Bert05GPW

Gonna build an HTPC and looking for ideas.

Requirements:

1) HDMI (will connect to LCD TV 1080p)
2) Must have SPDIF for audio (this will go to existing sound system)
3) Gotta be ENERGY efficient because it will be turned ON 24/7/365.
4) Small form factor (mATX)
5) Remote keyboard/mouse or RCU?
6) HDTV tuner for OTA broadcasts

Which motherboard and case would you start with? AMD or Intel? Amount of memory? Powersupply size?

This PC is going to be used to watch OTA HDTV and HULU.com primarily. What are your thoughts?

TurtleS2k

go with an Intel processor dual core, ram I say blow it to 4gb, and a PS 300watts that should be a good start from my point of view. i'm not sure whats a good PCI sound card now a days since I haven't build a system in 5yrs.

btw 64bit OS or are you just planning to run 32bit?

Bert05GPW

The Intel / AMD debate has me perplexed. Peoples are telling me that AMD uses less electricity which is important to me since it's gonna be on full time.

Not sure about 32 versus 64 bit yet. This PC will only need enough power to watch videos on Hulu.com and receive OTA HDTV. I'm leaning towards Win7 for this particular HTPC. (Just FYI - I run Linux on my laptop and home PC because it kicks butt.)

9000Addiction

1) I recommend Nvidia Video cards. their clarity in my own personal eyes have been far superior to ATI. just search for one with HDMI out.. there are quite a few choices you can pick. However, just FYI DVI Quality will be the same as HDMI.. only realy main advantage for HDMI is for it to carry an Audio signal as well. But because video cards dont handle audio.. it really doesnt matter which you choose. especially since your #2 requirement is looking for the optical..

2) SPDIF. Optical signal. do you have a 6.1 or 7.1 surround system? if you dont. PCM will handle 5.1 flawlessly. that will give you another choice when choosing a sound card. Choice of sound card will depend whether you require 5.1 or up to 7.1. my preferences have been Creative Sound Blaster for audio.

3) I recommend 350watts. there is typically nothing wrong with having a 300wat but if your components are drawing out 290watts. then your power supply will constantly be near its peak and you come into problems such as over heating which leads to inconsistent power delivery. Inconsistent power delivery can cause hiccups in your CPU's processing as well as in your RAM. or you can fry something if it spikes.

4) I understand you want a smaller form factor like ITX but with the smaller size of the case you would not want to run it hard 24/7/365. Small enclosures = less air. Less = poor ventilation. Poor ventilation = HEAT

5) Logitech Wireless keyboard & mouse end of story.

6) I dont have much experiences with them so i cant really input on TV Tuners



Motherboard: I generally perfer running Asus. i've had a good deal of luck with them. Also ABit is my other favorite while building Boxes for friends (i'm currently running Abit IT9 Fatality)

Processor: it really depends on your preference. either of them work great AMD tends to be a bit cheaper.

Ram: you want to match up the Ram speed with the motherboard. but in terms of amount size. If you are going to run WinXP the max you really need is 2GB. any more it will do you no good because XP doesnt really handle that much efficiently. It will work but it doesn't really help you much. Vista will be take as much as you give it because its a freaking resource hog. Vista FTL.

Powersupply: See above. Brands I typically like Silverstone. the power output it very stable for the most part and the power delivery is very efficient.


Good luck hope that helps.

Bert05GPW

^^^Very solid advice. Thanks,

I'm leaning towards this mobo:

Asus M4N78 PRO

Pro: cheap AMD compatible, Nvidia 8300 onboard
Con: ATX form factor

My sound system is 5.1 only.

So now I need to choose a small case. Hmm....

Bert05GPW

What do you think of this combo:

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
&
Asus M4N78 PRO

What kind of memory would you buy for this one? I've totally lost track of memory type, and manufacturers.

Case?

9000Addiction

Since you probably aren't going to be doing a whole lot of multitasking i would suggest sticking with a dual core rather then a quad core..

the motherboard you selected is spec'd for DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667

i would choose the DDR2 1066. you can try this. Its affordable and has great reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231166
I'm running Cosair Dominators and they run very well also.


Case..

most case are more of a preference for styling.. I prefer functional cases.. I'm running an Antec Nine Hundred. The reason I like this case is because you get massive airflow through your system reducing the heat. this is especially great during summer. *note having all the fans might be a bit loud for your liking.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129021

Antec did bring out a smaller version. Antec Three Hundred
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...three%20hundred

r_duff

read this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....=940972&page=85

B.Money

ATI actually has the edge on graphics quality, in 3D rendering. At least thats the way it was a year or so ago, but ATI is not as stable IMO and the drivers suck.

AMD vs. Intel is a toss up, just get whatever is the better deal at the time being.

Make sure you get a GOOD motherboard, not the most expensive, or anything like that, just something that has been out for a little while and is supported well with many, many positive reviews. A motherboard can make or break a computer.