Help me buld a HTPC?

[jimluu]

I want to build a silent (ok, quiet) HTPC. Must be able to comfortably play Blueray at 1080p. I have a 5 channel amplifier, but no processor (dolby processor) yet. I'm hoping that the HTPC will have the blue ray drive, a high quality 5.1 processor, and quality video output.

I've chosen the following:

1. case
2. motherboard
3. cpu: intel 8500
4. 4 gig of ram
6. corsair silent 620w ps
7. Liteon blueray drive.

I'm not sure where to go with the video option and the audio option. I'd like to use a fanless video card to keep noise down. will a radeon card like this do? Can I get by with some thing less, like this?

Lastly, how do I get 5.1 dts/digital dolby signal to my 5 channel amplifier? Do I need some thing like this?

Thanks.

 

[DSF]

1. Where did you hear about this case? It's only got one review on Newegg, and it's a four-star review at that. Granted, Newegg reviews don't mean much, I'm just saying I wouldn't drop $500 on any piece of equipment unless I had it on good authority that it was a top-of-the-line part. There are very capable HTPC enclosures for much less.

2. I'm not an expert at HTPC setups, but it seems to me that this is what the AMD 780G chipset was made for. Double-check that before you take my word for it though.

3. With decoding off-loaded to the video card, an HTPC really doesn't need much CPU power unless it's also going to be an all-purpose editing/encoding machine. I would consider shooting lower on the CPU here - a low-power Athlon if you go the 780G route, or something like an E5200/E7200.

5. I just figured I'd stick #5 in here since you left it out. I will use this opportunity to congratulate Art Monk on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

6. The PSU is serious overkill for a machine like this. Something in the 350-400W range will be plenty with your modest CPU and graphics needs.

 

[jimluu]

Thanks for the quick reply. The Monaural case is well received by several websites. It also looks real cool and matches my current 5 channel amp. My budget is not too limited for this project so I'll splurge on the case. I want Intel CPU since they run cooler. I want a separate (non-integrated) video card since I need dual output....one for the case, and one for the TV. I took your advice and changed to a smaller psu (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16817139003). I'm still up in the air about the video card. the radeon 3450 should do, if not then it's only $40 wasted. I'm still confused as to how the sound is routed. The software that comes with the liteon only allows 2.1 channels. The sound card linked about allows 7.1 Doesn't the liteon have a spdif connection that goes to the sound card for direct dolby processing?

 

[cusideabelincoln]

I recommend the 500W OCZ StealthXStream. It's more than powerful enough for this system and is pretty much silent.

You also don't need that sound card to output Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS. Radeon HD 2000 and 3000 video cards all output 5.1 audio via an HDMI interface, although only AC3. Even AMD's 780G chipset or Nvidia Geforce 8200, with integrated video, outputs 5.1 audio. You can read about it here:
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuch...howdoc.aspx?i=3258&p=2. Many onboard motherboard audio solutions will let you output analog 5.1 via a coax or optical cable. However, the Radeon HD4800 series video cards can output up to 7.1 formats including AC-3, AAC, DTS, DTS-HD & Dolby True-HD. There are also cheaper sound cards that can decode 5.1 for you, like this Turtle Beach card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829118109

You'll also get better power consumption if you went with an AMD Phenom or Athlon X2 and an integrated GPU as opposed to going with an Intel processor and a dedicated GPU. 780G and Geforce 8200 can also have dual outputs, although I don't think there are any that can output two digital signals, only an analog via VGA and a digital via DVI/HDMI.

So I think you should certainly grab the 500W OCZ StealthXStream and Turtle Beach sound card. If you need two digital video outputs (like HDMI+DVI or two DVI), then any Radeon HD 2000 or HD 3000 video cards will work fine and is the most cost effective solution. If you only need a digital output, like HDMI, plus a VGA output, then you should consider an AMD 780G platform and pair it with a Phenom processor.

 

[zerogear]

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2211432&enterthread=y

Silent/Cheap, I would use 780G chipset.

 

[jimluu]

I'm confused. In order to get dolby digial/dts etc to my 5 channel amp, what do I need?

