Wondering about HTPC

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manny1222

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Mar 11, 2012
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Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie when it comes to HTPC. I recently bought some parts that I was going to use (together with some leftovers) for a FreeNas box. However, two of the three drives I bought for FreeNas ended up having bad sectors. Since I've been considering doing away with Dish Network, I figure I'd used these parts for a HTPC instead (that I can also use as a NAS). Here are the parts I currently have in that system

Xeon e3-1230
Supermicro X9SCL
Kingston 2x8gb 1333 ECC
Intel 40gb SSD
3 x 3TB Enterprise HDD (2 with bad sectors)
Corsair CX430

Can I use these for HTPC? Are they total overkill? (I'd rather not part them out in case I decide to do Server/NAS box again in the future)
Since I will need a GPU (no Integrated, besides I'd like to play steam games in the living room if I get the TV to myself), is it okay that the motherboard only has 8x physical PCIe slot? (if it is, I'm guessing I'd have to cut into the plastic end to allow the card to fit).
What video card should I be considering for 1080P tv and steam games? (I'm currently playing rocket league and street fighter v)
Any other parts I should be considering (apart from GPU, Tuner card, maybe blueray drive,....)

Thanks for the replies
 
If I were building an HTPC for a little light gaming I would grab the GTX1060 when it comes out this week. If you're hooking it up to a receiver it'll give you all the current standards (HDMI 2.0, 4k etc...) and great audio with no fuss. Depending on the case grabbing one of the shorter AIB models should make it an easy fit as long as the case is high enough.
 
For a tuner card, your only real option is the HDHomeRun Prime, and it's external. As you are looking at a tuner, I assume you intend to use OTA or cable, as they do not work with SAT. Also, with TV involved, the best (DVR) type software is still WMC, which means running Win7 (for best support).
 
Krispy Kritter said:
For a tuner card, your only real option is the HDHomeRun Prime, and it's external. As you are looking at a tuner, I assume you intend to use OTA or cable, as they do not work with SAT. Also, with TV involved, the best (DVR) type software is still WMC, which means running Win7 (for best support).
Click to expand...

Windows 8.1 with MCE is a hell of a lot better and I want to say 99% of the info you find online for 7 will apply to 8 as far as MCE goes.
 
40gb ssd is a bit tight for an OS drive. You want 60gbs min, 120 if possible.

System stats depend on what you want to do with your HTPC, some game with them, some have 4k tvs and content an/or special codecs.

My current setup:

Windows 8.1 with Media Center
core i3 3220t
1x 8gb ddr3 1333
60gb kingston ssd ( thinking about upping to 120gb at some point, only 14gb free)
2x2tb in using storage spaces so they look like 1 4tb drive.
amd r7 240
haugpauge usb tuner
shark codecs

The two HDs are for the DVR, I have all my other content on a NAS with that mapped from the HTPC.

Unless you want to do MADvr or gaming you wont need a powerful setup.

for light gaming I would look at a rx480 or a 1060. Both I believe also support hardware h265 codec. I find AMD cards to behave a bit better in an HTPC environment.
 
I can't recall specifics, but from what I've read Win7 was preferred over Win8. Although, yes, they both support WMC. I can't remember what the issue(s) were with Win8 and WMC.
 
manny1222 said:
Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie when it comes to HTPC. I recently bought some parts that I was going to use (together with some leftovers) for a FreeNas box. However, two of the three drives I bought for FreeNas ended up having bad sectors. Since I've been considering doing away with Dish Network, I figure I'd used these parts for a HTPC instead (that I can also use as a NAS). Here are the parts I currently have in that system

Xeon e3-1230
Supermicro X9SCL
Kingston 2x8gb 1333 ECC
Intel 40gb SSD
3 x 3TB Enterprise HDD (2 with bad sectors)
Corsair CX430

Can I use these for HTPC? Are they total overkill? (I'd rather not part them out in case I decide to do Server/NAS box again in the future)
Since I will need a GPU (no Integrated, besides I'd like to play steam games in the living room if I get the TV to myself), is it okay that the motherboard only has 8x physical PCIe slot? (if it is, I'm guessing I'd have to cut into the plastic end to allow the card to fit).
What video card should I be considering for 1080P tv and steam games? (I'm currently playing rocket league and street fighter v)
Any other parts I should be considering (apart from GPU, Tuner card, maybe blueray drive,....)

