crackintosh Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 i'm still using a quicksilver G4 and desperately need to upgrade. i am planning on doing a micro ATX build in a slim HTPC or SFF case. i would like something that can do 1080p for around $500-600. here's what im thinking: CPU- i5 750 MOBO- Gigabyte P55M-UD2......what about H55 mobos? whats the difference between them and P55? RAM- probably 4GB.....G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) HD- 1GB Or 2GB depending on costs. are the samsung spinpoint a good choice? GPU- i dont play games so i just need something that is capable of 1080p. i wanted to get a radeon 5670 because it has displayport (planning on getting an LED w/displayport in the future). any chance for 5000-series support in the near future? case- something good that wont break the bank. something with good cooling and 4 full length PCI slots PSU- how much power will i need? good brands for PSUs? DVDRW- liteon lightscribe i want to make this system as future-proof as possible. i multitask a lot and run audio apps (DP, reason) so i need decent hardware. this will be used as my main computer as well as media server. going to run the system to a Denon AVR-1403 and Cambridge Soundworks speakers i'm willing to break the budget a lil if i have to but i wanna stay within close since i have a few other gadgets to purchase Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 any help? i want to build as soon as possible i'm having trouble finding a case. i want the most compact case while still allowing for full length PCI slots, front ports, and a card reader. might just get a cheap rackmount case instead, which means i could go with a regular ATX mobo. the extra expansion slots would be good since i use em. any recommendations? whats a cheap graphics card that works well for snow leopard? what PSU would be suitable and what are good brands? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1411135 Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricM Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 If your wanting an htpc case, I always recommend this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...9-046-_-Product But honestly, just get a mid-tower. You won't have the trouble of cramped spaces and bad cooling. If you want future proof, I wouldn't go for an htpc case. As for 1080p playback, you should be able to get away with a 9400gt. But I would recommend a 9800gt since they are so cheap and you get great performance from them. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...0-323-_-Product You won't need a psu over 500w for your build. Corsair, OCZ, Antec, Seasonic, etc are all good brands. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1411190 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted February 17, 2010 Author Share Posted February 17, 2010 checked out that antec case.....looks like low profile cards and its a tight fit even for mATX boards. theres the nMedia 1000B which im considering.....i'll probably just get a rackmount case and put it with my other audio equipment. this means i might as well get a full ATX mobo. also gonna need a front port bay since a rackmount case wont have it...with audio connections and a multi card reader. do hackintoshes have problems with card readers? damn, 100 bucks for the 9800gt? you can get a 5670 for that price. i really wish i could use a 5450, that card would be ideal for me and cheap. CPU- i5 750 MOBO- GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 RAM- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) HD- Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB PSU- Thermaltake TR2 W0379RU 500W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply - Retail CASE- Rosewill RSV-Z4000 Black SECC Japanese steel 1.2mm thickness 4U Server Rackmount Case 5.25" x 6/ 3.5" x 5 (12 max)/ Optical Slim x1 Drive Bays Connectland CL-37004518 Multifunction Front Panel LiteOn iHAS524 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1411792 Share on other sites More sharing options...
pirloui Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 nVidia have much better hackintosh support, recommended versus the ATI. 9800GT might be overkill for you, as mentionned if it's just for playing HD, the 9400GT will be enough. Else the 9600GT is a nice middle road. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1412479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 5, 2010 Author Share Posted March 5, 2010 yea im gonna use a 9400/9500. all i need is full support in SL. decided to go with a xeon x3440 since they work on P55 mobos. slightly less clock speed but hyper threading and server grade chip. are any of the gigabyte mobos with usb 3.0/sata 3.0 fine to use? now i need to find a good rackmount case that doesnt cost too much. any ideas there? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1423252 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted March 6, 2010 Share Posted March 6, 2010 Newegg has a nice selection of Rackmount 4U server chassis. I've used a number of these from Norco and ARK to build rackmount rendering systems for clients, and several HTPCs. Server chassis make excellent HTPC cases- most look much better than the cheaper HTPC cases (and generally for less money) and are a lot more sturdy and roomy. Providing you have a place to mount them, the finished look is very professional. The main 'downsides' are that they are much heavier than standard cases, and also tend to be longer. So if you have a specific space in mind to put it, make sure you measure for length. I'd also make sure that any rackmount case you pick specifies standard mATX and ATX compatibility. It's rare, but a few only have mounts for EEB and E-ATX server boards. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1424330 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 13, 2010 Author Share Posted March 13, 2010 ok, the NORCO RPC-470 seems like a good bet i can use SSD in them right? my plan is to get a SSD in a few months and use it as the OS boot drive looking to finalize my specs and order everything so i can have it up and running before the NCAA tourney begins Xeon x3440 GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3P G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB GeForce 9400GT/9500GT DDR3 w/HDMI & Displayport (any that work?) 24x DVD BURNER NORCO RPC-470 Black 4U Rackmount 500W PSU intel is releasing new xeons this month so maybe i should hold off. i could switch to a socket 1336 and possibly use one of the new gulftown 32nm chips. they should theoretically work with an X58 mobo since the x3400 chips work in P55. