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Home Theater => Sources => HTPCs => Topic started by: coolswitch on May 10, 2012 at 01:42 PM

Title: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: coolswitch on May 10, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Hi mga sir.

need parts suggestion para sa isang 24/7 torrent rig.

sana applicable ang lahat ng mga conditions na ito:
1. low power consumption
2. can play at least 720p with no problem.
3. built in hdmi port
4. CHEAP (eto tlga ang catch)

meron na ko dedicated htpc. pero this one will be a dedicated dl rig and paminsanminsan na panonood. wala ako kasi idea abt power.consumption so i had to ask
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 10, 2012 at 01:57 PM
I suggest using an Socket FM1 motherboard AMD Llano ("A"-series APU). these so-called APU's or Accelerated Processing Units have the graphics built into the processor. (no need to buy video card) the cheapest AMD Llano you can get is the AMD A4-3400 (2.7Ghz dual-core, 160 shader units), which retails for around 2750. their corresponding motherboards already come with an hdmi port. they have low power consumption at low loads like downloading, etc.

HTH! :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 10, 2012 at 09:20 PM
If you want to go even cheaper, Celeron G530. Just get an H61-based motherboard with HDMI for it. Don't forget to get enough RAM while it's cheap.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lncc63 on May 10, 2012 at 09:30 PM
How about an AMD Zacate E350N?  These retail between P7k-P8k depending on the brand, all-in except the memory and harddisk.  The difference only seems to be having USB 3.0 ports or not.  Most attractive is the lower power, 35 watts only according to the specs, though this is without storage yet.

Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 11, 2012 at 12:11 AM
How about an AMD Zacate E350N?  These retail between P7k-P8k depending on the brand, all-in except the memory and harddisk.  The difference only seems to be having USB 3.0 ports or not.  Most attractive is the lower power, 35 watts only according to the specs, though this is without storage yet.



I use an AMD E-350 based nettop (a Manli T2). I use it for streaming videos and occasional surfing. I made the mistake of putting a 5400rpm hard drive in it. (so its damn slow!  >:()  if you're going the AMD E-350 route, use a small SSD as an OS drive, and a separate high capacity hard drive for storage. and don't try running too demanding or several applications on it. ;)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 12:24 AM
How about an AMD Zacate E350N?  These retail between P7k-P8k depending on the brand, all-in except the memory and harddisk.  The difference only seems to be having USB 3.0 ports or not.  Most attractive is the lower power, 35 watts only according to the specs, though this is without storage yet.

This is very doable. It will handle torrents without a problem. It can also play video formats that can be accelerated by the on-chip GPU quite well. The problem with this option is when you attempt to play videos that cannot be accelerated by the GPU, the E350 will suffer considerably. Even with acceleration, the E350 can bog down when multitasked.

The G530 has over 3x the sheer cpu performance of the E350 while the A4-3400 has over 2x the cpu performance of the E350, giving them a huge upper hand with these tasks. The dual channel memory controller also helps reduce the impact of using integrated video. The good part is that they generally don't cost any more to build. They may take a bit more power, but they deliver better functionality in return. 3D (HDMI 1.4) capability also comes free with the G530 and the A4.

In terms of performance per watt for desktop parts, the G530 is very hard to beat -- it consumes less power than the A4, and performs better with the aforementioned tasks. The AMD platforms can deliver superior PQ on the other hand, and excel with graphics-related tasks.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lncc63 on May 11, 2012 at 04:09 AM
The problem with this option is when you attempt to play videos that cannot be accelerated by the GPU, the E350 will suffer considerably.

Which formats are these?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 04:16 AM
Which formats are these?

It's largely codec-dependent. Hi10p playback is a fairly common issue, for example.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lncc63 on May 11, 2012 at 04:42 AM
Thanks Bro.  I'm terribly conservative when it comes to file formats.  Mostly I use H264 in MKV containers, a few esoteric files from our video cam and phones but usually I convert these on a PC before archiving them.  Also since power is a major issue for me and video playback will be the most demanding application, I'll go with the E350.  As a gaming platform, I've seen it perform very very poorly.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 07:04 AM
Thanks Bro.  I'm terribly conservative when it comes to file formats.  Mostly I use H264 in MKV containers, a few esoteric files from our video cam and phones but usually I convert these on a PC before archiving them.  Also since power is a major issue for me and video playback will be the most demanding application, I'll go with the E350.  As a gaming platform, I've seen it perform very very poorly.

