Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Info & chat about quiet prebuilt, small form factor and barebones systems, people's experiences with vendors thereof, etc.

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Pappnaas
Posts: 726
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 11:23 am
Location: Germany

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Pappnaas » Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:27 am

The watercooling is less quiet than a Macho and adds pump noise to your system. I would not advice using one if noise is a concern. In Addition all kits prefer to be mounted in pull config, drawing fresh air into the case. Mounting them in push config results in slightly higher noise and temps.

Instead of going i7 you should opt for a Xeon E3.

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:42 am

Avirhel wrote:Ok :-)

I'm having a doubts regarding the CPU. I don't know if I should go for the I7 4770 (281,60€). The Hyper-Threading Technology is used in some games and in video encoding. I will use video encoding. Its only 62 euros more and I don't think I'm going to do overclock (I don't thing I will need the K version). The I7 4770K is only 15€ more than the I7 4770... Do you think the K version is good for Quiet PC, to underclock or undervolt or something? I don't want to do overclock.

And for the cooling system, the water cooling is more effective from what I read... it has a fan too. Can´t this fan be used at back has exhaust fan as well and I buy one less ANTEC True Quiet? I don't think I'm going to overclock so... the water cooling probably Its not necessary. But the cooler the CPU is the better life spent and performance... right? Like the CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H90, for example. It has a 140mm fan as well.

Thank you :-)
Water cooling in most cases will end up noisier, you can look into SPCR similar reviews on AIO watercooling kits. I do believe that you can build almost as quiet on water but with a expensive custom waterloop, and issolating the pump and a lot of things that you have to do to be able to achieve close to what you can do with air in terms of noise. If you want a more capable cooler just look into the twin towers like Thermalirght Silver Arrow SBE, Phantek PH-TC14PE, Prolimatech Genesis, Noctua NH-D14, most of them were reviewed by SPCR and got editors choice, but coolers like Mugen 4 and HR02 Macho still offer better value for the money, the U14S is a more expensive as i said, but what you gain is a cooler that has a fan that can be drop to 200rpm, i suggested out of your comments that you are pretty sensible to noise, personally i find the TY147 included on the macho fine, im even running a TY150 on my HR22 that idles at 550rpm and still find it good enough, but the NF-A15 PWM has a really big range of control from 200rpm to 1500rpm all can be achieved by simply moving the graph on FanXpert2, you can also go with the HR02 macho and just buy a single NF-A15 PWM (it will fit as i posted the pic in previous post), probably will end up slightly cheaper.

Image

Unless what you use takes advantage of hyperthreading there is no need to go into 4770 or K.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:23 am

Ok, I left the water cooling behind. I will stick with the air cooling.

I think I'm going for the i7 4770 CPU.

Which of these have the better radiator: Thermalirght Silver Arrow SBE, Phantek PH-TC14PE, Prolimatech Genesis, Noctua NH-D14? Then I change the fans for the NF-A15 PWM.

Thank you.

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:09 pm

Avirhel wrote:Which of these have the better radiator: Thermalirght Silver Arrow SBE, Phantek PH-TC14PE, Prolimatech Genesis, Noctua NH-D14? Then I change the fans for the NF-A15 PWM.
I mentioned this coolers are being the flagships of each brand, the best performers, and often look by overclockers into trying to get the coolest running setup as possible, all of them start to get very close to AIO watercooling kits, but also they have to spin up to compete.

The HR02 and U14S should be more than enough for a 4770, i ran a 4770K on an HR02 for 4 months and i have no issues to report, its fine, and now with the HR22 is the same thing, the HR02 is a very good cooler for the money, i still think its your best option. Now with dual fans the only one that wins to it is the Prolimatech Geneis. From the latest heatsink SPCR review, Thermalright HR-22 CPU Heatsink, with a single reference fan, the U14S is no2 cpu on the chart, with dual fan the Macho is no2 but the genesis is no1, now if you factor that a genesis will cost you almost twice without fans.... and that prolimatech fans are very nice but expensive.... then Macho seems like really good pick for the money or U14S (a little more expensive, but with a more tweakable range fan).

