[boileraviation]

I am prospecting to build my own HTPC. I have looked at the GA-H55-S2H mobo and saw it had a HDMI, this is a plus because I plan to connect the HDMI port to my surround sound receiver to get DTS, Dolby 5.1, etc. I just wanted to know if this motherboard would smoothly playback my collection of 720p and 1080p movies that I currently have on my hard drive or if i should buy a dedicated video card. Also what cpu would you recommend? I was thinking the i3. I do want the final setup to last for a few years. I am on a budget if you get my drift.

My OS will be Windows 7 since I have a copy available to me. I have played around with XBMC and and pretty fluent with it. This is what I plan to use when viewing my content and I am mostly likely going to have the HTPC in a separate room to minimize sound and clutter so I'm not that concerned about fan noise, etc. I know the cabling will cost a little more but I think it would be more professional. Trade offs what can you say

Your input would be GREATLY appreciated.


Here is what I was looking at.

http://www.tigerdire...p;Sku=G452-0106

Edited by boileraviation, 02 June 2010 - 03:02 AM.

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?

[SpywareDr]

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - $109.99 (Free Shipping*)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131623

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W - $114.99 (Free Shipping*)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115222

Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2x2GB Dual Channel Kit) 240-Pin SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) - $110.99 (Free Shipping*)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820134810

?

[boileraviation]

Thanks for the links, I've heard Asus makes better mobos than Gigabyte

[SpywareDr]

You're welcome.

IMHO, their features, performance and price are usually so closely ranked that it comes down to more of a personal preference.

[boileraviation]

Any recommendations from anyone else?

Here is a good question do any mobos or video cards with HDMI support HDMI Version 1.4a or are they HDMI 1.3a?

[SpywareDr]

I don't believe I've seen any ... yet.

(The HDMI 1.4a spec was just released in March).

[boileraviation]

Thank you for the link again. I appreciate it.

SpywareDr is that a Bugatti Veyron

[SpywareDr]

No problem.

And yes, that is a Bugatti Veyron.