[consequential]

Hi all,


I apologize in advance for asking a lame question like this seeing as how I might be able to find this information on the web or even this forum if I look hard enough, however, anything I've found thus far have been 6-12 month old posts/info.


I'm looking to build my first HTPC (I've sold my Popcorn A-110) and given up on the idea of getting a different/better media streaming device such as the C-200 or Xtreamer. I want to be able to do the following:


1. Play 1080P video

2. Play up to Dolby Digital/DTS (AV Receiver doesn't decode more than this and accepts only optical/co-ax and doesn't have HDMI ports, so video will go direct to 1080P tv while optical out to AVR will be necessary)

3. Play BD (I have a BD writer) or BD ISO's

4. Play DVD ISO's (DVD menu's etc..)

5. View all times or many types of HD containers such as M2TS (from Sony HD Camcorder), MKV's etc..

6. Be able to use web portals stuff (not sure what's out there but things like Netflix, playon, youtube, hulu, that kind of stuff)


I'm looking to spend between $400-600 and the system will have be located either in my home theater area (on top of receiver) or directly beside the theater on the floor.


NOTE:

-I have a NAS so I'm not looking to use this HTPC for storage

-I'm not interested in recording TV etc... just the above list (I have DirecTV DVR's already)

-My house is wired for LAN so I don't need to worry about wireless

-I can install Vista if that's recommened or perhaps I can learn about Linux, but whatever the best solution is


Thanks so much in advance and again I'm sorry to bug you all with this request but I'd very much appreciate any help. I'm really interested in what parts I should purchase to put this system together.


Thanks!

 

[hirent]

MB - Gigabyte 780G - $65 AR

CPU - AMD X2 5050e (2.6 GHz, 45W) - $60

Memory - 2 GB DDR2 800 - $26

The board has onboard HDMI, Optical SPDIF, eSATA, Firewire, Gigabit Lan and 8-Channel Analog Audio out. Very capable of decoding 1080p video. Check out the thread somewhere on this website.

You can get faster CPUs for the same price, however this is an energy efficient, low-power, dual-core processor.

You can get 4GB ram and/or higher speeds. But your application doesn't require it.


This is about the cheapest that you can build a HD HTPC for with quality components.

Do you have a case and power supply?


Here's one of my HTPC cases:
MCE303 - $99 w/free ship

This case belongs in a living room. It has a front-panel VFD and built-in IR receiver. You can use any RC6 remote or buy one from the same seller.

 

[consequential]

Thanks hirent,


I don't have anything yet, no case/psu yet. I wanted to gather the list of recommended items and buy it at once (even at different sites).


-Is there any need to get discrete video?

-Is there anything I won't be able to do with this setup that many people use HTPC's for?

-If I want a dual core option what cpu/mobo would you suggest? I guess if I go this route and use a higher wattage solution I'll need a better psu right?


Thanks!

 

[hirent]



Quote:
Originally Posted by consequential /forum/post/16843470


Thanks hirent,


I don't have anything yet, no case/psu yet. I wanted to gather the list of recommended items and buy it at once (even at different sites).


-Is there any need to get discrete video?

-Is there anything I won't be able to do with this setup that many people use HTPC's for?

-If I want a dual core option what cpu/mobo would you suggest? I guess if I go this route and use a higher wattage solution I'll need a better psu right?


Thanks!

-No need for discrete video, the onboard chip is good enough.

-That is a broad question. One answer would be that it can play all the movies, DVDs, Blu-Rays and HD videos that you want. The only thing the hardware is not capable of, is that its unable to pass multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI. But it is of no concern to you since you don't have a HDMI receiver.

-The CPU is a Dual-Core. I have the same one in my HTPC.

-I have one system running a 65W CPU, a 780G board and a HD4350 graphics card on a 250W supply without any problems.

 

[H8nXTC]

I'd got with twice the memory for about $10 more after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145241


But I'd actually take the 1066MHz DDR2 memory for an additional $10 after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145247


I'd be looking at the upcoming Gigabyte 785G board out soon, there's a PGM version I'd take over the regular model. A perfect CPU to combine with this board will be the AMD Phenom II x2 550 Black Edition. This combo will be a little more expensive than the other suggested system though.

 

[hirent]



Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC /forum/post/16843652


I'd got with twice the memory for about $10 more after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145241


But I'd actually take the 1066MHz DDR2 memory for an additional $10 after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145247


I'd be looking at the upcoming Gigabyte 785G board out soon, there's a PGM version I'd take over the regular model. A perfect CPU to combine with this board will be the AMD Phenom II x2 550 Black Edition. This combo will be a little more expensive than the other suggested system though.

Good suggestions with the memory. However, the 5050e doesn't support 1066 memory. He doesn't really need it anyway.

Can go with another CPU for the same price but the goal here is to achieve HD playback on Vista without spending too much. A 45W CPU will save money in the long run.

The 785 is useless to him since he does not have a HDMI receiver to take advantage of 7.1 ch PCM audio. Also, it will be at least $30 more.

 

[consequential]



Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC /forum/post/16843652


I'd got with twice the memory for about $10 more after MIR.