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:43 am

Thank you :-)

Curent Configuration:

Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………………..…….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO……………………………………………………………………………..174,50€
CPU:  INTEL I7 4770 3.4GHZ 8MB SKT 1150 BOX……………………………………………….…….275,85€
CPU Cooler: PROLIMATECH GENESIS…………………………………………………………...……..…..60,85€
CPU Cooler fans (2): NOCTUA NF-A15 PWM 140MM 1200RPM……………………………...…….48,20€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0…………….…..249,75€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P660W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM……..……..….168,25€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 250GB 2.5" SATA III………………………………..164,80€
Memory: CORSAIR PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB VENGEANCE LP BLACK CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3…..86,55€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..….…80,15€
Case fans (4): ANTEC TRUE QUIET 140MM FAN..………………………………………………………61,40€

Price: 1692,75€ (almost all the prices raised since last week :-() Just like the year before :-(
There is a best time to buy this? Perhaps after christmas? ... Dammit...

I love that CPU Cooler.

Its just missing the UPS. Do you think this UPS is enough? APC POWER-SAVING BACK-UPS 8 OUTLET 550VA- 94,25€: http://www.alientech.pt/product_info.ph ... ts_id=9428

Thank you :-(
Last edited by Avirhel on Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:28 am, edited 1 time in total.

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:27 am

Avirhel wrote:CPU Cooler: PROLIMATECH GENESIS…………………………………………………………...……..…..60,85€
CPU Cooler fans (2): NOCTUA NF-A15 PWM 140MM 1200RPM……………………………...…….48,20€
I love that CPU Cooler :-D
The fans you chose are fine in terms of rpms, and they should fit also, the frame of it can fit 140mm fans on each of the heatsinks, but the Genesis included clips mount like in the middle of the fan,

Image

Now if you look into NF-A15 PWM it has sticking platic/rubber on the sides, i would try to install them those sides against the clips, as thats the only side that the fan touches the heatsink and the rubber will dampen the vibrations, but if it interferes with the mounting clips just rotate them 90 degrees, just be careful into allowing enough space so the fans dont touch each other.

Image
Avirhel wrote:Its just missing the UPS. Do you think this UPS is enough? APC POWER-SAVING BACK-UPS 8 OUTLET 550VA- 94,25€: http://www.alientech.pt/product_info.ph ... ts_id=9428
I know very little on UPSs, i run 1500VA for my main gaming PC and another 1500VA for my server/download station, but to what i understand the more VA will only give you more uptime, not sure weather it has an impact when not using the dedicated battery, 550 is a relatively small, but should give you more than a couple minute to close all your things and turn it off (will also depend on the load your PC is at when its on battery). Just a warning some newer PSU dont like certain PSU out of the way they supply the enegy on battery mode.... i havent had issues with APC or Cyberpower, but just mentioning just in case.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:32 am

FINAL CONFIGURATION:

Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………………..…….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO……………………………………………………………………………..174,50€
CPU: INTEL I7 4770 3.4GHZ 8MB SKT 1150 BOX………………………………………………..….275,85€
CPU Cooler: PROLIMATECH GENESIS………………………………………………………….....…..…..60,85€
CPU Cooler fans (2): NOCTUA NF-A15 PWM 140MM 1200RPM……………………………...…….48,20€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0…………….…..249,75€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P660W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM……..……..….168,25€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 250GB 2.5" SATA III………………………………..164,80€
Memory: CORSAIR PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB VENGEANCE LP BLACK CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3…..86,55€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..….…80,15€
Case fans (4): ANTEC TRUE QUIET 140MM FAN..………………………………………………………61,40€
UPS: APC POWER-SAVING BACK-UPS ES 8 OUTLET 700VA...................................................107,30€

Price: 1800,05€ (almost all the prices raised since last week... Just like the year before :roll:
There is a best time to buy this? Perhaps after christmas? ... Dammit... :o

Thank you for your excellent advices. :|

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Fri Nov 22, 2013 11:16 am

Avirhel wrote:Price: 1800,05€ (almost all the prices raised since last week... Just like the year before :roll:
There is a best time to buy this? Perhaps after christmas? ... Dammit... :o
In PC there is no better time, i always suggest buy it when you need it and as close as you can to whatever your target load will be. But im waiting to see what comes on black friday on amazon (maybe newegg if a friend helps me) to see if i can snag something on sale, specially looking for platinum PSUs. Some countries also have post Christmas sales, etc, but not always what you want goes into sale, so its hard to say an ideal time to buy.

