Gaming HTPC
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:07 pm
Hi everyone,
I'm attempting my first htpc build and have a few questions on chipsets and mother boards. I want to build a gaming htpc using the sandy bridge P67 or possibly a Z68 chipset when it comes out. I can't seem to find a lot of information on this type of htpc build. Most sites are only listing h67 builds and info. My total price for the build is $1000, but might be a little more if I decide to wait for the Z68. I want to be able to watch and record over the air channels and cable. Play 3D movies and games.
Questions:
Is Z68 chipset worth waiting for over the P67 chipset? I plan on playing games and since the IGP has an issue with playing 24P is there any reason to still want to use it? I was kind of interested in lucidlogix's Virtu software because you can somewhat conserve power and only use the discrete graphics card when it's needed, but I haven't been able to find prices for it or even if it's available for sale to the consumer yet.
What features make a good HTPC motherboard and which one do you recommend for P67 that is micro atx?
Also any good links you know of for building a gaming htpc would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
I'm attempting my first htpc build and have a few questions on chipsets and mother boards. I want to build a gaming htpc using the sandy bridge P67 or possibly a Z68 chipset when it comes out. I can't seem to find a lot of information on this type of htpc build. Most sites are only listing h67 builds and info. My total price for the build is $1000, but might be a little more if I decide to wait for the Z68. I want to be able to watch and record over the air channels and cable. Play 3D movies and games.
Questions:
Is Z68 chipset worth waiting for over the P67 chipset? I plan on playing games and since the IGP has an issue with playing 24P is there any reason to still want to use it? I was kind of interested in lucidlogix's Virtu software because you can somewhat conserve power and only use the discrete graphics card when it's needed, but I haven't been able to find prices for it or even if it's available for sale to the consumer yet.
What features make a good HTPC motherboard and which one do you recommend for P67 that is micro atx?
Also any good links you know of for building a gaming htpc would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris