Ongoing My attempt at a HTPC (1 Viewer)

[Etepi]

Well after spending the last week reading the awesome abundant info here and a few other recommended links I have just placed an order for my attempt at a HTPC.

It will include the following:
Antec NSK2400
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ AM2
ASUS M2NPV-VM
OCZ Premier PC3200 1GB
Samsung Spinpoint P Series 250GB SATA2
Liteon SHM-160P6S DVD-RW
Microsoft Remote Control
Logitech Cordless Desktop Ex 110
Logitech Z5500

I will most likely add the following sound card:
Diamond Xtreme Sound 7.1/24 bit Sound Card

I will also wait to assemble to unit beofre figuring out if I need additional cooling and what space I have to deal with.

As a newcomer I would again like to thank you all for your contributions on information and suggestions.

/cheers

 

[BoelShit]

I don't see the point for installing a soundcard when you're also buying a Logitech Z5500. Just hook it up by the onboard SPDIF...

 

[Spragleknas]

:!:

This RAM wont work with AM2 system!!!!
AM2 uses DDR2!

 

[Oculus]

I don't see the point for installing a soundcard when you're also buying a Logitech Z5500. Just hook it up by the onboard SPDIF...

SPDIF isn't included with the motherboard as far as I can tell, it's an expansion bracket. Maybe he couldn't get a hold of one.

I know I couldn't with my old Asus/nForce mobo :/

 

[Forgotten Illustrator]

There’s no need to buy the SPDIF just make one up, its cheap as. All u needed is a standard RCA socket and a small length of shielded wire. You only have to solider the core wire and shield. BINGO, you’re done.

It works fine I’ve been using the one I’d made with out a fault.

 

[Spragleknas]

The S/PDIF bracket is not included.... but it is rather cheap to buy.

Hope you got the RAM thin right (sendt you a PM).

 

[BugsBunny]

A soundcard can make a big difference and SPDIF out does not necessarily signify that you get a 1:1 signal from an audio CD!

Most onboard sound and consumer cards (soundblaster audigy...) resample the audiosignal internally and put out a signal with a sampling rate of 48kHz. Most audio files have a sample rate of 44,1kHz.
I've an external AD DA converter that indicates the sample rate and I already conected different SPDIF devices (onboard sound, soundblaster ...) so I know what I'm speaking of.

The internal resampling often is crap so you get a worse sound compared to the original CD.

Someone here even complaned about that once. He conected the HTPC via SPDIF out but it sounded different compared to conecting his CD Player to DA converter.

But all that is relative for sure. If you have a rather high end HIFI equipment and are an "audiophile" listener with some external DA converter, better get a soundcard that does not resample the signal internally. If your HIFI equipment is not worth much, most probably you will not hear a (big) difference and you can stick with the onboard sound.