HTPC for new Home theater

[John]

Hi guys,

Some of you might have read my other thread where I am building my private HT room.

Right now my HT requirements is fed by the first generation WD TV media player. It is old and needs to be replaced. After much thought I have thought a HTPC will server me better than a media player like WD, etc.

My main requirements are:

1) Quiet but powerful PC running XMBC for Windows.
2) Slim "home theater" look.
3) Ability to add many external HDD drives.
4) Ability to stream video via HDMI, but audio via optical. Right now I am stuck with an older Denon AV receiver that does not have HDMI, so I am looking for something with optical in/out.
5) Budget around 25k to 30k.
6) Self-assembled route.

So I guess I should start with the motherboard and right cabinet. Which one should I go for?

Silverstone LC19?

 

[baijuxavior]

1. You don't need a high end system to run XBMC and Windows7. Even an AMD E350 will run XBMC and Windows7 with ease. But more processing speed is useful in fast rendering of XBMC skins while browsing the library. AMD A6 processors are very good for HTPC purpose.

2. Getting a slim cabinet is not easy and usually they are expensive. If you buy the LC19, make sure that the motherboard will fit in the case.

3. Most motherboards have 6 or 8 USB ports so you can connect HDDs easily. Get a USB3.0 board for faster file transfer.

4. A number of motherboards have both HDMI and optical outs.

See my signature for the components I'm using in my HTPC. It suits all your needs. If you want 3D playback add a GPU. Adding GPU in a slim cabinet can be tricky. I think LC9 supports low profile GPUs.

 

[John]

1. You don't need a high end system to run XBMC and Windows7. Even an AMD E350 will run XBMC and Windows7 with ease. But more processing speed is useful in fast rendering of XBMC skins while browsing the library. AMD A6 processors are very good for HTPC purpose.

2. Getting a slim cabinet is not easy and usually they are expensive. If you buy the LC19, make sure that the motherboard will fit in the case.

3. Most motherboards have 6 or 8 USB ports so you can connect HDDs easily. Get a USB3.0 board for faster file transfer.

4. A number of motherboards have both HDMI and optical outs.

See my signature for the components I'm using in my HTPC. It suits all your needs. If you want 3D playback add a GPU. Adding GPU in a slim cabinet can be tricky. I think LC9 supports low profile GPUs.

Thanks for your suggestion. I have been reading around and it seems one should be willing to take a higher profile cabinet; low profile ones can become a pain.

What is a good graphics card these days for rendering movies.

 

[baijuxavior]

I'm using a GT520 and it supports 3D blu-ray and HD audio. While selecting a GPU ensure that it supports 3D and HD audio. I think all AMD cards support these features.

 

[grunthos]

I have doubts whether your stated budget will support nice looking HTPC cabinets as well as a graphics card

For HTPC duties I would like to suggest an AMD FX 4100 and Asus M5A88-M combo. The motherboard has USB 3.0, optical audio out out as well as HDMI and decent onboard graphics chipset (to play 1080p). The FX 4100 is a reasonably powerful system which will handle everything you can throw at it. Both will cost 6.2k each

Other things are easier to choose
For the cabinet I'd have recommended a Silverstone ML03 but it's a little difficult to find online nowadays. For around 4k

Sent from my Dell Venue Pro using Board Express

 

[reignofchaos]

A geforce gt440 or a radeon 6570 or higher should be enough shader power.

 

[John]

I have doubts whether your stated budget will support nice looking HTPC cabinets as well as a graphics card

For HTPC duties I would like to suggest an AMD FX 4100 and Asus M5A88-M combo. The motherboard has USB 3.0, optical audio out out as well as HDMI and decent onboard graphics chipset (to play 1080p). The FX 4100 is a reasonably powerful system which will handle everything you can throw at it. Both will cost 6.2k each

Other things are easier to choose
For the cabinet I'd have recommended a Silverstone ML03 but it's a little difficult to find online nowadays. For around 4k

Sent from my Dell Venue Pro using Board Express

I think I am going to up my budget to 25k to 30K, excluding the cabinet price. Now the A6 processor of the AMD FX4100? I kind of like the idea of having USB 3.0.

Where could I buy the Silverstone ML03 , online?

 

[manniraj]

I think I am going to up my budget to 25k to 30K, excluding the cabinet price. Now the A6 processor of the AMD FX4100? I kind of like the idea of having USB 3.0.

Where could I buy the Silverstone ML03 , online?

You can get this model from here amazon.com. This model can be shipped to India, I think around 6.5k might be the total charges till it reaches the home.

