HTPC Build - HD4000 vs GT610?
#1
Question 
Hi All --

I'm finally building an HTPC again with desires to use Sick Beard and other apps to create an entertainment hub for the family. The last time I touched XBMC was when it actually ran on my xbox 10 years ago, so I'm looking forward to getting back into it!

I plan to stream 1080p + Bitstream to my Pioneer Elite AVR as well as have this machine be the downloader for newsgroups, etc. No gaming needs or plans at all. I need ease of use for the family so my next step is to tackle the keyboard/mouse/remote and IR pieces.

First major question I have, should I go with the Pentium G2120 + GeForce GT610 or the i3-3225 + HD 4000 Graphics? I'm going to start with a Linux build at first to save costs on the Windows license.

Here's the rig so far;

Case: SILVERSTONE Black ML03B Micro ATX Media Center
Power Supply: CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3H LGA 1155 Intel B75 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9
Boot Drive: OCZ Agility 4 AGT4-25SAT3-64G 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

CPU #1: Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I33225

- or -

CPU #2: Intel Pentium G2120 Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80637G2120
Video Card: GIGABYTE GV-N610SL-1GI GeForce GT 610 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

It needs to be quiet, boot fast and be quiet ;-)

Next research area is the keyboard/mouse/remote/ir area. I already have a Harmony 910 that I hope to continue to use.

Thanks in advance!
Reply
#2
Nvidia has by far the best htpc features. There is a great summary of current cards here

http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/my...296#536296
If I have helped you or increased your knowledge, click the 'thumbs up' button to give thanks :) (People with less than 20 posts won't see the "thumbs up" button.)
Reply
#3
I would use onboard graphics.
I also find it funny that you are talking about downloading from newsgroups and such and they say linux to save money on windows..
Reply
#4
why onboard?
If I have helped you or increased your knowledge, click the 'thumbs up' button to give thanks :) (People with less than 20 posts won't see the "thumbs up" button.)
Reply
#5
For 1080p, there will be no difference in video quality between HD4000 or GT610. You have a better chance of satisfying your "quiet" requirement with just using the onboard GPU since there will be one less to component to cool.
Reply
#6
hd4000 kicks gt610-640s ass :p
Reply
#7
nvidia has far better deinterlacing support.

nvidia drivers have many benefits for an HTPC owner:

great EDID support
fixing overscan
support for all the right framerates
If I have helped you or increased your knowledge, click the 'thumbs up' button to give thanks :) (People with less than 20 posts won't see the "thumbs up" button.)
Reply
#8
It seems the 610 might not be good enough for some features, but it seems to be the only one I can get fanless that will fit easily in the case.

I'm on the fence which way to go now.
Reply
#9
I have build mine around Zotac D2550 mini-itx board with integrated gt610. It is low power and since i do not need too mush raw proc power i have choose atom one. Replaced stock vent with noctua one 12cm slim. I am still using ordinary 2,5 disk but prefer WD one because they are silent and can do some APM stuff. I have also implemented DVD drive which uses one internal USB port on motherboard so i still have one sata or. esata free. I will lso integrate xir in it so it can be powered on from ir even from state s5 and reseted any-time.
I have it in http://www.minicase.net/product_E-Q5.html case and only disk can be heard from close otherwise not hearable.
Reply
#10
Even the G2120 without a discrete GPU will do what you want. There's no need for the GT610 unless you have something like illiac4's motherboard where it's pairing the D25x0 with a GT610M because the integrated GPU on the Atom is horrible and unsupported.

For what you want to do there is no advantage to a discrete GPU.
Reply
#11
(2013-01-21, 02:32)Zentos Wrote: It seems the 610 might not be good enough for some features, but it seems to be the only one I can get fanless that will fit easily in the case.

I'm on the fence which way to go now.

I had a look on google and found a range of GT620 cards whith passive cooling.

Ebuyer supply for about £45 inc delivery. There are cheaper suppliers but I've never heard of them.

Link to card at ebuyer
Reply

Logout Mark Read Team Forum Stats Members Help
HTPC Build - HD4000 vs GT610?0