Thoughts on a spare parts HTPC

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trxjw

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 29, 2005
Messages
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So this weekend I'll be ordering the final parts for my Sandy Bridge build. Upgrading from the following to a ground-up 2500k system. Only pieces that will be reused are the peripherals and the case.

So, now I have these parts to put together a HTPC:
e6420 w/ AC7 Pro
MSI P6N Platinum
2GB DDR800
EVGA 8800GTS 640MB
WD 320GB
Corsair 620HX

I was going to ditch the 8800 for a passively cooled 6450 to handle HDMI out to my Onkyo 607 that feeds a 42" Panny plasma (720p). I highly doubt I'll ever be running any games through this.

It'll all be moved into this case: (nMEDIAPC 6000B)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204037

With this card: (SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB DDR3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102933

So I'm likely into it for an additional ~$220 (case, win7 64bit, video card). That being said, unless I'm overlooking major, this seems to be a pretty capable HTPC for a moderate investment.

Thoughts? Would like to get an extra opinion or two just for some added assurance before I start loading up my credit card.
 
You want to play or stream blu-rays? You'll need a drive and player software.
 
AQ_OC said:
You want to play or stream blu-rays? You'll need a drive and player software.
Click to expand...

Ah, right. I knew I forgot to include something. Not a "must" since I have a PS3, but probably a good idea, haha.
 
trxjw said:
Ah, right. I knew I forgot to include something. Not a "must" since I have a PS3, but probably a good idea, haha.
Click to expand...

If you want to stream from a file server, you'll need AnyDVDHD and virtualclonedrive (free).
 
I've got a very similar setup (same case, CPU, RAM, but a lower spec video card), and it runs everything with ease. I don't have a Blu-ray drive in mine, but it does play 1080P MKV files with no problems. Emulators are awesome. Pretty much anything I throw at it works with NO problem! :)

Good luck, and have fun! :) HTPC's are a blast!
 
AQ_OC said:
If you want to stream from a file server, you'll need AnyDVDHD and virtualclonedrive (free).
Click to expand...

I think I'll be running most things locally for the time being, but I'll eventually be configuring some sort of NAS setup.

Ur_Mom said:
I've got a very similar setup (same case, CPU, RAM, but a lower spec video card), and it runs everything with ease. I don't have a Blu-ray drive in mine, but it does play 1080P MKV files with no problems. Emulators are awesome. Pretty much anything I throw at it works with NO problem! :)

Good luck, and have fun! :) HTPC's are a blast!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Looking forward to getting out from underneath the cable bill, haha. :D

Going to grab one of these Blu-ray drives and pull the trigger in the morning.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136232
 
Last edited:
trxjw said:
I think I'll be running most things locally for the time being, but I'll eventually be configuring some sort of NAS setup.



Thanks! Looking forward to getting out from underneath the cable bill, haha. :D

Going to grab one of these Blu-ray drives and pull the trigger in the morning.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136232
Click to expand...

Does this one come with any B-R player software? Some BD drives do. Might be a chance to get some free software....
 
AQ_OC said:
Does this one come with any B-R player software? Some BD drives do. Might be a chance to get some free software....
Click to expand...

I believe it's OEM, so it does not come with software. Any recommendations?

Though I imagine there's a good stand alone solution out there, right?
 
trxjw said:
I believe it's OEM, so it does not come with software. Any recommendations?

Though I imagine there's a good stand alone solution out there, right?
Click to expand...

The one Coder linked seems good to me...
 
Apparently you can also pick up power dvd 10 for $16 on ebay. Seems pretty good for a later version of powerdvd. Seems like power dvd 9 is bundled with blu ray drives mostly. Likewise, powerdvd 10 is $30 on amazon.
 
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