recommend me a board for htpc

[RobTi]

Hi all.

rebuilding my htpc after getting rid of my ip35 pro and q6600 machine.
So i want to go back to amd & Gigabyte after the Abit\ intel build, so looking for help an which m\b to go for.
Not bothered with size and would like ddr3 and onboard gpu, don't need storage ports as all media is on the server so only need 1 o\s drive, also no hard gaming would be done on it
But don't want to go for the cheapest board either, i was looking at the 785 boards but wondered if for £20-£30 extra anything else would be better suited.
Thanks
Robert

[absic]

Hi,

I've put together several PC's with the GA-MA785GMT-UD2H (check here: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/download-center.aspx?kw=GA-MA785GMT-UD2H ) and have not had any issues with them (6 built so far). Haven't used the 3.3 revision but the others have all been OK so I don't see why the latest should be any different.

These have had a variety of CPU's & memory (depending on cost) so if you would care to firm up a little on what other hardware you are thinking of getting it would be a little easier to offer some better advice.

[RobTi]

Thanks for the quick reply, i only have a 250Gb o\s drive left over from the last build so starting afresh.
a\v will be fed through amp, the main use will be for htpc use with web browsing and ripping video to put on my server.
i would also like to be able to do some gaming when the kids decide to sit in the living room (but no hard core gaming).
So i would like on-board gpu,1 sata port for the o\s drive (i know that i will get 4,5,6 on new boards).
The reason for asking on here is that i was gtetting mixed up on the Gigabyte site tryting to spec boards and didn't wantto go for a 785 board and after a while find out that if i had added a few pounds then i could  of got a better board.
Thanks
Robert

[absic]

With on-board graphics I would stick with the Mobo I suggested.

Yes you could by a more expensive board with SATA 6G/bs or USB3 but, to be honest, for your expected use It really isn't worth it at the moment.

Also, don't waste your money on buying RAM above 1333 Mhz you won't gain too much by going for faster speed.

Hope this helps

[Dark Mantis]

absic115 is absolutely right in his evaluation. He's the "man" when it comes to this type of set up. I would say take his advice.

[RobTi]

Thanks for the replies, okay will go with this board
Robert

btw been on the Gigabyte site and can't see anything about supported memory or which bios ships with the board,anyway to find this out?
Thanks again
Robert

[Dark Mantis]

For some reason it has been missed form the newest revision but it is available on the earlier ones so check there I would guess that it would be the same.
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/download-center.aspx?kw=GA-MA785GMT-UD2H

[RobTi]

Thanks for your help found it
Now could some one recommend memory 2x2gb cheap that works with this board?
Thanks
Robert

[absic]

Are you based in the UK?
1066 or 1333Mhz?

[RobTi]

Are you based in the UK?
1066 or 1333Mhz?

Hi yes based in the UK as for speed don't have a clue
Robert

[absic]

When I build, using this board I use this memory: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/4GB-(2x2GB)-Corsair-XMS3-Classic-DDR3-PC3-10666-(1333)-Non-ECC-Unbuffered-CAS-9-9-9-24-150V

Works fine and will be suitable for what you want. Not the cheapest but I have had no issues with it which I think is important.

[RobTi]

When I build, using this board I use this memory: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/4GB-(2x2GB)-Corsair-XMS3-Classic-DDR3-PC3-10666-(1333)-Non-ECC-Unbuffered-CAS-9-9-9-24-150V

Works fine and will be suitable for what you want. Not the cheapest but I have had no issues with it which I think is important.

Thanks once again that was thge ones i was looking at.
One last question is there any way to check what rev and bios a board ships with, i assume that if a supplier turns over a large amount like the memory supplier(don't know if i am allowed to post names) then it should be the latest revision, but what about bios.
I need a F4 for my cpu http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AMD-Athlon-II-X2-250-Regor-Core-S-AM3-30GHz-1MB-Total-Cache-HT-2000MHz-65W-Retail.
Any help ?
Thanks
Robert

[absic]

Hi,

if you are going to use SCAN for your purchases they are pretty good. The best bet would be to e-mail or telephone them before you place your order, explain your situation and they will help you out. I have used them for many years and, if I have had an queries, they have always tried to help.

[RobTi]

Thanks for all your help, i have posted a question on scancare @ hexus  so hopefully it gets answered so i can get the stuff ordered
Thanks
Robert