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I want to build an HTPC for audio/video entertainment only (PVR functionality, play DVDs/CDs, etc. - I do not need to play games)

However, I am constrained to building it around a Hiper Media case (http://www.hipergroup.com/English/products/media.html).
The Hiper Media case is very restricted for space (only 55mm high) and has only one expansion slot available - this will be populated by a PCI TV tuner card.

The problem I have is to identify a Mboard/CPU combination that:
1) Provides integrated s-video TV-out
2) Provides SPDIF out (to allow external decode of 5.1 soundtracks)
3) Provides all external Mboard connectors on the main Mboard panel - extension panels are no good to me (No spare expansion slots on the case remember )
3) Provides enough processing power to run audio/video functions (games support not required)
3) Runs cool enough not to overheat in the small case.
4) Ideally is cheap - leading edge technology (latest CPUs etc.) may not be required to achieve my goals

Please could someone advise on the minimum CPU/graphics requirements to run a HTPC for audio/video functions only?

Also if anyone can recommend some Mboard/CPU combinations that would be appreciated.

Thanks

<blockquote data-quote="Septic Weasel" data-source="post: 24441" data-attributes="member: 12433">I want to build an HTPC for audio/video entertainment only (PVR functionality, play DVDs/CDs, etc. - I do not need to play games)However, I am constrained to building it around a Hiper Media case (<a href="http://www.hipergroup.com/English/products/media.html" target="_blank">http://www.hipergroup.com/English/products/media.html</a>).The Hiper Media case is very restricted for space (only 55mm high) and has only one expansion slot available - this will be populated by a PCI TV tuner card.The problem I have is to identify a Mboard/CPU combination that:1) Provides integrated s-video TV-out 2) Provides SPDIF out (to allow external decode of 5.1 soundtracks)3) Provides all external Mboard connectors on the main Mboard panel - extension panels are no good to me (No spare expansion slots on the case remember&nbsp; <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> ) 3) Provides enough processing power to run audio/video functions (games support not required)3) Runs cool enough not to overheat in the small case.4) Ideally is cheap - leading edge technology (latest CPUs etc.) may not be required to achieve my goalsPlease could someone advise on the minimum CPU/graphics requirements to run a HTPC for audio/video functions only?Also if anyone can recommend some Mboard/CPU combinations that would be appreciated.Thanks</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Septic Weasel, post: 24441, member: 12433"] I want to build an HTPC for audio/video entertainment only (PVR functionality, play DVDs/CDs, etc. - I do not need to play games) However, I am constrained to building it around a Hiper Media case ([url]http://www.hipergroup.com/English/products/media.html[/url]). The Hiper Media case is very restricted for space (only 55mm high) and has only one expansion slot available - this will be populated by a PCI TV tuner card. The problem I have is to identify a Mboard/CPU combination that: 1) Provides integrated s-video TV-out 2) Provides SPDIF out (to allow external decode of 5.1 soundtracks) 3) Provides all external Mboard connectors on the main Mboard panel - extension panels are no good to me (No spare expansion slots on the case remember :) ) 3) Provides enough processing power to run audio/video functions (games support not required) 3) Runs cool enough not to overheat in the small case. 4) Ideally is cheap - leading edge technology (latest CPUs etc.) may not be required to achieve my goals Please could someone advise on the minimum CPU/graphics requirements to run a HTPC for audio/video functions only? Also if anyone can recommend some Mboard/CPU combinations that would be appreciated. Thanks [/QUOTE]