Hello!
Ive got a couple of large SATA HDDs going spare and id like to be able to do the following really:
Download movie "trailers" straight to them then watch the movies via HDMI cable on my TV.
I already use my PS3 to "stream" from my PC to the PS3 to the TV but its not ideal....
Any suggestions would be great.
AMD 780G or 780GX chipset, low power Dual core Athlon, 2Gb or RAM, maybe a BluRay drive. Take your pick for Linux or Windows for the OS.
Heres my spec... I am very please with it and wasnt expensive.
LivingRm HTPC- Antec Fusion Black, ASUS M3A78 780G, Athlon64 X2 @2.5Ghz, 2GB RAM, 300GB SATAII, 500GB MyBook, 500GB MyBookII
More details: http://hothardware.com/Articles/ASUS_M3A78EMH_HDMI_AMD_780G_Motherboard_/
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/09/17/j-w-minix-780g-mini-itx-htpc-motherboard/1
Thanks all :)
Ill take a look into all of the above!
What OS/software would you recommend?
Oh also would there be any compatability issues with the following:
Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI
AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core 8450 2.1GHz
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Extra Value Sonata MATX MediaCenter Case - With 220W PSU 20+4pin
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 (OCZ2N1066SR2GK) Dual Channel SLI Ready Edition
500GB SATAII Seagate HDD
Have I forgotten anything??
Personally running XP Pro on mine, dont get on with vista especially the slow network transfer speeds, and stable as anything.
As far as that list, you are missing a DVD / BluRay drive if you want one.
Also the case you have said looks quite tight for a powerful processor, it could get quite warm in there ;)
Would you recommend a different CPU (if so which one?) or a different case?
I really dont want to spend loads on this as its literally just to dl movies onto and possibly view photos on etc.
Does the mobo have optical out for sound do you know?
Thanks!
Have a look at what i got for mine when I built it http://www.tekforum.co.uk/posts/list/12898.page the 4850e is more than fast enough plus needs next to no cooling so really quiet even with stock cooler, PSU looks a bit weedy in that case tbh I went for a Antec Fusion V2 and it is well worth the higher price tag
I didnt really want a case that looks like a case... if that makes sense!!
Only OS to run on a proper media centre.
XBMC - Linux build.
Quote from: moony1234Would you recommend a different CPU (if so which one?) or a different case?
Does the mobo have optical out for sound do you know?
I would recommend a bigger case TBH, if you think about the clearance from the top of the CPUs HSF to the case this needs to be reasonable, and as far as fans go, placement and size are important, the Antec Fusion has 2 120mm fans running very slow, keeps cool and practically silent. My Silverstone has 2 x 70mm, running slow but nowhere near as quiet, or cool, but has a much cooler CPU in that computer. If you are going to be watching films you dont want to noise of fans (the bigger the better, as you can run them slower but get better airflow) For a HTPC id always spend a little more, you can re-use if you upgrade and the last thing you want is a cheap echoy noisy case.
As far as the optical goes, you need to get the optional digital audio adapter/PCI slot thing that connects to one of the mobo headers, I already had one from an old PC I built. However I think the HDMI output carries sound if that is of any use?
Edit: like this one
http://www.glowtechnology.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=5_79&products_id=72Bit expensive here though, could just buy a sound card with optical, or a different mobo :)
If you are looking at cases, maybe look at these:
If budget is your constraint, it has mounts for 2x 120mm fans apparently, but you have to get them extra!: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/125291
If you like the Antec, but can afford the Fusion, try this: same case without the VFD and the DVD drive will be exposed (I would try to stretch to this TBH):
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130945
And the antec comes with fans and switches to select 3 speeds to keep it quiet!
Quote from: moony1234Oh also would there be any compatability issues with the following:
Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI
AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core 8450 2.1GHz
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Extra Value Sonata MATX MediaCenter Case - With 220W PSU 20+4pin
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 (OCZ2N1066SR2GK) Dual Channel SLI Ready Edition
500GB SATAII Seagate HDD
Have I forgotten anything??
