3D HTPC Spec

Nameless_87

Nameless_87

Nameless_87

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Joined
8 Oct 2009
Posts
865
Hi,

I really need help on this as I've never built an HTPC before.

The HTPC will be used for the following:
  • Blu-ray
  • DVD
  • Blu-ray 3D
  • XBMC or W7 Media Center. Either one will have TMT5 or Power DVD incorporated

This is for a home cinema, in which I have a 64D8000 3D Samsung Plasma, and will have the Monitor Audio RX6 AV12 speaker package with the Pioneer SC-LX83 AVR.

Necessary:
  • Intel i3
  • Lian Li PC-C50B or Silverstone GD05 or Silverstone LC13B-E (still unsure about the case)
  • Graphics Card - 3D and Audio passthrough over HDMI to the AVR
  • SSD - I know 60 GB is probably enough, but I can stretch to a 120GB
  • Blu ray reader (no need for writer)

Not Needed:
  • HDD - Everything will be streamed from my Synology NAS
  • Software - E.g Windows - I already have a new Windows 7 license which I will use for the HTPC

The HTPC won't be used for any gaming or other activities... just watching blu rays, 3D and DVDs. Also I don't think I need a remote as I quite like the look of the Logitech Dinove Edge keyboard so will probably go for that.

Budget don't really know.. I can do 600-700 probably can stretch some more... but obviously as always, the cheaper the better ;)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
Hi again,

Just a question... for the best 3D and HD picture and also HD Audio passthrough, which GFX is better NVIDIA or ATI?

Also regarding motherboard, what is the difference between H67, P67 and Z68?

Regarding running just an i3, I will definitely buy a GFX card so no problems with stuttering there I guess?

And last thing, the specs you guys suggested... will they be quiet?

Thanks
 
Thanks for the explanation...

Regarding GFX I was looking as well at the MSI GTX460 Cyclone (comes recommended for 3D HTPCs) which also has a passive heatsink... is it better than the 6450 or not?

Regarding the PSU I was thinking about this one: Seasonic M12II-520 Modular. It's 520W, Modular (which I prefer since there won't be so many cables) and very quiet (also comes recommended for quiet HTPC). But 520W is maybe a lot and not needed?

Thanks
 
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R088ieS86 said:
I think you will be pushed to find a 460 with a heatsink and no fan.
I honestly don't think they exist.
They are stiil good cards for gaming but you won't see any difference in the quality of the videos you watch. But you will be able to game!
They also require more powerful PSU's because they draw a lot more power in comparison!
Click to expand...

I'm not interested in gaming on the HTPC tbh...

So in terms of 3D quality and sound, the 6450 is just as good as the GTX460?

Btw, the 460 I was referring to was this. It has a fan, but it is supposed to be very quiet.

Ideas on the GFX and what about the PSU as mentioned in my previous post?

Thanks
 
Ok one more question...

will there be any difference in the picture quality (HD - 1920x1080) between the 6670 and the GTX460?

Because if not, I'd rather save the money and buy something better.

Also, assuming that I am going to buy a 6670 or a 460, how would the rest of the specs be? Is intel i3 sandybridge a good option or LLano is a better choice (however i will still buy the gfx)? Also regarding motherboard, m-ATX would be better, but H67 or P67 (was thinking about this). I understand that Z68 is the newer technology and incorporates H67 and P67 capabilities, however I don't think there are m-atx boards, and I don't think I really need it?

Also regarding the PSU, I never got an answer if the modular 520 is good, or overkill, if so is there any modular psu, good quality and silent which is also modular?

Edit - did some research for the X-400 fanless you suggested cmndr_andi, and it is modular :) Is it better a fanless psu? Or will it generate more heat? Also the fanless are more expensive than the 520W modular one I saw... but I guess they are quiter as well... Another thing, the X-460 is only 10 quid more. Would it be a better deal to get that (incase I wanna upgrade something later on)?

Thanks for the replies so far :)
 
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Thanks, will do some research. If as you say it will be enough to play whole blu rays (bdmv and iso, 3D) and DVD, and the can stream from my gigabit network (NAS) then it's better to save some money and invest it in a nice looking case! (Still don't know which one to go for from my original post - don't really like the antec fusion btw, the lian li and silverstone are more stylish)

Thanks cmndr_andi and R088ieS86. You've been a tremendous help!
 
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Regarding the case, if I go for the zacate, it is a mini-itx mobo, so the LC13E would be out, but the GD05 and the Lian Li C50, they both take mini-itx... would they be fine, and would components have space to breathe?

Edit - Also I read this regarding the Zacate: The Asus motherboard has a discrete PCI-E x 16 graphics slot but it only delivers x4 bandwidth.

It does not deliver at x16 bandwidth. How will this affect picture Quality on a Full HD scale? Don't understand a lot on this subject, so sorry if it is a stupid question
 
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I am thinking of going back to i3.

This is why:
The deluxe fusion is good, however I much prefer some extra cpu performance, and one fan on a cpu (instead of passive) is not going to make that much difference noise wise.

The Llano is also very good, however this is because it has a gpu built in... which I will not need since I will have a separate GFX (6670). Now in terms of processing power, i3 is also more powerful than the Llano.

Price wise, the Fusion is the cheapest, but the processing power does not convince me at all. The Llano and the i3 are on a similar price range (with the i3 being a bit cheaper). And also the i3 will take up less power than the Llano.

Ideas?
 
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