Micro ATX Motherboard for HTPC

[jonny162]

Hello,

I'm looking for a Micro ATX motherboard as the basis for a HTPC. General requirements would be:

* 1080p HD output over HDMI
* 7.1 audio over HDMI
* a decent enough in built graphics card as this will not be used for gaming
* capable of running cool and quiet
* RAID 0/1
* Windows 7 compatible (preferred not required)

Suggestions and experiences would be great!

Jonny

 

[o1die]

Amd or Intel cpu?

 

[jonny162]

I don't have a cpu in mind at the moment. I'm literally building from scratch and thought the choice of motherboard would be the best place to start.

The CPU would likely be something that is comparitively energy efficient. I've read the great article at http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/windows-7-htpc,2159-3.html which suggested an AMD Phenom X4 9350e which is 65W so capable of running cooler and therefore quieter.

 

[jonno208]

I don't have a cpu in mind at the moment. I'm literally building from scratch and thought the choice of motherboard would be the best place to start.

The CPU would likely be something that is comparitively energy efficient. I've read the great article at http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/windows-7-htpc,2159-3.html which suggested an AMD Phenom X4 9350e which is 65W so capable of running cooler and therefore quieter.

Go to the homebuild section and they will help you build the whole thing instead of jumping arround fourms