Download the Tom's Hardware App from the App Store
The reference for current tech news
Yes No
Ads
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > New ~$1000 HTPC build

New ~$1000 HTPC build

Forum Systems : New Build New ~$1000 HTPC build

Word :    Username :           
 

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2 weeks BUDGET RANGE: $500-1100 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: HTPC (dual ATSC + Netflix)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
DVD drive - using ?? from existing media center
PSU - using Corsair HX520 from an older computer
Boot HDD - considering old 300GB SATAI drive that I have lying around

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: usually newegg.com
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES:
CPU - Intel i3 530
Case - Silverstone GD05B (@ Fry's)
OS - win 7 premier x64
WD Caviar green 2TB drive for storage
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250
SiTouch mini-keyboard/mouse combo

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 480i (SDTV w/ s-video) 1080p (HDMI 1.4A for future BluRay3D)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
relatively quiet
ability to support Bluray 3D in the future on a 1080p TV with the new HDMI 1.4A (aka HDMI 3D) input - I am OK with adding a new video card for this. I'll add the Bluray drive at this time as well.

LOOKING FOR:
Cheap NVidia GPU with s-video out using PCIe x1 recommendation
MB recommendation
Comments on case selection
Comments on overall build plan
Opinion on if the processor is sufficient
RAM recommendation (plan for 2x2GB)

Reply to cerebusta
Register or log in to remove.

Well I'm not sure why I didn't get any responses but the build is done now so I thought I would post what I did as an FYI for anyone that is interested.

I replaced the SiTouch mini-keyboard/mouse combo with the Logitech diNovo mini. This is a fantastic addition to a media center PC setup to control a TV.

Regarding the things I was looking for feedback on:
I bought a BFG GeForce 8400 GS PCI-e card as a stopgap until I go to Bluray.
I bought a Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 motherboard. No complaints so far.
The case is working out really well. It was a little difficult to work with because it is small and not tooless but it is very well thought out and looks good.
I bought the cheapest memory I could get with a real brand name. This turned out to be Corsair. No complaints.
I used an existing 500GB HDD as the boot partition so the Green 2TB drive does not cause any problems and the extra storage space is great.

The system is working out well. With media center, netflix, and Hulu I always have something to watch even without cable channels.

Reply to cerebusta

I'm just not sure why anyone would build a HTPC. That is probably why you never got a response. What's wrong with a HD DVR...PS3 for streaming Netflix and Blu-Rays and a solid HDMI based surround sound? Please tell me what justifies a HTPC.

Reply to brennon7

A PS3 is quite subpar for a HTPC, thats why. Sure it can do netflix, and it can play blurays and it can surf the net.

 

But having a MythTV or Windows7 HTPC is just smooth and fluid. The PS3 interface feels, awkward to me.

 

Also the PS3 can't act as a DVR.


Message edited by cmcghee358 on 06-13-2010 at 11:51:11 PM
------------------------------ i5-2500k / H70 / MSI P67-GD80 / Antec 1200 / 8 GB DD3-1600 C9 / 2x40 GB Intel SSDs / 2.25 Misc TB HDDs / amBX Professional Lighting and Sound / Seasonic X750 80+ Gold / Diamond 5970 + Sapphire 5870 2GB DDR5 Eyefinity6 5760x1080
Reply to cmcghee358

How much RAM did you decide to go with?

Did you try the system out without the graphics card? It seems like the consensus opinion (just what I gather from trying to read the HTPC posts) is that the i3 doesn't need a video card to run blu ray smoothly.

Reply to Lugalbanda

I would like to see your setup. Please post up some picks.

Reply to brennon7

Mine or the OPs?

------------------------------ i5-2500k / H70 / MSI P67-GD80 / Antec 1200 / 8 GB DD3-1600 C9 / 2x40 GB Intel SSDs / 2.25 Misc TB HDDs / amBX Professional Lighting and Sound / Seasonic X750 80+ Gold / Diamond 5970 + Sapphire 5870 2GB DDR5 Eyefinity6 5760x1080
Reply to cmcghee358

@brennon7

I like the interface of the HTPC. Most of the DVRs I have seen aren't as nice.
A PS3 can't have tuner cards and do DVR.
I also use my HTPC as a home file server.
I also use it for Hulu desktop.
I haven't seen another solution that works as well for me.

@Lugalbanda
I went with 4GB.
I didn't run it w/o the graphics card because I needed s-video out to connect to my old TV. I will upgrade the TV eventually but I am waiting on 3D TV prices to come down. The card was pretty cheap and I haven't had any problems.

Reply to cerebusta

Photos please, I'm interesting in seeing what this looks like all set up.

Reply to brennon7

If you want to see pictures of my setup then I'm afraid there isn't much to see. There is an old 27" tube TV and a black box that says Phillips on the DVD tray. It's in an old Sauder cabinet with some family pictures on top. Once I can get a decent 3D TV for a good price (say a Samsung 8000 series) then I will redo the rest of the setup.

Reply to cerebusta
Register or log in to remove.
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > New ~$1000 HTPC build
Go to:

There are 1818 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Ads
Latest best answer
Need Feedback on $1800 Gaming Build
By Hopz, 2 hours ago:

Could save some money on your PSU and CPU cooler. Unless you want to OC above 4.5 Ghz the...

Best offers
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
Top experts