Still confused on HTPC build - more help plz!
- Thread starter ArchAnGeL
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The spec you posted should do nicely.
As you asked, CPU load on VC-1 encoded HD-DVD is about 80%. AVC encoded HD-DVD is more like 90%. 720p H.264 MKV's are 60% maximum, but usually 40%-50%. I don't have any 1080p MKVs.
I think you're going the right way with the energy efficient AMD and seperate ATi card. The only reason i don't have one, is i use a very small case which can't take expansion cards of any sort (Lian Li PC-C35).
As you asked, CPU load on VC-1 encoded HD-DVD is about 80%. AVC encoded HD-DVD is more like 90%. 720p H.264 MKV's are 60% maximum, but usually 40%-50%. I don't have any 1080p MKVs.
I think you're going the right way with the energy efficient AMD and seperate ATi card. The only reason i don't have one, is i use a very small case which can't take expansion cards of any sort (Lian Li PC-C35).
ok I got round to buying some stuff
so far
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 BE-2350 Brisbane Core 45W Retail
antec fusion black inc 430w psu
Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H
OCZ 2GB PC2-6400 Gold Gamer eXtreme (2x1GB)
I went for the gigabyte board over the asus I was looking at because the asus has the hdmi on a seperate breakout board that occupies the pci-e 16x slot. This board also gas the digital audio out on it so when I put a seperate gfx card in I would lose digital audio about.
The ram is a bit overkill given the bus speed but it was only dirt cheap.
I will give it a whirl tonight and probably get the asus 2600xt tomorrow.
I will post the results with and without the card in for reference.
so far
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 BE-2350 Brisbane Core 45W Retail
antec fusion black inc 430w psu
Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H
OCZ 2GB PC2-6400 Gold Gamer eXtreme (2x1GB)
I went for the gigabyte board over the asus I was looking at because the asus has the hdmi on a seperate breakout board that occupies the pci-e 16x slot. This board also gas the digital audio out on it so when I put a seperate gfx card in I would lose digital audio about.
The ram is a bit overkill given the bus speed but it was only dirt cheap.
I will give it a whirl tonight and probably get the asus 2600xt tomorrow.
I will post the results with and without the card in for reference.
case, chip, ram and motherboard was pretty much spot on £250. So not bad
I already had a dvd rom and some hard drives lying around
just need to buy the card if necessary, a wireless keyboard and a 5m hdmi cable
not on the case - very tight for the sata cables to fit with this motherboard. Right angles cables would be a good idea
I already had a dvd rom and some hard drives lying around
just need to buy the card if necessary, a wireless keyboard and a 5m hdmi cable
not on the case - very tight for the sata cables to fit with this motherboard. Right angles cables would be a good idea
Been wanting to build one of these for some time. Think i may go along with your spec, how is it running?
Not really up to scratch with HDMI but i assume this a video only right? I will be connecting this to a plasma tv so i was wondering what sound outputs it has - apart from to normal pc ones.
Can i ask what hard drive you are using and how many does the case support? Do you have a remote control? This will be in my lounge, so not keen on having to use a keyboard for it.
Cheers
Not really up to scratch with HDMI but i assume this a video only right? I will be connecting this to a plasma tv so i was wondering what sound outputs it has - apart from to normal pc ones.
Can i ask what hard drive you are using and how many does the case support? Do you have a remote control? This will be in my lounge, so not keen on having to use a keyboard for it.
Cheers
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It runs fine with 720p/1080p h.264 files output to a 720p TV with cpu around 60% using wmp11 and coreavc codec on vista ultimate. Running same 1080p material in vista media centre is jerky, 720p is fine. I don't have a hd-dvd or blu ray drive so I can't comment on how it performs but I suspect I will need a seperate gfx card (2600xt or similar) but I was expecting that.
The hdmi on this board does video and audio
You can only have audio either via hdmi or spdif, not both - selectable in drivers
The audio over spdif to my amp is easily as good at my 360 and xbox1+xbmc.
