Media System (spec)

V4NT0M

V4NT0M

V4NT0M

Soldato
Joined
18 Jan 2007
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Just wondering if you guys could spec me the cheapest media system (HTPC type thing) needs to have the following;

* Silent as possible
* To play at least 720p media
* 500GB HDD
* WLAN
* Small case if possible (smaller the better)

Dont need keyboard, mouse or anything like that, just the basics. Currently have a spare x1600 (AGP) for graphics which should be well enough for the video if that saves a bit of money.
 
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I have that motherboard and it's quite good. I recommend the ADA3800CUBOX processor, the low-power version of the 3800+ X2, rather than the one there since OcUK doesn't stock it. It's plenty fast for playing 720p H.264 files and is extremely power efficient. That means it'll cost less to run and will emit less heat for your small case to evacuate. I think it's a great thing.

I haven't a clue what's a good wireless card these days though I always recommend cards that have an Atheros or Intel chipset. Broadcom can **** my ***** ********.

EDIT: You might want to hold off on the CPU cooler. If the stock cooler is getting the job done for you then there's no reason to replace it.
 
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thanks, wasnt really sure what kind of spec i should be going for minumum and was wondering what kind of minimum spec i should be going for to play media... And the main thing i want from the cpu cooler is for it to be quiet...
 
Switch WD to Samsung HD.
Are you sure that CPU HSF will fit in that case?

A 2ghz dual core is minimum for HD, you need power when you go down 1080p route. You can always get videocard with HD acceleration (I would leave it a few gens as I believe 2600 doesn't handle some 1080p codec types)
 
badbob said:
Switch WD to Samsung HD.
Are you sure that CPU HSF will fit in that case?
Click to expand...
It's just 59mm tall. That's about the same height as the retail cooler.

EDIT: Remember, the mobo I reccomended above is purpose-built for HTPC rigs. According to nVidia's website, "Experience HD video at new, affordable prices—NVIDIA PureVideo technology provides stunning, high-quality video playback and superb picture clarity. NVIDIA GeForce 6150 supports H.264, VC-1 and MPEG-2 HD-Video Playback formats."
 
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I have the same MATX chipset in my HTPC, one problem is that when I switch inputs it disables the output. Haven't tried in a while, using ATI X300 and seemed to have solved it. Onboard uses system memory so I'd get 2GB, as -128MB off 1GB isn't enough.
 
thanks bob, but I wont be doing any 1080p in the near future, not worth it for me 32" is plenty big and 720p plenty sharp :)
 
720p is still quite intensive though, so I'd still get the dual core. My HTPC had a 3700+ and upgraded to 4200x2 and it's worthwhile, I used to do converting on it, during this the PC was so slow it was unusable.

Considering the cost of dual core...might as well. oh a mate has the Antec 2400, with both fans on low it's quiet loud, so just have one fan switch on.
 
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