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I was considering buying a Boxee Box for my basement TV, but I figured I would install the software before I took the plunge. I've been using it for a couple days and I still prefer the XBMC interface over it. As an alternative I'd like to build a PC that will be hooked up to the projector and I would like to spend as close to $200 Boxee Box price point as possible. All of my content (MKVs, Divx, music and photos) are stored on my Home Server, so storage isn't a concern. Can you help me build a small form factor PC that I can install Linux on and run XBMC?
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I picked up an acer aspire revo a second gig of ram and crystal hd card. That's my setup in my front room right now, there are plenty of guides around here that will walk you through it.
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I tried to put together a $200 computer from scratch for someone for XBMC last month and it wasn't really good. $200 is just too low. Only real option at that price point is Acer Revo AR1600's off ebay, or messing with something like a first gen AppleTV plus a broadcom card.
You need to bump you budget some to swim in XBMC waters, or find some old computer that you can re-use the parts of (PSU, case, etc).
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Both of those Zotac boxes will do what you want. You really can't go wrong.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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do yourself a favor and spend the cash on an ION system.
I have seen many people who I work with buy a WD player, random divx boxes of ebay and stuff around doing things on the cheap.
My faithful old xbox gave me 6 years of xbmc service. I had no hesitation in investing in a good ION system that will see me set for another 3-4 years of HD service.
While others spend cash on a DVD, Bluray, PVR, Settop Box, WD player,ATV cables remotes and countless hours of searching for how to get the most out of each of these items, I will still be enjoying XBMC on an ION platform with an MCE Remote.
There seems to be two categories of tech guys that I will never understand:
Those who will forever buy the cheap and wrong alternative
Those who spend way to much to have an XBMC system that will idle "faster" than anyone elses.
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Boot takes WAY longer on a USB key than a SSD, but you get the same fast interface. 8GB is enough.