Thanks

 

[reignofchaos]

Tried comparing my htpc with an AMD 6570 video card to an Oppo BD83 with the ABT upscaler/renderer. We could not distinguish any difference at all. Looks like a properly built pc with a good renderer is as good as or better than a reference level bluray player.

 

[haisaikat]

If for the point 3 of OP external hdds can be leveraged then even cheaper mobo and processor can be looked at combined price of less than 8 or 9k. Saving some more for the gpu. I have an old dual core that runs fhd vodeos excellant since my raedon hd 6670 card pulls everything very well. I used M5A88M motherboard for nas since it had 6 on board sata 3 ports so suppport many internal hdds. Otherwise it is an overkill for normal htpc. Also before selecting a slim cabinet check if it has provisions for fitting one intake and one exhaust fan at least since these gpus emanate a lot of heat.

Sent from my Galaxy Pro Duos via Tapatalk

 

[John]

Guys thanks for your responses. I have been inquiring regarding the processors and motherboards to go with them. Right now I am inclined to go with A6 processors. And compatible motherboards.

Micro ITX has definitely been what I wanted, but if size is not a factor and I am willing to go with bigger cases, then will the ATX boards give me some advantage?

I am planning to get a cabinet from Ebay/online for now.

Shortlisted a few larger cabinets

1) nMedia HTPC 5000B or S
2) nmedia HTPC 6000B or S
3) Silverstone Lc19 is also in contention, but I will be limited for size.

Which power supply to go for in this case?

 

[baijuxavior]

Get microATX has all the features you will ever need and there is not much advantage going ATX.

Use a good branded PSU like corsair. A 400W smps is enough.

 

[grunthos]

I think I am going to up my budget to 25k to 30K, excluding the cabinet price. Now the A6 processor of the AMD FX4100? I kind of like the idea of having USB 3.0.

Where could I buy the Silverstone ML03 , online?

Yes you can opt for the A6-3500 for about 4,500 at either or www.theitdepot.com or www.flipkart.com

For it the best motherboard is the Asus F1A55 - the cheaper options in the series lack HDMI port

 

[baijuxavior]

I recommend the Asus or any other A75 based board for the A6 processor. It supports usb3.0, has hdmi and optical outs.

 

[ausyz]

Hi John,
Assuming you will not go with a dedicated graphics card setup:
AMD A-Series APU is the way to go for an HTPC.

But, if you can wait for a couple of weeks more, I suggest you get the 2nd generation A-Series APUs (code named: Trinity, CPU socket: FM2), than the first generation A-Series with 6000 Series graphics (code named: Llano, socket: FM1). Some of the new APUs are already available at flipkart now.

Advantages of New A-Series over Existing A-Series
Trinity APUs have 7000 series graphics with the new version of Video Engine, and have better gaming performance- (will be able to play games in medium settings @720p without any lags). Also Trinity APUs are little more energy efficient than first generation A-series APUs, Llano.

Also CPU socket used by first gen A-series processors (FM1) are no longer in use. Trinity APUs use the new socket FM2. AMD has confirmed that, the 3rd generation of A-series processors will continue to use FM2 socket. So if you ever decide to upgrade your APU in next 2 years you wont have to change motherboard. Also availability of FM2 socket Motherboards will be high compared to FM1 socket, if you need replacement in long run.

So you can go with the new gen Dual Core (A6-5400k) or quad core (A8-5500) Trinity APUs. [Dont get bothered about A6-5400k being dual core (compared to the triple core A6-3500 mentioned in the thread). 5400 is 3.6Ghz x2 = 7.2Ghz total and 3500 is 2.1Ghz x3 = 6.3Ghz total]

As baiju said, go with A75 chipset M/B (if available for FM2 socket). Or you will need to go with A85 Chipset M/Bs. Both A75 and A85 chipsets have same specs, with 85 having 2 additional SATA port support.
Get a micro ATX M/B for 6.5k to 8k, with all the required ports (8ch audio, HDMI, Optical Out, eSATA, USB3, 4 Memory DIMM slots etc). As baiju said, Asus is the preferred brand. But, now a days failure rate of M/Bs (regardless of brand) are much higher. So I suggest apart from brand you should look for availability of authorized service personal/centers, in your nearest area.
Here in kerala, Rashi Peripherals are the authorized distributors of brands like Asus, ECS, etc. And they are very reputed in their services.

AMD chipset supports high speed DDR3 Memory modules. So for better performance get at least 1600 Mhz RAM (if available and affordable get 1866 Mhz RAM). 4GB single stick will be enough.