Seems like I'm not certain where I'm going here. Maybe I'll set my criteria and I would appreciate all thoughts. I don't really have a budget, but I'd like to spend less than $2500. I certainly don't have to spend all of it. I'd like to build a computer that plays blueray and outputs dolby to my 5 channel amp. I don't want to have to buy an external processor. I would like to have DVR function that is compatible with my cable company's dvr box that I'm renting now (MOXIE). Since my amp is real expensive and my TV will be very expensive as well, I don't want to skimp on this system. I'm fixed on the monaural case, and I would like the system to be as close to silent as possible. There you have it. Thanks in advance. Jim.

 

[Raduque]

When you say it doesn't have a processor, you mean your amp is a simple analog amplifier, not an integrated reciever with AV switching, digital input capabilities and so on?

In that case, you are going to need analog outputs from your HTPC. Just about any soundcard will be able to decode the digital streams to 6 channel analog outputs, BUT you're going to want something with extremely high-quality outputs. Somebody else is going to have to chime in here.


I'd also recommend going for a low-power 780g-based system. You don't need a dedicated gfx card for dual displays, the display on that case is analog/vga. You should be able to find a 780g board with HDMI and VGA plugs on it. The integrated GPU will offload (it has UVD, like the 3450 you linked which is a better choice than the 2600XT) most of the bluray decoding from the CPU allowing you to get by with a more affordable, less power-hungry CPU. That's going to save you on heat output, which is going to equal a quieter system.

Also, on your case. I know you're firm on it, but IMO, that case is..... not very stylish. As well, and this is it's biggest knock against it, it uses 80mm fans. For it's size, it should be using 120s. 120mm fans can spin slower and still move more air than 80mm fans, therefore they are quieter. You can get quiet, low-speed 80mm fans for sure, but they won't move near as much air as a 120mm fan turning less RPMs.

Anyway, good luck getting everything together. Once you get it set up and running correctly, it'll blow you away. I recommend Vista Home Premium (for Media Center) and Powerdvd 8 ultra for the BRD playback.


Edit: Don't use the copy of PowerDVD that comes with the LiteON drive. I also wouldn't bother with the audio connector on the drive itself, either. The audio will be sent over the SATA cable along with the video.

 

[jimluu]

OK, seems like the 780g is the way to go. Do you suggest using the built in graphics or should I get an add on card? Which Phenom CPU should I use? Is there a specific 780g board that's well liked? Newegg reviews are all over the place.

 

[DSF]

Are you planning to do a lot of DVD ripping/encoding/editing type work, or just playback?

 

[jimluu]

My main objective is to playback blueray dvds. I would like to be able to use it like my Moxie box if possible (DVR function)

 

[nerp]

You don't need a phenom then.

And you don't necessarily need an add-in video card. The Radeon HD3200 on the 780G is more than adequate. Adding in a second video card would eat up power which runs counter to the point of running the 780g box.

In fact, you might consider getting a low power dual core X2 like the 4850e. Paired with the 780G you'll have no issues decoding BluRay and 1080p stuff. No problems at all. And it's general desktop performance is great.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: jimluu
OK, seems like the 780g is the way to go. Do you suggest using the built in graphics or should I get an add on card? Which Phenom CPU should I use? Is there a specific 780g board that's well liked? Newegg reviews are all over the place.

The onboard graphics of the AMD 780g chipset will provide hardware acceleration for your BluRay playback and reduce cpu utilization - keeping the system cool and quiet.

The Phenom 9350e is a 2GHz 65w quadcore for around $200. The AMD X2 4050e 2.1GHz 45W will be more than enough processing power. Gigabyte and Asus make great AMD 780g motherboards. New Egg is pretty goofy sometimes. Check the QVL list for memory for your specific motherboard and you will most likely have few problems. Use an optical toslink or coax cable to output your audio from the computer to your amplifier.

Check out this Silverstone case. Snag it from the Egg here.

My main objective is to playback blueray dvds. I would like to be able to use it like my Moxie box if possible (DVR function)

Here's the deal ...

You are entering DRM Hell as far as your DVR function is concerned. You will be able to record unencrypted analog and digital cable with most HD/ATSC tuner cards (I prefer the Divco Fusion) on your own pre-built computer. However, in order to record encrypted HD digital cable you must ...

1) Contact your cable company and determine if they support CableCard. If they offer the service you must ...

