HTPC Motherboard

m1nder

Hi folks,

I have read the stickies and searched all over google and youtube. I have read a lot of blogs, forums and what have you. I notice that the ideal HTPC motherboard seems to be the mini ITX form factor. I am wondering if you could advise me on a slightly bigger solution?

I am after a quiet motherboard that gives me the option to plug in at least 2 pcie cards. Infact three would be nice. Just wondering what your thoughts are on such a thing and a case to match?

Many thanks

tipperary

Hi

the asus e35m1-m is a passively cooled matx motherboard with a couple of PCI inputs

Carter P Fly

Thats a sweet board for a HTPC, since it has onboard graphics two useable pcie x1 slots (x16 with a x1 card in it)

m1nder

Does passively cooled mean that it comes with a processor built in (under the heatsink)? I'd be looking at installing possibly a BGT3600, and I'd like room for another card option etc, so can anyone recommend a good priced case to fit all?

Carter P Fly

that motherboard has a built in AMD processor.

I have the antec fusion remote black case. Its pretty big but I absolutely love it.

tipperary

Hi

passively cooled means that there is no fan needed on the processor - the heatsink itself provides sufficient cooling, although a case fan will most likely be required.

I was in a similar position, am using a BGT3595, but wanted the flexibility to add other hardware in the future if required. I went with a CIT case, which while it looks nice is actually rubbish. I removed the included power supply and replaced it with a pico psu (the supplied power supply was very loud). Also ended up replacing the case fan on the unit.

m1nder

Carter P Fly wrote: »

that motherboard has a built in AMD processor.

I have the antec fusion remote black case. Its pretty big but I absolutely love it.

and tell me....do you think that processor would be up to the job? Say playback of 1080p while maybe recording a couple of progs (maybe off second sat tuner and dtt tuner)?

m1nder

From my research, it seems that motherboard has a AMD Dual-core Zacate. It is on the Intel Atom category and I have seen some bench tests where it compares poorly. http://hothardware.com/Reviews/AMD-Zacate-E350-Processor-Performance-Preview/?page=2

From my experience of running Win7 on Atoms, I just hated it. Even with ram upgrades, it was always what I would call spongy in terms of responsiveness. I don't want a spongy sluggish HTPC. I am after a HTPC that might also serve files, web server, and as I say above, be able to handle multiple record/playback tasks at once. Perhaps an INtel i3 would be a better consideration?

Carter P Fly

So, you dont want a HTPC, you want a desktop PC with tuner cards, Whole different set of hardware and configuration requirements there.

A HTPC is a dedicated machine designed for media playback. It doesn't require a lot of grunt at all for full HD playback as this is done by hardware decoders and most people strip the OS to get rid of all non media centre unnecessary stuff and to make boot and response times faster.

m1nder

Carter P Fly wrote: »

So, you dont want a HTPC, you want a desktop PC with tuner cards, Whole different set of hardware and configuration requirements there.

A HTPC is a dedicated machine designed for media playback. It doesn't require a lot of grunt at all for full HD playback as this is done by hardware decoders and most people strip the OS to get rid of all non media centre unnecessary stuff and to make boot and response times faster.

So a little Atom dual core class processor would happily display 1080p while recording 2 other channels, and perhaps fileserve media stuff and webserve to get access locally and over internet ???

BigEejit

m1nder wrote: »

So a little Atom dual core class processor would happily display 1080p while recording 2 other channels, and perhaps fileserve media stuff and webserve to get access locally and over internet ???

I very much doubt it.


It should be noted that northbridge and sometimes southbridge passive coolers usually require some air blowing over them from the fan cooling the processor. Similarly, passively cooled graphics cards get damn hot without some airflow.