I've been running XBMC off an old laptop (Windows Vista) for a while now. I've thoroughly enjoyed XBMC but have had issues with the laptop integrating well in my overall setup (receiver, tv, etc.) So I figured it's time to finally build (or buy) an HTPC.
I've been reading through the forums and the minute I think I know what I want to build I come across another thread that leads to more questions. I'm hoping that y'all could offer me some guidance on what to research further based on some of the goals / uses I have.
GOALS
1. Easy for my wife to use. (#1 priority) :-)
Simple enough for her to hit the power button, find what she wants to watch, and then power it down... all from the remote.
2. Fast, quiet and keeps cool.
A fairly quick boot time and smooth UI are important. We want a good experience using it and I've ran XBMC on some devices where the UI was sluggish and we ended up ditching that device.
If the devices requires fans (case or gpu) hopefully they're quiet or can be replaced with aftermarket higher grade fans or water cooling.
This will sit inside my media cabinet with other components so ideally it won't generate too much heat. I only use this to watch movies, tv shows, and play music. No gaming or other computing capabilities involved. My media is stored a a NAS / File Server.
3. Run XBMC on Windows or using OpenELEC.
We're also planning to get Netflix which is why I have the windows option but windows can be it's own pain. If netflix can seamlessly integrate with xbmc to make it easy on the family to use then I'll deal with windows. Otherwise I may just use openelec and get a roku device for netflix and other services.
4. Play video and audio through HDMI.
I don't want to mess with any other connections to my receiver.
5. Works with a remote. (See #1 above)
I currently have a Motorola NYXboard Hybrid but am more than willing to change that out. The kids have gotten their hands on it so I may have to replace it anyway. :-)
BUDGET
I don't really have one. Since i'm only using this to watch movies, etc. I don't need a powerful computer. On the other hand I want to ensure a pleasant experience (no lag, handles various video formats, etc.)
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. I'm assuming that i'll want around 4-8GB RAM and approx 32-64GB SATA/mSATA for the OS at most. Is that assumption wrong?
2. Based on various threads, I'm torn about the case. Do I go Intel NUC, ITX, microATX?
3. No idea which way to go with CPU, GPU (assuming onboard?), motherboard, etc.
4. Is it worth dealing with windows to integrate netflix (and probably hulu, vudu, amazon prime) with xbmc? Is the boot time that much slower than openelec?
I've been reading through the forums and the minute I think I know what I want to build I come across another thread that leads to more questions. I'm hoping that y'all could offer me some guidance on what to research further based on some of the goals / uses I have.
GOALS
1. Easy for my wife to use. (#1 priority) :-)
Simple enough for her to hit the power button, find what she wants to watch, and then power it down... all from the remote.
2. Fast, quiet and keeps cool.
A fairly quick boot time and smooth UI are important. We want a good experience using it and I've ran XBMC on some devices where the UI was sluggish and we ended up ditching that device.
If the devices requires fans (case or gpu) hopefully they're quiet or can be replaced with aftermarket higher grade fans or water cooling.
This will sit inside my media cabinet with other components so ideally it won't generate too much heat. I only use this to watch movies, tv shows, and play music. No gaming or other computing capabilities involved. My media is stored a a NAS / File Server.
3. Run XBMC on Windows or using OpenELEC.
We're also planning to get Netflix which is why I have the windows option but windows can be it's own pain. If netflix can seamlessly integrate with xbmc to make it easy on the family to use then I'll deal with windows. Otherwise I may just use openelec and get a roku device for netflix and other services.
4. Play video and audio through HDMI.
I don't want to mess with any other connections to my receiver.
5. Works with a remote. (See #1 above)
I currently have a Motorola NYXboard Hybrid but am more than willing to change that out. The kids have gotten their hands on it so I may have to replace it anyway. :-)
BUDGET
I don't really have one. Since i'm only using this to watch movies, etc. I don't need a powerful computer. On the other hand I want to ensure a pleasant experience (no lag, handles various video formats, etc.)
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. I'm assuming that i'll want around 4-8GB RAM and approx 32-64GB SATA/mSATA for the OS at most. Is that assumption wrong?
2. Based on various threads, I'm torn about the case. Do I go Intel NUC, ITX, microATX?
3. No idea which way to go with CPU, GPU (assuming onboard?), motherboard, etc.
4. Is it worth dealing with windows to integrate netflix (and probably hulu, vudu, amazon prime) with xbmc? Is the boot time that much slower than openelec?
. My closet is pretty packed so I wanted the smallest thing I could find. But I think you got it right - the other options will give you some more future-proofing. Also can put whatever fan/cooling option you want.
