Spec'ing a Sage client HTPC

[sleight42]

I haven't seen too many threads on the topic. For those of you who have a Sage server set up, what are you using for clients?

I'm looking to building cheap and quiet client boxes: cheap because I may be building three and quiet because, of course, they will cohabit entertainment centers throughout the home. Size is not much of an issue.

I imagine that, for a Sage client, only the horsepower to decode the MPEG-2 stream is necessary. That and a component output from the video card to support a DVD-ROM.

Thoughts, anyone?

[ckron]

This is why we need a client for the MediaMVP! It is both cheap and quiet. I really hope Frey is working on this. I haven't heard much talk about it lately.

[sleight42]

Here's what I've been eying...

Shuttle SN41G2V2 - $255
Processor: Athtlon 2000 (already own)
GeForceFX 5700 - $127
512MB RAM - $93
40GB HDD - $50
DVD-ROM - $31
Sound: onboard Realtek
Network: onboard Realtek

Total: $566
w/o GeForce 5700: $429

I understand that the Shuttle boxes are pretty good at heat disapation--although I have to wonder if that GeForceFX 5700 will up the heat ante a tad.

This would be my client box for my widescreen TV. I've heard some people remark that the nforce2 picture quality may not be quite as nice as the GeForceFX 5700 (in fact, in a thread written earlier today).

I already have an idle Athlon 1.2 and an Athlon 2.0 so that would provide me adequate cores for two boxes. Also have spare XP licenses (yep, legal), so the OS is covered.

Any fat that I can trim? I realize that a bit of the added expense here is tied up in that Shuttle case and their cooling system. That and a little overhead using Crucial for memory.

[sleight42]

BTW, does anyone know if the GeForceFX 5700 has a component video add-on? For my widescreen, I'd prefer a component output for DVD-play.

<edit>
I haven't found one for the NVidia cards but ATI offers a DVI to YPrPb for $29.
</edit>

[stanger89]

The FX 5700 Personal Cinemas have Component output.

[sleight42]

Yes but is it on the market yet? I just poked around quickly and came up empty.

[stanger89]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...130-194&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...130-195&depa=0

[sleight42]

My oh my but that is expensive!

Definitely going with a Radeon 9600 Pro. I've been happy with my 9700 in my gaming box so I suspect the Radeon will be adequate.

Thanks for the info.

[dagar]

I own that SN41G2 and an Sk41G. They are loud. If you hack and slash (voiding your warranty) you can get them quieter ... not near silent. Run a AXP-Mobile proc to reduce temps so you can run a lower spec fan (lower db, cfm). Besides, they are cranky boxes ... esp the SN41G2. Grrr. The SK41 is a much easier and pleasing box to work with ... too bad no 333 fsb though there is an SK43 that has a KM400 chipset and will cost you less than the SN41. Also consider the SN45.

[dagar]

Originally posted by sleight42
Yes but is it on the market yet? I just poked around quickly and came up empty.

MSRP of $300?

[stanger89]

Well keep in mind that it's an entire HTPC package of sorts, like an AIW, and the 128MB PC is only about $30 more than the 128MB AIW. I'm not saying it's a good deal for someone who just wants component out, but the price isn't unreasonable for it's intended market.

[sleight42]

Yeah, that is overkill. I'm building a Sage Client here that will play DVDs, movies, and MAME. On a good day, my fiance will be using it to surf the web and check e-mail.

[TerryMathews]

I would look at the lowest-end, slowest Radeon that will support any of the component video adapters. The cheaper and slower it is, the more likely you will be able to passively cool it.

Your dream card (heh) is probably going to end up being a 3rd-party Radeon 9600 non-pro.

This is going to be one of those rare occasions where you want to buy the cheapest piece of crap as possible. Enjoy it.

[sleight42]

That's essentially what I purchased. Still, not so cheap but it'll work.

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by sleight42
That's essentially what I purchased. Still, not so cheap but it'll work.

Cheap is, of course, relative. That being said, the Radeon is cheaper than buying a converter to go from VGA to 480p. You killed two birds with one stone (You'd need a video card anyway), got higher quality and saved money in the process. Plus, you're not limited to 480p.

[sleight42]

Darn tootin'. I should be able to pull 1080i, I believe, which will make it a worthy DVD player.

[Shawn Oster]

Originally posted by dagar
Besides, they are cranky boxes ... esp the SN41G2.

When you say "cranky" just what do mean? I'm looking to get the new silent version, the SN41G2V2, and am wondering just what issues I may run into.

[sleight42]

I, in fact, already ordered an SN41G2V2 (before I read the response). I'll let you know by this weekend. It ought to be here tomorrow.

Incidentally, all of the SN41G2V2 reviews on newegg look extremely favorable.

[Shawn Oster]

Ahhh great, a guinea pig! Keep us posted as I definitely know I'll be tracking this thread. I'm curious how the quality of the nforce2 will look compared to the Radeon. Looks like I'm about to take the same plunge you are, good luck!

[sleight42]

Yeah. I admit, my next box will likely be a custom job built on an ATX platform. I can chop another $50 to $100 off of the price by buying an ATX HTPC case and PSU as well as more easily replace a mainboard should I have problems in the future. The problem with Shuttle is that they only support their own boards. Part of the reason that I'm building these machines is that I want TiVo-like functionality (but better) throughout the house without the maintenance nightmare that tends to become TiVo over three years.

Man, I just seem to live on these boards these days. I imagine I'll be worse whenever Studio shows up!