I'm building a HTPC. Well, it's built already, but the Athlon X2 3800+ @2GHz isn't exactly powerful enough to handle full HD content and it doesn't seem like OpenCL decoders are anywhere near.
So I was thinking to upgrade my MB + CPU + RAM to something that can handle full HD. I also have an Intel E8400 @3GHz which handles full HD with 15% CPU usage so I'm guessing any latest proc above 2.5GHz should do the trick easily.
The only other notable requirement I have is support for the three Samsung 1.5TB disks that I have in the system.
Here are my "demands":
1. As low idle power as possible. (Targeting ~50W in idle if at all possible)
2. Must have SPDIF output (either optical or coax)
3. RAID 5 >2 TB seriously preferred (speed is more or less irrelevant)
4. Must have 4 SATA + 1 PATA or >= 5 SATA connectors - system disk, 3x data disk, optical drive
Other wishes:
1. MicroATX form factor
2. Superior overclocking options (to underclock / undervolt)
3. Onboard Graphich with HDMI or DVI output. DRM (HDCP) garbage not necessary - i'm hoping to go around it with SlySoft AnyDVD HD
Questions:
1. I like Athlon II 240e 45W TDP, but is this processor "the ultimate solution" for me? Remember, I need IDLE to be as low as possible, since this computer will also be a file server, therefore hopefully always on.
2. I've been looking at DFI LP JR 790GX-M3H5 motherboard to match the CPU, but I can't even find it on DFI site, much less download any drivers, get CPU compatibility list or anything else for that matter. What's up with this MB?!?
3. How's MB RAID 5 support nowadays? >2TB? Does it work at all?
4. If MB RAID is not feasible, how much trouble would an Areca ARC-1210 give me? The Samsung 5400 (HD154UI) DISKS I have aren't exactly RAID editions. Of course, such a controller is also not exactly desired for it's power usage.
I know this it a lot of questions in one place, but I'd appreciate any help / advice you can give me.
Thanks,
Jure
So I was thinking to upgrade my MB + CPU + RAM to something that can handle full HD. I also have an Intel E8400 @3GHz which handles full HD with 15% CPU usage so I'm guessing any latest proc above 2.5GHz should do the trick easily.
The only other notable requirement I have is support for the three Samsung 1.5TB disks that I have in the system.
Here are my "demands":
1. As low idle power as possible. (Targeting ~50W in idle if at all possible)
2. Must have SPDIF output (either optical or coax)
3. RAID 5 >2 TB seriously preferred (speed is more or less irrelevant)
4. Must have 4 SATA + 1 PATA or >= 5 SATA connectors - system disk, 3x data disk, optical drive
Other wishes:
1. MicroATX form factor
2. Superior overclocking options (to underclock / undervolt)
3. Onboard Graphich with HDMI or DVI output. DRM (HDCP) garbage not necessary - i'm hoping to go around it with SlySoft AnyDVD HD
Questions:
1. I like Athlon II 240e 45W TDP, but is this processor "the ultimate solution" for me? Remember, I need IDLE to be as low as possible, since this computer will also be a file server, therefore hopefully always on.
2. I've been looking at DFI LP JR 790GX-M3H5 motherboard to match the CPU, but I can't even find it on DFI site, much less download any drivers, get CPU compatibility list or anything else for that matter. What's up with this MB?!?
3. How's MB RAID 5 support nowadays? >2TB? Does it work at all?
4. If MB RAID is not feasible, how much trouble would an Areca ARC-1210 give me? The Samsung 5400 (HD154UI) DISKS I have aren't exactly RAID editions. Of course, such a controller is also not exactly desired for it's power usage.
I know this it a lot of questions in one place, but I'd appreciate any help / advice you can give me.
Thanks,
Jure
Last edited:
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