But i think you got excited on picking things, there is always better things, i could easily build a $5000 PC if i go into custom cases, custom waterloop, 6 cores, multiple gpus, etc, but the question is weather i need it or not, so even though all your choices are very well regarded by SPCR and even by other sites, you should fit it to whatever you have your budget, you can always upgrade coolers, fans, hdds, etc down the road, this is one of the main reason i do my own builds and not buy premades.

Either way looks like a great PC all around, good luck when ever you build it.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Fri Nov 22, 2013 11:48 am

I'm worried about the warranty of the components if I buy them online.
One thing that I could do is buy the main components: case and its fans, mobo, CPU and cooller, PSU and memory. And try to find the best price for the other components and mount them myself.

Well, probably wont be a good saving...
I love to mount all of it myself :-) But one thing that I'm very afraid is the assembling of the CPU cooler regarding the thermal interface material application. I could buy all the components one buy one at local stores at the best price and mount them myself. You buy all components online?
I´m going to start looking for good prices now. I think with patience I could mount all by myself :-) Now google have so many tutorials, and here at the SPCR must have many too. I'm going to look for them.

Final Configuration:
Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………………..…….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO……………………………………………………………………………..174,50€
CPU: INTEL I7 4770S, 4770 or 4770K ???/b]………………………………………….....……….???,??€
CPU Cooler: PROLIMATECH GENESIS………………………………………………………….....…..…..60,85€
CPU Cooler fans (2): NOCTUA NF-A15 PWM 140MM 1200RPM……………………………...…….48,20€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0…………….…..246,00€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P660W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM……..……..….168,25€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 250GB 2.5" SATA III………………………………..164,80€
Memory: CORSAIR PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB VENGEANCE LP BLACK CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3…..86,55€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..….…80,15€
Case fans (4): ANTEC TRUE QUIET 140MM FAN..………………………………………………………61,40€
UPS: APC POWER-SAVING BACK-UPS ES 8 OUTLET 700VA...................................................107,30€

Price: 1806,15€

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sat Nov 23, 2013 8:24 am

I still have doubts about the CPU. I don't want to do overclock. So the "K" version I don't think I need it. The "S" version is more power efficient having a lower TDP and performing almost the same has the i7 4770. My doubt is if I can undervolt the "K" version to do the same, and in the future if I need more performance increase again.

Thank you :-)

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Sat Nov 23, 2013 9:00 am

Avirhel wrote:I still have doubts about the CPU. I don't want to do overclock. So the "K" version I don't think I need it. The "S" version is more power efficient having a lower TDP and performing almost the same has the i7 4770. My doubt is if I can Undervolt the "K" version to do the same, and in the future if I need more performance increase the clock again.

Thank you :-)
All CPU from the past 3 generations have very similar design in terms of how they manage the clocks, no matter if its a i7 or i3 in haswell all downclock to 800mhz, whats different is the top clocks and how many cores they come with, hyperthreading and s on. But i wouldnt buy a S nor T version, its like buying a ferrari but putting a speed limiter on it by factory, its paying almost the same for something that will not perform the same, if they were cherry pick CPUs with lower consumption, better thermals, or even lower voltages by factory, then it might be worth it, but this is not the way it is, its just simply factory crippled cpus.

