HTPC: Acer Revo vs Homebuilt System

[oldsnake]

Alright, so I'm stuck with a big problem. I am buying a brand new i5 5850 gaming rig, and I want a small HTPC that runs XBMC/Media Center (Depending on Acer or Homebuilt)

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a week BUDGET RANGE: $330 and a little more if its really necessary.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:Hardcore gaming, but light game is good to have. Also most of my Video decoding with be done using 5850 on my gaming rig.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: PSU 500W, Don't have make and model but should be enough for HTPC, Wireless Card, Keyboard Mouse, OS (Ubuntu) 9800gt if I want some gaming, Hard Drive.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg and microcenter (As how i am probably going to get my graphics card for my gaming rig from there)

PARTS PREFERENCES: Not particular, just give me something quite and small.

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 42'' 1080p

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I would like a quiet PC to be quiet, small, and one that doesnt produce that much heat. I would like HTPC, Hulu (For Acer Revo, I dont mind waiting until Flash comes out with their graphics accerlation software), XBMC or media center. The good thing about homebuilt is that I can upgrade, but the good thing about Acer Revo is that it gives me the power I want, Windows 7 for the gaming rig I'm making side be side, and less heat and noise, and its small. But with homebuilt I could be put a cable card in the future, (which will require windows 7 MC $30 College Upgrade), I can upgrade, and I could put my left over parts i have including 9800gt, PSU, Wireless N Card.


Alright Ill just get into it.
I have two choices for the Acer Revo, the $200 and $320 model. The good thing about the $320 is that It comes with Windows 7 which I can use that CD for my Gaming PC.

Acer Aspire Revo AR3610-U9012 Intel Atom 330(1.60GHz) 2GB DDR2 160GB NVIDIA ION graphics Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - Retail $320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103234

Acer Aspire Revo AR1600-U910H Intel Atom 230 (1.6GHz) 1GB DDR2 160GB NVIDIA ION LE graphics Windows XP Home - Retail $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103228

Or the Homebuilt PC

My Public Wish List
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=16509307

Sry I couldn't make a big list this time around, but I have to go to school in like 2 minutes.

 

[Griffolion]

To be honest, the Revo will be the best choice if you're after a quick and cheap solution. I can't imagine homebuilt being any cheaper than that.

Do you want help building the I5 rig too, or are you getting one from a retailer? If so, here's my suggestion.

CPU: $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

Motherboard: $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131604

RAM: $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145265

Graphics Card: $300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103085

Hard Drive: $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&Tpk=1tb%20samsung%20f3

PSU: $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

Case: $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

Optical: $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192

Those are my suggestions for the core components. In the end its down to your budget and personal preferences.

 

[shata]

If you need place to research the revo here is great resource its where i look for my revo questions.
http://www.revouser.com/forum/index.php

 

[wjglenn]

You might run into one problem. The copy of Windows that comes with the Acer will be an OEM copy. Technically (legally), you can only use it on the machine that it comes with. Even if that doesn't bother you, you might want to double-check that you are actually getting an install disc for Windows 7 and not a set of OEM restore discs.

Also, the new Acer Revo 3600, while a bit more expensive, runs a dual-core Atom 330. Might be worth looking at, too.

 

[hmanders]

One other thing to consider is that Windows7 Home Premium comes with Media Center, which is a nice addition since you are going to use it as an HTPC. Also, this one comes with the ION instead of the ION LE in the other one. The ION LE drops support for DirectX 10, from what I've read so I think you're MUCH better off getting the 3610.

BTW, I've had one on order for over 2 weeks. They're not available anywhere that I can find, but I've read that they might start showing up again within the next week.

Good luck!