My first HTPC attempt

[evll_panda]

I am looking to use this as my man source of DVR as well as playing my DVD/BLU-Ray. I am just going to run the cable directly to the back. I am just seeing if there is anything I can change to maybe get a better HTPC without going too much higher in cost. Right now i am at $705 and I wanted to be at 700 max. Also I will be running Vista Premium using it's media center.

Antec Aluminum Veris Fusion Black 430 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case with IR receiver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129030

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128090

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103211

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe MCE ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner Card w/MCE Remote & L-P Bracket
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100014

 

[Andrius]

The CPU doesn't fit the motherboard (socket 939 vs AM2).

The rest looks good. 450W should be enough but get a quality unit like the Corsair VX 450W.
I'd also recommend you get a 7200.11 Seagate drive.

 

[evll_panda]

Thx I am going to change to the 7200.11 and just spend 50-80 bucks more on a processor. The 450w Corsair...well my case already comes with a 450w so dont really want to have an extra lol. I really appreciate the input though and thanks for the help

 

[Andrius]

I'd take the X2 3800+ of your hands for $50 but you're on the other side of the planet.

I'm not sure about the quality of that "included" PSU but if you like the case I guess it will have to do.

Good luck.

 

[nvalhalla]

You can drop the video card, the onboard on the 780g works great (I sell HTPCs) Snag another HDD or a better case with the money you save. Make sure the PSU is of good quality of course. I use an Antec EW 380w in my builds. The HD-DVD/BR drive is nice, I use those too. Make sure you have a copy of PowerDVD 7.3 or 8.0 to make use of it's dual format abilities. VMC works really well, you just can't watch HD/BR movies with it (at least not without hacks). The tuner is good, nice choice. I use AverMedia Combo PCI-E tuners, but the 1600 is a comparable card. RAM and CPU are good, assuming it's an AM2.

 

[evll_panda]

I am going to drop off the Video Card(nvalhalla recommends, btw isnt that the halo 3 map name? That is all we play on deployment is halo 3 and i cant wait to get home to dl some new maps) and look at using that money towards a better looking case. Any recommendations on htpc cases?

 

[evll_panda]

Andrius what side of the planet are you from lol?

 

[rwpritchett]

The 5000+ you've selected is the Black Edition and it doesn't come with a heat sink or fan. It is intended for overclocking. It's a nice chip, but if you don't intend to overclock and don't want to strain your budget more because you will need to spend more money on a HSF, then maybe consider the plain vanilla 5000+. It about the same price but comes with the retail HSF.

I agree, for a non-gaming HTPC, the onboard 780G graphics are plenty. Drop the 3650 and save more money.

One last thing. I've been using that same HVR-1600 for a year now. The digital tuner is excellent but the analog tuner really sucks. Just passing on personal experience.

 

[Andrius]

I'm from central/southern Europe.
The 780G onboard graphics is a bit weak for gaming but does fine for movies yes.

Antec Fusion case with 430W PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129030

 

[evll_panda]

I might try the AverMedia suggested by Nvalhalla earlier. Thanks for the tips RW and i am going to get the plain vanilla lol

 

[evll_panda]

then yeah that is quite a trip around the world lol

 

[evll_panda]

So i updated my list up top and with shipping it is just over 800. So i spent 100 more, but as long as my components are worth it then I am game thanks guys for the help

 

[nvalhalla]

A great set up! I like that case too, I'm going to try it out with my next build. You will be very satisfied.

 

[Andrius]

If the Antec was a bit cheaper here in Europe I'd use it my HTPC builds for friends. At 200EUR it's just out of reach for <500EUR HTPCs.

Good luck.

 

[RocinanteX1]

I would swap the CPU for the 4850e. It is 45w vs your 65w, but nearly as fast. This will make for a quieter, lower power, cooler HTPC. I have the board you mention and this chip and they work great as a HTPC.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255

 

[Andrius]

I would swap the CPU for the 4850e. It is 45w vs your 65w, but nearly as fast. This will make for a quieter, lower power, cooler HTPC. I have the board you mention and this chip and they work great as a HTPC. Your]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255

Your point is all good and right but most boards still require a BIOS flash for this chip to work. Without an older AM2 chip around the board might not be able to complete the POST with this chip.

 

[evll_panda]

I appreciate all of the help. This being my first HTPC I really didnt know what I needed other than some lower-end power components! Thanks for the help guys!