I see. Acer sells a small footprint eMachines nettop for a good price. It utilizes the e450 APU, which is essentially a slightly more powerful e350. I saw it selling for just 11k+ in Gilmore sometime ago (with DVD-RW, 2GB RAM, 500GB HDD, and user I/O).

(http://www.liquidation.com/shared/auction/images/photos/43222/widget/43221349_widget.jpg)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 11, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Even with acceleration, the E350 can bog down when multitasked.

I agree!
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: coolswitch on May 11, 2012 at 09:26 AM
will check on g530 and a4.

re: power consumption difference between g530 and a4, is it minimal? is it worth the price difference?

if difference is not much. then i might vote for a4 if pq output is better
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 09:59 AM
will check on g530 and a4.

re: power consumption difference between g530 and a4, is it minimal? is it worth the price difference?

if difference is not much. then i might vote for a4 if pq output is better

Idle consumption is about the same, but full load consumption difference can be as much as 30W. Price-difference wise, the G530 is cheaper by about 1k for the processor and a few hundreds for the motherboard.

Image quality difference is small with default settings. It may become noticeable if you use the driver tools for screen calibration.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 11, 2012 at 04:44 PM
The AMD platforms can deliver superior PQ on the other hand, and excel with graphics-related tasks.

I also agree with this. I notice that my E-350 nettop displays better colors than my laptop with a gaming grade gpu when plugged into my hdtv via hdmi.  :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Nelson de Leon on May 11, 2012 at 05:26 PM
AFAIK, may buffalo HDD na torrent based ata? So there's no need for a PC na.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 12, 2012 at 01:29 AM
I also agree with this. I notice that my E-350 nettop displays better colors than my laptop with a gaming grade gpu when plugged into my hdtv via hdmi.  :)

Aside from the better and more precise screen calibration controls, AMD currently has the advantage when it comes to video post-processing (especially deinterlacing). You'd notice this more if you explore their higher end implementations. The E350's built-in GPU is too weak to handle advanced post-processing for HD video in real-time.

Of the mainstream graphics players, AMD provides the best video playback experience at the moment, followed by Intel, then Nvidia.

Intel provides decent video for the most part. It's just pulled back by rough image controls, the lack of true 23.976Hz video handling, and limited post-processing.

Nvidia is quite a bit behind the other two, as their video post-processing is not very well-implemented. Their current GPUs are still a lot better at processing video than dedicated players, however (especially if you stay away from their entry level models).
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: coolswitch on May 13, 2012 at 04:37 PM
i was in pcx kanina. and saw this board, Intel® Desktop Board D2700DC, on display.

 www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-board-d2700dc.html

any comments?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 13, 2012 at 04:42 PM
i was in pcx kanina. and saw this board, Intel® Desktop Board D2700DC, on display.

 www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-board-d2700dc.html

any comments?

if your build is gonna be used for pure downloading/ torrent, then its okay. but if you're gonna use it for video playback as well, I suggest getting an AMD E-350, AMD A-Series, Intel Celeron G530, Intel Pentium G620/G630 + video card instead.

the Intel D2700DC is the latest model of Intel's low-power Atom processor.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: ≧◉◡◉≦xrampage≧◉◡◉≦ on May 13, 2012 at 07:09 PM
if your build is gonna be used for pure downloading/ torrent, then its okay. but if you're gonna use it for video playback as well, I suggest getting an AMD E-350, AMD A-Series, Intel Celeron G530, Intel Pentium G620/G630 + video card instead.

the Intel D2700DC is the latest model of Intel's low-power Atom processor.

