HTPC input

[robertgd]

Hi guys,

I'm making another HTPC, and I have come up with two builds.

One is using a small Mini ITX case which I love the look and size, however I am limited in hardware.

The other is a Mini ATX case which in turn looks good still, has performance potential, but is a bit bigger (not a HUGE deal, eh eh /pun) and more expensive.

The aim is something that will be quiet, gutsy enough to play full 1080p on a 40" LCD, and MAYBE the odd game (think CS:S and WoW) and as affordable as possible.

SO here are the builds. Note I have gotten all parts and prices from PC Case Gear, a place a buy from regularly, but I understand I can get each individual part cheaper from other sources (MSY, etc). I will be doing the price hunting once I've decided on hardware.

Low Performance Small Form Factor

Case - Antec ISK 300-150 - $105
CPU - Intel Core i3 530 - $139
Motherboard - Zotac H55-ITX - $198
RAM - OCZ DDR3-10666 Gold 2x2GB - $119
GPU - HIS ATi Radeon HD5450 Silence 1GB - $69
HDD - Fujitsu 160GB 2.5” - Already Own
Optical - Lite-On DS8A4S Slim DVDRW (No BluRay available) - $69
Soundcard - Onboard HD
Power Supply - Built in 150W

Total - $699

For this build the hard drive is small, but I already have it, and I plan to put another one in down the track (most of my media is stored elsewhere on the network). The lack of Blue-Ray and having to use a slim drive is a downer, but that's a price you pay for small form factor.

The questions in specific for this build are... will the GPU cope? and will the PSU be adequate enough?

The next build -

High Performance Normal Form Factor

Case 1 - Fractal Design Define R2 (Upright Tower) - $149
Case 2 - Silverstone Grandia GD04 (HTPC case) - $129
CPU - Intel Core i3 530 - $139
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H - $121
RAM - OCZ DDR3-12800 Gold 2x2GB - $139
GPU - Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD5750 Silent Cell 1GB - $194
HDD - Any thing...
Optical - Samsung SH-B123A 12X Blue Ray Combo - $99
Sound - Onboard HD
PSU - Corsair CX-400 PSU - $65

Total - With Tower - $906
Total - With HTPC - $886

For this build I have put in two case choices. The HTPC is the case of choice as it will be going into an entertainment unit.. HOWEVER the tower isn't ruled out based on its expandability and it still looks subtle enough to not stand out.

The questions in specific for this build are... Is the PSU good enough? Is the GPU over kill? Is the faster RAM worth the extra $20?

Now questions for both builds, is the i3 530 CPU a good processor for my needs? I think it should be surplus, but need a second opinion.

Also going for quietness as stated, so GPU passively cooled is a huge plus, and if I can find a passive PSU for good value then that would be great (although passively cooled PSU's make me irky)

Now I just need some input into these builds; what you guys would choose based on my needs, substitute parts around if you want to make improvements, comment on selected parts, etc.

Thanks guys!

[Fishface]

The core i3 is an expensive choice for your needs.

The core i3 has an integrated graphics chip on the CPU and with the H55 chipset is intended as an all in one solution for manufacturers.

However you have chosen to use it with a graphics card.

Cheaper options would be a core 2duo or AMD X2 or similar.

[robertgd]

Thanks for the reply. I was unaware the i3 had it's own GPU. So I would be right to assume that relying on just the i3 for 1080p is a big stretch?

Which CPU and mATX motherboard combo would you most recommend for what I need?

I would like to keep onboard audio to cut costs, so a motherboard with hi definition optical out is necessary. I would like to use a dedicated GPU card, so onboard video isn't needed, and support for DDR3 would also be preferred.

Also going back to my first build, if I changed the ITX board to a 775 and used a core 2 duo or similar, would the PSU be enough?

Thanks again

[Fishface]

Originally Posted by robertgd

Thanks for the reply. I was unaware the i3 had it's own GPU. So I would be right to assume that relying on just the i3 for 1080p is a big stretch?

The i3 graphics are designed with the intention of providing 1080p graphics.

