HTPC Build Help - Fall/Winter 2010

[naveeds786]

After playing around with a boxee box, I was intrigued enough to see what it would take to build an HTPC. I like boxee's functions, but also want a box that can play/record live TV, play blu-rays and also watch online content through a web browser.

Here is the build I was thinking of:
Intel core i3 2.9Ghz LGA1156
Zotac H55 mini-ITX (with wi-fi but no USB 3.0)
G.Skill 2GB memory
Seagate 500GB 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA
Lite-On Blu-Ray Reader
AVerMedia Duet Tuner (PCI-Express)
Case (deciding between Apex MI-008 or Rosewill RC-CIX-01 or Antec ISK300-150)

Total build cost w/o the software is about $500-$550. I am open to an AMD platform if there is a benefit, but I'd like to stick with the mini-ITX form factor.

My thoughts:

1. I was debating between the Zotac and the Gigabyte H55 mobo's. I like the Zotac because of the built-in Wi-fi and it has a PCI-express port, but some say the gigabyte is better for other reasons. Should I stick with what I picked?
2. I don't want to break the bank on case (max of ~$70). I liked the look of Rosewill or Antec the best, but there are few reviews on the Rosewill and the Antec looks like it will make things really cramped or difficult to install and the power supply is only 65w. The Apex looks okay with plenty of decent reviews.
3. I don't subscribe to cable/satellite. Am I correct to assume that I can get an antenna to do OTA HDTV with the tuner I chose (assuming I will use windows media center 7)? Also, will I be able to do DVR/PVR functions?
4. I saw recently saw the Zotac ID34 and it looks very nice and is roughly the same price as my build. The main difference is that my custom build has an i3 while the Zotac has an Ion. Will I see much of a difference between the two for what I would be using it for? I wouldn't mind buying the Zotac if it did everything I needed it to without slowing down.

Software:

• Windows Media Center for Live TV
• Boxee for streaming internet content
• XBMC for local content
• Firefox or Chrome for browser content (hulu, etc.)

Add'l Info:

• I don't need the ability to rip movies from discs.
• I don't want to overclock.
• I most likely will not be storing much media on the HTPC itself. Most of it will be for either live tv or streaming content on the web. Any movies/tv shows that are on the drive will be minimal

I am looking for feedback on both software and hardware. Also, if you can share other places that have additional information on HTPC's, that'd be great. Thanks for the help!

 

[mfenn]

1. Zotac has really established their niche in the mini-ITX space. Their boards are really well designed for that use. I would go with the Zotac.

2. I have the Apex case, and while basic, I think it is a solid little case. I do only have an Atom in mine, so I'm not sure how well it would deal with the heat from an i3.

3. Yes, pretty much any tuner can to ATSC (over the air). I would recommend a Hauppauge HVR-1250 because it has great compatibility with WMC.

4. I would not go with an Atom/ION config for a general purpose-y HTPC. You'll quickly run into places where hardware acceleration is not supported (read, you'll be SOL with an Atom).

Additionally, those 7.2K 2.5" Seagates can be quite loud. I'd check out a smallish SSD if you don't need media storage capabilities.

 

[naveeds786]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take your suggestion and swap in the Hauppauge tuner.

For the storage, I was initially thinking of going with an SSD, but at this price range, the most I would get is 32GB. If I will be recording TV on the primary storage, I don't believe 32GB will be enough.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take your suggestion and swap in the Hauppauge tuner.

For the storage, I was initially thinking of going with an SSD, but at this price range, the most I would get is 32GB. If I will be recording TV on the primary storage, I don't believe 32GB will be enough.

Yeah, 32GB is definitely not enough for any type of TV recording.

 

[naveeds786]

Quick Question:

If I get a dual HDTV tuner, do I need 2 antennas (1 for each coaxial connection on the tuner card) or can I use 1 antenna with a splitter?

 

[fffblackmage]

I can't remember if this is right, but I think you get a weaker signal if you share a single antenna between two devices.

 

[mfenn]

Quick Question:

If I get a dual HDTV tuner, do I need 2 antennas (1 for each coaxial connection on the tuner card) or can I use 1 antenna with a splitter?

It depends on the tuner. If the tuner requires two separate coax connections, then yes you would need a splitter. However, you can get dual tuner cards that only require a single coax connection like the Hauppauge HVR-2250. There are two coax ports on the back of that card, but only one is for TV, the other is for FM.