+1

If atom purely for torrent lang like what i'm using now di kaya ang mga 1080p movies.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: coolswitch on May 14, 2012 at 02:11 PM
will the intel board have difficulty playing 720p movies too?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on May 14, 2012 at 03:13 PM
will the intel board have difficulty playing 720p movies too?

As with the E-350, it depends on the format. The GMA 3650 that's built into the D2700 will do HD (even 1080p), but it's really file format / codec dependent. If it's just standard h.264 (or other extensively accelerated codecs), you probably won't have an issue aside from general system performance.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lncc63 on May 14, 2012 at 05:53 PM
I see. Acer sells a small footprint eMachines nettop for a good price. It utilizes the e450 APU, which is essentially a slightly more powerful e350. I saw it selling for just 11k+ in Gilmore sometime ago (with DVD-RW, 2GB RAM, 500GB HDD, and user I/O).

(http://www.liquidation.com/shared/auction/images/photos/43222/widget/43221349_widget.jpg)

Thanks.  Looks like a good deal but I already have an MSI E350.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: comecum on May 18, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Ako din, planning to build a new pc next month choice ko is AMD E350 or Intel D2700. this will be  my torrent rig na din kasi ibebenta ko na yung DLink NAS ko. But still undecided pa din between the two.

(http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3953/fivepictures52243201101.jpg)

MSI E350IA-E45 retail price is P3,750 (no RAM, HDD, case and OS)
more room for additional parts than Manli. but not compact as Manli in terms of size.

or

(http://manli.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/w500/product_thumb/t2red01_0.png)

Manli Nettop T2 AMD E350 Retail Price P9,xxx (no RAM, HDD, and OS)
CPU: AMD APU E350, 1.6Ghz, Dual-core
Chipset: AMD Hudson-M1
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6310 Graphics, Direct X11, 500Mhz
Hard Drive: None
Memory / Slot: None. DDR3-1066 slot x 2 SODIMM, Max 8GB
USB Ports: 4x USB2.0 & 2 x USB3.0
Output: DVI-I(single link)/HDMI
WiFi: 802.11b/g/n & bluetooth
Ethernet: 10/100/1000Mbps
SATA: 1 eSATA
Audio: High Definition Audio
Card Reader: 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/XD)

No additional Hard drive ports, except dun sa USB ports then add docking station na lang..

or

(http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee484/temp_album_photo_5/MINIX/MiniHD_1.jpg)

MINIX™ MINI HD PC retail price is P7,500
Assembly Configuration: Barebone (no RAM, HDD, and OS)
CPU Integrated: Intel Atom D2700 2.13 GHz Dual-Core, Hyper-Threading
Chipset: Intel NM10 Express
Cooler Type: Silent Heatsink
Video Integrated: Intel GMA 3650 HD Graphics
Onboard Audio: High-definition analog stereo, Optical Digital S/PDIF output
Onboard LAN: Dual 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Memory Size: Up to 8GB
Memory Slots: 2 x 204-pin SO-DIMM
Memory Type: DDR3 1066 SO-DIMM
SATA: 1 x 2.5-inch SATA 3.0Gb/s
Video Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x LVDS Header
USB Ports: 2 x USB3.0, 5 x USB2.0 (4 at back, 1 on side)
Expansion: 1 x PCIe x1 slot
Power Connector: DC 12V
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lncc63 on May 18, 2012 at 07:36 PM
MSI E350IA-E45 retail price is P3,750 (no RAM, HDD, case and OS)
more room for additional parts than Manli. but not compact as Manli in terms of size.

Is the price correct Bro?  If yes, where?

If you plan to put it at the back of your TV then I'd go for the other smaller one.  However you'll probably have it feeding an AVR so putting your HTPC of similar size (and color) will not be a demerit but even an advantage.

The Minix with 2 NICs looks like a good candidate for a smart router/firewall/client though it will take a bit of gray matter elbow grease.

Keep us posted on how you go.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: comecum on May 18, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Is the price correct Bro?  If yes, where?

