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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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/Prod [...] 6819103255
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.
Message edited by Andrius on 05-30-2008 at 07:50:27 PM
then yeah that is quite a trip around the world lol