But I'd actually take the 1066MHz DDR2 memory for an additional $10 after MIR.



I'd be looking at the upcoming Gigabyte 785G board out soon, there's a PGM version I'd take over the regular model. A perfect CPU to combine with this board will be the AMD Phenom II x2 550 Black Edition. This combo will be a little more expensive than the other suggested system though.

Cool stuff, I have some more questions:


1. How does the remote work as far as is it tied to the case? Do I buy a seperate remote? I have a Harmony One, will I be able to use that? How would I get a IR receiver for the system?


2. What case would you personally recommend?


3. What PSU would you suggest?


4. I like this cpu you suggested, if I'm looking to get a Mobo right now, what would you recommend as the best one without waiting for an upcoming model?


Thanks!

 

[H8nXTC]

The 785G motherboards should be out within the next few weeks. I would suggest one of those due to the SB710 southbridge to go with the CPU. Plus if you ever upgrade to HDMI then you'll be set.


Wouldn't know what power supply to suggest in budget range. My personal favorite is the 850w Cooler Master Real Power Pro with a 135mm fan, but it's a bit expensive and isn't available everywhere anymore. For cases, I've been very happy with Thermaltake. For an all black one, there's the Bach or DH 101 (comes with Media Lab) and for Silver and Black there's the Mozart.


Here's the Bach.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...33169&Tpk=Bach

Here's the DH 101 (w/ Media Lab).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0&Tpk=DH%20101

And the Mozart.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133168


Here's the CPU cooler I have for my Phenom II 550 Black Edition that I would suggest.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106129

 

[consequential]

Well I do like the idea of a mobo that will output sound via hdmi should I replace my receiver in the next couple of years. Does the new GB mobo coming out have any other features that are also noteworthy?


Any reason why I would need a PSU over 500w? Or even over 350-450 if I'm not using discrete graphics? Would you guys suggest the AMD over an intel 2.5/2.6 dual core?


Also, do you guys have any more info on the remote options or if my Harmony One will work?


I really appreciate all of your replies... I'm very familiar with pc's, building them etc... but am brand new to the HTPC area

 

[consequential]

I guess the 785 will limit me to AMD. Is this my best bet for CPU then?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103680


or is this one worth the extra 30 bucks?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103291

 

[hirent]



Quote:
Originally Posted by consequential /forum/post/16845820


I guess the 785 will limit me to AMD. Is this my best bet for CPU then?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103680


or is this one worth the extra 30 bucks?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103291

Way overkill for a HTPC mate!


Here's what you need to know about audio formats:


DVD: Dolby Digital, DTS (5.1/6.1)

HD: Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD (5.1/6.1/7.1)


DVD quality audio can be sent over SPDIF; for HD audio you need HDMI. Here's the kicker, currently there is no way of sending raw audio data (bitstream) through a HTPC except for the Asus Xonar HDAV sound card (expensive IMO). So the way to do it is to have your software player decode the HD audio track to PCM (kinda like unzipping) and send it out to your HDMI receiver.

And the difference is: SPDIF can only send 2-channels of PCM audio while HDMI can send up to 8 channels.


The 780G/785G/790/8200/8300/9300/9400 boards, can all decode HD video without the need of any additional video cards.


Except for the AMD 780/790, all the rest support 8-channel PCM audio over HDMI.


This is not important for you with your current setup since you don't have a HDMI capable receiver anyway. In the future when you do get one, it is easy to get a cheap card for $20 and get the PCM audio capability in your HTPC.


The 780G/790/785G chipsets are made by AMD for AMD CPUs.

The 8200/8300 chipsets are made by NVidia for AMD CPUs.

The 9300/9400 chipsets are made by NVidia for Intel CPUs.


The AMD boards are in the price range of $60-$90 while the Intel boards start at $90. Except for the unreleased 785G which is likely at $90


For a HTPC, you don't need high powered CPUs and video cards.

I built mine using a open-box 780G + 4850E (45W) for $105 (MB-CPU) and it plays Blu-Rays and HD-DVDs without any problems.


For your setup, I would say get a 780G/790/8200/8300 board with Optical Out & a low power AMD CPU and you are set. Even a 785 doesn't make sense for you since it will be at least $30 more and you will be paying for a feature that you are not going to use.


The first CPU you picked out is good but not reqd. for your application.

The second one is redundant, it is a first generation Phenom Quad-Core. With either one you will not see a difference in HD playback than if you used a low-power 5050e.


If you really want a quad-core then check this combo : A kick-a$$ Quad-Core CPU + a heavily discounted motherboard - $240. The CPU is $215 and you get a $90 board for $25.

The CPU is a top of the line chip from AMD while the board has everything you need, HDMI, SPDIF (Optical/Co-Axial) and 8 channel analog audio out.


Regarding coolers: a HTPC doesn't need an aftermarket cooler. If you are into heavy gaming or overclocking then it makes sense, otherwise no. AMD and Intel back their CPUs for 3 years with their stock heatsink & fan.


