HTPC/Media Server build

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WhiteLighter

n00b
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
8
Hi all,

I'm planning to build an HTPC that will also act as a media server. Any suggestions or input for the build would be appreciated ^_^ I would like it to be low powered and less heat since it will be up and running 24/7. Will be using it to watch online streaming video and blu-ray/mp4/mkv movies (from HDD). It will also stream video to other rooms in my house..so i'm thinking of 3 user (max) simultaneously.
 
any modern day low power platform would be fine.

you can either go the i3 route, or amd phenom x4 lower tdp chips.

if you are using a receiver, be careful in selecting your HDMI hardware to make sure it supports bitstreaming over HDMI. the i3 should be fine, but i think the amd chipsets have some limitations.
 
Yes, I would go with the i3, I have a similar needs for HTPC and media server. I am running a dual core E8500 with 4gb ram with a 220 gt for video over HDMI. It works great for everything I can throw at it, which isn't much. :)
 
Thanks all for your input. I guess I'm going the i3 way. Will a on-board video is good enough for an HTPC (for HD content)? I'm thinking of a 1155 i3 with an on-board video... or a 1156 i3 + some video card that will be able to play HD videos? Does having a dual LAN port will help (since it's also a media server) or a single LAN port is more than enough?
 
WhiteLighter said:
Thanks all for your input. I guess I'm going the i3 way. Will a on-board video is good enough for an HTPC (for HD content)? I'm thinking of a 1155 i3 with an on-board video... or a 1156 i3 + some video card that will be able to play HD videos? Does having a dual LAN port will help (since it's also a media server) or a single LAN port is more than enough?
Click to expand...

The onboard video will be good enough for HD content as long as you set up playback correctly. Stick with the onboard video. As for Dual LAN, it depends on which NICs you have as well as whether or not your network can support LAN teaming like that and whether or not you're planning on dual large file transfers between those PCs.

Also you may want to read this thread:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419906
 
a single lan port can do sustained 70meg/sec transfer over gigabit.

if you enable jumbo frames, you can push it over 100 meg/sec.

this should be plenty, dont bother with dual cards.
 
Danny Bui said:
The onboard video will be good enough for HD content as long as you set up playback correctly. Stick with the onboard video. As for Dual LAN, it depends on which NICs you have as well as whether or not your network can support LAN teaming like that and whether or not you're planning on dual large file transfers between those PCs.

Also you may want to read this thread:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419906
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link to that discussion Danny ^_^ I guess I'll move away from the HTPC + Media Server..I've read enough and don't want to add my stories to that thread :p

Now that I know which path to take, my next question would be.. what would be a good set-up for a media server? since it's just a file/media server, should I just go on Linux? or having a WHS is worth the price I'm paying to avoid some problems (if any) in Linux?
 
Assuming that your other reply also applies to your HTPC:
WhiteLighter said:
3) I'll be moving out to a new place sometime around summer or fall this year, so I'm planning to build it after I move out.
Click to expand...

In that case, wait till you're actually moved in and ask again for HTPChardware advice. A lot can change between now and summer or fall. As such, parts that we recommend today may not be good buys in the summer/fall.
 
Thanks, yes, I'm planning to apply the info that I've gathered on my other thread regarding RAID to this one. Yes, I'm aware that a lot may change in a few months. I just wanted an ample enough of time to think about it, plan and study (specially if I'll be going for a Linux server) before making a decision on what should I do. The reason I'm asking is to see what will other people recommend, find out the reason behind their recommendations, study about it, put it together and then decide.
 
WhiteLighter said:
Thanks, yes, I'm planning to apply the info that I've gathered on my other thread regarding RAID to this one. Yes, I'm aware that a lot may change in a few months. I just wanted an ample enough of time to think about it, plan and study (specially if I'll be going for a Linux server) before making a decision on what should I do. The reason I'm asking is to see what will other people recommend, find out the reason behind their recommendations, study about it, put it together and then decide.
Click to expand...
All good reasons for asking. But unfortunately at the wrong time.

My advice: Come back at least 2-3 weeks before you actually buy the HTPC and ask those same questions again. No more than a month before that time however.
 
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