HTPC build

[racermx187]

I am needing to build an HTPC type PC for my girlfriends new house. The PC will be used mainly stream TV, record TV, surf the web, and monitor the security cameras I am going to be installing at her house. I am looking for the best bang for my buck. It will be hooked up to a 42" 1080P HDTV. The two builds I have planned out are below. Any advice would be appreciated.


AMD Build $405

Seagate HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148445

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104151

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035

CPU and Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.334992


Intel Build $465

Ram and HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.330011

CPU and Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.338840

Case and PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.326089


Will be running Win7 Pro and would like to do this as cheaply as possible

 

[daggs]

get the amd build with this mb+cpu combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.334988 still lower then the intel one, but you get a true quad, not a pseudo one

 

[racermx187]

Thanks Daggs. I was wondering though if a quad core is even really necessary. It will only be used to watch movies and record the security cameras. She uses her laptop for all her work and school needs. I guess for the money will I see any advantage of going with a quad core for such little usage?

 

[daggs]

Thanks Daggs. I was wondering though if a quad core is even really necessary. It will only be used to watch movies and record the security cameras. She uses her laptop for all her work and school needs. I guess for the money will I see any advantage of going with a quad core for such little usage?

them go for the athlon II...
the i3 is a pseudo quad...

 

[jasobnd]

assuming with HTPC build your going to be hooking up surround sound and using this as a DVD / BLU RAY player. i notice there is no LED display in this case, perhaps you have one allready to install?

 

[racermx187]

assuming with HTPC build your going to be hooking up surround sound and using this as a DVD / BLU RAY player. i notice there is no LED display in this case, perhaps you have one allready to install?

I do not have one. Is the LED for the sole purpose of fast forwarding and seeing where you are at in the movie? I am trying to do it as cheep as possible and most of the time it will be used for streaming movies.

 

[jasobnd]

If your looking for cheap and chearfull with a good output then yours is fine but if you want to know where you are when your going through the menus, changing volume, and other things like fast forwarding like you said. Then an LED display with make things just that little bit easier.

Im not going to pretend to be a HTPC genious but every high end case ive seen has an allready built in LED display. Take zalman for instance. If you notice aswell a review on Neweggs site shows that you can tell where the LED display should be.

It probs wouldn't break the bank either to buy/install. But like i say im not a HTPC builder so if you are looking to add one i'd get some views from HTPC modders first.

The other option of course is to break your build up over a few months so it doesn't break the bank as much? you could then add another £100. Just an idea.

 

[racermx187]

If your looking for cheap and chearfull with a good output then yours is fine but if you want to know where you are when your going through the menus, changing volume, and other things like fast forwarding like you said. Then an LED display with make things just that little bit easier.

Im not going to pretend to be a HTPC genious but every high end case ive seen has an allready built in LED display. Take zalman for instance. If you notice aswell a review on Neweggs site shows that you can tell where the LED display should be.

It probs wouldn't break the bank either to buy/install. But like i say im not a HTPC builder so if you are looking to add one i'd get some views from HTPC modders first.

The other option of course is to break your build up over a few months so it doesn't break the bank as much? you could then add another £100. Just an idea.

Yea breaking it up is kind of what I was thinking. I was planning on going with a cheap case now if I can get one on special at NewEgg or Frys and then eventually when I get her surround sound or if I am using it a lot then upgrading to a nice case with LCD and everything.