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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
t3yf5g @ Sep 10th 2008 12:55PM
I would suggest looking into motherboards with integrated graphics. Whichever CPU you are using, there is options for both. Asus and Gigabyte both have nice boards with HDMI outputs.
With RAM so cheap these days, I would suggest using a 64-bit OS to be able to stick as much RAM that is supported by the board, most of them support 8GB to 16GB. Even though your programs might not be 64-bit to address more than 3.5 GB, once the OS snags all the RAM it needs for the kernel, graphics, etc, you will still have left over RAM to be addressed to your players and decoders.
air12ick @ Sep 11th 2008 1:45AM
I agree with the intergrated graphics because at the same time you want to keep your HTPC as quiet as possible. But when you choose intergrated graphics, make sure you can get the most powerful intergrated graphics available on the market. Right now, Intel and AMD has good ones up their sleeves (I currently use an Intel DG33TL motherboard and it provides enough power for my HD needs and in dual display mode, but HDMI would be nice one day). Now if your gaming with this HTPC...well then go all out with the video card and get the best one out there. But try to get a better cooling solution as the HTPC will be loud with high end video cards.