motherboard selection help for HTPC

[lildimsum7]

Hey guys, I'm planning to build an HTPC and I need help choosing a motherboard. My main goal for the mobo is that it performs well with all my parts, but I need to watch my budget, and I doubt I'd take advantage of z68 features; nevertheless, I'm thinking about 2 z68 boards. I want to get an SSD, but I'm not completely sure how beneficial SSD caching is for me. I was thinking of getting a 30gb SSD.

I'm a total noob when it comes to computers, so I need help interpreting the features of these boards. Here's what I'm thinking about, based on recommendations from AVS:

1) http://www.amazon.com/ASRock-H67M-ITX-Socket-Mini-ITX-Motherboard/dp/B004RQAT3G/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4

2) http://www.amazon.com/MSI-LGA1155-B3-Motherboard-H67MA-E35/dp/B004P3XBVI

3) http://www.amazon.com/ASRock-LGA1155-Z68-Motherboard-PRO3-M/dp/tech-data/B0050GD56A/ref=de_a_smtd

4) http://www.amazon.com/B004ZBHMN8/dp/B004ZBHMN8%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJASE6HSSVXTNREYQ%26tag%3Dfstchrm-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004ZBHMN8?aff=fstfx

My plan of other parts, if it matters at all: SSD (quite possibly), Samsung green HDD, Intel i3 2100, GeForce gt 440, Antec earthwatts EA430 (or a modular PSU, depending on the price and ratings), Asus Blu-ray drive, and possibly a couple more fans. this is all going an in Antec Three Hundred.

My usage will be quite basic, just to rip blu-rays to HD, video to tv via hdmi, very light gaming (mostly emulators), MadVR and LAV CUVID capable

 

[videopho]

I 'd take the GB mobo any day.
Yes I may be biased simply because my last three builds have been using GB brand.
GB has its quirkiness too but who doesn't and you get most bang for your buck if you ask me.
You may check out the -issd version if you're thinking SRT caching in mind.

 

[abekl]

I'd also go for the Gigabyte MB over the Asrock or MSI. I don't think an SSD is appropriate for a HTPC system simply because you will be playing videos, not running the same program loops over and over again, where ssd caching shines.

 

[MrTransistorm]

I'd also go for the Gigabyte MB over the Asrock or MSI. I don't think an SSD is appropriate for a HTPC system simply because you will be playing videos, not running the same program loops over and over again, where ssd caching shines.

Noise level is important in HTPC applications. I think an SSD would be be beneficial for that reason. In my main sig rig, the HDD's are by far the loudest components in the system (in spite of having 8 fans). If I were to build a HTPC, I would definitely opt for an SSD instead.

 

[lildimsum7]

i was mostly wondering, what makes the gigabyte better than, say, the MSI? im really considering the gigabyte because of its rep, but i need to make sure the advantages and benefits outweigh the $35 premium (over the MSI). i have no idea how to interpret specs to compare boards. for my uses, would the z68 be worth the price?

I should mention, I won't be overclocking, i may get an SSD in the future, and if i do, i'll most likely use it for OS and some apps (im not sure if i'd need SSD caching), and i dont care about 1666 vs 1333 RAM.

 

[abekl]

For me, the choice of Gigabyte over MSI comes down to Gigabytes claim that they use better quality capacitors and Voltage Regulator Modules. They claim to be an electrically better board than others.

 

[Binky]

SSD's have a relatively minor impact on HTPC perceived speed. It is MUCH less of a speed improvement than a desktop machine. If you're going to put a mechanical drive in the machine anyway, I'd say skip the SSD. The 30gb size is also just barely big enough for a 64 bit win7 installation, and SSD's work better and live longer with more free space.

Both Z68 boards look like solid choices but the gigabyte looks a little better. They have slightly different audio codecs so you might want to look into those differences. It looks like the Asrock has an esata port, but the gigabyte has 2x sata 6gb.

I wouldn't build a machine today with an H67 chipset.

 

[ITXGamer]

The first motherboard you listed is mini-ITX, the rest are micro-ATX. Which format are you considering or are you undecided?

 

[lildimsum7]

form factor isn't a problem, im using an Antec three hundred. so, z68 is the way to go? im still a bit concerned about price. im sure z68 is good for the long run, but it doesn't seem to have additional benefit for htpc use. is there any other reason why i should choose z68 over h67? any performance differences?

im considering the MSI h67 mobo b/c of the price. the reviews seem solid. any reason why i should pay $25 more for the Asrock z68 or $35 more for the Gigabyte?

btw, thanks for helping me out, people who responded