HTPC Build

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

Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee

Post Reply
jphebert
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 3:59 am

HTPC Build

Post by jphebert » Sun Dec 04, 2011 4:33 am

Hello everyone,

I'm doing my 1st HTPC build and looking for video card advice. I want to get something stronger than the Built-in Intel graphics in an i3 or G620, so looking towards AMD-based 6570 or 6670.

Components I have so far are the case (Antec Fusion Black) & PSU (Antec Earthwatts Green 500W Power Supply). Other components like the motherboard have been selected.

So looking at these graphics cards there are 2 types, w/fan on the board and fanless w/heatsink. One of my concerns is noise, the other is budget :D .

Which way should I go for the video card - with or without fan? Any concerns going fanless?

Thanks all!

1kbyte
Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Mar 03, 2009 11:28 pm
Location: Indonesia
Contact:

Re: HTPC Build

Post by 1kbyte » Mon Dec 05, 2011 4:21 am

If you need something more powerfull than Intel GMA, then AMD A6 3500/3600 should work

BTW, are you going to use shader effect for this build?

jphebert
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 3:59 am

Re: HTPC Build

Post by jphebert » Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:34 am

Hi,

Actually I want to split CPU & GPU, and looking to stick to Intel for CPU.

My other concern is video card cooling/noise - for this type of project should I go with a card with heatsink or with a fan to cool the GPU?

Thx

CA_Steve
Moderator
Posts: 7650
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:36 am
Location: St. Louis, MO

Re: HTPC Build

Post by CA_Steve » Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:35 pm

jphebert wrote:Which way should I go for the video card - with or without fan? Any concerns going fanless?
You can go passive on those two cards. You don't mention the case/airflow...but unless it's an unusual build, you won't have any issues.

jphebert
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 3:59 am

Re: HTPC Build

Post by jphebert » Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:56 pm

Thanks for confirming this info!

mariner8611
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Nov 15, 2011 5:53 am

Re: HTPC Build

Post by mariner8611 » Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:33 pm

The Sapphire 6670 Ultimate is well behaved in my setup. 75°C running Furmark and <60°C playing BD.

The noisiest component now is the LG UH12LS28 BD-Rom drive.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=63655

Post Reply