Hello All, I am in need for some advice on hardware for an HTPC Build. I have been searching the forums for weeks now, and although they have been helpful, I still need some direct input. I am not looking to drop a lot of dough. I want to be able to play video and sound through the HDMI cable. I would also like the option to have cable/SPDIF. I also want to run Ubuntu on it and throw XBMC. I have been using XBMC since it came out for the XBOX, as I love the XBOX, its time to upgrade. Another thing I have read that you need at least an Intel Core Duo 3.0ghz, how true is that, and what if I wanted to get an AMD chip instead, what motherboard and chip would I use? Here is the following items I have been looking into. AMD ASUS M3A78-EM AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Intel ASUS P5E-VM HDMI LGA 775 Intel G35 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard ASUS P5N-EM HDMI LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 7100/nForce 630i HDMI Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz So, any ideas and input would be greatly appreciated. -Semper Fi gyrene2083
ooh rah devil dog. You say you don't want to spend a lot of money, do you have a figure in mind? and I had a HTPC using AMD, and I had no problems, and my chip wasn't as powerful as the one you have listed.
OORAHHH, I'm thinking along the lines of building something max price, 400 bucks. If I could get it under that great. Personally I would love to build the HTPC in my old XBOX case. Any ideas? Any thoughts? -Semper Fi gyrene2083
I've never tried gutting out an xbox, but the case looks large enough to manufacture a way to make it happen. If you modified it, the only thing I could think of that might be a problem is heat. I am building another HTPC right now, but my main goal with it is to be a server for my media players.
I was thinking about that as well, heat being a factor, probably would need two fans, one for intake and one for exhaust. I wouldn't use a 3.5 hard drive I would use a 2.5 hard-drive and a usb stick to start the OS. ( Ubuntu and auto start XBMC) That should help with heat temps. I like this case HIPER HMC-2K53A-A0 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail So, I'm thinking this setup let me know what you think; CPU Intel Core Duo e8400 3.0Ghz Motherboard Asus P5Q-EM (Micro ATX) RAM Corsair 4GB
all looks good. But if you are wanting to stay under $400 total, that case eats up half of that. This case got good reviews, and it's only $40 bucks: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3486544&CatId=3427 then you would have more left over for the other things you need. Just throwing ideas at ya...
That's a really nice case, but the problem is that I need it to fit in my livingroom where my audio equipmant is. I know I said under 400 or under but it looks like I'm going to have to go past that amount. I really hate doing that but it is what it is. Worse case scenario I sell Popcorn Hour on ebay. lol. But the other hardware is good right?
all looks good to me. Good brand of items also. ASUS motherboards, and Corsair ram is all I use (I started with that brand, and I trust it). One other piece of advice, get a good power supply. Looks like you're on your way to a very nice HTPC. If you need anything else let me know.
Do you have any other suggestions on intel boards? Also, what how do you feel about overclocking a lower coreduo to 3.0?
I have upgraded many times. I always stick with ASUS only because I trust the brand. I have had good luck with them, AMD or INTEL. I try to read the reviews on the site where I buy and pick one with good reviews. On overclocking; I haven't been doing much of that, but I think I might start playing around with it, because of this thread: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/712217 Maybe someone else can chime in and give you some advice on that.
So, from what I gathered from everyone this is what I came up with. Let me know what you think. Shuttle - SG33G5 (After looking at various models this was the best one for what I needed. I didn't care about finger biometrics or video display crap) I am wondering though would the 250W psupply be enough. But let me finish listing the rest of the items and you let me know what you think. All Hardware is compatible with Shuttle I checked. Intel E8400 3.0 (After reading the threads and looking at other forums, 3.0ghz is a must have, I was really on the fence about dropping the money for it but the bottom line is that I don't want any headaches in the future so I might as drop it now and eventually it will pay itself off in a few months.) Gskill 4GB memory 2 x 2gb sticks MSI N9400GT-MD512 GeForce 9400 GT 512MB TRENDnet TEW-429UB IEEE 802.11b/g (I know this works in Ubuntu) and finally I couldn't freaking help it the damn DiNovo. After seeing it on Youtube, I couldn't help it. Although I was thinking about using my Logitec PS3 Keyboard, which I know works in Ubuntu. But that damn mini keyboard is almost better than my Harmony 880. I love that damn remote control. I know I said I wanted a reasonably priced htpc, and I was looking at something at or around 400, I went a little over it, and once I do the final tally I will let you know. I'm not going over 600 dollars though that is my max.
