Just ordered!

[Buchanan0204]

After a while doing some research I settled on parts for a HTPC.

I was researching before Xmas and picked out a few nice 1155 itx boards. Asus was one that came with an IR remote with a keyboard. I can't seem to find these anywhere, no retailer seems to be stocking a large supply of M-ITX 1155 boards.

Anyway. I opted for the one OcUK has in stock.

Asus P8H61-I Intel H61

I also added in a G620, Thermaltake Element Q and a low profile GT 520. I have some spare DDR3 to add in and an SSD or HDD... whichever I had lying around.

I intend to hook all this up to my new Onkyo HTX 22HDX. Hopefully it will be OK to playback ripped blurays (MakeMKV)

Can anyone confirm this should fine for the job? My knowledge on hardware is alright... it's severely lacking in AV equipment though and sound especially. Will this play the full HD audio codecs OK.

P.S. I intend to play via XBMC.

 

[R088ieS86]

Have you been sneaking through my lounge?
You have the same innards as me, just a different case. They will work!

Make sure when you are using MakeMKV you click on the arrow next to the movie file because DTS-HD isn't selected by default, you will want this especially if you are connected to a reciever.

Also make sure you pick up the Eden build of XBMC so you can chose from the HD audio options!

 

[Buchanan0204]

Have you been sneaking through my lounge?
You have the same innards as me, just a different case. They will work!

Make sure when you are using MakeMKV you click on the arrow next to the movie file because DTS-HD isn't selected by default, you will want this especially if you are connected to a reciever.

Also make sure you pick up the Eden build of XBMC so you can chose from the HD audio options!

Haha!

I've been using MakeMKV for a while now on my main PC. I always noticed that it never selected it by default, bit strange.

Someone mentioned Eden to me over on AV forums. Never understood what it was. I do now! Cheers! I remember looking at it the other day.

I always thought XBMC supported DTS-HD etc.

If you have any config tips for me that would be great?

P.S. Is your mobo the same as well?

 

[R088ieS86]

This one?
Asus P8H61-I Intel H61
Yup, shes a beauty.

XBMC has supported DTS (5.1) since its xbox1 days, but the HD/HD-MA options are a new thing - at last

I have the passive Gainward GT 520. didn't want too much noise.

Config wise what kind of things would you like?
Skins?
pluggins?

Are you using the intel stock fan or have you bought another?

I like the case you have sourced. Looks proper HTPC like.
I've just sourced a small 40GB SSD for mine. finally getting rid of the clunky 2.5" drive in it!!

Where are you keeping all your media?

 

[Buchanan0204]

That is indeed the motherboard. This is where I look like a clown. Is there much difference between DTS and HD-MA? Will I notice a difference through my Onkyo all in one?

I got the GT 520 that's on this week only. An MSI one is pictured, but no idea which will turn up.

Config wise, looking for the best settings for optimal sound quality really. I've always wanted to experience quality audio and there always seems to be something stopping me. So many codecs, options, DTS-HD, MA... etc etc. It's over my head!

Skins wise I'm fine. Always been a fan of "Night."

I plan on using the stock cooler. I hope it's one of those low profile ones... there pretty quiet and it shouldn't be too big of an issue if the CPU isn't under much load. If it gets noisy or annoying. I'll look into replacing it... any good low profile options that will fit in my case?

I'll also be installing a spare SSD I have. Keeps it quiet... I can't stand the crunching.

All my media is actually stored on my main PC. I know it's not very economical! I've got two 2TB drives and one 1TB drive in there storing all my stuff. I've got it connected up to a gigabit network, so streaming isn't an issue.

I plan to put together a cheapo server soon. Installing WHS on it using some of my old components. Leave it in my cabinet on 24/7. Never played with WHS before so looking forward to seeing what juicy features it has and what I can play with.

 

[R088ieS86]

DTS-HD-MA is an exact match of the audio on the disk/source (lossless audio). Anything other than that usings a different compression method which discards data normally for file size pruposes.

So if Audio brilliance is what you are looking for, thats the badboy you want.
Just checked out your setup: Onkyo HTX 22HDX
Looks like the reciever will be fine with it.

Haha again can you stop going through my house! If you get WHS2011 besure to grab the lightsout pluggin, you can set it so when theres no activity on the HDDs its powers itself down. makes it a bit more economical! You'll be begging for HDD prices to come down soon!

Thermalright AX-140 was my choice of cooler. its very very quiet, you could probaby get away with it in fanless mode, but you can hear the fan anyway. The G620 comes with the small cooler don't worry.

Hmmm I never looked at night. Always liked Neon.


As always, pics when you get it all

 

[Buchanan0204]

I really like the sound of that plugin! Sounds very cool!

I check the prices daily. I'm already running out of space.. mostly due to backups/duplicates though.

I'll probably throw together a system in a few weeks on the cheap to run WHS2011.

I'll definitely give the new XBMC a go with the audio. Hope it works out OK!

I will indeed post pics up. First half of the stuff arrived today, second load tomorrow (different places)

Cheers again.