Thanks for the replies
Click to expand...

I've been using an HTPC for almost 4 years now. I don't think it would be overkill you could always go for something more power efficient or powerful in the future. As far as GPU the GTX 1060 would be nice but I think it might hard to find for a few weeks or months. If you wanted something now I think a GTX 960 would be a good option. It supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 so if you want to do any 4k blu rays in the future. Or since the mobo doesn't have a physical x16 slot go something less and try steam streaming. Chances are you'll change the setup in a year so.

As far as tuners I say go with an HDHomerun type tuner. I use the HDHomerun Prime and have been enjoying it for years. I have xbox 360s in the bedrooms as extenders and it have been doing the whole-home dvr setup for a long time.

As far as Win7 vs Win8 when it comes to MCE. I've used both extensively and I think its slightly better on Win8. I like to customize my layout on MCE, in Win8 I stayed that way pretty much all the time. On Win7 a few weeks or so or after an update from time to time I would have to go in redo it. But that is something isolated to probably me and will not be an issue for you. Either way I had a good experience with both so I think you'll be fine if you use any one of those. Just know that if you use extenders on Win8 the Xbox 360 is the only compatible extender. To be honest the Xbox 360 is the best extender anyways.

Biggest thing to consider is the case and remote. Its hard to find case that has a built-in MCE IR sensor. So you'll probably will be using a USB adapter to plug into the front. So front USB ports are going to be important. I also use a logitech K400 which is a wireless keyboard and touchpad to use if I need to "PC" stuff on it like install software anything where a keyboard and mouse is needed. I also use a Logitech Harmony as my remote control my HTPC and home theater setup.
 
Thanks for the comments everyone. I can be a little impulsive so I did some things before you guys posted your replies.
I bought a Silverstone GD09, a Hauppauge HVR-2250, some cheap antenna off ebay (150 Mile HDTV 1080p Outdoor Amplified HD TV Antenna Digital UHF/VHF FM Radio), and a windows 7 ultimate key. Also I forgot I had an EVGA gtx 650ti laying around so that should work for now since I only have a 1080P tv. Not sure how it will do when I start playing steam games on it, but for now I'm good. I did have to cut off (well, melt off using a solder iron) the end of the physical 8x pcie slot to accept the 650ti and it works.

The HVR-2250 hasn't arrived yet but I got the case and began installing stuff. I guess I was being very optimistic that I'd be able to fit all the drives in there. I have some drive cages I can try to zip tie or tape (double sided). The tuner I bought used off ebay and it's supposed to be coming with an IR remote and receiver. I'll still need a wireless keyboard with track pad, but that can wait.

One issue I've run into after installing windows is that the cpu was throttling from overheating. I guess the my stock Intel cooler is not cutting it, or not sitting well. I'm trying to figure out a good low profile cooler that will fit, considering the mobo I believe has the cpu sitting slightly to the right (away from the I/O) than other consumer mobos. I was considering the Noctua NH-L9i, but it doesn't seem to get good reviews. So I'm not tuning it on again until I buy and install an aftermarket cooler. Also, the mobo doesn't have onboard audio, so hdmi for sure is my best bet since I won't have any pcie slots left. I was really hoping to using my old Harmon Kardon 2.1 speakers as I love the sound. But, oh well. Unless I'm able to find a usb solution.

