Hey i have had alot of experience building ATX computers but never worked with micro ATX, and this time i have a budget. I want to have a mini Computer than can play blu-ray, do all the normale functions of a computer, and be able to be a DVR(if possible). So far i just have some basic components, and on question how powerful of a graphic card do i need to play blu-ray at the best quality.
Ohh yeah im going AMD for this one: Buget= 400-600$
For OS I would go with what you prefer. In the end you're the one who has to use it.
For a GPU I would go with something like a 9500GT or a 4650 that has a HDMI port built in. I'm assuming you want to plug this thing up to a HDTV, but not do major gaming.
I might even spend an extra $18 to get an AMD 7750 over that Brisbane.
If you want more information visit AVS Fourms - they have dedicated sub forums on DIY HTPC. You dun need a dedicated GPU for blueray - peeps there would tell you all you need is a 780G or GF8200 mATX with HDMI and you good to go My suggestion:
Once u hook up to LCD TV via HDMI cable manually set HDMI Digital as default sound out (in case not auto detected) and you good to go Hoped i helped ^^
You don't need a dedicated GPU for Blu-ray playback. the 780G integrated graphics will handle it just fine. I also picked a 45W CPU since it will run cooler and still be able to handle Blu-ray. I use Vista on my HTPC and have been very happy with it. I use the built-in Media Center and it works very well.
If you're going to use this as a DVR, I highly recommend Hauppauge TV tuner cards. I have two in my HTPC (the HVR-1600 and HVR-2250), and they both have been great. The HVR 2250 is a low-profile tuner and has dual tuners. It would work great in this build.
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