• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Converting desktop to HTPC

roguerower

roguerower

Diamond Member
I will soon be setting up an HT system and have realized that I don't game on the computer enough to justify keeping a desk devoted to it in my small apartment.

First purchase is an Intel G-25M SSD from newegg. I will make sure it's a G2 and supports trim. This will be my OS drive (Windows 7), with my current 1tb and 640gb drives becoming media/backup drives.

Now my question is whether I should keep the ATX board I have and get an ATX case, or should I get a mATX case and buy a new mATX board. I only need 1 GFX slot but don't want an ITX board. I will be selling any of the old stuff I replace (case & mobo).

Thoughts and suggestions? Maybe SSD alternative?
 
The X25-M is about the best bang for the buck these days. If you want to keep your same motherboard, Newegg has plenty of HT-style cases that will take an ATX board.
 
If you care about noise and/or looks then go with the mATX board and an HTPC case. If you don't then your current case and setup should be fine.

An SSD isn't a requirement. The SSD can make a difference for a few things. The computer will be quicker to boot or wake from sleep but this may not be that noticeable depending on how you use it. SSDs can make your cache information (pictures, descriptions etc.) load a lot faster. This is typically only noticeable if you've got a large media collection. The last thing is that if the SSD is the only hard drive in your HTPC then it can be very very quiet to the point where you may never hear an sounds coming from the computer if you are more than a few feet away.
 
Last edited:
roguerower said:
I will soon be setting up an HT system and have realized that I don't game on the computer enough to justify keeping a desk devoted to it in my small apartment.

First purchase is an Intel G-25M SSD from newegg. I will make sure it's a G2 and supports trim. This will be my OS drive (Windows 7), with my current 1tb and 640gb drives becoming media/backup drives.

Now my question is whether I should keep the ATX board I have and get an ATX case, or should I get a mATX case and buy a new mATX board. I only need 1 GFX slot but don't want an ITX board. I will be selling any of the old stuff I replace (case & mobo).

Thoughts and suggestions? Maybe SSD alternative?
Click to expand...

How about you tell us what you want to keep, and we will say if its possible or not.

A HTPC isnt that difficult depending on the resolution.
If you have a 240hz LED HDTV, well, your gonna need a fairly decient videocard to display 1080p @ 240hz.

Then again, if you have a "generic" LCD TV thats 720p, i cant see any modern video card giving u a problem here.

The key thing is what display your running and @ what Hz.
Lastly im assuming its gonna be a gaming HTPC, so what video card you use also guides what case you can fit.
 
Why are you purchasing an SSD for an HTPC? I don't think it will help with video playback, especially since you're unlikely to store your files on it. Heck, I use a 5400rpm "green" hdd as my only hdd in my HTPC, and I've never had any speed problems with it.
 
kalrith said:
Why are you purchasing an SSD for an HTPC? I don't think it will help with video playback, especially since you're unlikely to store your files on it. Heck, I use a 5400rpm "green" hdd as my only hdd in my HTPC, and I've never had any speed problems with it.
Click to expand...

I think he is planning on using it as his only PC.
 
The PC is the one in my signature. It will be hooking up to a 60" 1080p Plasma.

I want to get a SSD to speed up the overall speed of the computer, most notably boot/awake times. It will also be my only PC (I have a netbook, but it really doesn't count) so it will still need some power behind it.

As far as mATX v. ATX goes, I don't really care so long as I can find a case/board that works as well as my current setup.

I've found a couple of cases that I like so we'll see. Anybody have a case/mATX mobo they would recommend?
 
That was one option. I am just hypothetically pursuing the next to see which one will give me a better bang for my buck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top