Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="bcummins" data-source="post: 832515" data-attributes="member: 118103">Morning Folks, I've just ordered through scan a complete build for my upcoming HTPC, This includes an mITX board which has a PCI-e slot.Since I've opted for a non IGP SB chip, I'm going to have to use the PCI-e slot for a graphics card.After putting my order through, I gave some thought to running my freesat HD via the PC, with the added benefits of PVR and streaming Live TV to other PCs in the house via MediaPortal. I am in an awkward spot however. I don't really know the answer to a few questions which I'd like to ask:1) Have I made a bad choice not taking up an IGP - should I have left the PCI-E slot free in anticipation that the card solutions are dramatically better than the USB version and therefore:2) Is there a noticeable performance difference between USB and PCI-e cards supporting DVB - S2? I am already aware I'll have to pay a fair bit more for the external solution to get the same quality.3) Are there any known implications to streaming or PVR that would cause you to consider PCI-e over USB? 4) Can anyone recommend a good USB (or if it really is a must, PCI-e) solution?I'll also give you the full HTPC spec:Silverstone SG06B (with 300W PSU)Corsair 4gb DDR3 1333Asrock H67 M-ITX HTPentium SB G850 2.90GhzAsus Geforce GT 430Corsair Force 3 60gbUsing another 750gb sata 2 drive for storage.Note I've gone with a graphics card to avoid this apparent issue with SB and 24p playback.Thanks for reading, if I get some feedback soon enough I can RMA the parts in decent time if it's truly a necessity!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="bcummins, post: 832515, member: 118103"] Morning Folks, I've just ordered through scan a complete build for my upcoming HTPC, This includes an mITX board which has a PCI-e slot. Since I've opted for a non IGP SB chip, I'm going to have to use the PCI-e slot for a graphics card. After putting my order through, I gave some thought to running my freesat HD via the PC, with the added benefits of PVR and streaming Live TV to other PCs in the house via MediaPortal. I am in an awkward spot however. I don't really know the answer to a few questions which I'd like to ask: 1) Have I made a bad choice not taking up an IGP - should I have left the PCI-E slot free in anticipation that the card solutions are dramatically better than the USB version and therefore: 2) Is there a noticeable performance difference between USB and PCI-e cards supporting DVB - S2? I am already aware I'll have to pay a fair bit more for the external solution to get the same quality. 3) Are there any known implications to streaming or PVR that would cause you to consider PCI-e over USB? 4) Can anyone recommend a good USB (or if it really is a must, PCI-e) solution? I'll also give you the full HTPC spec: Silverstone SG06B (with 300W PSU) Corsair 4gb DDR3 1333 Asrock H67 M-ITX HT Pentium SB G850 2.90Ghz Asus Geforce GT 430 Corsair Force 3 60gb Using another 750gb sata 2 drive for storage. Note I've gone with a graphics card to avoid this apparent issue with SB and 24p playback. Thanks for reading, if I get some feedback soon enough I can RMA the parts in decent time if it's truly a necessity! [/QUOTE]

Verification