Specification for TV server (1 Viewer)

[alexeix]

Hi,

I want to create a TV server which can accommodate my Hauppauge Nova-T-500 and Compro Videomate DVB-T300, with a spare PCI slot to allow the future addition of an HD-TV card (DVB-S2).

So firstly, the motherboard: are there any Micro-ATX boards which include 3 PCI slots? I'm conscious that even if there are, the slots may be too close together to be useful.

If not, which motherboards are recommended? The other features I need, are Wake On LAN, boot from USB, SATA II, latest standby/power saving modes and Gigabit LAN.
I would like to leave it on standby, waking up only to record.


Additionally, what CPU and graphics would I be advised to get?

Which would be an acceptable AMD or Intel CPU model and does one perform better than the other with regard to power consumption (I want a low power set-up).
I may also use the server to encode video, but that would be a secondary usage, not done at the same time as any TV recording.

Graphics-wise, does it matter or is the graphics card on the client the important one?

Final requirement: to spend as little as possible, getting everything I need!

Thanks for any advice.

 

[alexeix]

I know this is quite a vague request, but does anybody have any suggestions, particularly on the motherboard front?

Any good, suitable bundle deals around at the moment for ATX boards (in the UK)? I think I need to discount m-ATX, since there don't seem to be any with 3 PCI slots.

Would need onboard graphics too, since I don't think I'll need an HD-capable (1080p) graphics card for the server.

 

[etheesdad]

Hi,

I want to create a TV server which can accommodate my Hauppauge Nova-T-500 and Compro Videomate DVB-T300, with a spare PCI slot to allow the future addition of an HD-TV card (DVB-S2).

So firstly, the motherboard: are there any Micro-ATX boards which include 3 PCI slots? I'm conscious that even if there are, the slots may be too close together to be useful.

I havent seen any - my understanding was that 2x pci and 1x pci-e was the current standard for matx (welcome correction if anyone knows of one)

If not, which motherboards are recommended? The other features I need, are Wake On LAN, boot from USB, SATA II, latest standby/power saving modes and Gigabit LAN.
I would like to leave it on standby, waking up only to record.

Additionally, what CPU and graphics would I be advised to get?

Which would be an acceptable AMD or Intel CPU model and does one perform better than the other with regard to power consumption (I want a low power set-up).
I may also use the server to encode video, but that would be a secondary usage, not done at the same time as any TV recording.

My suggestion for CPU would be Athlon 4850 - they have a high heat tolerance [78] (you can run them with minimal fan noise) and are energy efficient. They seem to be a very popular choice for HTPC's at the moment. Also cheaper than comparable Intel options.

If you intend to do video encoding though; the faster your cpu, the faster you will get the encoding done. That means if you want quick output from encoding jobs then it may be necessary to spend money on a 'fast' cpu. (more cores, higher clock speed). For HTPC use though, a 4850 is ample and inexpensive.

Graphics-wise, does it matter or is the graphics card on the client the important one?

I think if you are running full-HD then the minimum cpu speed to look at would be a reasonable dual core. an AMD 5000 or faster. This is what will affect the smoothness of the machine's playback - but as far as I know its the GPU that determines the other quality aspects (including cpu load). My recommendation for a GPU - 4550 Radeon. They have been getting excellent reviews for HTPC use, have passive cooling (silent), on board decoding (low cpu use), 7.1 built in, hdmi out etc, and they dont cost the earth.

There are a number of good on-board options if you want to save money, and if you're not playing full HD (1920x1280) they will work fine. For full-hd, Id suggest a decent dedicated card though. (you can read numerous posts on MP forums about issues with integrated graphics, particularly 690g and 780g)

more here
https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...ardware-selection-4014/index3.html#post343888


I'll watch this thread with interest.

 

[alexeix]

Thanks for the feedback.

So firstly, the PCI slots; it looks like I'm going to have to settle for 2 if I'm using micro-atx, but that's okay, since I can use my 2 existing TV cards for now (Compro Videomate DVBT-300 and Hauppauge WinTV Nova-T-500), and upgrade the Compro to a DVB-S2 card later.

Someone else has also suggested the Athlon64 4850e CPU, so that looks like a good choice. I don't need 'instant' output for video encoding, but would be ripping and compressing my DVD collection.
I will also want to edit recorded TV files.

I don't need the best performance, but equally don't want to wait hours. I currently use an Athlon64 3200+, so I suppose any dual core CPU will be a big improvement?!

Regarding graphics, I've been recommended the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard and that includes HD capable graphics on-board (although I notice it uses 780g). I don't know if it'll be good enough, but might try it; if it doesn't work out, I can add the gfx card you suggest.

I've decided to make my server my main client as well, since I can save on machines that way.

So, final issue is...which case? I would like something on the small side and relatively quiet; are there any nice looking micro-atx cases which take full height cards?

 

[etheesdad]

would be very interested to hear how you get on w the 780g - there seem to be quite mixed reports here about using it with MP.

as far as cases go, Ive just been researching thse for my bro-in-law - am building a machine for him, so had these links on hand.

SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd - Designing Inspiration
Antec - VERIS
Cooler Master - Ultimate provider of Computer Chassis | Cooler | Power Supply
Thermaltakeusa»Chassis»Home Theater
Lian Li Industrial Co., Ltd.

you might want to consider the additional cooling/noise issues that can come up with using matx cases. They do look neat, but theres some additional complexity about keeping them quiet and cool.

plenty more information in the htpc projects section
HTPC Projects - MediaPortal Forum