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HTPC Build, What M/B?

  • 29-09-2011 10:09pm
    #1
    Gordon Freeman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 ✭


    Hi folks, I want to build a HTPC and plan on using a case suitable for mATX MB's. My question is, can anyone give me any guidance on the best board suitable and the best Graphics Card available in Low Profile format?
    Cheers, GF.:)


Comments

  • #2
    PogMoThoin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,874 ✭✭✭✭PogMoThoin


    You'll find plenty with onboard graphics that will be perfect for a HTPC. I used this one for a HTPC build I did last year for my Brother:

    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=47600&agid=1232

    There are many others, You don't specify what cpu. Amd or Intel? DDR2 or DDR3?


  • #3
    Gordon Freeman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 ✭Gordon Freeman


    I will prob go for an Intel, the best I can fit on the M/B. I also want to use it for games on the big screen so not sure if the latest onboard graphics will handle these. This is the case I have in mind.
    http://www.dabs.com/products/antec-nsk-1480-super-quiet-mini-desktop-case-737B.html


  • #4
    desaparecidos
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,332 ✭✭✭desaparecidos


    PogMoThoin wrote: »
    You'll find plenty with onboard graphics that will be perfect for a HTPC.

    Not if you are watching live TV or interlaced recordings.

    No onboard graphics chipset will give you "perfect" de-interlacing. You'll need a discrete card to do that. HD5450 minimum.


  • #5
    Gordon Freeman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 ✭Gordon Freeman


    Thanks desaparecidos, looks like a good performer for HD use but how will it perform for demanding games? Most of the real performers seem to be full size cards.


  • #6
    Carter P Fly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭Carter P Fly


    Have you already go as low profile case because really nice Matx low profile cases are in short supply and often silly expensive? they also limit your choice of PSU's and tuners etc.

    Its more often ITX cases that folk only look for low profiel cards IMHO.

    I also think that A HTPC shoudl be built and configured as a HTPC. If you want a games machine then that a compeltly different spec requirement.

    A HTPC you are looking for cards and drives and all parts to be as quiet as possible. The HD5450 and similar are all fanless passivly cooled cards.
    A games machine's emphesis is on cooling and performance which generally equals noise. A games graphics card often has two fans.


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  • #7
    desaparecidos
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,332 ✭✭✭desaparecidos


    Looking at the AMD fusion APU range, it seems to use an AMD Radeon HD 6530D which should perform well on interlaced content.

    According to these charts it's twice as powerful as a HD5450
    http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/video_lookup.php?gpu=Radeon+HD+6530D
    http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/video_lookup.php?gpu=Radeon+HD+5450

    You'll need a Socket FM1 mobo with HDMI out for the Fusion APU.


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