What you should consider is if its worth the extra between 4770 and 4670, hyperthreading is something that very few take the advantage, and it will run slightly hotter, so check all the intended task you will do and see if the programs use it, else save your money and go with 4670.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sat Nov 23, 2013 10:04 am

Final Configuration:

Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………………..…….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO……………………………………………………………………………..174,50€
CPU: INTEL I7 4770 3.4GHZ 8MB SKT 1150 BOX………………………………………….....……….275,85€
CPU Cooler: PROLIMATECH GENESIS……………………………………………………….........…..…..60,85€
CPU Cooler fans (2): NOCTUA NF-A15 PWM 140MM 1200RPM……………………………...…….48,20€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0…………….…..246,00€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P660W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM……..……..….168,25€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 250GB 2.5" SATA III………………………………..164,80€
Memory: CORSAIR PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB VENGEANCE LP BLACK CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3…..86,55€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..….…80,15€
Case fans (4): ANTEC TRUE QUIET 140MM FAN..………………………………………………………61,40€
UPS: APC POWER-SAVING BACK-UPS ES 8 OUTLET 700VA...................................................107,30€


Thank you.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sat Nov 23, 2013 5:05 pm

I´m worried with something. Am I able to change the memory without having to remove the Prolimatech Genesis?
Thank you.

Pappnaas
Posts: 726
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 11:23 am
Location: Germany

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Pappnaas » Sun Nov 24, 2013 2:59 am

It might work if you have low profile DIMMs. But in general, be prepared to remove the cooler when changing RAM.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:19 am

Thank you.
Well I'm very sad about my country. Each month I get less and less salary. I was counting with one thing and now I have to change everything. Its too expensive. Now I know what I want, but unfortunately its not wised to buy a system this expensive at this time. I'm really sorry for the work I gave to all, specially Abula.
I have to change concerning my new reality, of a person being robed every day by the government of its country. This is so sad... Each time it passes I have the feeling that I should emigrate. I'm really upset right now.
Sorry.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:18 am

Current Configuration:

Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………..……..….….… 99,85 €

Motherboard: ASUS Z87-PLUS SKT 1150……………………………………………..………..….....151,60€
or MSI Z87-G45 GAMING SKT 1150.....................................................................................139,90€
or MSI Z87I SKT 1150..........................................................................................................128,05€

CPU: PROCESSADOR INTEL I5 4670 3.4GHZ 6MB SKT 1150 BOX ….…….........…........……….194,90€
or PROCESSADOR INTEL I5 4570 3.2GHZ 6MB SKT 1150 BOX..............................................176,85€

CPU Cooler:THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A ……………………………………………………….......44,55€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0 …………….…..239,90€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P460W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM ……..……..….130,35€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 120GB 2.5" SATA III……………………………….....90,90€
Memory: CRUCIAL PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB BALLISTIX CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3.........................73,65€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..…..…80,15€
Case fans (1): ANTEC TRUEQUIET 140MM FAN.……………………………………………………..…15,35€
UPS: APC BACK-UPS 400VA..................................................................................................84,10€

Price: ~1400€

Store: http://www.alientech.pt/

What you think that I should change to save some money and maintain quality?

Sorry again, and thank you :(
Last edited by Avirhel on Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:36 am, edited 5 times in total.

Vicotnik
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Posts: 1831
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Location: Sweden

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Vicotnik » Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:08 am

Crucial PC3-12800 1600Mhz 8GB Ballistix CL9 (2x4GB) DDR3 - 73,65€

Saves you a little. I prefer Crucial to Corsair btw, too bad they don't sell Ballistix Sport or Ballistix Tactical.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:11 am

Vicotnik wrote:Crucial PC3-12800 1600Mhz 8GB Ballistix CL9 (2x4GB) DDR3 - 73,65€

Saves you a little. I prefer Crucial to Corsair btw, too bad they don't sell Ballistix Sport or Ballistix Tactical.

Are they Low Profile? Will I be able to change them with this cooler?

Vicotnik
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 1831
Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 6:53 am
Location: Sweden

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Vicotnik » Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:19 am

They have a lower profile than the Vengeance LP, so maybe.

