Realistic HTPC build?

[Devnull]

I use my PC to output to my bedroom HDTV, but I have yet to build a dedicated HTPC, and I would like to have one hooked up to the bigscreen.

I obviously would like to do this on the cheap, would appreciate any ideas on how to make it better and/or cheaper. All it needs to be able to do is play back: DVD, HD-DVD, Bluray, and assorted downloadable formats. It also must output 1080p/5.1 audio over HDMI or another digital connection. It will be hooked up to a receiver w/ hdmi inputs and a 7.1 audio system.

Some limited gaming capability would be nice as an afterthought, but it is not mandatory. I also do not give a damn whether it can record or not.

I put something together in about 10 minutes on newegg.

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio...asp?WishListNumber=7472866&WishListTitle=htpc

Total comes out to $760ish, before tax and shipping.


I'd need to get a cooler for that CPU, would probably be undervolting and going with the quietest fan possible. I assume I'd also need some case fans. Sound is a bit of a concern, but not a huge one because most of the time the surround will be too loud to hear them.

 

[Treyshadow]

You do realize that you are adding some noise in their going with a non-fanless video card?

I think I would adjust to one of the newer AMD boards since the hdmi implementation on them is actually quite palatable for HTPC uses. Then you wouldn't "need" a dedicated video card and that would lower your budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056

That is a great choice for a board, so you would not "need" the video card for HTPC duties.

 

[CrimandEvil]

All it needs to be able to do is play back: DVD, HD-DVD, Bluray, and assorted downloadable formats.

First thing, you forgot to add in a PSU cause you case you selected doesn't have one.

This is what I would go with in your shoes:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103206
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827136133
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161172
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185046

I get $809.55 and it's a much better system then the one you built (and has a PSU, I have no idea why you're going with s939 and DDR memory and buying it all new). Hit the "Stuff for HTPCs" link at the top of the forum and look for the link about HDMI audio and how much it sucks, if you want real HD audio, eg: TrueHD, then you need a sound card. No way around that and the only way to get TrueHD audio is by going analog out from a capable sound card.

Also, you're missing software. You need to add an OS and PowerDVD into your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116202

 

[Reaper]

My biggest suggestion, above any other like S939 v. AM2or vid card choices, MINIMUM 1GB RAM, preferably 2

 

[Devnull]

You do realize that you are adding some noise in their going with a non-fanless video card?

You did read the thread, right

If things are quiet enough that I can hear the fan, then there is something wrong with my audio system

First thing, you forgot to add in a PSU cause you case you selected doesn't have one.

awww wth. I had selected a 500w pcp&c silencer IIRC.

Hit the "Stuff for HTPCs" link at the top of the forum and look for the link about HDMI audio and how much it sucks, if you want real HD audio, eg: TrueHD, then you need a sound card. No way around that and the only way to get TrueHD audio is by going analog out from a capable sound card.

Also, you're missing software. You need to add an OS and PowerDVD into your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116202

Already got the software... And doh on HDMI audio sucking, that is a bit of a disappointment. I soon as I saw that these newer video cards have HDMI audio out I figured I could save a bit by not getting a dedicated sound card.


Thanks for the ideas. I figured that the 939 would be cheapest, since they have the cpu on a nice sale- but their selection of 939 mobos really sucks. I did put that together in about 10-15 mins while bored

 

[luke51087]

yeah def get a AM2 board maybe a AMD690 chipset and get 2x1gb ddr2 for less then the ddr1 price that your paying now