Chainbolt's article on the i3 is a good one to read:

http://www.overclockers.com.au/article.php?id=838342

There are a number of mATX motherboards for the C2D that support DDR3.

I would say that the PSU will be fine.

[robertgd]

Thanks for that link. So now I'm leaning towards the first build as I think the second one will be a bit overkill.

As for the processor to use, you feel that I would be better of with a core2duo if I am to use a dedicated GPU (which I'd prefer to do). Is there any advantage I would see by using an i3 with dedicated GPU over a core2duo? Are they better on power consumption, and cooler?

Edit - I think I'm just going to for build 1, but not buy a graphics card YET. I will try out the performance of just the i3 and if it's sufficient, then great... if not I can always add in a card.

So basically, will that 150W PSU be enough? Thanks!

[Fishface]

A cheap C2d (say an E6500 @ $88) and a separate graphics card (ie the HD5450) will give better performance for gaming than the i3 (with integrated GPU) and at a cheaper price.
The power consumption will be a tad more but not a big issue.

The AMD X2s in a suitable MB with on board graphics can be even better value.

[robertgd]

Okay I've decided on this case

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=12145

Using the first build with the seconds build graphics card. Basically because I was weary about the 150W PSU in the Antec, and I have read that they are super inefficient.

This build gives me heaps of power to play with and is still in a compact form factor.

[Namheul]

The i3 is fine for HTPC duties.

You only need the video card if you were planning on gaming with it.

[Fishface]

In the first post you mention "as affordable as possible" however you have chosen a relatively expensive combo.

You need to look at the space you will have in the entertainment unit and ask yourself if you really need an ITX case.

Using an mATX case, a $70 mATX MB, an $88 C2D and a $50 GPU will give you a very acceptable HTPC.

[robertgd]

What hardware would you suggest then? As for space, the Silverstone in the second build is the biggest I can get.

I don't want so much "cheap" I want quality and something that is going to perform without a hitch with high def content. So it needs to have HD audio, gigabit LAN (everything is streamed), and a powerful enough GPU.

[ChaosMaster]

For you low performance PC, I would recommend just dropping the 5450 and using the intergrated graphics. If your not doing anything other than watching video's that is, Intel HD graphics should be more than enough to play 1080p (through Intel's claims though). A 5450 won't be giving you decent frames on a 1080p screen anyways, even with nothing turned on. That is you want an i3. Personally I would go C2D with 5450. Cheaper, faster, better.

As for your High Performance HTPC. I understand what you want as I have one as well (won't fit in my sig though, lolz). I would recommend, (if you can spend the extra) to get an SSD as the only HDD (kingston V goes for less than $100 for 32GB, I'm currently using for my E6400 system, boots in 15 secs) because it's fast, silent, and cool (case won't have much airflow). Next I would get a custom Cpu Heatsink. The Noctua C12 is a low design that cools the MB and being Noctua, quiet. As for PSU, Seasonic X series have a special design that makes them very cool to run. For this reason, their fans don't spin until 50% load, so it'll be silent 100% of the time. This is anal stuff here, and you don't have to go to such lengths, as you'll find a good Samsung HDD and the stock intel fan are inaudiable from 5m anyways, especially compared to when your Blu-Ray drive spins up.

As for your CPU, i3 has more than enough grunt for it. And being a 32nm based chip, it'll run cool too. As for extra RAM speed, you won't notice the difference so no it's not worth the extra. 5750 will generate quite a bit of heat, so you'll want some air flow within the case (especially if you game) so maybe by 2 Noctua fans (about 30 each I think) and set them on 900rpm, they'll be whisper quiet.

[Fishface]

A quick look at the MSY list of 775 MainBoards suggests something like a Gigabyte G41MT-ES2L ($57) with a HD5450 ($66) and an e6500 would do the job.

I guess the i3 would be fine although slightly more expensive even without an aditional graphics card.

I'd suggest that for occasional gaming you don't really need a $200 graphics card.

I'm playing Blu-ray fine with an e4500 and an 8600GT.

Edit: My HTPC runs pretty quietly out in the open. Behind a glass door in the entertainment unit it is totally quiet.