HTPC Advice

Forum Systems : New Build HTPC Advice

Hi Guys

I am busy putting together the spec for a new htpc box. No games - only 720p/1080p content.

I have decided on an Antec NSK2480B case and will run a single 1TB disk as all the content will be on a sep NAS with gigabit network.

I am getting confused as to the motherboard/gpu/souncard options. I have been looking at the following:

ASUS P5G43T-M PRO
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=f1GlsGY5edO0vlwm
ASUS P7H55D-M Evo
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=LZtx6p7WKTP77rsk
ASUS P7H55-M PRO
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=vOvmywqPUY78qUzh

Some questions

1) Is it better to look for mobo with onboard GPU like the MA X4500 or a Seperate Card like the Asus EAH5450 Silent/DI/1GD3(LP) HD5450 [ http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=josSesOqQ4beYp0n ]

1) Should I look to use mobo sound or get a sep sound card like the ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 [ http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wIxyLFT9vTWHLHk8 ]

Appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,

Sam

Reply to Sam-I-Am

CPU -
AMD Athlon II X2 240/245

Mobo with onboard graphics powerful enough for 1080p playback-
M4A785TD-M EVO
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P [...] templete=2

and first try out onboard sound, then buy a sound card...

Reply to gkay09

the only think I don't like about AMD in HTPCs is relatively high power consumption. The best compromise I found was intel's E3300 dual core celeron- rated at 65W TDP but tested at 19-20W idle and ~28W under load. You need a level of power to play Hulu HD and quicktime. If you're just playing bluray, then even a celeron 430 is enough.

the A2 240/245 I think has enough power but I think it's actual power consumption is double the E3300.

I have my E3300 coupled to a motherboard with onboard Nvidia 9300 graphics. It's good enough for hulu HD, 1080P quicktime, and bluray.

other than the power consumption though, that motherboard is very good for HTPC. If power is not a consideration, then the above setup would work great.

Message edited by bliq on 04-16-2010 at 08:05:22 PM

Reply to bliq

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