At PCHub or Edge (Festival Mall).
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on May 19, 2012 at 06:35 AM
@comecum

I personally have the Manli T2 AMD E-350 nettop. I use it for streaming video, some surfing, and playing region 1 dvds. (via windows media player and an external dvd-rw). if you're getting this, I suggest putting 4GB ram, an SSD or 7200rpm HDD, and an external 300Mbps WiFi-N USB adapter. (the internal wifi adapter is supposedly a WiFi-N 150, but is slow and weak on signals).


I made the mistake of putting a 5400rpm HDD in mine. don't make the same mistake!  ;) :P
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: lsm0325 on May 19, 2012 at 11:38 PM
AFAIK, may buffalo HDD na torrent based ata? So there's no need for a PC na.

I am using naman a Buffalo ADSL Modem and Router (2 in 1) (WBMR-HP-G300H) with bittorrent with attached external HDD...di hamak pinakamatipid sa power consumption. so no more PDLT modem, no more PC running 24/7, just this and an external HDD. Got it from SG for around SG$100 lang (without the HDD).

http://www.buffalo-asia.com/products/pdf/WBMR-HP-G300H.pdf

No problem so far...been able to download even 10gig++ HD movies. Once completely downloaded, we access the movies via network for viewing.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 02, 2012 at 11:11 AM
If for torrent only and 720p movies, mas tipid ba sa kuryente yung lowest price na htpc setup or laptop?

I am using my T61 for torrent 24/7, 720p movies and internet browsing. For 2-3 years ok pa naman sya. Pero kung mas tipid sa kuryente ang htpc, I will consider htpc.

Notebooks generally consume less energy than equivalent desktops. Newer models are also typically more energy-efficient (this is true for both notebooks and desktops).
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: coolswitch on Sep 04, 2012 at 06:45 PM
Update ko lang pala ito...

I took the netbook path :)

Asus Aspire One 722
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 05, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Update ko lang pala ito...

I took the netbook path :)

Asus Aspire One 722

Congrats! That should be very energy-efficient.

Curious lang, did you consider the Travelmate B113 or the Aspire One 756 when you made the purchase?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 21, 2012 at 08:39 PM
sir anong magandang board for Intel Celeron G530 2.40GHz? With USB 3 sana and HDMI and built graphics at optical out.

thanks!
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Sep 22, 2012 at 10:58 AM
@all

what do you guys think of this itx htpc build?:

Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced   PHP 2130.00
Corsair CX 430watts (CX430)   PHP 2120.00
Asrock H61M ITX   PHP 3230.00
Intel Celeron (G530) 2.4Ghz (Dual Core) lga1155   PHP 1795.00
G.Skill Value 4gb ddr3 1333 CL9 (F3 1066CL9S 4GBNT)   PHP 900.00
OCZ Agility 3 60gb sata3   PHP 2790.00
TOTAL: 12965
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 22, 2012 at 03:08 PM
@all

what do you guys think of this itx htpc build?:

Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced   PHP 2130.00
Corsair CX 430watts (CX430)   PHP 2120.00
Asrock H61M ITX   PHP 3230.00
Intel Celeron (G530) 2.4Ghz (Dual Core) lga1155   PHP 1795.00
G.Skill Value 4gb ddr3 1333 CL9 (F3 1066CL9S 4GBNT)   PHP 900.00
OCZ Agility 3 60gb sata3   PHP 2790.00
TOTAL: 12965

It's more than adequate for typical 2D use. :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: ≧◉◡◉≦xrampage≧◉◡◉≦ on Sep 23, 2012 at 08:11 AM
@all

what do you guys think of this itx htpc build?:

Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced   PHP 2130.00
Corsair CX 430watts (CX430)   PHP 2120.00
Asrock H61M ITX   PHP 3230.00
Intel Celeron (G530) 2.4Ghz (Dual Core) lga1155   PHP 1795.00
G.Skill Value 4gb ddr3 1333 CL9 (F3 1066CL9S 4GBNT)   PHP 900.00
OCZ Agility 3 60gb sata3   PHP 2790.00
TOTAL: 12965

I believe that could do a 3D also just add a Video card as i also have same setup G620.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 23, 2012 at 08:39 AM
I believe that could do a 3D also just add a Video card as i also have same setup G620.  ;D ;D