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1427945 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 i need to finalize my hardware. getting tired of this computer that doesnt work. microcenter has the i7 930 for $230 which is only 10 bucks more than the xeon but it would require me to go x58/triple channel memory. probably too much of a cost increase for me to do that. i'll call microcenter to see if they have the xeon. i need a graphics card with dvi/hdmi/displayport....either 9400 or 9500 as long as it works. theres a sparkle card but its DDR2, i was looking for a DDR3 card. any ati options? are hitachi deskstars ok? i've heard them being referred to as "deathstars". they are the cheapest 1TB 32MB cache drives but the spinpoint seems like a safer choice. cost im looking at a little over 700. didnt wanna spend that much but im willing to over. hopefully i can get it under 700. now the install.....am i best going with tony's install method? i need to make sure the mobo is fully working, does anyone have experience with the gigabyte UD3P? onboard sound/network is a must. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1431253 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemingways Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Remember that Microcenter will price match Newegg and any other major website, so check prices before you leave for Microcenter. If you find a cheaper price write it down with the url address and have them match it to save some $$$. Best wishes. I've had Hitachi's as the main drive in my last 3 builds without problems. Microcenter usually has a nice price on them. i need to finalize my hardware. getting tired of this computer that doesnt work. microcenter has the i7 930 for $230 which is only 10 bucks more than the xeon but it would require me to go x58/triple channel memory. probably too much of a cost increase for me to do that. i'll call microcenter to see if they have the xeon. i need a graphics card with dvi/hdmi/displayport....either 9400 or 9500 as long as it works. theres a sparkle card but its DDR2, i was looking for a DDR3 card. any ati options? are hitachi deskstars ok? i've heard them being referred to as "deathstars". they are the cheapest 1TB 32MB cache drives but the spinpoint seems like a safer choice. cost im looking at a little over 700. didnt wanna spend that much but im willing to over. hopefully i can get it under 700. now the install.....am i best going with tony's install method? i need to make sure the mobo is fully working, does anyone have experience with the gigabyte UD3P? onboard sound/network is a must. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1431679 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 21, 2010 Author Share Posted March 21, 2010 microcenter is kinda far and id have to pay tax but i'll check them beforehand. i need to locate a graphics card that works with displayport for 50-70 bucks. any help? i7 860 is 200 at microcenter, they have the western digital caviar green 1TB intellipower for 75. hitachi deskstar 1TB is 80, 2TB 150. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1432290 Share on other sites More sharing options...
pirloui Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Geforce 9400GT is enough for 1080p, but the 9600GT is better if you might do some gaming. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1432449 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 22, 2010 Author Share Posted March 22, 2010 i know that but i need to know if any models with dvi/hdmi/displayport work Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1432720 Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricM Posted March 24, 2010 Share Posted March 24, 2010 To my knowledge, it seems that most dvi/hdmi cards have had problems when using hdmi, dvi x2 is ideal. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1433838 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 24, 2010 Author Share Posted March 24, 2010 i'll be using DVI initially but i'm looking to get a new monitor either HP ZR24w or Apple 24" LED so i need displayport. dont wanna have to buy 2 graphics card when i dont need to. i also dont want to use an adapter. ready to order as soon as i can find the graphics card. does this card work? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434215 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 Why make things complicated? Just go to monoprice and look for a DVI to minidisplay cable that's however many feet you need. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434577 Share on other sites More sharing options...
FKA Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 To my knowledge, it seems that most dvi/hdmi cards have had problems when using hdmi, dvi x2 is ideal. The problem with HDMI, DVI, VGA ported cards is that the HDMI and DVI are shared ports. i.e. you can't run a HDMI and DVI together. It's either HDMI and VGA or DVI and VGA. I happily ran my 1080 LG TV on the HDMI port and VGA monitor on the VGA port using a 9500 GT. If your monitor is DVI you can use VGA to DVI converter block (obviously you'll not be making the most out of your digital monitor ... compromise!) D Why make things complicated? Just go to monoprice and look for a DVI to minidisplay cable that's however many feet you need. If you only intend to run 1x monitor - absolutly, anything with 1x DVI port would work with a displayport to DVI converter. D. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434582 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 I must be missing something with that last post. Dual DVI works just fine, running either dual monitors, or with an HDMI adapter. DVI and HDMI are of course the exact same video signal, just obviously no audio with DVI. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434689 Share on other sites More sharing options...
FKA Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 I must be missing something with that last post. Dual DVI works just fine, running either dual monitors, or with an HDMI adapter. DVI and HDMI are of course the exact same video signal, just obviously no audio with DVI. indeed ... I was pointing out the downside to DVI, VGA, HDMI ported cards (as apposed to dual DVI ported cards.) and pointing out that they do work just fine. In my experience most of the cheaper GPU's (the subject in hand.) are "DVI, VGA" or "DVI, VGA, HDMI" ported. You could pick up a 9500 gt 1GB DVI, VGA, HDMI card for around £25 if you look around! D Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434741 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 Ah, gotcha. I read your post wrong. (By the way, is it just me, or does posting to this forum BLOW in Firefox? Yes, I know, totally off topic but man it's annoying.) Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1434817 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted March 26, 2010 Author Share Posted March 26, 2010 ok whats the cheapest i can get that works out of the box ? i dont need anything fancy is 460W fine for the PSU? Intel Xeon x3440 GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB HITACHI Deskstar 1TB Lite-On iHAS424 NORCO RPC-470 Black 4U Rackmount Server Case 3 External 5.25" Drive Bays - OEM COOLER MASTER Elite 460 RS-460-PSAR-J3 460W ATX12V V2.31 Power Supply - Retail Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/209934-cheapest-build-for-1080p-playback/#findComment-1435219 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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