You can go greener with 5400 RPM 2TB Sata-III HDDs @ 6k. There is not much of performance decrease with green energy efficient HDDs on HTPC perspective and it runs quiet . It will take a couple more seconds, than 7200 RPM HDDs to boot windows 7.

So to conclude:
CPU: AMD Trinity APU (A6-5400K) 6k-8k~
MB: A75 Chipset FM2 Socket mATX 7k-8k~
RAM: 4 GB DDR 3 1600 or 1866 1.5k-1.8k~
HDD: 2 TB 5400 RPM(Green) 6k
SMPS: 430 Watt 2.5k-2.8k
DVD/Bluray WR 1k/8k

Cabinet: of your choice


If you are going to have a dedicated graphics card, don't go with the above setup. Instead get an Intel Core i3 3rd generation processor with Nvidia graphics (GT-630/640), 4GB DDR3@1333Mhz, and motherboard from any manufacturer other than intel.

 

[John]

Hi John,
Assuming you will not go with a dedicated graphics card setup:
AMD A-Series APU is the way to go for an HTPC.

But, if you can wait for a couple of weeks more, I suggest you get the 2nd generation A-Series APUs (code named: Trinity, CPU socket: FM2), than the first generation A-Series with 6000 Series graphics (code named: Llano, socket: FM1). Some of the new APUs are already available at flipkart now.

Advantages of New A-Series over Existing A-Series
Trinity APUs have 7000 series graphics with the new version of Video Engine, and have better gaming performance- (will be able to play games in medium settings @720p without any lags). Also Trinity APUs are little more energy efficient than first generation A-series APUs, Llano.

Also CPU socket used by first gen A-series processors (FM1) are no longer in use. Trinity APUs use the new socket FM2. AMD has confirmed that, the 3rd generation of A-series processors will continue to use FM2 socket. So if you ever decide to upgrade your APU in next 2 years you wont have to change motherboard. Also availability of FM2 socket Motherboards will be high compared to FM1 socket, if you need replacement in long run.

So you can go with the new gen Dual Core (A6-5400k) or quad core (A8-5500) Trinity APUs. [Dont get bothered about A6-5400k being dual core (compared to the triple core A6-3500 mentioned in the thread). 5400 is 3.6Ghz x2 = 7.2Ghz total and 3500 is 2.1Ghz x3 = 6.3Ghz total]

As baiju said, go with A75 chipset M/B (if available for FM2 socket). Or you will need to go with A85 Chipset M/Bs. Both A75 and A85 chipsets have same specs, with 85 having 2 additional SATA port support.
Get a micro ATX M/B for 6.5k to 8k, with all the required ports (8ch audio, HDMI, Optical Out, eSATA, USB3, 4 Memory DIMM slots etc). As baiju said, Asus is the preferred brand. But, now a days failure rate of M/Bs (regardless of brand) are much higher. So I suggest apart from brand you should look for availability of authorized service personal/centers, in your nearest area.
Here in kerala, Rashi Peripherals are the authorized distributors of brands like Asus, ECS, etc. And they are very reputed in their services.

AMD chipset supports high speed DDR3 Memory modules. So for better performance get at least 1600 Mhz RAM (if available and affordable get 1866 Mhz RAM). 4GB single stick will be enough.

You can go greener with 5400 RPM 2TB Sata-III HDDs @ 6k. There is not much of performance decrease with green energy efficient HDDs on HTPC perspective and it runs quiet . It will take a couple more seconds, than 7200 RPM HDDs to boot windows 7.

So to conclude:
CPU: AMD Trinity APU (A6-5400K) 6k-8k~
MB: A75 Chipset FM2 Socket mATX 7k-8k~
RAM: 4 GB DDR 3 1600 or 1866 1.5k-1.8k~
HDD: 2 TB 5400 RPM(Green) 6k
SMPS: 430 Watt 2.5k-2.8k
DVD/Bluray WR 1k/8k

Cabinet: of your choice


If you are going to have a dedicated graphics card, don't go with the above setup. Instead get an Intel Core i3 3rd generation processor with Nvidia graphics (GT-630/640), 4GB DDR3@1333Mhz, and motherboard from any manufacturer other than intel.

Ausyz,

Great recommendations and thank you very much.

After reading all the posts and doing some research on the Internet, I have, in fact, decided on getting AMD FM2 socket with A75 chipset motherboard (either Asus, MSI, or Gibabyte). No graphics card.

Now I have been out of the loop of computer hardware for a few years now, so I am a bit confused which of the AMD A-Series processors are FM2 socket, some of the A6 (and possibly A8 series) are also FM1, right?

