HTPC New System Build

[raelom]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: now BUDGET RANGE: 400.00 +/- After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: HTPC 1080P HD

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: PSU/CASE/Keyboard/HD/BR Drive

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: NewEgg

PARTS PREFERENCES: Name brand

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1980x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: below.



I'm putting together a new HTPC -- Comments on this configuration please.


D-Link DWA-125 USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter -- $36.47

XFX HD-567X-YNFC Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 512MB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity -- 99.00


G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ -- $106.99

AMD Athlon II X4 635 Propus 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX635WFGIBOX - Retail
BIOSTAR TA790GXB3 AM3 AMD 790GX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail -- $179.98

Subtotal: $386.96

I already have a 1TB internal SATA HD, Case, PSU and a BluRay drive to hook up.

I use the diNovo Mini for my keyboard support and will be installing Win7Ultimate 64 bit.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You really don't need the graphics card. The integrated GPU is plenty for a HTPC and BluRay playback. I would use an i3 and H55 if I was making a HTPC. The integrated GPU on the i3 systems can bitstream TrueHD/DTS-HD MA over HDMI. They also use less power. Here's a couple very nice combo deals:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.369683 $214.98 (Intel i3 530 + Asus P7H55-M PRO combo)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.369702 $209.98 (Intel i3 530 + Asus P7H55-M/CSM combo)

 

[batuchka]

Dun really need a quad - perhaps go IGP HD 4290 on the latest 890GX chipset with native SATA 6GB/s and USB 3.0 support? 2GB would be fine for HTPC duty as well ^^

http://www.slashgear.com/amd-890gx-chipset-with-onboard-1080p-capable-hd-4290-gpu-confirmed-0276265/

AMD have officially announced their latest chipset, the AMD 890GX, which incorporates integrated ATI Radeon HD 4290 graphics as well as paving the way for the company’s upcoming AMD Phenom II X6 hexacore processor. Out of the box the 890GX chipset will support 1080p HD Blu-ray playback, including picture-in-picture support, in addition to SATA 3.0 6Gbps interface and USB 3.0 support.


If you’d rather pair it with a separate graphics card or two, the AMD 890GX supports ATI CrossFireX technology. Still, the basic integrated graphics are enough to upscale standard-definition DVDs and support DirectX 10.1 gaming, as well as decode the MPEG2, VC-1 and H.264 video formats.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I wouldn't downgrade to 2GB of RAM, especially since he's going to be running 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate. That brings up another point. Do you already have the OS? If not, Ultimate is a huge waste of money. You can get 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium for $100.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM $99.99

 

[raelom]

Yep, already have the OS. Got it for 50$

I also like 4GB -- plenty of overhead for the background encoding of BR's I RIP in my collection and add to my library and running any P2P apps I have.

At any given moment, this HTPC will be ripping/encoding,streaming audio over the network,running boxee or powerDVD and running a P2P app.

 

[batuchka]

Ripping and encoding yes 4GB and an AthlonII X4 sounds right What i do for clients is introduce them to custom Cool n Quiet stuff like K10Stat and/or PhenoMSRTweaker and some undervolting action hehe

 

[raelom]

Yea, the HTPC is like 12 ft. away when we're watching shows so quiet isn't a huge concern. I actually wouldn't mind a smaller foot print since I'm using a full size HTPC case which is FREAKING HUGE!.

Also blinky blinky blue lights bug the *** outta me. Need to cover them up with Elec tape.

 

[batuchka]

Well the popular choices are stuff like Silverstone SG-02F, Aerocool M40, etc if u like shoeboxes ^^

 

[raelom]

microatx?

 

[batuchka]

Yep but able to house standard ATX PSUs....best go with a modular one for better cable management promoting better airflow ^^