First HTPC Build Review

[dvandriesen]

Been doing some serious research and wanted to see what the thoughts are on this build. I am coming from a Raspberry Pi and would just like 1080p to play flawlessly. Will just be using XBMC to start no OS only streaming from XBMC addons.


Foxconn RM3-H2 BareBones (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856119066) $90
This would include PSU/CASE/MB Intel H61

Intel Celeron G530 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...el%20g530) $49
RAM- G.SKill 2X4GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...820231396) $22
Total: $160 not including shipping

I would just run XBMC off usb flash drive so no need for HDD

Or Should I go with a Intel G860 (http://www.directron.com/bx80623g860.html) $67

Would I notice much of a difference for the price? Any other help on the barebones case would be great or any other insight really just want something to start out in the HTPC scene as the Raspberry Pi is just a tease. Thanks

 

[yourwhiteshadow]

The celeron G530 is not a bad CPU, however, you'll want a GFX card for hardware rendering if you want to play 1080p flawlessly. i mean, sure, you might get by with some file types, but when you get to the extremely high bitrate stuff, it'll make a difference. XBMC wiki page suggests an nvidia card due to the fact that their drivers are generally better for ubuntu.

 

[dvandriesen]

Would upgrading the celeron to the higher g860 or above help with that ?

 

[assassin24]

I prefer the g860 at this price point. This is an excellent vendor that I have used multiple times.

http://www.directron.com/bx80623g860.html

You don't need a discrete card. I don't have one and can play everything that I throw at it with 1080p material.

 

[dvandriesen]

Have your link book marked from a previous post. There is no need to fork over the extra money for a i3 just used for xbmc correct.

 

[assassin24]

Not if you are not wanting to play 3D (with another player). Correct.

 

[dvandriesen]

No 3D TV cant yet maybe down the line really i just want to update from this raspberry pi it lags on some movies.

 

[assassin24]

No 3D TV cant yet maybe down the line really i just want to update from this raspberry pi it lags on some movies.

All you will at that point is to put in a $30 video card that supports 3D assuming your HTPC case can fit it.

 

[dvandriesen]

I should be able to run xbmc off a usb with this setup no need for a HDD correct

 

[ecosmartpc]

I run OpenELEC off a USB stick with an E-350 and a Celeron 847. It'll run like a rockstar with the G860.

 

[dvandriesen]

That is what i like to hear i should acquire parts soon i think want to get away from this raspberry pi.

 

[dvandriesen]

Is your usb a 3.0 or just normal ? I wish the motherboard came with 3.0

 

[SolMiester]

Been doing some serious research and wanted to see what the thoughts are on this build. I am coming from a Raspberry Pi and would just like 1080p to play flawlessly. Will just be using XBMC to start no OS only streaming from XBMC addons.


Foxconn RM3-H2 BareBones (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...856119066) $90
This would include PSU/CASE/MB Intel H61

Intel Celeron G530 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...el%20g530) $49
RAM- G.SKill 2X4GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...820231396) $22
Total: $160 not including shipping

I would just run XBMC off usb flash drive so no need for HDD

Or Should I go with a Intel G860 (http://www.directron.com/bx80623g860.html) $67

Would I notice much of a difference for the price? Any other help on the barebones case would be great or any other insight really just want something to start out in the HTPC scene as the Raspberry Pi is just a tease. Thanks

Can you elaborate on the raspberry Pi as a tease?...I just bought one to run XBMC