2011-01-31, 09:03
So after having a second Directv DVR fail on me in the last 2 years, I've decided to cancel my service and build my first HTPC. I am looking to do this for as little money as possible (<300) as it looks like I will be needing to upgrade my wireless network to N speeds as well.
I am looking for something to stream movies/tv shows from my desktop pc downstairs to my 65" DLP upstairs and eventually my 37" LCD in the bedroom at a later date. I don't need 3D support, most likely won't need Netflix support, but would like support for Hulu.
I've been looking at all of the various options (ATV2, nettops, custom builds with both mITX and mATX) and have decided that a custom build is in my best interest because I would like to add a BD-ROM at a later date. I really like the small footprint of the mini ITX but I am not sure it's worth the price. I just don't like the majority of HTPC cases out there that don't break the budget.
Here are some parts that I have been considering and I am open for any suggestions.
MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813138283
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103698 I am hoping to unlock the second core. If I am unlucky, will I still be able to accomplish my goals?
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231149
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814127454
Hard Drive: I will probably be using an old drive in the beginning to get me by until I buy an SSD. I have an 80gb Seagate SATA or a 36gb 10k RPM WD Raptor drive that I could use.
Case: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Mini-ITX-Case-w-...5d293bcfe7 I saw this case posted in another thread and I really like the look compared to other cases in this price range. Not to mention the PSU is supposed to be of pretty good quality. The case does have some downside to it though. I have heard it does have some heat issues according to the post on the Hard forums but then again all of their components were higher performance. The other issue is the need for a pci-e riser card. This has really hung me up. PCI-e risers are not cheap. I guess my other options are to switch to an ION board or if there is a mATX board with good enough onboard video to meet my needs.
I guess I'm just looking for some advice or reassurance so I can pull the trigger on this. Any help is much appreciated.
I am looking for something to stream movies/tv shows from my desktop pc downstairs to my 65" DLP upstairs and eventually my 37" LCD in the bedroom at a later date. I don't need 3D support, most likely won't need Netflix support, but would like support for Hulu.
I've been looking at all of the various options (ATV2, nettops, custom builds with both mITX and mATX) and have decided that a custom build is in my best interest because I would like to add a BD-ROM at a later date. I really like the small footprint of the mini ITX but I am not sure it's worth the price. I just don't like the majority of HTPC cases out there that don't break the budget.
Here are some parts that I have been considering and I am open for any suggestions.
MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813138283
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103698 I am hoping to unlock the second core. If I am unlucky, will I still be able to accomplish my goals?
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231149
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814127454
Hard Drive: I will probably be using an old drive in the beginning to get me by until I buy an SSD. I have an 80gb Seagate SATA or a 36gb 10k RPM WD Raptor drive that I could use.
Case: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Mini-ITX-Case-w-...5d293bcfe7 I saw this case posted in another thread and I really like the look compared to other cases in this price range. Not to mention the PSU is supposed to be of pretty good quality. The case does have some downside to it though. I have heard it does have some heat issues according to the post on the Hard forums but then again all of their components were higher performance. The other issue is the need for a pci-e riser card. This has really hung me up. PCI-e risers are not cheap. I guess my other options are to switch to an ION board or if there is a mATX board with good enough onboard video to meet my needs.
I guess I'm just looking for some advice or reassurance so I can pull the trigger on this. Any help is much appreciated.