Also, I have two of the 40gb SSDs, and I put them in Raid0 for more space till I can afford a single larger capacity drive, since windows 7 initially took up almost all the space of one of them. I know it's not safe if one drive fails, but I'll only be using that for OS and apps (which I can always reinstall). Every document or media will be saved to the mechanical drives. In fact I'll be mapping all the windows library to one of the HDDs. Two off the HDDs had reported bad sectors during my attempt at FreeNas, but SeaTools reports all three drives passed every test. So we'll see. I'll hate to discard them if there's plenty of life left and considering how much I paid for them.

I don't own an Xbox (never have). I was planning on doing windows media center, but I could try plex because the other TVs in the house have Rokus (Roku3 and Roku stick). Even if I use WMC primarily on this HTPC, wouldn't having plex server backend software also installed on it mean the Roku would have access (at least, saved content)?

So what's next for me? Buy cpu cooler (hoping for your suggestions), buy PCIe USB 3.0 card to be able to connect my front case plugs and add more to the back (I was thinking this one NEW 2 Ports USB 3.0 + eSATA 3.0 + SATA 3.0 + 20 Pin PCI-E Card Adapter 6.0Gbps), buy Blu Ray drive (LG Electronics 14x Internal BDXL Blu-Ray Burner Writer Rewriter WH14NS40), buy SSD if there's money leftover, finish hardware installation, and start figuring out the software side of things.

Thanks again for all your comments and suggestions.
 
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grifter_66 said:
I was using this RAIJINTEK PALLAS, High-End Low Profile CPU Cooler, 6pcs 6mm Heat-Pipe, Slim 14013 PWM Fan, Fully Nickel Plating, Copper Base, Total 68mm Heigth Including Fan, Supports Intel & AMD Modern CPU Sockets-Newegg.com in my GD09. It's a great cooler and reasonably priced.
Click to expand...

Looks like a good cooler with great reviews. Just need to figure out if it will fit in mine with the this motherboard.


Anyone have any experience with pcie multipliers like this one (PCI-e Express 1X to 3 Port 1X Switch Multiplier HUB Riser Card +USB Cable NEW
Trying figure out a way to add a sound card
 
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This is what I meant about the cpu being away from the I/O compared to other motherboards

 
And this is how much height I have to work with. Just undo 2.5 inches!

So basically I need something 4.5 x 4.5 inches and only 2.5 inches tall.

 
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manny1222 said:
Also, I have two of the 40gb SSDs, and I put them in Raid0 for more space till I can afford a single larger capacity drive, since windows 7 initially took up almost all the space of one of them. I know it's not safe if one drive fails, but I'll only be using that for OS and apps (which I can always reinstall).
Click to expand...

If you got the two 40gbs to spare I would just run with it. I would not worry about the "safe" part; I mean if you only had 1 80gb ssd and that failed you would be in the same boat.
 
Shadohh said:
If you got the two 40gbs to spare I would just run with it. I would not worry about the "safe" part; I mean if you only had 1 80gb ssd and that failed you would be in the same boat.
Click to expand...

Totally agree with you. It would be the same.
grifter_66 said:
I was using this RAIJINTEK PALLAS, High-End Low Profile CPU Cooler, 6pcs 6mm Heat-Pipe, Slim 14013 PWM Fan, Fully Nickel Plating, Copper Base, Total 68mm Heigth Including Fan, Supports Intel & AMD Modern CPU Sockets-Newegg.com in my GD09. It's a great cooler and reasonably priced.
Click to expand...

I don't think the Pallas will fit. My current considerations are Thermalright AXP-100, Cryorig C7, or Noctua NH-L9i. What do you guys think
 
manny1222 said:
Totally agree with you. It would be the same.


I don't think the Pallas will fit. My current considerations are Thermalright AXP-100, Cryorig C7, or Noctua NH-L9i. What do you guys think
Click to expand...

Noctua....

But what is wrong with the OEM fan? What are you trying to accomplish? If you want a new one they are all day $10 on ebay.
 
Shadohh said:
Noctua....

But what is wrong with the OEM fan? What are you trying to accomplish? If you want a new one they are all day $10 on ebay.
Click to expand...

