[fudgadeliq]

Hello all!

This is my first post on this board but I have been a lurker for some time now. Been using XBMC for the last 2 years. Used Meedio before that.

I currently sport a system that is not quite up to standards (Core Duo 2200, 7100GS, Noisy PSU) and that seem to be close to giving up on me. I now have the luck of having a couple of extra bucks coming my way and I´m now very much interested in building a new system.

PLEASE NOTE: I have a nice HTPC case (Silverstone LC16) and all the storage I need for the new build.
I´m thinking of either going with a Asus AT3IonT-I Deluxe or building a Core i5 system with a budget nVidia card.

I use my HTPC/PC for alla purposes:

- XBMC
- Web browsing
- Work in MS office
- Some light audio editing
- etc...
- NO GAMING!

I use nVidias option "dual view" to achieve this: Win7 on computer screen and XBMC opens up nicely at start-up on my panasonic plasma.

So here is my question:

- Does the Ion platform support "dualview"?
- If the answer is yes to the question above: Will a Asus AT3IonT-I Deluxe be enough for my needs?
- If I decide to build a system based on Core i5: Should I choose a nVidia or ATI card, or does it even matter with the newest builds?
- Exactly what parts do you recommend?

I hope that my many questions won´t scare you from answering!
A lot of thanx in advance!


// Fudgadeliq

[poofyhairguy]

I like an i3 or an i5 for how much you want to do. Maybe look at AMD too, their quads are really cheap but fast.

Get a SSD if your budget lets you (I would rather 2GB ram and a SSD over 4GB).

Nvidia. Always Nvidia. In these parts AMD GPUs are a waste of money. They work maybe/probably, but we KNOW Nvidia works.

I love gigabyte mobos. Never failed me.

I can give you a part list if you need.

[fudgadeliq]

Thank you for your reply.

I figured that a nVidia card was the way to go and I´m more into a full system instead of a Ion-based HTPC right now.
About SSD: I really don´t have too much of a problem with loadtimes so that will be a part of my plans for now.

So here is what I´m looking for:

- Core i3 or i5 CPU
- Silent PSU (ATX)
- Mobo of decent quality (ATX)
- Budget (Short and passive!) nVidia card that will do DXVA
- CPU cooler that will be as near 0dB as possible

Any have any suggestions?

[poofyhairguy]

I would love to recommend parts.

I would get this mobo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

This cpu:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819115222

This SSD (start off with the OS on the SSD and you will thank me):

http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShock..._-08272010

That deal ends today, but I still LOVE OCZ SSDs.

This GPU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814127454

This case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811129034

The case is pricey, but I have it and its QUIET with its 120mm fans. That is the secret to quiet- larger fans.

With that said, here is the CPU cooler I love best for quiet:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835103046

I have three of those.

In that case, with that HSF, with that GPU you will be as close to quiet as such a powerful computer can be.

You want it to be the absolutely most quiet a computer can be?

Then replace every fan with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835185089

Then you max at 9dba.

Good luck and feel free to ask more question or for cheaper options.

[ion_man]

You want it to be the absolutely most quiet a computer can be?

Then replace every fan with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835185089

Then you max at 9dba.

You can't just replace fans without taking into account airflow (cfm), especially not fans on a cpu HSF. Very quiet fans often have a much lower airflow, which could be insufficient when replacing a fan with higher airflow.

Generally when looking for quiet replacement fans you should stick to a similar cfm value as the original fan.

[fudgadeliq]

I´m thinking about these parts:

CPU:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=527356

Motherboard:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=536513

Ram:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=520960

PSU:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=206314

GPU:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=601817

Thinking about starting off with the Intel graphics and trying them out and then get the GPU if they don´t work ok, and also start with the stock CPU cooler and upgrading later. I´ll see about that. What about the other parts? OK or not?

[poofyhairguy]

Everything looks good.

[fudgadeliq]

I built my new computer yesterday. Everything seems to be working fine. Haven´t had time to try out HD content but I will in the coming hours. Menus in Aeon are smooth and working just peachy!

I have only one thing remaining: When in dualscreen mode and hanging the input on the TV to something other than the computer HDMI input, the Intel graphics swaps to single screen mode automaticly, and back to dualscreen when the channel is changed back to the computer input. Any1 recognize this?

Thanks for the input guys!

[poofyhairguy]

So you are not using the HDMI for your TV?

[fudgadeliq]

Yes I am. That is the problem:

The Intel graphics keep turning the HDMI port on and off depending on what input I have on the TV. I want the HDMI port to ALWAYS be ON, as it does with nVidia cards. Will try to google it out...

[poofyhairguy]

I know how I would fix it.

I have a very low tolerance for non-Nvidia GPUs and their hangups, and 210 GTs are cheap. Your problem is why I never recommend a non-Nvidia GPU.

[Hannes The Hun]

Thinking about starting off with the Intel graphics and trying them out and then get the GPU if they don´t work ok,

so stop wasting your time, do as poofy says and get the nvidia

[poofyhairguy]

so stop wasting your time, do as poofy says and get the nvidia

I am in the process of building an experimental Mini ITX HTPC build to try an Intel GPU (the x4500 like in many CULV models) with XBMC Live. But I don't expect to be able to use this system, I am just looking to learn....