[kbhattac]

Dear all,

I'm contemplating on how to choose the right hardware. Cost wise its not going to make a big difference, but customization wise: yes.
My primary target is to play 1080p *flawlessly*, with audio bitstreaming etc and make it a bit future proof (by throwing in enough hardware) so that I don't have to have to buy another box next year again. Form factor is important for me, and of course low noise.

Inputs are highly appreciated.

Greetings,
kbhattac.

[bluray]

For sure, Shuttle xh61v will be more powerful and more options the NUC. This combination "Shuttle xh61v and Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz" should serves you very well into the future....

Even though the NUC is equips with less options, it should be able to playback blu-ray 1080P video and bitstreaming HD audio very well.....

[d0dger]

Hmm, I´m also considering these hardware-combinations. But are the "options" you have using the Shuttle xh61v really worth it ? I don´t think you can add separate GPU, a later addition of a bigger CPU might bring the cooler to it´s limits etc.. So I´m not sure if these "options" you have using a shuttle are really an advantage that should be configured ?!?! But maybe I miss something ?

[kbhattac]

Discrete GPU is no option either way. The xh61v based build gives you a choice of CPU (e.g. an i3 3225 is better than the i3 3217 soldered in to the NUC), and offers USB 3.0 ports. But both provide the Sata 2 bus, so all SSD Sata 3 (6 gbps) cards would not perform to their fullest extent.

[Malosar]

Access times for the SSD's would be almost identical anyway and that's far more important for a HTPC than any transfer speed difference.

[bluray]

But are the "options" you have using the Shuttle xh61v really worth it ? I don´t think you can add separate GPU, a later addition of a bigger CPU might bring the cooler to it´s limits etc..

It does have some advantages. If you really want to add a GPU, you can with this- mPCIe slot....