Regarding the cases, are you putting this in the living room? Do you want a stylish HTPC case or a regular desktop? The MCE303 as I said before is cheap and looks like a DVD player. It has a desktop-sized footprint and can only take microATX boards. For the money it is really great since it comes with an excellent VFD. Similar cases with front panel displays will run you atleast $200. The remote control is the Microsoft remote control for Windows Media Center. It natively controls WMC without any drivers. I don't know if it plays well with your remote.


A 400W energy efficient power supply is more than enough for your needs.


It all comes down to how much you want to spend. You can get the same playback capability with $150 components or you can spend upwards of $400.

 

[K-Spaz]

imo, There's no such thing as overkill for an HTPC.


Good fast stuff works better. I've seen too many 1080 playback problems on lower end systems. Dual-core with onboard HD3300, works nothing like my Q-Phenom/HD4870.


For a budget system I just recommended a friend get a Phenom II Dual core at 3.2Ghz. That thing works awesome also, but it's got a HD4890 vid card too.


Moving up to the Phenom II or going intel, you can use DDR3 ram, and move up to the higher bus speeds which I feel helps 1080 playback significantly. It appears smoother to me.

 

[steven975]

I picked out a 400W Corsair PSU for a friend's HTPC with a Core2Quad and 9300 chipset/IGP. He's been very happy with it.

 

[H8nXTC]



Quote:
Originally Posted by consequential /forum/post/16845820


I guess the 785 will limit me to AMD. Is this my best bet for CPU then?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103680


or is this one worth the extra 30 bucks?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103291

The first one (550) is what I have and I find it perfect, the second is a 125w quad which there is no need for and may cause heat problems and also you will probably never notice the extra $30 you've spent with it because most apps don't run quad cores anyway.


This is just my opinion / suggestion though as I don't preach my opinion the word of God and the only way to go. I've noticed running Vista and 2GB and a slower CPU causes problems with having multiple apps running and multiple Explorer windows open that's why I don't suggest anything under a 7750/7850 CPU. My suggestion is go with 4GB of DDR2 1066 and the AMD 550 CPU for $100 + about $45 after MIR for the memory.


I would suggest the 785G board with sideport memory that should be about $100 when it comes out. It will be nice to be set up with HDMI audio if you upgrade your receiver anytime.


Most Power Supplies 450w and above should be good, look for one that fits your needs and is quiet. The ones with smaller fans will be noisier, so look for 120 and up mm fans in them.

 

[consequential]

So the part I'm a little confused on is still the sound from BD's. If I'm using the optical out from the mobo (to my receiver) will I hear DD/DTS? I know, I'm a little lame here, so please bare with me

Also, what are you guys using for the remote control? I know one of the Cases recommended here comes with one but what's the norm?

 

[consequential]



Quote:
Originally Posted by consequential /forum/post/16847840


So the part I'm a little confused on is still the sound from BD's. If I'm using the optical out from the mobo (to my receiver) will I hear DD/DTS? I know, I'm a little lame here, so please bare with me

Also, what are you guys using for the remote control? I know one of the Cases recommended here comes with one but what's the norm?

In addition to my questions above, instead of going with an AMD solution, what are some recommendations for an intel/nvidia solution?


Thanks!

 

[kartman976]

Thanks for asking great questions consequential. I'm building pretty much the same setup you're thinking. The only thing different is I have an AVR with HDMI. I'm kinda leaning towards the 785. The case I'll be using is an Antec NSK2480. I'm using one for my downstairs HTPC and have been pretty happy with it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129034


-JK

 

[consequential]



Quote:
Originally Posted by kartman976 /forum/post/16856813


Thanks for asking great questions consequential. I'm building pretty much the same setup you're thinking. The only thing different is I have an AVR with HDMI. I'm kinda leaning towards the 785. The case I'll be using is an Antec NSK2480. I'm using one for my downstairs HTPC and have been pretty happy with it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129034


-JK

I just placed an order for this case for $250 at amazon:

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Produc...C=1319&ID=1878

 

[stlbearboy]

For Nvidia/Intel you would want to go with a 9300 series motherboard with a Intel Core 2 based Dual Core processor. The ION (atom + Nvidia 9300) is able to play Blu-Ray and MKVs that are encoded correctly so that could also be an option for you.


I would not personally do a Intel intergrated graphics product. If you want an Intel motherboard, add in a Radeon 4650/4670.


As far as aftermarket CPU fans, a good one will be able to run quieter than the fans that come with CPUs. But that is a matter of personal preference.

 

[H8nXTC]



Quote:
Originally Posted by consequential /forum/post/16856867


I just placed an order for this case for $250 at amazon:

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Produc...C=1319&ID=1878

Nice one, I'm considering this one also for my next HTPC (It's my top choice at the moment).


But you'll probably want to replace the stock fans in there when you get it set up.

Some suggestions are the Thermaltake ISGC Fan 12 or the Scythe Gentle Typhoon (1150rpm) fan like this one:
http://www.xoxide.com/scythe-gentle-...-120mmfan.html

And for the loud rear ones, a pair of the Silenx 60mm 12dbA (1,700rpm) ones like these:
http://www.silenx.com/ixtremaprofans.asp?sku=ixp-34-12