Check out Ballistix Sport VLP and Ballistix Tactical LP, they are beautiful. :)
http://www.crucial.com/ballistix/

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Tue Nov 26, 2013 10:35 am

Yes they are beautiful, but they don't sell them :-(
I think that the ones that you indicate are great :-) Thanks for the help. I did some saving now :D
What can I do more...
Abula must be very upset with me... I gave him so much work and now I have to change everything..

Current Configuration:

Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………..……..….….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: ASUS Z87-PRO SKT 1150………………….................……………..………..….....174,50€

CPU: PROCESSADOR INTEL I5 4670 3.4GHZ 6MB SKT 1150 BOX ….…….........…........……….194,90€
or PROCESSADOR INTEL I5 4570 3.2GHZ 6MB SKT 1150 BOX..............................................176,85€

CPU Cooler:THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A ……………………………………………………….......44,55€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0 …………….…..239,90€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P460W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM ……..……..….130,35€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 120GB 2.5" SATA III……………………………….....90,90€
Memory: CRUCIAL PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB BALLISTIX CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3.........................73,65€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..…..…80,15€
Case fans (1): ANTEC TRUEQUIET 140MM FAN.……………………………………………………..…15,35€
UPS: APC BACK-UPS 400VA..................................................................................................84,10€

Price: ~1400€

Store: http://www.alientech.pt/

What you think that I should change to save some money and maintain quality?

Thanks.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Tue Nov 26, 2013 12:14 pm

I don't know what to change more... I'm getting very tired of this...

Final config:
Case: FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4 BLACK PEARL USB 3.0………………………..……..….….… 99,85 €
Motherboard: ASUS Z87-PRO SKT 1150………………….................……………..………..….....174,50€
CPU: PROCESSADOR INTEL I5 4670 3.4GHZ 6MB SKT 1150 BOX ….…….........…........……….194,90€
CPU Cooler:THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A ……………………………………………………….......44,55€
GPU: MSI GEFORCE GTX760 TWINFROZR GAMING OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0 …………….…..239,90€
Power Supply: SEASONIC P460W SEMIFANLESS MODULAR 80PLUS PLATINUM ……..……..….130,35€
SSD: SAMSUNG SERIES 840 EVO ULTRASLIM 120GB 2.5" SATA III……………………………….....90,90€
Memory: CRUCIAL PC3-12800 1600MHZ 8GB BALLISTIX CL9 (2X4GB) DDR3.........................73,65€
HDD: WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 3TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 3.5 (x2)…………………222,6€
Drive: ASUS BW-12B1ST BLU RAY…………………………………………………………………..…..…80,15€
Case fans (1): ANTEC TRUEQUIET 140MM FAN.……………………………………………………..…15,35€
UPS: APC BACK-UPS 400VA..................................................................................................84,10€

Thank You

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:29 pm

Hello everyone.
I have my PC :-D Is awesome :-)
But I have some things that I need help.
I cant control the fans with the asus software. Only appears the cpu fan. I have 2 fans at front as intake and one at back to exhaust.
Other thing is the software I should use to play blu-ray (MKV) to organize my movie collection. I want the better quality possible.
I have installed the windows 7 ultimate 64bit.
Thank you :-D

Abula
Posts: 3662
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Thu Dec 26, 2013 10:58 pm

Avirhel wrote:I cant control the fans with the asus software. Only appears the cpu fan. I have 2 fans at front as intake and one at back to exhaust.
Connect the Antec/Fractal fans to the CHA_FAN 1,2,3 headers on the motherboard, be sure that all the drivers are installed, in my Asus Maximus IV GENE (haswell), there was a unrecognized device on the device manager, and it was a driver that comes only on the CD, AMDA00, so be sure to check if all is recognized on the device manager. Make sure you have installed ASUS AI Suite III, the latest that Asus has on the webpage for your motherboard, and last just run the tunning and let it drop down all the fans to its minimum rpms, then check each graph individuallly under fanXpert2 tab (just click on each graph or on the dots on the mid of the screen).

