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Cheapest Way to Build a HDTV/Blu-Ray Machine

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Cheapest Way to Build a HDTV/Blu-Ray Machine

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I am wondering, how much would be the cheapest way to build a HDTV/Blu-Ray out of a computer? I have a nice big computer monitor for my room, I can make it become a HDTV or blu ray movie if I make a computer for it. I know that we can get HDTV Tuner and blu ray drive in the computer. However, I don't know about motherboard, graphic card and CPU to set that up. I would start the cheapest way, because this computer is more likely to NEVER use for work, internet, game, etc.

Here's what I know

LG Blue Ray drive $150
HD Tuner $80
AMD Dual Core 64 X2 $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103067

Biostar 790GX Motherboard $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138128

Total: $365.00

For the cheapest available hardwares to set up, I expect to see awesome sick graphic from watching a blu ray movie or Super Bowl game. It might saves me a few hundred bucks to not buy a HDTV+Blu Ray drive combination.

Message edited by psychicassassin on 11-05-2008 at 10:38:01 AM

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Get a 790GX motherboard and you won't need a graphics card. An inexpensive AMD dual core will be fine.

Message quoted 2 times

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Reply to Proximon

Buy a PS3, install Ubuntu... and you're set. Okay.. maybe also buy a new HDD and upgrade the current PS3 HDD, then you're really set!

Reply to Zecow

I'm sure other folks will have better ideas, but here's a basic type build that should work for you.

Case/PSU combo - Coolermaster Elite RC330 $60 with free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119118
CPU - E5200 $84
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116072
motherboard - G31 Foxconn $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813186145
RAM - 2x1 GB DDR2 800 1.8v A-Data value $27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820211165
GPU - Asus silent 4350 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121287
HD - WD 640GB SATA $75 for storing downloaded movies.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136218
Bluray reader- $150 LG retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133
HD tuner - ??? $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6815129007

about $560 and $15 shipping to me. Don't know much about these, but this should give you an idea of a system and costs. Another option is the 790GX that the Proximon mentioned and a cheap AMD CPU.

another option might be to buy a cheap refurbished pre built and add the bluray drive and cheap GPU

http://www.recoupit.com/Shop/Contr [...] /SFV/31197

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by dirtmountain on 11-05-2008 at 10:24:59 AM

Reply to dirtmountain

Proximon wrote :

Get a 790GX motherboard and you won't need a graphics card. An inexpensive AMD dual core will be fine.

I updated the listing, which is total $365. Are you sure it doesn't need a hard drive to play for blu ray disc? Not even need a hard drive to run OS?

Reply to psychicassassin

No of course you do, I was just getting you started

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Proximon

dirtmountain wrote :

LOL @ the refurbished. That's funny, I've never thought of that. Swapping a blu ray in this box will be total $400. I am shocked that it includes Windows Vista, also..

Reply to psychicassassin

Proximon wrote :

No of course you do, I was just getting you started

$75+ for the hard drive. I assume no need to add a graphic card since 790x mobo comes with HD 3XXX seies. The final total: $440

Reply to psychicassassin

The Biostar is fine, but you do need an os.
You will also need soft ware to show blueray.
Vista home premium with the media center works good.
Avermedia has a very good HDTV card.

Reply to bobbknight

I think perhaps you should go with DMs suggestion, or just take out the MB and processor and plugg in the AMD combo. You would still need PSU, case, memory, etc.

If all you need is "HDTV/Blu-Ray" as you say, then the AMD x2 and 790GX, along with DMs build is enough.

If you need more processing power for some reason, then use the Intel board and CPU DM suggests.

What I have heard is that the only on board video that will play back true HD without issues is the ATI video found on the 790GX and the newest nVidia boards. So, I would hesitate on the HP refurb... unless of course you added a graphics card to it as well.

Reply to Proximon

Proximon wrote :

Get a 790GX motherboard and you won't need a graphics card. An inexpensive AMD dual core will be fine.

In theory, yes. In practice, I tried two 790GX motherboards, and neither will display BIOS screens on an HDTV from the integrated graphics. The DFI board has never given me a picture from the intergrated graphics.

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