HTPC build help

[conlan]

In the past I have converted older gaming PC's for HTPC use, but now that I am finally getting into the Flat Panel scene I need something better.
I just bought a Samsung 32" 720 and my current HTPC can barely handle it.
I am going to be upgrading to a 42" 1080 by Summer and will obviously need a more modern HTPC set up and am looking for suggestions...

 

[smitbret]

In the past I have converted older gaming PC's for HTPC use, but now that I am finally getting into the Flat Panel scene I need something better.
I just bought a Samsung 32" 720 and my current HTPC can barely handle it.
I am going to be upgrading to a 42" 1080 by Summer and will obviously need a more modern HTPC set up and am looking for suggestions...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130602

You just need a video card that does hardware decoding of HD content to take the workload off of the CPU.

 

[BeeBoop]

What do you mean your PC can barely handle the 32in? You shouldn't have a problem playing movies from your PC to the TV from virtually any PC setups. Gaming is a different story.

 

[Charlie98]

What are the specs on your current HTPC? BeeBoop is correct, unless you are using a dinosaur, it should be capable in it's own right, or with a minor GPU upgrade (something as simple as a $30 HD6450.)

 

[bradly1101]

Do you want it as quiet as possible? I got this one, and it handles everything fine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-352-_-Product

But there's also this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-237-_-Product

Otherwise it just depends on what you need to do. Look to the i5 range if you'll be streaming out of this box while recording multiple streams and watching on the TV.

I too use my last gaming system for my HTPC and I had to upgrade it, the P4 was too slow for the above scenario. So my HTPC became an i7 920. With the above video card it runs smoothly doing all that stuff (WMC, Remote Potato Streaming, XBMC, Netflix...).

 

[conlan]

Do you want it as quiet as possible? I got this one, and it handles everything fine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-352-_-Product

But there's also this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-237-_-Product

Otherwise it just depends on what you need to do. Look to the i5 range if you'll be streaming out of this box while recording multiple streams and watching on the TV.

I too use my last gaming system for my HTPC and I had to upgrade it, the P4 was too slow for the above scenario. So my HTPC became an i7 920. With the above video card it runs smoothly doing all that stuff (WMC, Remote Potato Streaming, XBMC, Netflix...).

Thanks...this is what I was looking for....my ancient FX55 rig is hurting