gquiring
2009-02-07, 01:32
I would like to build a box to run XBMC and Boxee on Linux. My only slight issue is I need component output, my panel does not have HDMI. What would be good video card to use to stream XVID 720p/1080i video? I assume I need a Core2Duo 2.4ghz or better? What kind of audio card could I use that supports 5.1 optical?
Gobbledegeek
2009-02-07, 10:03
Hi
As a long term user of ATI starting with Radeon 7500 and now AMD 780G since July last year, I would strongly recommend to you the Intel G45 motherboard
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3417&p=1
http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=intel_x4500hd&num=1
http://www.intel.com/Products/Desktop/Motherboards/DG45ID/DG45ID-overview.htm
This will give you out-of-box driver support from Xorg to playback HD content at low cpu.
And do not worry if G45 is 4 points slower than 780G on some test or 2 points lower on another. The benefits of low headache driver installation and open source drivers are worth more than the nitpicking reviews. :grin:
You should forget building a box with older technology just to get component out. Get a standalone external media connector with hdmi in + component out options instead.
Enjoy building your system
Regards