Decided! HTPC/Media Server build

[FNG212]

Not sure which this should be classified as, a HTPC or Media Server but here it is:

Purpose: Digital storage of all my media, streaming Netflix/Hulu etc content

MotherBoard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128421

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115217

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145260

Windows 7, a few TB of hard drives and a DVD drive from my current desktop.

Any suggestions?

 

[jinjuku]

Not sure which this should be classified as, a HTPC or Media Server but here it is:

Purpose: Digital storage of all my media, streaming Netflix/Hulu etc content

MotherBoard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128421

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115217

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145260

Windows 7, a few TB of hard drives and a DVD drive from my current desktop.

Any suggestions?

All your links are broken...

 

[jinjuku]

Your embedded link should look like:

h ttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128421 ( I put a space between h and ttp:// to keep it from auto wrapping the example as a url)

not:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128421

Use the hyperlink icon to embed (globe with chain link) links

Is there a reason you are going with an Intel solution? I would simply have waited for the AMD mainboards with integrated Radeon 53XX.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Why not just go with ION 330?? Check my post in htpc section....
I play netflix/hulu/ and rest works perfectly of my ion/boxee beta built for under 300 including EVERYTHING

 

[FNG212]

MotherBoard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813128421
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16819115217
Intel Core i5-661 3.33GHz LGA 1156 87W Dual-Core Desktop Processor

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820145260
CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Do you intend to do media content re-encoding or play games??
If neither, wth you need such powerful cpu ???

 

[Nemo128]

Ion rocks. The form factor makes it the perfect HTPC.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Couldn't say it better myself..
I rock it and love it ! Windows 7/Boxee both run great

 

[fightinkraut]

Perhaps the OP is interested in the bitstreaming capabilities of that MB/CPU combo? I would suggest an i3 CPU, looks like you wouldn't be utilizing the i5.

 

[FNG212]

my friend helped me put this together. I'm not sure what Ion is but curious I suppose. My buddy said it's a bit of a beast CPU but went with it for "future proofing".

No games, pure movies and TV from netflix/hulu/boxee etc

Suggestions for change?

 

[jinjuku]

Perhaps the OP is interested in the bitstreaming capabilities of that MB/CPU combo? I would suggest an i3 CPU, looks like you wouldn't be utilizing the i5.

It's an Intel integrated GPU for possible hi-def duty. One the the Radeon 5XXX series will outperform. I don't know anyone that seriously uses Intel GPU's for HTPC / High Def decoding.

Again why not go with a 65watt AMD dual core and just wait 30 days for the integrated Radeon 53XX to start showing up?

 

[jinjuku]

my friend helped me put this together. I'm not sure what Ion is but curious I suppose. My buddy said it's a bit of a beast CPU but went with it for "future proofing".

No games, pure movies and TV from netflix/hulu/boxee etc

Suggestions for change?

Yep: Wait 30 days for a mainboard with the Radeon 5350 integrated mainboard.

Instead of a $210 CPU, try this AMD

Take the money saved and get a good case.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

It's an Intel integrated GPU for possible hi-def duty. One the the Radeon 5XXX series will outperform. I don't know anyone that seriously uses Intel GPU's for HTPC / High Def decoding.

Again why not go with a 65watt AMD dual core and just wait 30 days for the integrated Radeon 53XX to start showing up?

Intel GPU's typically barely enough to run Vista/7 Aero interface, well I guess you can pull-off all CPU video decoding, that's then you'll need a strong cpu like i5, but wont be spending your money wisely. If you want some future-proof your rig, 65w AMD's core and 53xx gpu will be more then enough.

 

[fightinkraut]

I'm aware of the 5450 gpu which should launch for $50ish and offer bitstreaming, wasn't aware of 53xx series. Will look into that!

 

[jinjuku]

I'm aware of the 5450 gpu which should launch for $50ish and offer bitstreaming, wasn't aware of 53xx series. Will look into that!

The 5450 is also their Radeon Mobility platform (laptops and the like). So there should be plenty of passively cooled solutions based on that.

The 5350 is AMD's mainboard integrated part (not intended for laptops, just desktops).

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

my friend helped me put this together. I'm not sure what Ion is but curious I suppose. My buddy said it's a bit of a beast CPU but went with it for "future proofing".

No games, pure movies and TV from netflix/hulu/boxee etc

Suggestions for change?

Well, ION is basically Intel Atom 330 Dual core 1.6Ghz plus nVidia 9400 GPU built-in on tiny mini-itx motherboard = it means very small footprint and very low power requirement = about 40w under top load - less then Light bulb.
Compare it to typical 120-180W Idle of modern desktop pc. This also mean fully silent or near silent without fancy and expensive cooling solutions.

Boxee Beta has been optimized to run on ION and trust it - it runs great.
1080p mkv videos DTS & DD

 

[jinjuku]

Well, ION is basically Intel Atom 330 Dual core 1.6Ghz plus nVidia 9400 GPU built-in on tiny mini-itx motherboard = it means very small footprint and very low power requirement = about 40w under top load - less then Light bulb.
Compare it to typical 120-180W Idle of modern desktop pc. This also mean fully silent or near silent without fancy and expensive cooling solutions.

Boxee Beta has been optimized to run on ION and trust it - it runs great.
1080p mkv videos DTS & DD

I have played around with a few Atom 330 systems and just can not get over the lack of performance...

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I have played around with a few Atom 330 systems and just can not get over the lack of performance...

Cpu alone isn't anything to call home about, but with gpu offloading is there ION really shines..

I'm not trying to sell ION as replacement for real desktop, but its perfectly suited for htpc (hulu, netflix, local and internet files playback)

Things ION does pretty bad: Video/Audio encoding/compressing, Games, heavy Apps like CAD and design software, but not of that is a concern with htpc.

Light Internet browsing and media - thats all...

I already posted small guide in htpc section, if you got more specific question on how to get/setup ion pc - post there

 

[FNG212]

OK so what I'm hearing is that my current rig is a bit overkill.

Current suggestions are AMD Athlon X2 + new ATI mobo with Raedeon 53xx

I'm hearing that this is lower power and more "video-centric" design. Am I missing anything?

Why AMD vs Intel?

 

[jinjuku]

OK so what I'm hearing is that my current rig is a bit overkill.

Current suggestions are AMD Athlon X2 + new ATI mobo with Raedeon 53xx

I'm hearing that this is lower power and more "video-centric" design. Am I missing anything?

Why AMD vs Intel?

Well it comes down to usage. Strictly HTPC usage the Radeon is king. The Athlon is enough. Enough horsepower, low thermal output (compared to other cpu's, low cost).

Now if you were wanting a killer gaming rig then you would see more of an Intel approach from us.

The $$ you save can be put towards a better case, more storage, etc...

I am simply a fan of the SUB $100 processor market. A segment that AMD still rules.