If you need any more help post me a screenshot of your AI SUITE III and another once inside FanXpert2.
Avirhel wrote:Other thing is the software I should use to play blu-ray (MKV) to organize my movie collection. I want the better quality possible.
Not sure what you are looking, but check the following links if something fits MediaBrowser or MediaPortal. If you want something else i would suggest you go into a more dedicated HTPC forums like AVSForums Home Theater Computers section, you will find there people with much more knowledge than what i can suggest you.
Avirhel wrote:I want the better quality possible.
I like to run MPC + madVR + Lav Filters, but i dont run anything for organizing my media, but check the AVS Forums, they should give you more options.

Avirhel
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Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sun Jan 12, 2014 1:47 am

Thank you.
I will fallow your instructions carefully.
But there is other problem that I detected a few days ago. The core i7 4770 CPU temperatures. Wen surfing the web, its 24ºC, but wen I start editing video the temperature rises almost immediately to 85ºC, when editing the 30 min of the video it raised to 88ºC.
So... I have to change something here.
I don´t know what to do. But I think I have to take the PC to the store to optimize this. I don´t know if the thermal paste was placed correctly, or if its the best quality. I don´t know if the THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A is sufficient for the i7 4770 wen encoding video.
Should I change the cooler? Should I add other fan in the cooler? Should add 2 new fans to the cooler (noctua)? Should I add new fan in the bottom of the case? Should I change all the fans of the case to Noctua?
Thank you for your help :-)

Abula
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Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Sun Jan 12, 2014 2:39 am

Avirhel wrote:Thank you.
I will fallow your instructions carefully.
But there is other problem that I detected a few days ago. The core i7 4770 CPU temperatures. Wen surfing the web, its 24ºC, but wen I start editing video the temperature rises almost immediately to 85ºC, when editing the 30 min of the video it raised to 88ºC.
So... I have to change something here.
I don´t know what to do. But I think I have to take the PC to the store to optimize this. I don´t know if the thermal paste was placed correctly, or if its the best quality. I don´t know if the THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A is sufficient for the i7 4770 wen encoding video.
Should I change the cooler? Should I add other fan in the cooler? Should add 2 new fans to the cooler (noctua)? Should I add new fan in the bottom of the case? Should I change all the fans of the case to Noctua?
Thank you for your help :-)
Haswell on its own its a very hot running CPU, specially the hyperthreaded quads go very high, i dont see yours way out of what i have experienced, specially if you are running the fans too low. Answer the following so we can try to see if we can make some adjustments

1) What fans are on the CPU cooler?
2) What and how many case fans are you running?
3) When you reach 80+C what RPMS is the CPU fan running?
4) When you reach 80+C what RPMS are the case fans running?
5) What thermal paste are you using on the CPU/Heatsink?
6) Have you checked if the CPU cooler is doing proper contact with the CPU?
7) Are you using fanXpert2? did you ran the tuning?

Avirhel
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:37 pm

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:03 am

Abula wrote: 1) What fans are on the CPU cooler?
2) What and how many case fans are you running?
3) When you reach 80+C what RPMS is the CPU fan running?
4) When you reach 80+C what RPMS are the case fans running?
5) What thermal paste are you using on the CPU/Heatsink?
6) Have you checked if the CPU cooler is doing proper contact with the CPU?
7) Are you using fanXpert2? did you ran the tuning?
Hello.
1) The CPU cooler came with one fan, I didn't change it.
2)I have one fan at the back to exhaust (that came with the case), other at front up has intake (that came with the case), and other at front down to intake (the ANTEC TRUEQUIET 140MM FAN).
3) 5 minutes of encoding:
Image
4)I don't know.
5) I don't know, I didn't apply the thermal paste, it was applied at the store. Probably was the thermal paste that came with the cooler.
6) I don´t know how to do it. I don't want to lose the warranty.
7) Well they only connected the CPU fan to the mobo, so I only can see the CPU fan speed. I didn't try to connect the fans to the mobo because I don't know how to do it. They are connected to.... the Power Supply... the case... I don't know. And if I have to take the PC to the store they will do it as I ask. I'm afraid to do something wrong or loose warranty.