I would check up on how good the X3s really are before you buy, last time I looked they were not that good. Go for an X2 or an Intel
Quote from: SeriousQuote from: moony1234Oh also would there be any compatability issues with the following:
Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI
AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core 8450 2.1GHz
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Extra Value Sonata MATX MediaCenter Case - With 220W PSU 20+4pin
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 (OCZ2N1066SR2GK) Dual Channel SLI Ready Edition
500GB SATAII Seagate HDD
Have I forgotten anything??
I would check up on how good the X3s really are before you buy, last time I looked they were not that good. Go for an X2 or an Intel
For a HTPC you are better off with a Sempron + 780G than a dual core Intel.
Quote from: BeakerQuote from: SeriousQuote from: moony1234Oh also would there be any compatability issues with the following:
Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI
AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core 8450 2.1GHz
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Extra Value Sonata MATX MediaCenter Case - With 220W PSU 20+4pin
OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 (OCZ2N1066SR2GK) Dual Channel SLI Ready Edition
500GB SATAII Seagate HDD
Have I forgotten anything??
I would check up on how good the X3s really are before you buy, last time I looked they were not that good. Go for an X2 or an Intel
For a HTPC you are better off with a Sempron + 780G than a dual core Intel.
Quite possibly, the thing is the X3 isnt the best choice. A low end E21X0 would be adequate, I use one for this purpose and moderate gaming, but so would a Sempron as you say.
Thanks again everyone.
I am more of an intel fan than AMD so the E2180 is looking like an attractive option.
If im getting a lower priced CPU then I can stretch a bit more on the case, £95 for the Antec and then another £20 on a PSU just seems a bit excessive for a case??
Also im now stumped on a motherboard with decent onboard gfx, HDMI and optical output.....
Doh!
I bought one of the Hiper type M 580 watts for mine from tekheads for under 40, quiet. The case was an £80 Thermaltake Lanbox but half price in a sale
Right as im being fussy about the appearance of the case how does this now sound:
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 2GHz Socket 775 800MHz FSB L2 1MB Cache Retail Box Processor
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
MSI P6NGM-FIH GeForce 7150 Socket 775 onboard VGA 8 channel audio mATX Motherboard
Hiper Silver Media Center Case With 200W PSU - Only 53mm High
Hiper HFC 10828-C2 Low profile Cooler - Socket 775
Pioneer KD-08 Slimline Notebook DVDRW Black Bare Drive - OEM
Philips Vista Remote SRM5100 Universal remote control infrared/radio
Plexus 3 Port HDMI Video Switch With Remote Control
Plexus Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Cable (Black) 1m
OCZ 4GB Kit (2x2GB) 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory Platinum Performance CL5 (5-4-4-18)
Existing Hard drive
Sound "ok"? Forgotten anything?
Honestly, in all seriousness. If you are making up a HTPC then you really do want an AMD 780 chipset if you at any point will want to put a HD Drive in there. Its that a GPU with HD-Decoding built into it.
Buying a E2180 will be something you regret down the road seriously AMD pisses all over Intel for a HTPC :P
Quote from: BeakerHonestly, in all seriousness. If you are making up a HTPC then you really do want an AMD 780 chipset if you at any point will want to put a HD Drive in there. Its that a GPU with HD-Decoding built into it.
QuoteFollowing the lead of MSI K9AGM2 as the worlds first HDMI-ready mainboard, the new MSI P6NGM mainboard is the first HDMI-ready mainboard supporting Intel processors. This mainboard is engineered to perfection to create multimedia system, the P6NGM-FIH is based on GeForce 7150 + nForce 630i and is built together with HDMI interface (with HDCP) and analog D-sub to offer complete video output solution for multimedia usage.
The built-in GeForce 7 graphic core of MSI P6NGM brings the best-integrated 3D performance and great video playback in Intel platform. When user plays the HD content using P6NGM, it lowers the CPU utilization usage and provides better color and quality. The P6NGM also offers video resolution up to 1920x1080 (1080i) HD video output, providing users with the highest-quality visual experience possible.
Really bad goggle'ing there Serious ...the GeForce 7150 chipset you quoted above has been replaced by the improved GeForce 8200 and the AMD 780 beat's both:
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3258&p=1
I would imagine that article you quoted from without the source was from early 2007 tbh.
pfft, that gf7-series chipset is about even with the old AMD 690G chipset. the 780G spanks it, and the 780GX is even better.
