Build an HTPC

[gar3555]

I want to build an HTPC, but I don't know what I want to put in it...so I am using all my powers to call up the GHer's to help me out:

what I have: 120Gb SATA HD (for main drive)
400 Gb data drive already ordered...thats about it for right now

what I know I want to put in it: 1 Gb or RAM (~$100) 1 stick 1Gb pref

thats about it...the rest I need...
A decent HTPC case, good processor, motherboard, video capture, video playback, DVD burner, PSU....hmmm if any of you have any suggestions please let me know.
looking to spend ~$600-700
wanting to run Linux.


Thanks for your help

 

[gar3555]

I guess I'll bump...I don't like too, but I would really like some help...

 

[nick1985]

just try not to bump every 27 minutes...


Just get a basic athlon 64 setup.

something like:

3000+
Epox 9NPA3+

yadda yadda

 

[gar3555]

Originally posted by: nick1985
just try not to bump every 27 minutes...


Just get a basic athlon 64 setup.

something like:

3000+
Epox 9NPA3+

yadda yadda

thats what I thought...but I'm not sure on the other stuff...what about capture cards? are the all in wonders worth it? what should I go with....any ideas?

also what about cases? there are a lot them out there...most are outrageously prices IMO.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

There are dozens of threads about capture cards already and plenty of good options out there.

Some random ones:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1674930&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=31&threadid=1623467&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1653313&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1622023&enterthread=y

Check out cases and cooling for case threads.

 

[hellokeith]

For HTPC software, I swear by SageTV. It is Windows-only based (for the time being), but is so much more full-featured than anything else out there, has HD support in new version 3, and no limit to tuners or clients.

 

[gar3555]

Originally posted by: hellokeith
For HTPC software, I swear by SageTV. It is Windows-only based (for the time being), but is so much more full-featured than anything else out there, has HD support in new version 3, and no limit to tuners or clients.

interesting...I was thinking about using MythTV. What are the differences...besides the obvious :roll: Also what do you use for video playback....that is where I'm confused. I will be getting a new TV within the next mo 42" LCD hopefully. I want to be able to maximize my video output for it. so DVI....? I was thinking just a GeForce 6200 for playback...will that be enough for videos?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Check out the HTPC area of AVSforum for more ideas on displays and connection types.

There may be issues like overscan etc.
My 6600gt has compensation for overscan and underscan that you can adjust though which is nice.

I'm using component output to my display, but if you have a digital display and can output digital, that's ususally the best route to take unless the manufacturer of the display did something stupid.

 

[IeraseU]

I actually recomend a 6600 over a 6600GT for HTPC use, because the 6600 is available with passive cooling, and I believe only 1 version of the GT is (asus, I believe). You want a HTPC as quiet as possible. Either way, also make sure you get a dual dvi model.

 

[ShadowBlade]

Check out pcalchemy.com's packages with capture card (usually a Hauppage WinTV PVR-250), remote and software.
My reccomendation would be the Hauppage PVR-250 for a capture card. or ATI Elite Pro, Anand's MCE TV tuner roundup (search for and read it) found the Elite Pro to be the best, I think.

For the rest, a basic A64 setup would do fine. A64 3000+ Venice, EPoX Mobo, OCZ 1GB PC3200 3-3-3-8 ($112.95 from newegg) and a quality video card. 6600+ will do. Make sure you get a good passive cooler like the Thermalright XP-120 or XP-90. (Note: before you buy those, check Thermalright's website to make sure there are no compatibility issues with the motherboard you select.)

 

[Penth]

I've got a HTPC and love it. I'd recommend the Hauppauge PVR150MCE cards. They're pretty cheap and very good quality. If you have the space, instead of spending a lot of money on a nice HTPC case, I would just get something quiet that you can completely put out of sight and just extend the receivers up to your Entertainment Center. You'll appreciate the silence if you do it this way. If i was building another, I would definetly do it this way.

 

[gar3555]

Originally posted by: Penth
I've got a HTPC and love it. I'd recommend the Hauppauge PVR150MCE cards. They're pretty cheap and very good quality. If you have the space, instead of spending a lot of money on a nice HTPC case, I would just get something quiet that you can completely put out of sight and just extend the receivers up to your Entertainment Center. You'll appreciate the silence if you do it this way. If i was building another, I would definetly do it this way.

ya....that would be ideal...but I'm prob gettin a new TV (42" LCD) so there won't be anywhere to hide the dang thing...its gonna have to sit on the rack below it...thats why I really want a good low profile case...

 

[CalvinHobbs]

check tomshardware howto sectio, there's a nice article on htpc