Yes, or moving to an i3 processor or a Llano platform. Intel skipped HDMI 1.4a 3D in the Celeron and Pentium lines.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Sep 23, 2012 at 09:41 AM
to follow na ang video card. target ko na htpc gpu: 7750. maybe I'll reuse my i5 from my main rig when I decide to upgrade it.  ;)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 23, 2012 at 10:05 AM
to follow na ang video card. target ko na htpc gpu: 7750. maybe I'll reuse my i5 from my main rig when I decide to upgrade it.  ;)

Good to go na yan for current content. :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: ≧◉◡◉≦xrampage≧◉◡◉≦ on Sep 23, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Yes, or moving to an i3 processor or a Llano platform. Intel skipped HDMI 1.4a 3D in the Celeron and Pentium lines.

For me kahit di 1.4a kaya naman ang 3D i already use HDMI 1.3 and it can do 3D.  ;) ;) ;)

to follow na ang video card. target ko na htpc gpu: 7750. maybe I'll reuse my i5 from my main rig when I decide to upgrade it.  ;)

+1
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 23, 2012 at 07:05 PM
For me kahit di 1.4a kaya naman ang 3D i already use HDMI 1.3 and it can do 3D.  ;) ;) ;)

+1

It's not a requirement, but the HD Graphics / Graphics 1000 of Celeron/Pentium implementations would have to do frame packing by software.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: ≧◉◡◉≦xrampage≧◉◡◉≦ on Sep 23, 2012 at 07:20 PM
It's not a requirement, but the HD Graphics / Graphics 1000 of Celeron/Pentium implementations would have to do frame packing by software.

I believe kaya naman ng gagamitan ni brader wag lang remux or iso 3D. 
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 24, 2012 at 09:58 PM
@all

what do you guys think of this itx htpc build?:

Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced   PHP 2130.00
Corsair CX 430watts (CX430)   PHP 2120.00
Asrock H61M ITX   PHP 3230.00
Intel Celeron (G530) 2.4Ghz (Dual Core) lga1155   PHP 1795.00
G.Skill Value 4gb ddr3 1333 CL9 (F3 1066CL9S 4GBNT)   PHP 900.00
OCZ Agility 3 60gb sata3   PHP 2790.00
TOTAL: 12965

Sir what's the performance of this setup pagdating sa gaming?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 25, 2012 at 02:24 AM
Sir what's the performance of this setup pagdating sa gaming?

Most modern games put more strain on the graphics engine, especially as you ramp settings up. A dedicated graphics adapter is highly recommended for this purpose (unless you're talking about FB games and the like).
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 25, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Most modern games put more strain on the graphics engine, especially as you ramp settings up. A dedicated graphics adapter is highly recommended for this purpose (unless you're talking about FB games and the like).


thanks for the info! i guess the VC will come in later.


Sir DTNS pwede mahiram yung listahan mo? :)





and btw without the VC, can this setup handle 3D playback? SBS and BD ISO?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Sep 25, 2012 at 08:51 PM

thanks for the info! i guess the VC will come in later.


Sir DTNS pwede mahiram yung listahan mo? :)





and btw without the VC, can this setup handle 3D playback? SBS and BD ISO?

go ahead. regarding handling 3D content, I think a gpu is still required.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 27, 2012 at 05:50 PM
go ahead. regarding handling 3D content, I think a gpu is still required.

sir tapos na build mo?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Sep 27, 2012 at 09:06 PM
sir tapos na build mo?

hindi pa. bubuoin ko muna ang 5.1 ko bago ako bumuo ng htpc. ;)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 27, 2012 at 09:54 PM
about to dive in, last question - G620 or G530?? .20Ghz diff
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 28, 2012 at 04:15 AM
about to dive in, last question - G620 or G530?? .20Ghz diff

Not much difference in most cases. Go with what you like. :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 28, 2012 at 07:01 PM
Not much difference in most cases. Go with what you like. :)

Sir thanks!

although another thing came in, another comparison

Got this from PCHub, AMD build:

