HTPC build critique

[MrCrispy]

Hello, I'm new here and need some advice. I currently use a modded Xbox + XBMC but want to build a HTPC for HD content.

newegg wishlist - http://secure.newegg.com/WishL...06226&WishListTitle=My

Don't have a Bluray drive because I don't own any discs yet and can upgrade easily. It'll be used to run my entire media collection with a frontend like VMC/MediaPortal and HD content is in ripped x264.

Questions -

- is it worth it to save ~$100 by going with AMD 780g or Nvidia 8200/8300? I've read that G45 is the 1st chipset with true LPCM over HDMI and I want to be as future proof as possible, also Intel chipsets are more stable and run cooler, right?

- no plans to game on this but for DX9 games, is the x4500HD IGP good enough? I want to avoid any addon cards (sound, gfx) as much as possible.

I can reduce some of the prices by shopping outside newegg but probably not by much. Please feel free to suggest alternates.

 

[queequeg99]

I strongly suggest you check out avsforum.com. You'll get more feedback that is specific to your needs. And if you're think about upgrading someday to BD, you can learn a lot about minimum specs for your machine there.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: MrCrispy
Hello, I'm new here and need some advice. I currently use a modded Xbox + XBMC but want to build a HTPC for HD content.

newegg wishlist - http://secure.newegg.com/WishL...06226&WishListTitle=My

Don't have a Bluray drive because I don't own any discs yet and can upgrade easily. It'll be used to run my entire media collection with a frontend like VMC/MediaPortal and HD content is in ripped x264.

Questions -

- is it worth it to save ~$100 by going with AMD 780g or Nvidia 8200/8300? I've read that G45 is the 1st chipset with true LPCM over HDMI and I want to be as future proof as possible, also Intel chipsets are more stable and run cooler, right?

- no plans to game on this but for DX9 games, is the x4500HD IGP good enough? I want to avoid any addon cards (sound, gfx) as much as possible.

I can reduce some of the prices by shopping outside newegg but probably not by much. Please feel free to suggest alternates.

The money you save with an AMD 780g with sideport (and say an X2 5400+ with stock hsf) would pay for a Blu-Ray drive.

I would wait for reviews on the G45 concerning LPCM over HDMI, game performance, etc., if you want to stick with an Intel build. If not ....

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GPM-DS2H AMD 780G HDMI

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane 2.8GHz AM2 65W

SILVERSTONE LASCALA SST-LC13-S ATX Media Center / HTPC Case .... ( web page )

Should be able to hit 3.2GHz with stock hsf and decent temps @ 1.37v if you want to OC. That Silverstone case is sweet and will save you a few bucks. There should be some reviews out on that 780g mobo with sideport.

What about a tuner card?

 

[MrCrispy]

I have Comcast digital cable and to record those in HD you have to buy a custom cable card pc, so tuner card is not an option. The Silverstone case has no PSU so it'd end up more.

I can't believe I missed this deal - http://shop1.frys.com/product/5690181

One reason I chose Intel was I'm not sure the HD acceleration will work for software players like MPC when I play a x264 rip. It only seems to apply when you use PowerDvd etc to play a disc. So for those cases a good cpu like C2D would be good - at least that's what I thought.

 

[jimluu]

I like the veris fusion case better: more power (430w), display, and most important..built in IR receiver for MCE remotes.
I'm building a htpc as well. Will go with a 790gx motherboard and a 45 watt amdx2 processor. You should not need an add on video card.
Don't you want to play blue ray discs? They are a necessity for modern systems.