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1st time HTPC Build

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - 1st time HTPC Build

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moodyjoseph84   09-10-2009 at 11:29:35 PM

1st off...Big fan of the site and forum.

I'm a pc junkie who hasn't build a computer in years, and I need some suggestions/help if possible; I'm not familiary with the new family of CPU's, GPU's, or RAM. I will say that I'm partial to AMD tho ^_^ *woot*

This is my 1st HTPC build, and consequently...my 1st forum post. :)

My goal is to built a HTPC that:
-Will support a 720p LCD TV
-Serve as DVR to record/playback shows
-Great for audio 5.1 output
-Be a decent gaming computer
-Be fast
-Be low cost
And ABOVE ALL ELSE
-Be quiet without watercooling

any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Bronze Home Brew badge wathman   09-10-2009 at 11:42:50 PM
- 0 +

You can build all kinds of HTPCs, but to keep costs down even further you might want to focus on triple core phenom IIs. Right now I'd say a 4870 is the best deal for above average graphics, though that will probably change in 2 weeks. 4 GB DDR3 RAM, as much storage as you can afford, and a high quality case. I'd recommend Lian Li cases for a HTPC build since they are very classy without lots of bling, have pretty good airflow, and are easy to work with.

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Silver Home Brew badge hunter315   09-10-2009 at 11:53:12 PM
- 0 +

4770 $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102835

AMD 720 $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103649

Antec 300 and EA430 $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.245592

4GB DDR3 1333MHz CL7 $84
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220278

F3 500GB $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] F3%20500gb

ASUS 790X $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131402

Comes out to $580ish before shipping, if you want a real HTPC case they run quite a bit more and tend to require microatx boards.

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mindless728   09-11-2009 at 12:14:40 AM
- 0 +

for the dvr, do you need over the air/local channels on cable or all cable channels (if all tyou need a cableCard, usually pretty damn expensive)

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englandr753   09-11-2009 at 05:36:19 AM
- 0 +

You could lessen the cost even further if you revert back to ddr2 ram. Its cheaper and you wont notice the difference in performance vs cost on your low cost build. This will require a ddr2 supportive motherboard.

 

Did you want blu-ray? You will need a blu-ray drive.

 

I would use Cyberlink Power DVD 9.1, it can upconvert your dvds to 1080p which is awesome. The clarity in your videos will impress you.

 

TV Tuner card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6815306006

 

Make sure you have a pci express slot (the small one) available for this card. If not then go for the regular pci slot version.


Message edited by englandr753 on 09-11-2009 at 05:38:13 AM
------------------------------ EVGA 780i mobo | EVGA GTX 275 | Q9550 OC @ 3.6Ghz | 8Ghz 1066Mhz Corsair Memory | Corsair 1000 watt PSU | Coolermaster Stacker CM830 Case | Ultra TEC CPU Cooler | Vista Ultimate 64

 

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