Time to upgrade my HTPC

[Quasmo]

So right now I have a

P4 3.0 GHZ with a radeon 9600Pro running my HTPC, and currently it really struggles with HD content.

I'm thinking about upgrading to a C2D E6850, but I'm not sure as to what motherboard to get. I hae no use for SLi or Crossfire, but need 3 PCI slots for my 2 TV tuners and soundcard.

I was also thinking about upgrading my video card Geforce 8800GTS because it decodes h.264 onboard and works well with the nVidia codec Purevideo.

Would it be better to get a mobo with a nVidia chipset, or would it matter if I got one with an Intel chipset?

 

[XMan]

How about this one?

It's passively cooled, and has three PCI slots. Which sound card are you using? Unless you're using an Auzentech or something that does DD Live, why not use the onboard digital sound? You're going to get the same sound if your receiver accepts digital out.

I wouldn't recommend the 8800 for HTPC use. Look to either ATI 2600 series, or the NVidia 8600/8500 series. Those will do onboard decode of the HD codecs. There are a few passively cooled NVidia cards; I'm not sure about the ATI ones.

Newegg should have Blu-Ray / HD-DVD SATA combo drives in the next couple of weeks if that's what you're looking to do as well.

I'm kinda jealous of you; my wife would freak if I upgraded my HTPC right now . . . but yours is much more in need of it than I - I've got a 4400+ and 8500GT.

 

[Quasmo]

Originally posted by: XMan
How about this one?

It's passively cooled, and has three PCI slots. Which sound card are you using? Unless you're using an Auzentech or something that does DD Live, why not use the onboard digital sound? You're going to get the same sound if your receiver accepts digital out.

I wouldn't recommend the 8800 for HTPC use. Look to either ATI 2600 series, or the NVidia 8600/8500 series. Those will do onboard decode of the HD codecs. There are a few passively cooled NVidia cards; I'm not sure about the ATI ones.

Newegg should have Blu-Ray / HD-DVD SATA combo drives in the next couple of weeks if that's what you're looking to do as well.

I'm kinda jealous of you; my wife would freak if I upgraded my HTPC right now . . . but yours is much more in need of it than I - I've got a 4400+ and 8500GT.

My HTPC is enclosed in a Table so there is almost zero noise, and the fact that I use 120mm fans really helps.

I am using an Auzentech card so that answers your question about DDL. Why do you suggest the 8600/8500 over the 8800? I understand te price difference, but is the only other reason the sound the fan makes?

 

[Quasmo]

Unfortunately right now I have 2 PATA, and 2 SATA hard drives and a DVD Burner. I'm think I might have to buy a new DVD burner or an adapter from PATA to SATA.

 

[tw1164]

I don't think 8800 cards have on board decoding, only the 8500/8600 have it for now.

 

[Quasmo]

nVidia 8600
2GB PC800 Corsair Ram
Asus motherboad
E6850

What do you think?

 

[Rage3kMoiz]

Would you really need an E6850 for HD content? Wouldn't a cheaper CPU like an E6420 do it equally well? And if you're getting a video card that can decode the video itself, what's the point of getting such a fast processor? Anyways, the RAM is top-notch but the mobo is not what you'd want. I'd recommend this one instead.

 

[Quasmo]

Originally posted by: Rage3kMoiz
Would you really need an E6850 for HD content? Wouldn't a cheaper CPU like an E6420 do it equally well? And if you're getting a video card that can decode the video itself, what's the point of getting such a fast processor? Anyways, the RAM is top-notch but the mobo is not what you'd want. I'd recommend this one instead.

The reason I want the faster processor is that I do alot of video encoding, and editing. I'll need the extra speed. I looked at that motherboard as well, but discovered that it doesn't work with ram other than 1.8v ram and The processor is only a maybe (It doesn't work with the 6750). Any other suggestions?

 

[Quasmo]

anyone else?

 

[XMan]

Looks good, man. What tuners are you using? I've got two PVR-500's and two HDHomeRuns.

 

[Quasmo]

Originally posted by: XMan
Looks good, man. What tuners are you using? I've got two PVR-500's and two HDHomeRuns.

You're running 8 Tuners? Damn guy that's more outrageuos than mine was.

I used to own 2 MCE-500 but I traded them for the single tuner ATI Theater 550 cards and got an HDHomerun (I've had it since January, and I love it).

 

[XMan]

For some reason a lot of the shows we watch are on at the same time, especially during the fall. It is nice just to scroll through the guide and say, hmm, I might like to watch that later. Haven't rented a movie in MONTHS.