Hardware for HTPC?

i_dragonx_i · 23 Jan 2009 at 09:51

Hi

The main thing I'm looking for is replacement hardware that'll generate less heat in my HTPC. Right now I've got a first generation Core 2 Duo (E6600) and I'm using the built in graphic card on my mobo (NVidiia 9300). Where the system is positioned there is quite poor ventilation and the heat adds up quite quickly, especially if I'm watching a blue-ray or playing a game.

I was wondering what's the best/least heat small form factor graphic card around right now is as well as the coolest running LGA775 CPU around?

Cheers!

b|gf|sh · 23 Jan 2009 at 11:00

The nVidia 9300/9400 is pretty much the best HTPC gfx chipset atm (for HD video playback), would just replace the E6600 with a much cooler E5200 and upgrade the cpu cooler too?

SiD the Turtle · 23 Jan 2009 at 11:05

Well I have an ATI2400XT on HD decoding duties, which it does easily. It's also passive, so no noise. Only problem is I don't think they make them any more

For a processor I'm using a lowly E2200 with a Scythe-Mini Ninja on top. Nice and cool!

Keep in mind those specs won't be any good for playing games.

i_dragonx_i · 23 Jan 2009 at 11:16

Thanks

Well the 9300 is really good. I got Command and Conquer running last night which looked amazing with that setup + 37" Samsung LCD. Only problem was that about 5 min. into game play the GPU overheated and shut down. Had to let it cool off before running again. I have all the system coolers in the case on max already but it doesn't seem to cut it. That's why I'm looking for somethihng small-factor to put into the spare PCI-E slot. Hopefully a graphic card which runs silent when under little load.

b|gf|sh · 23 Jan 2009 at 11:30

What case/cooling are you using at the moment? By the sounds of it adding a stand-alone gfx card would add even more heat to your system and wouldn't solve the problem?

Do agree though that a stand-alone gfx card would be more ideal if you're wanting to play games on your HTPC.

i_dragonx_i · 23 Jan 2009 at 11:49

Antec Micro Fusion Remote 350 with 3x 80mm Noctua fans running maxed out. Arctic Freezer on the CPU. I think the main thing would be getting a gfx card with variablel cooling. The 9300 only has passive cooling, so it can't ramp up the dissipation when under a heavier load. A GPU cooler that can make more noise/cool more when needed would be ideal.

b|gf|sh · 23 Jan 2009 at 12:28

So what's the cpu/gpu temps on load or playing a game then?