CPU: AMD Llano A4 3400 2.7 ghz - 2270
MOBO: Asrock A55M HVS - 2470
RAM: G.Skill RipJaws X (dual) 2x2gb ddr3 1600 CL9 - 1350
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 1tb - 3500
PSU: Antec VP350w - 1170

I am just concern about the Procie and mobo

CPU: AMD Llano A4 3400 2.7 ghz - 2270
> Intel Celeron G530 2.40GHz   1795

MOBO: Asrock A55M HVS - 2470
> Asrock H61M ITX   3230

Question now is should I go Intel or AMD?
Still looking for low power for torrent rig and high def movies and audio

Pero sa MOBO parang talo yung A55M kasi walang USB3 at Optical out
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 28, 2012 at 07:06 PM
Sir thanks!

although another thing came in, another comparison

Got this from PCHub, AMD build:

CPU: AMD Llano A4 3400 2.7 ghz - 2270
MOBO: Asrock A55M HVS - 2470
RAM: G.Skill RipJaws X (dual) 2x2gb ddr3 1600 CL9 - 1350
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 1tb - 3500
PSU: Antec VP350w - 1170

I am just concern about the Procie and mobo

CPU: AMD Llano A4 3400 2.7 ghz - 2270
> Intel Celeron G530 2.40GHz   1795

MOBO: Asrock A55M HVS - 2470
> Asrock H61M ITX   3230

Question now is should I go Intel or AMD?
Still looking for low power for torrent rig and high def movies and audio

Pero sa MOBO parang talo yung A55M kasi walang USB3 at Optical out

A4 (or better yet A6-3500) delivers better video, but the G530 is the more energy-efficient option. Go a step up (A75) if you want native USB 3.0.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Sep 28, 2012 at 08:51 PM
A4 (or better yet A6-3500) delivers better video, but the G530 is the more energy-efficient option. Go a step up (A75) if you want native USB 3.0.

Sir Stagea, noticeable ba ang difference ng power consumption ng AMD at Intel based on the procie that were mentioned?

and if I wanna go AMD, what's the next bang for the buck mobo? parang hindi ko type yung Asrock A55M HVS kasi walang optical at USB3 port.

Sir what do you mean about native USB3?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Sep 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Sir Stagea, noticeable ba ang difference ng power consumption ng AMD at Intel based on the procie that were mentioned?
The difference isn't much, really. We're splitting hairs at this point.

and if I wanna go AMD, what's the next bang for the buck mobo? parang hindi ko type yung Asrock A55M HVS kasi walang optical at USB3 port.
A75M-ITX includes both an optical and 4 USB 3.0 ports. Of course, you can also find motherboards from other brands.

Sir what do you mean about native USB3?
Native, meaning it's not a mere add-on. Add-on USB 3.0 controllers like those used in boards utilizing older chipsets can be problematic when running devices that are sensitive to latency. They generally do not offer the same performance as native implementations as well, as most rely on a PCI-E 1x link.

Native USB 3.0 Support:
AMD - A68M, A70M, A75, A85X
Intel - B75, Q75, Q77, H77, Z75, Z77, QS77, QM77, UM77, HM77, HM76, HM75, HM70

If a motherboard offers USB 3.0 and utilizes an older chipset, chances are it's using an add-on USB 3.0 controller.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: stockHT on Oct 01, 2012 at 12:55 AM
The difference isn't much, really. We're splitting hairs at this point.
A75M-ITX includes both an optical and 4 USB 3.0 ports. Of course, you can also find motherboards from other brands.
Native, meaning it's not a mere add-on. Add-on USB 3.0 controllers like those used in boards utilizing older chipsets can be problematic when running devices that are sensitive to latency. They generally do not offer the same performance as native implementations as well, as most rely on a PCI-E 1x link.

Native USB 3.0 Support:
AMD - A68M, A70M, A75, A85X
Intel - B75, Q75, Q77, H77, Z75, Z77, QS77, QM77, UM77, HM77, HM76, HM75, HM70

If a motherboard offers USB 3.0 and utilizes an older chipset, chances are it's using an add-on USB 3.0 controller.

sir thank you for patiently answering all my questions!


if very minimal ang difference ng power consumption, I might go AMD, for better graphics or PQ.
am I right on that part?