Not sure if my stock cooler is not sitting well or what but the PC was freezing when I tried to install nvidia drivers. CoreTemp was showing the max temps in the high 90s and a beep started to go off (not sure if it was the motherboard or CoreTemp). I figure I need something better than stock to avoid issue especially if I want to try to play steam games on it.

Edit: I just realized I might have another stock Intel cooler. I'll try that when I get home from work tonight.

I just saw this review of the AXP-100 beating out the Noctua from a while ago using a 2600K, which is basically the same processor I have (E3-1230). I think I also read somewhere that the Noctua doesn't have a great TDP
 
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AXP-100 looks nice, bit pricey. I would certainly give it a try if it gives you peace of mind.
 
I ended up adding another 3tb drive for raid10 and a 180gb ssd for good prices off ebay. How did I get 4 hdd in there (It's supposed to only take one)? Double sided tape and some brackets I had laying around. There's room for the drives, but probably not good airflow now. I only have two intake fans, one on each side towards the front of the case.

So far my highest cpu temp reported by NEXT CAM is 63°C even with running steam games. I'm still on the fence as to whether the AXP-100 will fit. I'd like to have the temps running lower than that.

 
manny1222 said:
I ended up adding another 3tb drive for raid10 and a 180gb ssd for good prices off ebay. How did I get 4 hdd in there (It's supposed to only take one)? Double sided tape and some brackets I had laying around. There's room for the drives, but probably not good airflow now. I only have two intake fans, one on each side towards the front of the case.

So far my highest cpu temp reported by NEXT CAM is 63°C even with running steam games. I'm still on the fence as to whether the AXP-100 will fit. I'd like to have the temps running lower than that.

Click to expand...
20160616_120832.jpg


I had 3 hard drives, 3 SSDs, a GTX970/1080 and a much larger (physically) 750w PSU in mine but I didn't have an optical drive. It took a bit of finagling but I got it all to fit reasonably well while maintaining decent air flow
 
Well, after 3 fresh installs of windows 7 and lots of headache, I'm giving up on doing raid 10. I've tried both in windows and in the Bios. I'm just going to have 2 separate mirrors, one for videos/movies/dvr and the other for everything else.
 
Can you get an exact measurement from the motherboard to the bottom of the optical drive? The NH-L12 CPU cooler is a great cooler and the top fan can be removed meaning the heatsink with bottom fan is only 66mm tall which is just under 2.6" tall. 2mm shorter than the RAIJINTEK PALLAS. I use the NH-L12 CPU cooler (with the top fan mounted) in my HTPC. Great cooler. You might want to head over to FrostyTech for some in depth reviews of CPU heatsinks. The RAIJINTEK does cool better (much larger fan) but if it wont fit it's kind of pointless.

Link to the latest chart.
Noctua 125 Watt AMD Heatsink Temperature Comparisons - NH-L9x65 FrostyTech Review
 
I basically have space for a 4 in x 4 in (101mm) cooler that's no higher than 2.5 inches (63mm). I'm limited by the ram and the tuner expansion card in terms of area, and the optical/hdd bracket in terms of height. I could possibly cut off the bottom of the hdd bracket and gain almost an inch, but that's about it.

I'll have to see how high the fins for the nh-l12 are to see if it'll clear the ram
 
Skillz said:
They're 48mm tall according to the article.
Click to expand...

You've got me sold on the NH-L12. I also saw this relatively recent review (Test: 5 Low-profile coolers | Minimalistic PC's) of all the coolers I've been considering, and it seems the NH-L12 wins.
I have printed out the spec diagram from the Noctua website. I'll take some in depth measurements tonight when get home from work and order it if it's all clear.
Thanks
 
Do you guys think this HTPC/NAS would be powerful enough to run Kodi on my TV and be a Plex server at the same time?
The current specs are in my sig.
I'm currently using it for Kodi and it works great, but I'd like to rip movies and build a library and I don't think Kodi has the same server functionality as Plex does. Clients that could be connecting to it include a roku 3, roku stick, 2x Amazon Kindles, ipad, ipad touch, and two Samsung galaxy phones. I can't say for sure the maximum number of clients connecting at the same time (but there are 6 family members).
Should I try to find a deal on a X79 mobo and pick up one of those e5-2670 going for cheap on ebay?

