror). Use just one EVO 750G as D: for fast file access (work/photos/videos) and one 4TB for PVR.  To simplify backup for her, I have already set up a WD MyCloud 4TB

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by ElJimador  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24375260



True enough. Although I doubt anyone who's going to buy a $1200 case is going to worry much about spending another $200 more than they need to on the processor.


Jerry Murphy, I think you should get a graphics card just be safe. Maybe a GTX Titan? Of course you don't need it but it would be consistent with the rest of the build and as long as money is no object then why not, right? Just be sure to post some pics when you're putting it together since I'm sure we'd all like to see the HTPC that Elvis would buy were he still alive today.

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Just to simplify heat/noise I will try i7 graphics first. But I will definitely look for reviews on heat/noise of the GTX Titan as a possible future option.

If the product is right, I would easily go for a $200-400 card.  Not that I am looking to just dump money  o.o

I will start posting pics soon =)

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24375396


If your sister is not technically inclined, I discourage her from using her PC as a blu-ray player and Netflix/Amazon/Hulu streamer. Roku and/or stand-alone player do a much better job at that sort of thing, IMO, and are much simpler and cheaper. Doing live/recorded TV, photos, videos, and light gaming is fine on an HTPC though. I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a case either, or even put the PC in the same room as the TV. The PC can be completely hidden at all times (assuming you drop the blu-ray requirement).


As for HTPC sucking at streaming, take Netflix as an example. On the PC, you're either going to run Netflix inside WMC and get 720p max on that beautiful 60" 1080p TV, or you'll have to run the Netflix app in Win 8 in Metro hell with no remote or keyboard support, or run it in a browser and have to use a keyboard or mouse. By contrast, on a Roku, you press the Netflix button and get full 1080p and full remote control with no complexity, compromises or hassle. Some love playing blu-ray on a PC, but I find it expensive, complicated and limited. If you want to play only rips, that's understandable, but playing discs is a bad idea. Is your sister the type who likes to spend hours ripping, editing and maintaining a video library? I know I'm not.


If, on the other hand, you don't mind visiting your sister a lot to maintain and configure this do-it-all machine, then I guess it will bring you closer together.


My 2 cents

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I would like to hear more input on streaming Netflix and 3D blu ray.  I can not confirm yet but I thought Netflix was streaming at 1080p from my PC to her TV. She has Roku2/3 in just about every room and we thought the PQ was much better from my PC. Possible the Onkyo receiver handles the transfer from PC to TV better or upscales?  I will test Netflix again later tonight to see what the TV reports.

For hiding the HTPC, we actually considered that first. But she really likes this case. The fact that the MB has NFC to auto log her on when she walks in front door, IR6 for her harmony remote, can easily use a keyboard/mouse from 40' away without 'pecking' letters with a remote... 

Now if I could of found a reliable way to hide a PC by her smartbox (?) and be able to send HDMI (not wireless) to all TVs in her house and give her access to full PC (and not just a media player) using a Logitech Harmony, keyboard and mouse.. We may have went that way. But I am not into climbing into attic and wire house for HDMI and spending $3,000 on a HDMI matrix switch along with cost of a nice PC.  Reason I do not consider wireless HDMI is from how insulated her house is. We can crank the sound on receiver and the Bower woofer will vibrate the room directly above but will barely penetrate the wall to room next door. Rooms on same floor are pretty silent. This type of insulation kills cell phones and wifi. I had to set up a 2nd router and set as AP to eliminate some wifi dead spots. On that note.. does anyone know a good non-wifi set up for full PC control in multiple rooms?

IMHO, unless they are tech savvy _or_ you can guarantee flawless performance, best not to build any computers for anyone.

(an aside, I don't understand why one would want to work in MS Office on a TV???)

Re: gaming, why does she need an "option"? Does she play Borderlands 2 and Battlefield 4 or other first person shooters???


Edit: looks like you've got quite a project in mind so you probably should be asking in Home Entertainment & Theater Builder subforums...



Quote:
Originally Posted by durack  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24377891


IMHO, unless they are tech savvy _or_ you can guarantee flawless performance, best not to build any computers for anyone.

