I am currently using an old Vidabox I acquired from a client for my HTPC. It gives me issues sometimes on HD .mkv files with surround sound . . . takes a while to load, buffers a little, etc. I would like to upgrade this unit to help alleviate these issues. Now I am not saying these issues are directly related to the processor as they may be network but I do have a full Gigbit wired network streaming off a ESXi storage server hosting Plex Media Server. Since I am using "Direct Play " the file should be coming straight from my unRaid server (same machine, diff VM image). The HTPC has an annoying fan noise since the cooler is right up against the top of the case and the case barely fits where it is. That being said I am looking to upgrade to a small case, small motherboard/APU, and efficient power supply. A case with IR window would be nice as I am currently controlling IR until I get my Crestron system up and running. We use this machine for atleast 4 hours a night and I normally have recorded shows playing as I work into the wee hours of the morning so power efficiency and silence are a must. Also, economy hasn't turned around enough for the Home Theater business so funds are a little tight.
What is the cheapest/smallest build we can make that can stream/decode 1080p/TrueHD audio on the fly?
Thanks for your help!!
Current setup:
Server:
ASRock 970 Extreme
AMD Phenom II x4 Black edition @3.4
16 gigs generic RAM
Onboard + Intel EXPI9301CT NIC
15TB usable storage, mostly in 2TB WD Red and 2x 3Tb seagates
>> This machine runs as a ESXi server hosting 1 Unraid storage server, 1 PMS/misc server (Win 2008), and 1 Download server (I will be setting up a dedicated VPN feed from my router in a few months, Win 7)
Network:
Cisco 800 Series router
HP1810G 24 port switch
Currently subswitching through a netgear pro line 8 port but will be 3com gig when it comes back off loan
Cat 6
HTPC:
Old Vidabox Slim V2, wiped with Win 7 installed
AMD 5200+ @ 2.7
2 gigs DDR2
Geforce 8500GT
^^ I have minimized all OS impact to a max disabling/uninstalling everything except whats needed for eventghost and Plex.
Stock Image:
What is the cheapest/smallest build we can make that can stream/decode 1080p/TrueHD audio on the fly?
Thanks for your help!!
Current setup:
Server:
ASRock 970 Extreme
AMD Phenom II x4 Black edition @3.4
16 gigs generic RAM
Onboard + Intel EXPI9301CT NIC
15TB usable storage, mostly in 2TB WD Red and 2x 3Tb seagates
>> This machine runs as a ESXi server hosting 1 Unraid storage server, 1 PMS/misc server (Win 2008), and 1 Download server (I will be setting up a dedicated VPN feed from my router in a few months, Win 7)
Network:
Cisco 800 Series router
HP1810G 24 port switch
Currently subswitching through a netgear pro line 8 port but will be 3com gig when it comes back off loan
Cat 6
HTPC:
Old Vidabox Slim V2, wiped with Win 7 installed
AMD 5200+ @ 2.7
2 gigs DDR2
Geforce 8500GT
^^ I have minimized all OS impact to a max disabling/uninstalling everything except whats needed for eventghost and Plex.
Stock Image: