CPU & GPU for HTPC build

danik56 · Oct 13, 2014

I have an ASUS H81M-K board that I want to use for a new HTPC build.
This board has no HDMI output so I will need a GPU card.
The machine will run WIN8.1 64 bit and will not be used for gaming.

Will it make sense to use a G3250 CPU assuming the GPU will perform the video decoding ?
What low profile passive cooling GPU is recommended ?

MeteorsRaining · Oct 13, 2014

Even Celeon G1820 would do for CPU. And why will you need a passive cooling GPU? A normal GT 610 should be an easy choice, no worries about temps as it won't get stressed.

danik56 · Oct 13, 2014

I thought passive cooling will make less noise, isn't that true ?

MeteorsRaining · Oct 13, 2014

Yes passive cooled GPUs are silent, and Zotac does produce one fanless GT 610, you may go for it, but IMO, the actively cooled GPUs are better as the GPU is not a very powerful one, actively cooler GPUs run cooler, and you can manually set the fan speeds to low, besides they're cheaper.

Transmaniacon · Oct 13, 2014

If you are not going to be gaming, the on-board graphics of the CPU will work fine for HD video.

mdocod · Oct 13, 2014

If you can find a GT520 it's the same thing as a GT610, both are firmi architecture cards but have been beefed up with the same fixed function video decoder found on kepler products. I bought a few GT520s on CL for like $20 each. Nice little cards for non-gaming stuff.

danik56 · Oct 13, 2014

I need the GPU for the HDMI output that is missing on my MB.

MeteorsRaining · Oct 13, 2014

Even GT 210 would do.

danik56 · Oct 14, 2014

GT610 and R5 230 are same price. Is this a coin toss between these two ?

MeteorsRaining · Oct 14, 2014

I'd go for GT 610, it runs cooler, but either will suffice, a coin toss tbh.

mdocod · Oct 14, 2014

Good rule of thumb is don't intentionally use any GPU for any purpose older than Fermi or TerraScale 2 at this point. Loose too much modern functionality IMO.

logainofhades · Oct 14, 2014

danik56 :

I would probably go with the R5 230, as it is newer arch. If wanting Nvidia, go with a GTX 720.

mdocod · Oct 16, 2014

Actually, the R5 230 is a VLIW5 (Terrascale 2) GPU, basically, a rebadged HD6450. Architecturally speaking it's a 5 year old GPU. The HD6450 and GT520 were released within a few months of each-other, and have very similar performance characteristics, with one key exception. The fixed function video decoder on the GT520 is significantly more powerful. The GT610, being a rebadged GT520, brings the same to the table. For HTPC duty, the GT520/610 is hard to beat in applications requiring a dGPU.

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