[poofyhairguy]

Does that match your understanding?

Cheers

Pretty much. I would go a step further and say in Windows the GT430 is the only Nvidia card licensed to Bitstream HD audio, but in Linux since no one cares about that the new audio backend allows Bitstreaming with any hardare that can technically do it. We will see though, the work is still very new...

[bogdandr]

So,
let's try to figure the HW : )

GPU : GT430
Mainboard :
CPU : i3
SSD : 32 or 64 GB (if there is a NAS in the network)
DDR3 : 2 GB
Soundcard :
LAN card : integrated or dedicated
CASE :
active cooling - OrigenAE S10V - http://www.origenae.co.kr/en/htpc_s10v.htm
passive cooling - HFX Mini - http://hfx.at/index.php?option=com_conte...Itemid=120

[Hannes The Hun]

I am using this HTPC for XBMC

CPU Intel i3-530,
GPU Intel GMA HD,
Chipset Intel H57,
4GB RAM,
500GB HDD (or 64 GB SSD)
Audio 8ch 192KHz bitstream
OS: Win7 HP

I still don't get it... when you say you are using this HTPC right now, why don't you just add a GT430 and be done with it? you can get the same system for your friend if you want, but for dedicated HTPC use I still think an Ion(2) box is the way to go. HD audio bitstreaming is overrated...

[bogdandr]

there is not enough space inside the case to use the GT430 so I need other case(as a first step).
more than that maybe i need 3 or 4 devices in my house and i have only one at this time (and don't want to spend money by trying different hardware that will not work fine)

(no offense but I have the wrong feeling maybe, that you don't like my posts - in this case please live it open for others!
- if i am wrong then please excuse me)

[Hannes The Hun]

you are wrong, I just want to understand what you are trying to achieve, and finally you explained it!

if a GT430 won't fit go for a G210 or GT220 nvidia

for the rest of the systems I'd go with barebone Ion boxes where you fit 2GB RAM and small SSD inside

[bogdandr]

Well then, my apologies!

The space inside Micro case is not so generous. So another case should be bought.
More than that,as you know the passive cooling idea is based on dissipation of the heating trough pipes on the left and right heat-sinks of this case and the heat sinks limit of this case is achieved by the CPU.

you can see here about that case:
http://www.hifiatx.com/ftp/manuals/micro_m2.pdf

Cheers'