2) Order an OEM computer and add one (or two or three ) Cable Card Module(s).

Because of DRM you cannot build a computer and simply add CableCard. There is no workaround.

The number of card modules is determined by how many channels you would potentially like to record (or watch) at the same time. With two cards you will be able to watch one channel while you record another channel (or record two channels while you are away).

 

[jimluu]

maybe I'll forget the dvr function for now. What's the difference between the phenom and the x2 black edition aside from the number of cores? I heard that most software doesn't support more than one core anyways?

 

[jimluu]

while I'm at it, the x2 have several different lines, the 52--+ brisbane vs. the 4850e for example. Same price, what's the latest and faster processor line?

 

[jimluu]

How's this:
1. cpu: amd 4850e
2. mb GIGABYTE GA-MA78GPM
3. g.skill 4gb ddr2-800
4. CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX power supply
5. Liteon blueray
6. wd 640bg drive

Will a micro-atx board fit an atx case?

 

[wetech]

Originally posted by: jimluu
How's this:
1. cpu: amd 4850e
2. mb GIGABYTE GA-MA78GPM
3. g.skill 4gb ddr2-800
4. CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX power supply
5. Liteon blueray
6. wd 640bg drive

Will a micro-atx board fit an atx case?

I've just built a HTPC using the same case / CPU, and the -GM version of that motherboard. The onboard GPU works fine with the dual display setup. The case will accomodate a Micro-ATX MB. One thing to be aware of is the depth of the Blu-Ray drive you buy. Anything over 17cm WILL NOT WORK with this setup. I learned this the hard way. I have the LG combo BR-HDDVD drive, which is just over 17cm long. There's only 1/2 inch of clearance between it and the motherboard, and the MB hits the power connector for the drive, which means that I can't screw down the back corner of the motherboard. I would recommend you also pick up a right angle (270 degree) SATA cable and SATA power adapter to give you a little more headroom between the drive and MB. You need the type that points up once connected to the drive, as the drive is literally on the floor of the case. Straight connectors will hit the motherboard, and those angled down will hit the case.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

In AT's review of the 780G, they claimed using a Phenom processor (as opposed to an Athlon X2) offers more advanced de-interlacing options and offer better post-processing quality and performance. This is just something to think about, and since his budget is fairly high I don't think he would be making a bad choice if he spent an extra $100 on the processor.

 

[zerogear]

Having a little extra power is never bad. Micro-ATX should fit fine on ATX (most of the time). Check the specs of your case to see if does or not. If you do use it for DVR though (regular analog and unencrypted), its nice to have those extra cores for commercial stripping. But if you don't do encoding and only playback, I think 4850e will work fine.

 

[alcoholbob]

Sounds like an overly complex plan that could be mostly solved with a PS3 and a quality receiver or pre/pro...

Question is, why so much RAM and an E8500 CPU? You could find a much more power efficient (and silent) computer with lower performance parts, it doesn't appear you are even planning to play any games.

 

[jimluu]

Originally posted by: Astrallite
Sounds like an overly complex plan that could be mostly solved with a PS3 and a quality receiver or pre/pro...

Question is, why so much RAM and an E8500 CPU? You could find a much more power efficient (and silent) computer with lower performance parts, it doesn't appear you are even planning to play any games.

Yes. I have a very nice 5 channel amp already. If I can build a computer that plays blue ray, processes dolby signal to my amp, I'll come out ahead of buying a decent blue ray player ($300) and processor (~800). Plus I'll have access to my music library, itunes, netflix, internet, the occasional games, etc.


Should I get the 780g or the 790gx chipset?

 

[alcoholbob]

Lol well technically the PS3 can do everything you are looking for, plus a PS3 can play PS3 games AND PC games (if you install an OS).

I'm not pushing for it, just listing as an option. Personally I'd also go for a PC but its more out of nostaglia/comfort zone than actual productivity/utility/cost effectiveness based rational.

 

[jimluu]

Does the ps3 have analog audio output with volume control?

 

[alcoholbob]

The PS3 will give you regular pcm through toslink and either bitstream or linear pcm through hdmi. A receiver can then output that via 6-channel analog. As far as volume control, yes the remote can handle that, although since its a regular IR receiver you could always just bind the receiver remote buttons for that if you wanted to.