HTPC hardware recommendations

Mad Benny

I was hoping to see HTPC hardware bundle recommendations in this forum.

I am willing to spend €600.

Is it possible to get a nice quiet case within this budget for a HTPC that takes DTT and Satellite inputs and provides similar recording, pausing and week long EPG like Sky+?

Bob_Harris

600 Euro is plenty.

For perfect de-interlacing of SD and HD content outputting at 1080p you will want a HD5450 at the very least, maybe stretch for a silent GT 220.

See this chart for a comparison of the graphics cards video decoding and de-interlacing abilities:
http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2564&Itemid=230&limit=1&limitstart=1

Keeping it quiet depends on your CPU and PSU choice. You can get fan-less lowish wattage PSUs or virtually silent ones for a bit extra money.

Assuming you get a good GPU and can get a relatively low powered CPU (low wattage = low heat output)

eddiem74

Some info here also.

Mad Benny

I came across this bundle this morning. Any thoughts on it?

Am I corrected in assuming that all I need is graphics card and satelitte and DTT tuner card? I can get the MediaCentre OS off a friend for free...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-249-OK



The "Verso Delphi" features the high performance Gigabyte H55N-USB3 DDR3 motherboard. Delivering smooth high definition playback, utlising the power saving Intel Core i3 530 to provide the perfect media entertainment system.

Why Should You Buy This System
- Energy saving components reduce the amount of heat and noise
- High performance Intel i3 530 utlises HT technology for 4 Virtual cores
- Choose from a selection of hand picked system upgrades to complete your perfect system
- Precision built and cabled by Overclockers UK expert technicians

System Specification
- Case: Antec Micro Fusion 350 HTPC Case with Remote Control
- Power Supply: 350W OEM Power Supply
- CPU: Intel Core i3 530 2.93GHz Dual Core Processor
- Motherboard: Gigabyte H55N-USB3 Intel H55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Mini-ITX Motherboard
- RAM: Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
- Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache
- Sound - 7.1 Channel Sound (On-Board) with optical out.
- Optical Drive - OcUK 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black)

Service Package
- Full 12 Month collect and return warranty
- Each specification is assembled from handpicked components for compatibility and stability
- Telephone, web note and forum technical support

Is this System for You?
Designed with the home theatre in mind, the "Verso Delphi" provides a excellent home cinema role in silence.

Bob_Harris

That is a mini-itx case and motherboard, with only one PCI-E expansion slot.

It seems to have an onboard graphics card as it has HDMI out, but I'm not sure of the image quality you could expect from an Intel chip. For DVB-T and DVB-S tuners you would need to go for external USB ones, which can be unreliable depending on the quality / price you pay for them.

While mini-itx is small and would fit under the TV nicely, trying to built a DVB-S and DVB-T HTPC with them can be very difficult and end up fairly expensive because you are trying to squeeze everything into a tiny space.

If size isn't an issue, I'd say M-ATX is the smallest to go when building a proper HTPC. You can get nice M-ATX cube cases which will fit 3.5in large capacity hard drives, space for a DVD or Bluray drive.

M-ATX motherboards usually have 2 PCI and one PCIe x1 for your tuner cards and a PCIe x16 for a powerful (yet low wattage) discrete graphics card for top class de-interlacing.

Mad Benny

Thanks Bob. I haven't built a PC before although I have been working with them for years. The bundle is an attractive proposition for a novice although I take your point that it's not viable for DVB-S and DVB-T.

Any suggestions on a case? I did a quick search and came across the Antec Fusion Remote Black.

Lastly, I read on this forum that people are using the Pinnicale 7010ix card. Is this the recommended card to use and would it be suitable for this case?

Mad Benny

I notice that's a Mini ITX also. Maybe this one would be better. Antec Fusion Remote Max.

It's a Standard ATX form factor

Bob_Harris

It's a nice case, but a bit pricey.

How about something like this

NOX Media II for €69.65 (and free delivery from Komplett). Pair it with an EMPREX MCE REMOTE which, I'm told by the seller, can wake a PC from sleep state (which is important). I have one ordered for my HTPC.

They have a NOX Live 2 which includes remote and IR receiver for €133.

Money saved on the case will allow you get a future proof tuner card like the Black Gold BGT3595. (Dual DVB-T, Dual DVB-S2)

Silent HD5450

All you need then is to choose what CPU you are going to go with (Intel or AMD), preferably lowest wattage possible which will then decide the motherboard and RAM. You only need a basic enough motherboard. 40 - 60 euro will do it.

If you get a low wattage CPU, with the graphics card above you will only need a 250w PSU, which you should be able to find a silent fanless version.

Quiet hard drive (maybe 2.5in sata laptop hard drive) or even an SSD for the operating system then a normal hard drive for media storage.

Then all you need to do is get it as quiet as possible. Removing the CPU fan (which will probably be loud) with something like the below might be an idea. This way you will only have 1 large 120mm fan in the entire system.

Cool-It-Eco-CPU-Water-cooling

Corsair-Hydro-H50-High-Performance-Water-CPU


** Note these two Nox cases are 14cm high, which is just high enough to fit a full height PCI-E card. The below cards are not full height so it does not matter, but the Pinnicale 7010ix is full height I believe you would want to make sure it will fit if you go that route. **

MysticFred

Many thanks for the advice Bob.

I think I'll wait for the Black Gold BGT3595 card to come out. I see it still isn't available yet.