Help with HTPC

[Zebo]

I plan to have a HTPC to feed TV and a stereo amp. Will use my other PC as file server which has 5 HDD in it.

First question is which graphics is best on itx boards - AMD 780 or nV 9300? I have both AMD and Intel processors laying around so I can use either.

Second do they make itx board with wireless n? I can't seem to find any...

So far this is what I got
CASE: LIAN LI PC-Q07 Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Tower $60
PSU: SeaSonic SS-300ET Bronze 300W $40
HDD- An old WD 250GB - Free
Blu-ray: LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Reader SATA $60
OS: Win7 pro - have free
MOBO: ????
WIFI:????
Video:????
Remote:????

Anyone can help me fill in question marks much appreciated.

Processors laying around E6400, Q6600 & Athlon 64 X2 6000+,

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I couldn't find a mini itx with wireless N either which was pretty frustrating. I just settled for one without and will either buy an external N, upgrade my bridge to N (which I currently use for the 360), or just give in and wall drop some Cat 5.

Mobo I used a Zotac 9300 whatever since I had a e5300 ready to go, video I might slap something in later down the line as the onboard is sufficient for now, remote I picked up one of these http://www.buy.com/prod/gyration-ai...rd-keyboard-wireless/q/loc/101/211903862.html
I personally didn't care for the idea of a media remote, and even if I did get one, I'd STILL need/want a kb/mouse, so this fits my necessary bill as well as being programmable to handle light media remote duties.

I'm gonna post my question from another thread in here too since it's HTPC related:

Can I simultaneously output the same signal through the digital audio (coax or hdmi) and analog? Looking at my desktop set up, it seems like in the program you have to choose if you're outputting to "Speakers" or SPDIF. My Onkyo 705 has a Zone 2 feature I use for playing the outdoor patio speakers, but only analog signals can be sent to Zone 2 (ridiculous imo).

 

[Zebo]

This is all I need *if* on board video is fast enough -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-038-_-Product

 

[robertk2012]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-035-_-Product

This is what I use. Same case too in one of the builds.

 

[Zebo]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-035-_-Product

This is what I use. Same case too in one of the builds.

Thanks! Seems to be the board right now. What HSF are you using?

 

[jacktesterson]

I can tell you that I ran the AMD780G onboard video (HD3200 I believe?) with 2GB ram on my below rig when I first built it and it played 1080p Blu Rays completely fine, 20% CPU usage. It'd go great with your 6000+.

I upgraded to a 4670 to allow me to play a few smaller games. I mostly game with consoles so I don't spend a ton of money on PC's anymore, since there are mostly for web browsing now.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I'm putting a GeminII on that Zotac board so I can passively cool (crammed into a Silverstone SG06).

 

[robertk2012]

Thanks! Seems to be the board right now. What HSF are you using?

It has an e5200 and Im using the stock intel heatsink with a copper core from a Q6600.

 

[Zebo]

It has an e5200 and Im using the stock intel heatsink with a copper core from a Q6600.

Thanks robert. Do you remember approx how much space is left between PSU and top of fan with our case? Also, is PSU centered over HSF? I ask this because I want to run passive with something like cooler master gem without fan.

http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2288

Have PSU fan butt right up to it so one fan cools whole system.

I will be running a E6400 at lowest volts possible which it still passes prime @ 1v from what I remember.

 

[robertk2012]

1. There isnt a whole lot of space. Ill measure and take pics tomorrow.

2. The PSU is pretty close to center.

3. I do not think the MB with let you undervolt the cpu. To do that you would need the more expensive I version.

4. The chipset runs hot so trying to run it passive can cause problems.

5. Even with a fan mine is very quiet.

 

[Zebo]

I just discovered the on board audio is pretty subpar on these Zotacs using ALC662's instead of 888/889's. Combine that with no wireless N I don't know.... Can't upgrade because I'm throwing a 9800GT in it's only slot....

Aopen makes an ITX with decent audio but uses slow SO-DIMM.

Still looking....

Any ideas?

 

[Zebo]

1. There isnt a whole lot of space. Ill measure and take pics tomorrow.

2. The PSU is pretty close to center.

3. I do not think the MB with let you undervolt the cpu. To do that you would need the more expensive I version.

4. The chipset runs hot so trying to run it passive can cause problems.

5. Even with a fan mine is very quiet.

The newest one ($159 at neweggg) does allow undervoting.

Cool! Looking forward to your pics..

 

[Zebo]

You know what I might do is mod case to accept a MicroATX board which has all features I want. Then pin a SSD inside of front bezel while running a pair 5750's or 9800GTs. I love this case and idea of a small hot box but ITX mobos simply are not there yet.

 

[robertk2012]

The newest also has better audio if I'm not mistaken.