:)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Oct 01, 2012 at 03:37 AM
sir thank you for patiently answering all my questions!


if very minimal ang difference ng power consumption, I might go AMD, for better graphics or PQ.
am I right on that part?

:)

You're welcome. Yes, it makes sense to go that route if you plan on using the IGP. The A6-3500 only costs a few hundred more than the A4-3400. It's probably worth the difference as you get an extra core and better graphics capability.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: thebat on Jan 01, 2013 at 10:59 AM
I am also using my laptop msi. Once na ako nag pa thermal paste. Napansin ko ngayon umiinit ulit overnight. Mukhang dapat desktop and setup.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Jan 02, 2013 at 06:05 AM
I am also using my laptop msi. Once na ako nag pa thermal paste. Napansin ko ngayon umiinit ulit overnight. Mukhang dapat desktop and setup.

Keep the vents open and the notebook elevated from the surface. Baka madumi na din yung heatsink or mabagal na yung fan motor.

Try adjusting the minimum power state under Processor Power Management / Advanced Power Settings in Power Options. Set it to 5% or lower.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Jan 02, 2013 at 08:42 PM

Try adjusting the minimum power state under Processor Power Management / Advanced Power Settings in Power Options. Set it to 5% or lower.

I do something similar when using my laptop as an htpc: when it's plugged into a tv or receiver via hdmi, and it's playing video, I change its power plan to Power Saver (lowest brightness setting). ;)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 11, 2013 at 11:27 AM
i've been backreading about desktops etc, all your post has been enlightening to me, i'll be going for an amd set-up based on feedback from relatives, friends and forum threads, tiningnan ko more on power comsumption, taas na kasi electric bill namin, hahahaha
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 11, 2013 at 12:02 PM
question, sa dami ng available power supply, ano yun suggestions ninyo na reliable brand and/or model?
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: raptor on Jan 11, 2013 at 02:53 PM
question, sa dami ng available power supply, ano yun suggestions ninyo na reliable brand and/or model?

good brands are corsair, seasonic, antec, enermax, and hec ... look for models with 80%+ efficiency, normally those would have good components and better quality ... plus those would have less power consumption due to high efficiency
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 11, 2013 at 04:16 PM
good brands are corsair, seasonic, antec, enermax, and hec ... look for models with 80%+ efficiency, normally those would have good components and better quality ... plus those would have less power consumption due to high efficiency

thank you very much for your reply, will choose one of those brands that you mentioned, will be going for either an a6 or a8 amd proc... my current rig decided it was time to rest :( it was long in the tooth na rin and served its purpose extremely well, hehehe
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Jan 11, 2013 at 09:39 PM
thank you very much for your reply, will choose one of those brands that you mentioned, will be going for either an a6 or a8 amd proc... my current rig decided it was time to rest :( it was long in the tooth na rin and served its purpose extremely well, hehehe

take out HEC from that list. I've had a bad experience with their psu before.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Jan 12, 2013 at 02:56 AM
thank you very much for your reply, will choose one of those brands that you mentioned, will be going for either an a6 or a8 amd proc... my current rig decided it was time to rest :( it was long in the tooth na rin and served its purpose extremely well, hehehe

If you're going with Trinity, I suggest going all the way up to the A10. The local A8 models consume nearly as much power, without performing nearly as well.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 12, 2013 at 04:16 AM
take out HEC from that list. I've had a bad experience with their psu before.

thank you very much, noted

If you're going with Trinity, I suggest going all the way up to the A10. The local A8 models consume nearly as much power, without performing nearly as well.

