Basic HTPC

frj · 1 Jul 2008 at 13:45

Hi,
Wondering if anyone can help me with building an HTPC. I already have a processor - AMD 64x2 6000+, 2 gigs of RAM and a DVD burner, so just need to get myself a case. It needs to have HDMI as it will be hooked up to my LCD. It's mainly going to be used for watching HD MKVs.

Seen a couple of barebones - Shuttle XPC SN68PTG5 and Asus Pundit P2-M2A690G. The Shuttle would look best under my TV, but will the PSU be ok with my processor?

Cheers

amkan13 · 1 Jul 2008 at 13:59

as long as the processor is the 65w 6000+ 60nm and not the 125W 6000+ made on the 90nm process, the 250W psu on the shuttle should be fine.

125W processor would work too, but might get too hot for a htpc, and consume needless power.

frj · 1 Jul 2008 at 16:25

It is the 90nm version that I have. So the Shuttle would definately be a no go? The Asus only has a 200 watt PSU, so that would be no good either.

Do you know of any other barebones cases with HDMI that are around the same price? Or would buying a case, motherboard and PSU be a better idea?

Cheers

amkan13 · 1 Jul 2008 at 17:07

well you could think about underclocking/undervolting the cpu to save power. the processor is overkill for a "basic htpc" to be honest in terms of both speed and power consumption. it would be ok to use once in a while as a htpc but not for 24/7, not even when underclocked/undervolted, unless you dont mind paying the electricity bill.

assuming your processor is running at peak power 125W, theres 75W left over for mobo/chipset/gfx on board + HDDs, DVD-RW, Blu-Ray etc. i guess what im trying to say is its a bit too close for comfort for me.

do you require 7.1 HD sound over the HDMI connection at all? or does sound not matter as much?, then we could give you a few other options to think about.

lovedaddy · 1 Jul 2008 at 19:42

I was looking for a HTPC solution, but between none existant linux HDMI support, single threaded mplayer (or at least I believe thats still the case), and (and this was the killer), huge cases even for mATX MBs, I sort of lost hope.

Currently thinking about this:-
http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/tvixM6500A.asp

frj · 2 Jul 2008 at 13:27

I'm not too fussed about 7.1. I just want something that will play my HD stuff through my TV and be good for the occasional movie conversion. Don't want to spend too much cash - the Shuttle was appealing as it's only 185 bucks.

Cheers

amkan13 · 2 Jul 2008 at 15:13

according to http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/01/03/shuttle_sn68ptg5/9 your 90nm 6000+ will work but check the power consumption!

well this is how i see you options:

1) current components with shuttle and 6000+ 90nm (underclocked/undervolted)
2) current components with shuttle and 4850e (sell 6000+)
pros: you can try 1, if it doesnt work so well move to 2 easily. small case. 2 has low power consumption
cons: limited upgradibility,1 has high power consumption

3) current components with slightly larger antec fusion case (or other similar) and 780g mobo with 6000+. this offers far superior hd decoding as long as the codecs etc are set up right.
pro: upgradable build (reuse case with different matx board), better hd decoding.
cons: costs slightly more, larger than shuttle, high power consumption
4) current components with slightly larger antec fusion case (or other similar) and 780g mobo and 4850e (sell 6000+)
pro: upgradable build (reuse case with different matx board) , better hd decoding. low power consumption
cons: costs slightly more, larger than shuttle

780g+4850e power consumption results:
http://techreport.com/articles.x/14261/13
note: movie conversion might not be that great on the 4850e.
6000+ can be underclocked/undervolted for normal use, and stock/overclocked for movie conversion (from windows with amd overdrive and 780g, from bios with shuttle).

investigate the costs properly. i'd be leaning towards 1 or 3, then swap the chip if underclocking/undervolting the 6000+ is unsuitable.

i know! a lot to take in, but whats your thinking so far?

frj · 2 Jul 2008 at 15:50

Thanks for all the info! Although I really like the Shuttle, it probably makes more sense to go for option 3. I could get the Antec case and motherboard for roughly the same price as the Shuttle and use my 6000+. I guess the PSU on the Antec would be fine.

Do I need to buy anything extra though (like fans) if I go with the Antec? The Shuttle seemed to come with everything I needed.

amkan13 · 2 Jul 2008 at 16:28

a cpu cooler like the Scythe Mini Ninja or Thermaltake SI-128 running passively would do, as the cpu cooler would be near the fans, see the pic on this page http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/antec-fusion-430-htpc-case,1760-6.html
2 x 120mm TriCool Fans are included with the case.

also be aware of the different types of fusion cases available : "Fusion 430 has only a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), while the Fusion 430 V2 has VFD and IR receiver, and the Fusion Black has an LCD display with IR receiver."