I haven't played a lot of material on it yet as it's a christmas present that I haven't wrapped up yet but picture quality is good and I am happy with the spec so far.
The hard drives are just some maxtor sata's I had lying around. - Can't hear them when playing content but there are undoubtedly better choices. The whole system is very quiet.
I am using the mce2005 remote as the case has an in built receiver for it. Works fine.
I will also be getting a keysonic wireless keyboard as you can't control the actual windows desktop with that remote - only media centre.
The case is generally excellent but the VFD, while good, could be better. Jerky text scroll and poor use of available space are minor annoyances. (it's the imon VFD)
The hdmi on this board does video and audio
You can only have audio either via hdmi or spdif, not both - selectable in drivers
The audio over spdif to my amp is easily as good at my 360 and xbox1+xbmc.
I haven't played a lot of material on it yet as it's a christmas present that I haven't wrapped up yet but picture quality is good and I am happy with the spec so far.
The hard drives are just some maxtor sata's I had lying around. - Can't hear them when playing content but there are undoubtedly better choices. The whole system is very quiet.
I am using the mce2005 remote as the case has an in built receiver for it. Works fine.
I will also be getting a keysonic wireless keyboard as you can't control the actual windows desktop with that remote - only media centre.
The case is generally excellent but the VFD, while good, could be better. Jerky text scroll and poor use of available space are minor annoyances. (it's the imon VFD)
Just watched a video review of this case and noticed the dimensions .... case looks massive and i think it may not deep enough to fit on my stand. I have an old Antec Overture case which i was going to use but its far too deep - something like 20 inches 
and just too wide to fit through the legs at the back.
Gonna have to get my tape measure out when i get home!
and just too wide to fit through the legs at the back.Gonna have to get my tape measure out when i get home!
Just watched a video review of this case and noticed the dimensions .... case looks massive and i think it may not deep enough to fit on my stand. I have an old Antec Overture case which i was going to use but its far too deep - something like 20 inches
Gonna have to get my tape measure out when i get home!
Yes, it is a good bit deeper then my AV receiver (and annoyingly 1cm wider)
I'd go with Vista, i want mine to be connected to the internet so i can watch online footy matches and would prefer the improved security of Vista (not had any virus' of spyware since using it).
XP is Oooooold and Vista is just nicer to use
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Soldato
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you're fusion is deeper than your av reciever...and wider? what reciever do you have lol
Ah, I'd be interested to know how the Nova T card is with MCE. I currently have a Humax PVR with twin tuners and hard drive etc. Its fine, if a bit ugly, but I really want to consolidate my media into a single package so been thinking about selling the humax and building a HTPC with the same case as you. My main obstacle is that it needs to be idiot proof for other people in the house to use to record programs etc.
MCE is pretty foolproof with recording TV tbh!
The guide is great, much better IMO than both Virgin Media and Sky. Recording is dead simple - hit the Record button on the remote once, and it'll put a red dot on the listing, and it'll record that program.
Press the Record button again, it turns into 3 red dots, and it'll record the entire series. Press Record again, it cancels the recording.
I built up a PC with MCE for my aunt/uncle right at the beginning of this year, and I've not had a single call asking "how do I do this?" since installing it and showing them the basics.
The guide is great, much better IMO than both Virgin Media and Sky. Recording is dead simple - hit the Record button on the remote once, and it'll put a red dot on the listing, and it'll record that program.
Press the Record button again, it turns into 3 red dots, and it'll record the entire series. Press Record again, it cancels the recording.
I built up a PC with MCE for my aunt/uncle right at the beginning of this year, and I've not had a single call asking "how do I do this?" since installing it and showing them the basics.
had a bit of a play on the nova and vista media centre. Installed drivers via windows update and works fine recording two things at once.
if you are getting a nova t-500 watch out as some retailers are selling the td-500 instead which has loads of issues from reading around.
if you are getting a nova t-500 watch out as some retailers are selling the td-500 instead which has loads of issues from reading around.