Need to build new SageTV low-heat client

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by SWKerr

What?

Unless you are talking about a Atom system (Useless Crap) there is a lot more than $40 differences. An i3 Intel has a lot more power than a AMD 350 but for an HTPC client it is wasted. Like to see what you can build for just $40 more than the AMD 350.

what do you think a good, bare-minimum CPU would be for a client?

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

what do you think a good, bare-minimum CPU would be for a client?

an amd e350 would be considered bare minimum for a client.

[c5davey]

Originally Posted by Kirby

Just built a new HTPC, Intel DH61AG motherboard, G620 cpu, 8gb ram, and Intel SSD. Runs silent and cool in my case. Plays BD without issues too, using onboard HDMI from motherboard.

I use a 150W HP laptop power adapter for the 19v input. Go Sandybridge.

Does the integrated graphics on sandybridge have enough horsepower to play h.264 encoded video?

[Kirby]

Originally Posted by c5davey

Does the integrated graphics on sandybridge have enough horsepower to play h.264 encoded video?

Absolutely. I play back ripped blurays just fine with the integrated graphics on my G620 (not a T) cpu. The "T" isnt worth it based on the reviews I read (non-T didnt use much more power at all). I have to admit though, I have only tested a few BD rips, Avatar was one, and I think it was Casino Royale or the other new Bond movie.

[jchiso]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

what do you think a good, bare-minimum CPU would be for a client?

I can't say for sure, but it seems that if you have sufficient RAM and an HD-capable GPU you don't need a whole lot of processor power. I can run clients with Athlon X2 or Sempron dual-core processors. My standard for performance is that the client performs comparably to an HD-100 or HD-300 extender ...

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by c5davey

Does the integrated graphics on sandybridge have enough horsepower to play h.264 encoded video?

Without question... The clarkdale is sufficient for pretty much any media playback (only pushing he limits for the highest bitrate 3D BluRay).. Sandy bridge is able to do 3D bluray with room to spare. I wouldn't call the i3 a gaming machine, but for media playback, it is hands down the best overall solution. it is rated for 100W peak TDP for CPU and GPU combined - though during bluray playback, my entire system only draws 60W at the wall.

[CanadianEh]

So.... I figured since I started this thread I should circle back and let everyone know what my findings were:

- AMAZING!!

I could not believe the ease of setting up a SageTV Client PC with Windows 7 Home Premium x64, the Sandy Bridge CPU, and SageTV. No messing with Codecs, the Windows 7 built-in codecs perform superbly for MPEG2 and H.264 HD-PVR recordings. Youtube streaming is amazing with HD videos.

So far, heat hasn't been a problem, with the processor running around 100F with stock CPU and case fans inside the enclosed cabinet. Remember, the power supply on this case is essentially a laptop brick that sits outside of the media stand - I think this makes a decent amount of difference.

The SSD also makes bootup and execution times fast enough that I don't necessarily feel I need to keep the box on all of the time.

All in all, I am *very* happy with my purchase. I now understand why people say to go this route

[doncote0]

I am not sure what, if any, your current setup uses, but if you have any at all, then checkout GELID. If any of their products are the same size fans, consider them for enhanced replacements. Depending on the performance level chosen, I have found them to be quieter AND push more air for close to the same wattage. You can get them from newegg and other sites.

[George M]

Originally Posted by CanadianEh

So.... I figured since I started this thread I should circle back and let everyone know what my findings were:

- AMAZING!!

I could not believe the ease of setting up a SageTV Client PC with Windows 7 Home Premium x64, the Sandy Bridge CPU, and SageTV. No messing with Codecs, the Windows 7 built-in codecs perform superbly for MPEG2 and H.264 HD-PVR recordings. Youtube streaming is amazing with HD videos.

So far, heat hasn't been a problem, with the processor running around 100F with stock CPU and case fans inside the enclosed cabinet. Remember, the power supply on this case is essentially a laptop brick that sits outside of the media stand - I think this makes a decent amount of difference.

The SSD also makes bootup and execution times fast enough that I don't necessarily feel I need to keep the box on all of the time.

All in all, I am *very* happy with my purchase. I now understand why people say to go this route

So what componenets did you end up using?

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by George M

So what componenets did you end up using?

yes..spill the beans. case, mb, ram, drive etc

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

yes..spill the beans. case, mb, ram, drive etc

From his previous post:

Originally Posted by CanadianEh

Thank you, all. You convinced me to stray away from AMD for a change. I've ordered an i3-2120T Sandy Bridge 2.6Ghz 35w processor with an Intel DH67CFB3 motherboard. The motherboard you all referenced doesn't seem to be available from Newegg. I'm pairing it with 8GB RAM, the Antec ISK-300-65 mini-ITX case with external 65w power supply, and an OCZ 60GB SATA III SSD.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

From his previous post:

hehe missed that, super sleuth .... thanks

[lotusvball]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/v...-custom-htpcs/

[gilded07]

gplasky - did you ever provide us a review of the zotac nano ad10 plus. The features are impressive.

Are you using this as a SageTV client? Thoughts?

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by gilded07

gplasky - did you ever provide us a review of the zotac nano ad10 plus. The features are impressive.

Are you using this as a SageTV client? Thoughts?

Still waiting to pull the trigger. Supply dried up. Just waiting for the right price too. This will be a SageTV client. That was the plan.

Gerry

[gilded07]

Still waiting to pull the trigger. Supply dried up. Just waiting for the right price too. This will be a SageTV client. That was the plan.

Gerry

My out of warranty HD300 has been acting strangely as of late so I'm thinking ahead about non-SageTV extenders (due to ebay prices for used HD300s and because I may have access to an unused client license).

Very much looking forward to a review of this little device.

[sflamm]

Anyone have the Zbox AD10 and can comment on the performance and noise levels? Reviews indicate it might get somewhat loud under load... feedback?

[Kirby]

In case anyone wants to read about my low power PC I built and described back on page 1, http://www.missingremote.com/blog/tivo-goes-htpc

[wayner]

I just built a machine to use a Sage client and/or front end for Plex, WinMC, etc. The machine is totally silent as it has no moving parts of any kind, not even fans. It uses a HD-Plex H3.S case which has heatpipes that run from the CPU block to the case. I have a Zotac H67-ITX mobo, i3-2100 CPU, 120GB Vertex Plus SSD, 4GB of RAM, and 80W power supply. I bought the IR receiver and remote that is an option with the case. I will post a review and photos over the next few days.

It wasn't cheap but it is totally silent.