(an aside, I don't understand why one would want to work in MS Office on a TV???)

Re: gaming, why does she need an "option"? Does she play Borderlands 2 and Battlefield 4 or other first person shooters???


Edit: looks like you've got quite a project in mind so you probably should be asking in Home Entertainment & Theater Builder subforums...

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This is HTPC.. Home Theater - PC

Not a simple media player. Not a dvd or blu ray player. Not a PS3. It is a PC with full functions of a PC capable of running thru a home theater.. hence HTPC.

Why would someone want to play BF4 on a 60" TV? Why would anyone want to play web radio on a TV?  It's not for each individual to contemplate and judge/question why we use a PC hooked to a home theater, but to help each other by experience for what works best with desired situation.  If you would like to know 'why office'. It would be easier for her to watch let's say 'American Idol' in a window mode on the right while completing a review report on the left. Switching focus from a laptop to TV over and over for hours can strain the eyes vs just looking from left to right.

I would not post in Home Entertainment & Theater Build section as her house is already fully wired and set in this aspect. We're just adding a PC to it.

 

I hope the rest of this topic remains helpful from experience and TY all for your responses. So far it has made me rethink redundancy and 3D blu ray. I'm still open to advice and experience from OP.



Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej  /t/1518493/first-htpc-going-hardcore-and-need-help-on-current-3d-psu-blu-ray#post_24375396


If your sister is not technically inclined, I discourage her from using her PC as a blu-ray player and Netflix/Amazon/Hulu streamer. Roku and/or stand-alone player do a much better job at that sort of thing, IMO, and are much simpler and cheaper. Doing live/recorded TV, photos, videos, and light gaming is fine on an HTPC though. I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a case either, or even put the PC in the same room as the TV. The PC can be completely hidden at all times (assuming you drop the blu-ray requirement).


As for HTPC sucking at streaming, take Netflix as an example. On the PC, you're either going to run Netflix inside WMC and get 720p max on that beautiful 60" 1080p TV, or you'll have to run the Netflix app in Win 8 in Metro hell with no remote or keyboard support, or run it in a browser and have to use a keyboard or mouse. By contrast, on a Roku, you press the Netflix button and get full 1080p and full remote control with no complexity, compromises or hassle. Some love playing blu-ray on a PC, but I find it expensive, complicated and limited. If you want to play only rips, that's understandable, but playing discs is a bad idea. Is your sister the type who likes to spend hours ripping, editing and maintaining a video library? I know I'm not.

 

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Sorry mdavej but I just tested my PC on the Aquos TV with Netflix from WMC. The quality is much higher than roku2/3. I took a pic to show you that I am not looking at windows resolution but what the TV itself is reporting that Netflix is playing at.  Netflix started from WMC in a clean windows 8.1 with no addons is playing Avengers at 1080p. It looks just as good as when I play it from the stand alone Samsung BD-F7500 Blu-ray player.  I also do not understand why you mentioned no remote or keyboard support. The remote & keyboard/mouse support is one of the advantages of using a HTPC vs simple media players like roku. Half my PCs run with remotes and wireless keyboard/mouse. Start WMC with mouse.. use scroll wheel to movies.. move mouse to Netflix and click. Use mouse to select 'search'. Keyboard to quickly type in movie.. you get idea.. I'm not trying to bash your post. Just really confused why you stated what you did. I assumed with all your post on these forums that you have plenty of experience to have come to this conclusion. Can anyone fill me in about this post of 720 and no use of remote, keyboard/mouse?

My flash went off.. not the best pic.

WMC-Netflix playing from PC-->Onkyo-->Aquos 60"


Parts are coming in!

So far we have the MB with NFC box and the 840 EVO. The other SSDs, cpu, ram may be here Thursday.

It makes me cry that the case is showing another 6 days before it arrives.

For now I will just keep smiling at these



 

I still need to order that PSU. Any more suggestions for blu ray?

Wow overkill build . For no apparent reason other than you can. I won't beat you up on that since it looks like the ship has already sailed. At least it won't be slow, that's almost worth it right there I guess. But you don't need a GPU card the HD4600 graphics will work fine.