Coverting an Optiplex into an HTPC

P

ProfessorKaos64

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Sep 18, 2009
Messages
1,256
Soon enough I will have the opportunity to score a Optiplex GX745 (all relevant info below), and I need some help HardOcp[ers]. This system has some pro's and cons, but should work out fine. For one, it will have a E6000 series Core2 Duo, plenty for HD playback and some decoding. The system has 4 gigs of Ram which is plenty, comes in what Dell calls a "desktop" but visually a slim mid tower. Onboard intel hardware based Raid. I will use Hippo Remote on my iPhone as a remote for the Web.

The only thing left is the video card. The GMA 3000 (965 chipset), according to intel is good enough to output well over the needed resolution and has HDCP.

Here comes the concern and problem. The resolution will be fine but I have 2 main issues, and this is where it is relevant in this subsection of the forum. Move it if not. The desktop only has VGA output, and I don't feel comfortable hooking up a VGA > DVI/HDMI connector, I know it won't be all that great looking.

What advice I need, is a SFF graphics card (has pci-e x16), that can operate at 280 watts or less with HDCP and of course ability to play back HD, it doesnt take much, boxee is hardware based and it does just fine. If a power supply upgrade is needed, I'm def. looking for one that will fit in this Optiplex GX745.

Thanks guys!!! :D


Relevant info:

  1. http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_745techspecs.pdf
  2. ftp://download.intel.com/products/graphics/intel_graphics_guide.pdf
 
Clock speed is not an issue, even the most minimal 4000 or 5000 series card will suffice, for ati, not sure what nvidia equiv. is. The problem is 5000 series cards suggest 400 wats and 4000 series cards suggest 300. If you read the spec sheet of the Optiplex, it is 280 watts.
 
ProfessorKaos64 said:
Clock speed is not an issue, even the most minimal 4000 or 5000 series card will suffice, for ati, not sure what nvidia equiv. is. The problem is 5000 series cards suggest 400 wats and 4000 series cards suggest 300. If you read the spec sheet of the Optiplex, it is 280 watts.
Click to expand...

The HD 5570 draws at MAX load 24W. That 300W to 400W recommendation is a CYA measure by both AMD and Nvidia due to large number of shitty PSUs out there. So yeah, you'll be just fine with the HD 5570.

Again, the HD 5570 draws 24W at MAX load.
 
Ok Ill settle on that. I like this PC, as its clean and will fit in a home theatre shelf. Ill just pick up a BD-ROM drive and this card, and have a decent system for all that shit that Hulu is disallowing us to watch on Boxee or other like systems. I will assume this card has a SFF card version.
 
ProfessorKaos64 said:
Ok Ill settle on that. I like this PC, as its clean and will fit in a home theatre shelf. Ill just pick up a BD-ROM drive and this card, and have a decent system for all that shit that Hulu is disallowing us to watch on Boxee or other like systems. I will assume this card has a SFF card version.
Click to expand...

The link I gave you IS the low-profile or SFF card version.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top