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Seeking to build, at minimum, HTPC with following requirements:
[] 2.0 GHz processor
[] 1 GB DDR DRam
[] PCIe x16
[] DVI output
[] VGA / DVI output
[] S/PDIF coax output
The overall goal is to be able to process HDTV quality images from ATSC
tuner, or video file, and 5.1 channel audio. Many tuner cards list
that a minimum 2.0 GHz processor is required. Game playing isn't a
factor.
I was hoping to find a frugal mainboard with as many integrated
peripherals as possible: LAN, 6 channel sound, VGA video, modem,
gameport (for MIDI). I cannot seem to find any mainboards with
integrated video AND multiple monitor capability. (Integrated video
output AND PCIe x16 video card output).
Also, some mainboards claim to have S/PDIF support, but only have
headers - no I/O hardware. Are there generic S/PDIF brackets available?
Or is it a do-it-yourself project?
Which chipset has the best reputation / performance?
VIA, nVidia, SiS?
Re: Video cards - ATI or nVidia?
If there are no integrated mainboards suitable, what would you suggest?
And other experiences and warnings are also appreciated.
TIA!
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Recommendations wanted for frugal HTPC hardware