Thanks for your replies
 
I think that the e3-1230 would be pretty equal to an e5-2670, depending on how many simultaneous threads you need to trans code for plex. Looking at the passmark scores the 2670 is at about 12.5k vs 9.3k for the 1230, so the general rule is about 1.5-2.0k per 1080p transcode, so you might be able to squeeze 2 more transcodes out of the e5. Some of those devices can probably direct play some of your media as well, but if you are needing to transcode to all of those devices at the same time (and your wifi / wired router can pass that over right), you might need the upgrade. Just my 2c though, try out running all of them at the same time and see :)
 
So I finally had the time to tear down the HTPC to install the Noctua cooler. Before I did, I streamed movies to 4 different plex clients (amazon kindle, pc, roku3, and Roku stick) while playing rocket league on steam and my max temp was 71°C.



Installing the NH-L12 even without the top fan meant the optical drive/hdd bracket couldn't be installed without some modding. Since I haven't really watched any blu-ray movies after building the htpc (I don't think I even have any software to do that, unless plex or kodi play blu-ray), I decided I could remove the optical drive and bracket for now.



After installation and reassembly, I streamed plex again, but this time to 6 clients (pc, Roku stick, roku3, amazon fire x2, galaxy note 4) while again playing rocket league. Max temp this time was 56°C. I am very happy with this result.



The only issue is that the gpu temp went up a tad. I had to move my tv tuner card to the slot under the gpu for the cooler to fit. The tv tuner card is now blocking some of the airflow to the gpu, but I think it'll be alright.
 
My case is laid out similar. I made the fan by the PSU exhaust and added another intake in the blank spot next to the fan on the mobo end. But in my case, that put the added fan blowing right on the CPU cooler. Still, your temps look survivable to me, shame about the optical drive. My optical is a slim drive and it's on the other end of the case, and I don't really use it much anyway, just felt it should have one.

I have an HDMI capture card in the spot where your tuner card is, and it probably blanks the GPU air a bit, but it's been solid for several months now - I don't game on it but I think I'd like to try one of those classic game emulators or something like that.
 
Yea, I planned on having a third fan there, but because of the layout of the motherboard I cant. The 24 pin and 8 pin power connectors are right in front of that spot. I could install the fan there, but would have to run those power cables right on top of the motherboard. So I'm hoping 2 case fans as intakes on both ends in front with passive exhaust will be enough. Also less fans means less noise, the the Noctua cooler fans are audible compared to previous setup. I'm debating using the low noise adapter
 
Use that as a server in a different room and connect to it with a Raspberry Pi 3 with plex
 
So!
This sorta ended up as an exercise in futility. The PC in the living room never really passed the wife approval test. I ended up just picking up an amazon fire tv, a HDHomerun Connect, and a steam link to replace the HTPC. I installed Plex, HDHomerun View, Kodi, and Mobdro on the fire tv and it all works great. And most importantly, the wife approves. I'm currently trying to part out the htpc. I'll move my plex library to the other pc
 
too bad, I have a similiar setup, GD09 and a MK400 Logitech keyboard. That, plus KODI launches at boot. It desperately needs an SSD to speed it up, but it does well for light gaming at 1080p (mostly Rocket League and Lego Games). I prefer my desktop with my headphones for violence.
 
I didn't have any issues with it. Yea, Kodi would hang sometimes when watching local TV with the power pcie tuner card, but I could deal with it. My wife didn't like that. Also we were still watching netflix and hulu on our roku3. With the fire tv everything is in one place instead of needinformation to switch between the pc and the roku.
 
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