oh okay, i'm currently looking at a8-3870k or a6-3500, suggestion mo is the a10-5800k? will keep that in mind, i was a bit partial sa a6 because of budgetary constraints since sudden yun need ko for a new set-up but i'm willing to add a little to the overall budget to ensure it will adapt easily to whatever comes for the next few years, as for the motherboard, ano suggest nyo that works well with amd's (the reasonably priced models)? i'm keen on msi (since i've had a very favorable experience with that brand before) but i'm also looking at gigabyte because of the extra options within the same price range nung msi models and good reviews from my brother, thank you very much
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Jan 12, 2013 at 07:05 AM
thank you very much, noted

oh okay, i'm currently looking at a8-3870k or a6-3500, suggestion mo is the a10-5800k? will keep that in mind, i was a bit partial sa a6 because of budgetary constraints since sudden yun need ko for a new set-up but i'm willing to add a little to the overall budget to ensure it will adapt easily to whatever comes for the next few years, as for the motherboard, ano suggest nyo that works well with amd's (the reasonably priced models)? i'm keen on msi (since i've had a very favorable experience with that brand before) but i'm also looking at gigabyte because of the extra options within the same price range nung msi models and good reviews from my brother, thank you very much

Ahh for Llano, A6-3500 is decent naman when it comes to power consumption vs. performance. Trinity's a generation newer on the other hand, saka mas mahaba pa ang life ng FM2 motherboards so it makes sense to look at FM2 over FM1.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: raptor on Jan 12, 2013 at 07:17 AM
Ahh for Llano, A6-3500 is decent naman when it comes to power consumption vs. performance. Trinity's a generation newer on the other hand, saka mas mahaba pa ang life ng FM2 motherboards so it makes sense to look at FM2 over FM1.

agree with this ... FM1 boards are already being phased out
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: DTNS on Jan 12, 2013 at 08:30 AM
htpc builders, you might want to wait for these: ;)
http://techreport.com/news/24180/home-theater-pcs-targeted-by-new-silverstone-cases (http://techreport.com/news/24180/home-theater-pcs-targeted-by-new-silverstone-cases)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 12, 2013 at 09:06 AM
Ahh for Llano, A6-3500 is decent naman when it comes to power consumption vs. performance. Trinity's a generation newer on the other hand, saka mas mahaba pa ang life ng FM2 motherboards so it makes sense to look at FM2 over FM1.

thank you uli, will calculate parts pagpunta ko gilmore later, will try to fit in a trinity set-up sa budget :)
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 15, 2013 at 11:25 AM
do i need to get a cooling fan for amd's? the store in gilmore was trying to sell me those cooling fans specially the watercooled ones, i went with a trinity proc & fm2 mobo, medyo nagtipid muna ako sa ibang parts but will upgrade or add parts little by little......ang di pa pala nabili yun monitor, will buy this weekend, any comments on several brands will be highly appreciated, according to several friends, samsung has one of the best service of all the current brands available
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: Stagea on Jan 15, 2013 at 11:40 AM
do i need to get a cooling fan for amd's? the store in gilmore was trying to sell me those cooling fans specially the watercooled ones, i went with a trinity proc & fm2 mobo, medyo nagtipid muna ako sa ibang parts but will upgrade or add parts little by little......ang di pa pala nabili yun monitor, will buy this weekend, any comments on several brands will be highly appreciated, according to several friends, samsung has one of the best service of all the current brands available

If you purchased a retail processor, then it should come with a cooling solution. It would do for most applications, but a more powerful aftermarket cooler can reduce noise or bring down average temperatures.

Since you're putting together a budget build, stick with the supplied cooler for now. You can replace it later on if you find it too loud.
Title: Re: low cost low power consumption 24/7 torrent rig + htpc build help
Post by: bashi on Jan 15, 2013 at 04:05 PM
If you purchased a retail processor, then it should come with a cooling solution. It would do for most applications, but a more powerful aftermarket cooler can reduce noise or bring down average temperatures.

Since you're putting together a budget build, stick with the supplied cooler for now. You can replace it later on if you find it too loud.

thanks, medyo sudden lang kasi yun need for a new set-up, was really planning on getting a new one either late 1st quarter or probably summer but my previous desktop didn't cooperate with my sched, being flooded with a ton of choices, i want to make sure bang for the buck yun assemble ko and reliable :)