This what i have configure for those that need help building a dedicated HTPC , with the right hardware. This configure is not intended for hardcore gaming, but still could play today demanding games. This system comes with integrated graphics ATI 1250 AVIVO graphics (good enough to play todays demanding games), with HDMI output and ready to play HD DVD or Blue Ray Content, and integrated 7.1 sourround sound. Coms with AMD 4600, pretty fast for a HTPC and money saving. I recommend to set 500 gb hard drive into 2 partitions. Does not include a case, its up to you what case u want. Search all this hardware in www.bottomdollar.com . Partition 1- 20 gb for windows
.Partition 2- set all music, videos, pictures, games, applications into this partition. This way windows will always run smooth in partition 1.
I am trying to figure out what this system does. What do you need 500 gb for? All I see is a DVD player and decent stereo. You do not have a tuner card to capture TV. Are you going to add the HD-dvd and or Bluray players? I am thinking about building something but not sure What HTPC is.
If I needed a computer like that, I would simply buy HP for $400 and save myself $250. Same performance. The only difference would be 250GB hard drive. As far as HD-DVD/BR players, those run $300 and up. So, that's out of the picture. And just like the previous post, I don't understand what this system is supposed to do. I have an LCD HDTV with Onkyo 6-disk DVD player and Onkyo 7.1 surround sound system. Very happy with this set up and don't need anything else at the moment.
For my next HTPC I plan on have 1TB of storage for video and audio. It'll probably be RAID 1 setup so that means I'll have 500GB of storage.
If its in RAID 1 that means you only have 500gb there wont be 1tb of storage.
But I really think that motherboard and CPU are over kill for a HTPC. Even if you were doing some gaming it would be better to get a 3600+ for 75 and like a 60 dollar mobo. Take that other 100 dollars you saved there and get a 7600gs with HDMI out. (they do make them) That would be much better for gaming and general use.
I would then get the Corsair Value ram for 33$ for 512 mb. Get two sticks and save 30 bucks. Take that 30 dollars and put it to at TV tuner.
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