Thank you :-)
Last edited by Avirhel on Sun Jan 12, 2014 6:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Abula
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Location: Guatemala

Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Abula » Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:33 pm

Thank you for answering the questions, here some observations and recommendations,

From the picture i can see the CPU temp on 81C and the CPU Fan at 1200rpms so FanXpert2 is ramping it up to what its rated, if dont want to do it yourself, go to them and ask them to re do the thermal paste on your CPU, this might or not help, in some cases too much is applied and in other too little, this can have an impact on the cpu temperatures. I would probably ask them for good quality thermal paste, like Arctic MX4, Tuniq TX4, Artic Ceramique/silver5, Gelid Extreme, ID7, etc. That said, Haswell quads with hyperthreading do run very hot, i can reach 80C on the hotest cores on prime95 in one hour, and encoding is a pretty stressful scenario.

Are you sure the fans are connected to the PSU or to the fan controller on the R4? i dont see rpms because they are not connected to the motherboard, its you choice, both should work, the only important thing is that they are moving air in and out. Do the noise change if you move the fan controller switch inside the door? it says 5v, 7v and 12v, do the noise change if you move it?

One thing you can do is restrict your CPU into how high it can reach, not recommended as you will lower its capability, but it will lower your temps, its safe as what you are doing is just restricting the multiplier that windows allows the CPU to go with, think of this as handicaping the CPU. You just need to go into the control panel, then search for the Hardware and Sound, then Power Options, then im assuming you have balanced as preset, click on the blue letters "change plan settings", then another blue letters "Change Advance Power settings", then go down to "Processor Power Management", expand the + so you see the inside options, expand also the "Maximum processor State" = should have 100% as default, try 90% and rerun the encoding and put your temps. This procedure can be undone simply by doing all over again and putting 100%.

CA_Steve
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Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by CA_Steve » Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:43 pm

I don't think the cooler is seated properly on the CPU. Haswell might run hot, but with a good cooler it shouldn't run 81C with stock settings with an app. I'm seeing 65C with Prime95 on my i5.

Also, download another temperature application to doublecheck things. Maybe the Asus reading is whacked. Coretempis one...another is to get OCCT which includes monitoring temps, fans, that it can see.

Avirhel
Posts: 68
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Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by Avirhel » Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:25 pm

With the core temp is even worse !!!
In less then 1 minute of encoding time the core 0 gets 93ºC !!!
Something is really wrong here... and its winter... imagine if it was summer!

Image

OCCT (after 1 min of encoding) - http://imageshack.com/a/img36/7127/cjvu.jpg

I didn't overclock nothing... how can this be... in OCCT it says that the CPU is 5.8% overclocked!

I have to take the pc there. they don't know what they are doing... The only reason I didn´t mount the PC was the application of the thermal paste and the cooler. And that they don't know how to do it right! I´m getting very upset.
I will take the pc there, so I have to take this opportunity to optimize it, to prevent the temperature to rise that much at 100% use of the cores.

1) Change the thermal paste, they have the ARCTIC COOLING MX-4 20G 19,95 euros;
2) connect the fans to the mobo;
...

Should I change the cooler fan or add 2 new ones?
Should I change the cooler?
Should I change the case fans to noctua, should I add other one at the bottom of the case as intake?
What can I do? I don´t want to carry the PC from one site to another. I want to optimize this and that´s it. Don't want the CPU temp ever go higher than 70ºC even after more than an hour of encoding.

Should I buy 6 NOCTUA NF-A14 PWM 140MM 1500RPM (31,45 x 6)?
- 2 to the cooler;
- 1 at back as exhaust;
- 2 at front as intake;
-1 at bottom as intake too?
http://www.alientech.pt/index.php?cPath ... lter_id=75

Should I change the cooler to this: THERMALTAKE FRIO EXTREME 85,90€
http://www.alientech.pt/index.php?cPath ... 3d&&page=2


Thanks for your help.

CA_Steve
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Re: Help: HTPC built for Bu-ray and RPG games.

Post by CA_Steve » Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:04 pm

Just reseat the cooler. you don't need expensive thermal paste - there is very little difference in performance unless you plan to overvolt the cpu.

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