HTPC died, Need Recomendations

Spire · Posted: Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:57:46 Post Subject: HTPC died, Need Recomendations

Asylum ruined my HTPC somehow and its time to upgrade a bit anyway.

Let me start by saying that I have NO IDEA how many cores are even available or what sockets processors use anymore, I can't even see the loop from where I am!!!

Long time ago I had a DFI motherboard that would process all sound as Dolby Digital and my receiver would see even a stereo signal as 5.1 DD. It was like a Karagan module or something like that. Recommend me a motherboard that will do the same.

I need a video card that has HDMI out (with sound would be nice) (silent would be even better).

I currently have a dual core 5600+ processor and a cheap a$$ bundle board but I envision delegating this processor and MB to server duty so I need a MB and processor.

Case, PS and other items are still good including the 4 gig of ram I have. I can still figure out hard and optical drives.

What is the good stuff these days. This will be tied to a 55" Samsung Plasma.

**Modulok** · Posted: Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:45:43 Post Subject:

4GB of RAM DDR 1, 2, or 3? You probably would need to upgrade to DDR2 or 3.

Any Intel Duo CPU would be an upgrade.

I will let someone else chime in on the MB recommendation.

Spire · Posted: Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:34:59 Post Subject:

So most of the HDMI out capable video cards (3000,4000,5000 ATI cards for example) manage to put the sound on the HDMI out? Can't seem to get anything definitive.

I'm tired of running an HDMI cable and an optical both from the computer.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:49:23 Post Subject:

The 4000 and 5000 series at least do - from my experience with the ones I have tested. The 5000 series has some passively cooled cards with HDMI... Priced under $100, giving you the best performance for not much money.

**JimBowy** · Moderator Joined: 02 Aug 2003 Posts: 1627

Spire - what did you end up doing for this re-build?

I've got some general HTPC questions;
1) How long to rip a blue ray disc?
2) How long to rip a DVD? And can you rip while you watch?

Hellfire · Rated XXX Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 3473

1. I can try tonight for you
2. I think about 20 - 30 minutes. Will depend on the software. Some allow you to watch while ripping it, while others speed the process by blanking the window out to rip it.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:11:45 Post Subject:

Depends on how you rip.

I rip my DVDs to MPEG2 in what the software calls true DVD mode. End up with a 4.xGB file and it is very good quality. It is less than 5 minutes.

DVD Ripper Platinum is what I use.

fortunzfavor · Rated PG Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 13

James86 · Rated R Joined: 11 Feb 2011 Posts: 66 Location: So Cal

for my HTPC I have a semperon and a cheap 4650 card with HDMI out and it runs sound thru the hdmi