Ok... last attempt before I ask one of you nice people to put together a list....
Hiper Silver Media Center Case With 200W PSU - Only 53mm High
Hiper HFC-30820-C1 Low profile Cooler - Socket AM2
ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI GeForce 8200 Socket AM2+ onboard graphics 8 channel audio mATX Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Socket AM2 2.6GHz Energy Efficient L2 1MB (2x512KB) Cache Retail Boxed Processor
OCZ 4GB Kit (2x2GB) 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory Platinum Performance CL5 (5-4-4-1)
Existing Hard Drive
Pioneer KD-08 Slimline Notebook DVDRW Black Bare Drive - OEM
Philips Vista Remote SRM5100 Universal remote control infrared/radio
Plexus 3 Port HDMI Video Switch With Remote Control
Plexus Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Cable (Black) 1m
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Where you buying from?
Tekheads ::
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4450E
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
Scan ::
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4850e - Use the retail packed HSF, its not too shabby for this chip.
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
Ebuyer ::
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4450e
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
Ive used a couple of the Gigabyte boards, and I was impressed with the HDMI and Optical Audio outputs. The 4x40E series are the low-powered ones, and they run pretty quietly without needing a special HSF setup.
Edit :: This was done using the list of what they have in-stock at the moment.
Edit2 :: If you are going for 4Gb, and all you are using it for is streaming movies, etc then save some cash and buy generic RAM, or branded Value RAM. Youll save a packet, and you wont need the high-performance memory.
Right ive ordered the following....
Hiper Silver Media Center Case With 200W PSU - Only 53mm High
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Low Profile Socket 775 amd AM2 Processor Cooler
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H 780G Socket AM2+ onboard VGA 8 channel audio mATX Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 Energy Efficient 1MB L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor
OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800Mhz/PC2-6400 Memory GOLD DUAL CHANNEL Unbuffered CL5(5-5-5-18)
Existing SATA HDD
Pioneer KD-08 Slimline Notebook DVDRW Black Bare Drive - OEM
KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad
Hopefully it will run well....
All built and running smoothly (other than the fact that the HSF they sent was for an intel cpu and not AMD so the case is currently off).
Using XMBC as the front end and its running well.
Only get 3.5 for GFX in Vista though which is a bit pants, but it is onboard i guess...
HDMI is working, optical 5.1 is working, the keyboard/mouse is pants....
Thanks for your help :)
I really like MediaPortal on mine http://www.team-mediaportal.com/ I found XMBC a bit buggy and rough round the edges tbh
I really like my KeySonic keyboard what do u find pants about it??? :P
Quote from: moony1234Only get 3.5 for GFX in Vista though which is a bit pants, but it is onboard i guess...
Thats normal for that chipset, what gets things moving is sticking a BluRay drive up its arse. Full hardware decoding without having to chew the CPU is brilliant.
Ill give mediaportal a go.
THe keyboard, for some reason requires direct line of sight despite the fact that is supposed to be radio based.... so I have to sit at some very funny angles and even then keys are missed when im typing quickly!
XBMC Linux has reached Beta stage now I think, other versions have been Alphas.
I have mine plugged into the front so have never had a issue with it tbh it does turn itself off after being idle for a bit, but the batteries last ages (2 months for the first set with quite a lot of use) so I tap alt a couple of times before starting to use it.
How about getting a USB extender cable to move the receiver to a better position???
The receiver is at the front in a good position, i just have to have the keyboard quite literally pointed STRAIGHT at it... almost as if its IR.... and bad IR at that!
Quote from: moony1234Ill give mediaportal a go.
THe keyboard, for some reason requires direct line of sight despite the fact that is supposed to be radio based.... so I have to sit at some very funny angles and even then keys are missed when im typing quickly!
Im using media portal too.... I have it running on my living room HTPC with a dual tuner freeview card in it, and then I run the TV client version on my bedroom PC where I get no digital reception.
It then allows me to watch digital tv in my bedroom, switch channels and timeshift with no loss in quality, so I can watch two different channels on any two computers in the house, and pause the TV! I was very impressed, I dont use it for anything else, so dont know how good the other features are.
I use it with my dvb-c and dvb-s cards, works great with both :-)