which HW should be "thicker", Server or Client (1 Viewer)

[joystick]

Hi all,
I am starting a new HTPC Project, and this time I would like to seperate the server from the client.
Now, as the title says.... which part of the system should be more powerful?
I am thinking of streaming to 3 clients, SD and HD content. Afaik the decoding is done by the client, and the server is only pushing out the stream.
But I also want to achieve fast channel changing times and a fast system.

What would you advice?

cheers

joystick

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

I would use AMD Athlon dualcore you can pick up the low power versions X2 4000+ for 50 Euro's.

1gb ram on server, 1gb ram on slave for xp (no video converting) 2gb Video converting or Vista use.

Decent midrange pci-e graphics card (sorry for my mind lowend graphics are not upto the job with HD).

I would use AMD Athlon dualcore you can pick up the low power versions X2 4000+ for 50 Euro's.

1gb ram on server, 1gb ram on slave for xp (no video converting) 2gb Video converting or Vista use.

Decent midrange pci-e graphics card (sorry for my mind lowend graphics are not upto the job with HD).

Thats about all, besides sound\cabling\powersupply\wired lan etc.

 

[joystick]

so what you say is actually both sides should be equally sized?

cheers

joystick

 

[Spragleknas]

Last edited by Paranoid Delusion : Today at 20:27. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

If I got things right:
You clients do graphical work - so gfx (and CPU?) money should be spent here... in server: HDD's and TV-card(s)

 

[joystick]

You clients do graphical work - so gfx (and CPU?) money should be spent here... in server: HDD's and TV-card(s)

right, BUT
from my point of view channel changing times are related to GPU and TV Card, that's where I was struggling
because I thought that then the server should also have a good GPU....

As far as I understood:
- Server can be a thinner PC with HDDs and TV Cards.

- Client should have a powerful GPU and CPU.

To be honest, I was hoping it would be vice versa.

cheers

joystick

 

[Spragleknas]

Vise versa would be nice, yes