Input on a HTPC spec

[jluyt]

Hi all,

I am in the process of putting together a new HTPC and want some of your inputs please.

Need:
I want a small form factor box, mini-atx I was figuring. But I also want 1 or 2 PCI-e slots to add a video capture card. In addition I want 1 optical and one digital coax audio output. The box will mostly be used to stream movies from Hulu and the likes:

Motherboard:
I have been looking at the Zotac mobos - any sugestions?

Video:
I have been trying to get Nvidia 8200 or ION GPU. What are the main differences?

CPU:
Thinking Athlon 62 X2

Please let me know your thoughts

 

[o1die]

The atom deluxe boards might be cheaper overall, since most have blueray and hdmi support; some have wi-fi. If you already have a spare amd cpu and heatsink to use, then amd would give you better performance. Zotac isn't a name brand; some folks have complained about their rebates on other boards. I've used Jetway, and the $159 amd model has everything, but uses notebook memory. Can't tell you if the 8200 or ion gpu is faster. Most folks have spare regular ddr2 to use as they bought it when it was cheap. Avoid windows 7 unless you go with amd and 2 gigs of ram. It's prettier with the improved graphics, but xp works great at 1920x1080 resolution. I won't go back to lower settings. The true 1080p monitors use this setting, and it's worth it.

 

[o1die]

Tom's hardware guide has a review of 4 itx boards; this website may also have a comparison.

 

[RaiderJ]

I would definitely stick to >2.5GHz dual core processors if you plan on watching 1080p or Hulu. That way you have the most versatility in what media players and codecs you use. However, if you set things up well, MPC HC works fantastic with GPU decoding.

Another consideration might be to just use the Western Digital Media Player with network connectivity. Covers almost everything except Hulu.

 

[aamsel]

I would definitely stick to >2.5GHz dual core processors if you plan on watching 1080p or Hulu. That way you have the most versatility in what media players and codecs you use. However, if you set things up well, MPC HC works fantastic with GPU decoding.

Another consideration might be to just use the Western Digital Media Player with network connectivity. Covers almost everything except Hulu.

Great advice.
I am thinking about a HTPC with an undervolted E8400.
What motherboards would offer good voltage support for this
and high stability?

 

[o1die]

Checkout the MSI G41TM-E43 with hdmi port and blue-ray audio for $69.99 at newegg. If you need an hdmi case, 3b tech has some chiefmax cube micro atx cases for $59.99 shipped. For the power supply, newegg has a corsair 400w for $34.99 after rebate with free shipping. I've had good luck with MSI boards.

 

[aamsel]

Checkout the MSI G41TM-E43 with hdmi port and blue-ray audio for $69.99 at newegg. If you need an hdmi case, 3b tech has some chiefmax cube micro atx cases for $59.99 shipped. For the power supply, newegg has a corsair 400w for $34.99 after rebate with free shipping. I've had good luck with MSI boards.

Thanks.
I am assuming that you would want to use an add-on video card with this, that the built-in HDMI video would not be good enough to do serious 1080 stuff?

Or, am I wrong?

 

[o1die]

For normal blue ray playback in 1080p, it will work fine, or get a cheap low end video card with dx10 chipset. I found a 2400xt for $20 after rebate at newegg and no fan; it's a cheap but effective card for normal tasks; for gaming, the 4750 or 4770 will work, but they produce more heat and noise. Try the onboard video first. I recommend you spend the money instead on a 2x2 gb ddr2 kit of pc6400. Newegg and frys have had some for as low as $70 after rebate.

 

[o1die]

Newegg's current email promos for today include a powercolor 3450 for $24.99 and free shipping, plus you get a $10 rebate, bringing down the cost to $14.99 shipped. My 2400xt is also made by powercolor and I received my rebate in about one month, so grab this deal if you don't intend to do alot of gaming. It's a steal, and will sell out fast. Newegg also has some Wintec 2x2gb pc6400 kits for $71.99 shipped with no rebate.

 

[aamsel]

Thanks a lot.

 

[aamsel]

Checkout the MSI G41TM-E43 with hdmi port and blue-ray audio for $69.99 at newegg. If you need an hdmi case, 3b tech has some chiefmax cube micro atx cases for $59.99 shipped. For the power supply, newegg has a corsair 400w for $34.99 after rebate with free shipping. I've had good luck with MSI boards.

Trying to put together an E8600 with your mobo and case recommendation,
assuming it has decent undervolting capability.

With a case like the Chiefmax Cube Micro you mention, even with a modular power supply still end end up a rat's nest of cables?

I have had issues with the pre-packaged SFF setups particularly Shuttle.
Does Shuttle have anything in socket 775 that has the HDMI video out?

I can spend more money than this without issue.
What would be a higher-end SFF HTPC-type rig?

Thanks for your help!