I also noticed that in the Asus (India) site, FM2 is not even listed. Quite disappointing at the moment.

I am in no hurry, so I am willing to wait a few months, even a couple of months. I am only a bit wary that being a new socket, prices will take time to trickle down.

Secondly, I am looking at some cabinets, a couple of which come with 150 watts power supply, if I am not mistaken (LC19 and I can even consider the Antec ISK series with 150 watts). Now are these power supplies enough to power the PC. I would think it is.

Subject to availability, I am thinking of going either of two routes here:

Mini ITX HTPC build

A6 5400 or better
MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 / AsRock FM2A75M-ITX FM2 /

Antec ISK cabinet


Micro ATX build

A6 5400 or better
More choices of motherboards from Asus/MSi/Gigabyte
Silverstone LC19 or similar

Again, will the 150 watts onboard power supply suffice?

 

[vaibhavyagnik]

Ausyz,

Great recommendations and thank you very much.

After reading all the posts and doing some research on the Internet, I have, in fact, decided on getting AMD FM2 socket with A75 chipset motherboard (either Asus, MSI, or Gibabyte). No graphics card.

Now I have been out of the loop of computer hardware for a few years now, so I am a bit confused which of the AMD A-Series processors are FM2 socket, some of the A6 (and possibly A8 series) are also FM1, right?

I also noticed that in the Asus (India) site, FM2 is not even listed. Quite disappointing at the moment.

I am in no hurry, so I am willing to wait a few months, even a couple of months. I am only a bit wary that being a new socket, prices will take time to trickle down.

Secondly, I am looking at some cabinets, a couple of which come with 150 watts power supply, if I am not mistaken (LC19 and I can even consider the Antec ISK series with 150 watts). Now are these power supplies enough to power the PC. I would think it is.

Subject to availability, I am thinking of going either of two routes here:

Mini ITX HTPC build

A6 5400 or better
MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 / AsRock FM2A75M-ITX FM2 /

Antec ISK cabinet


Micro ATX build

A6 5400 or better
More choices of motherboards from Asus/MSi/Gigabyte
Silverstone LC19 or similar

Again, will the 150 watts onboard power supply suffice?

The A6-5400K itself has a 65W TDP. Add to that hard disks, Fans, motherboard, USB devices.....I think it would be cutting it too close. Better get a beefier power supply

 

[sunilkm]

Hi,

Please also check the latest AMD Trinity APU series ( Socket FM2 ) which is available in India right now. This is based on the piledriver cores and improved graphics and overall performance over previous generation Liano.

Dual core

A4-5300 ( 3.4GHz/ 3.6 GHz , ) - Aprox Rs.3000 in Flipkart.
A6-5600K ( 3.6Ghz/ 3.8Ghz Unlocked )

Quad core ( Unlocked)

A8-5600K ( 3.6/3.9 GHz)
A10-5800K ( 3.8 / 4.2 GHz) - This is the top model in Trinity series with Radeon HD 7660D GPU

Thanks,
Sunil

 

[sunilkm]

This is ia Trinity based HTPC build review in Anandtech.

AnandTech - AMD's Trinity : An HTPC Perspective

Thanks,
Sunil

 

[ausyz]

Subject to availability, I am thinking of going either of two routes here:

Mini ITX HTPC build

A6 5400 or better
MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 / AsRock FM2A75M-ITX FM2 /

Antec ISK cabinet


Micro ATX build

A6 5400 or better
More choices of motherboards from Asus/MSi/Gigabyte
Silverstone LC19 or similar

Again, will the 150 watts onboard power supply suffice?

Hi John,
If you stick with 65w TDP APUs,
1x 4GB DDR3 1.5v @1600/1866Mhz,
1x 2TB 5400 Rpm (green) HDD,
1x DVD/Bluray Drive

System will idles around 30w, if maintained properly and i think it won't go past 110w. The maximum utilization you will notice in regular HTPC scenarios is when playing disks in Bluray/DVD drive. You can bring this utilization down, by buying slim DVD/Bluray Drives (costly, and less reliable than full size drives!!).

You can identify between older and newer A4s, A6s and A8s by checking the specs of onchip graphics. Older ones have 6000 series graphics.

In general :
Mini ITX cabs looks cute, and will work fine if proper heat management by airflow trafficking is implemented. All you have to check is space availability for future addition of HDDs. Any way most of the cabs support 2x 2.5" Laptop HDDs or 1x 3.5" Desktops HDDs. So if you ever plan to add additional HDD to the build, buy one 2.5" HDD now (refer cab specs).


Regards,
Ausy.