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HTPC Build

T

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Putting together a HTPC primarily to run XBMC. The underlying OS isn't a big deal (Windows/Linux), but I can put Win 7 HP on there if that would make things easier.

It will be hooked up to a 1080p TV over HDMI, and most of the files will be streamed over gigabit from another system.

Case -$45

Motherboard - $60
Gigabyte G41M-ES2H

CPU - $52
intel E3300 2.5GHz Celeron Dual Core

Video Card - $40
GeForce 210 512MB Low Profile Fanless

RAM - $37
PQI 2GB DDR2-800

HDD - $50
WD 320GB Blue

Remote


If at all possible, I would like to maybe Hackintosh this, so if you have any suggestions, do bear that in mind. I have put together enough systems to know that this would be a fine system that could handle 1080p video and BluRay once I get a drive ($60 last I checked).

Any obvious flaws with this system as an HTPC? I have never put one of those together.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-22136073-L02D

WD Blue 500GB for $10 less w/ the coupon, just something I noticed.

Also $40 for GT 210 is really overpriced. Is passive cooling on it important? If not you can get up to a GT 240 (has a fan though) for that same price AR, which will allow for more capable post processing and even some light gaming if you're interested.

Also you may want to make sure the stock HSF will fit in that case. Chances are it will, but no harm double checking.
 
500GB? Why not?

I would prefer passive cooling, or at least one that has a known quiet cooler. This is for watching movies and listening to music, doesn't do me any good if I can hear a whining noise in the background. And from the perspective of other GPUs, the 210 is expensive, but is only $40 and nvidia hackintoshes better than ati.

Oh, and I plan to buy in the next day or so.
 
Hmm, looks like most of the good deals on the 240 are presently dead, they're up to like 50something AR.

If you've got a microcenter nearby though, this might be worth checking on. Actually that deal looks like it works online now as well, though shipping is still a few bucks extra.

I've got the same card in my HTPC, and I don't have any problems with fan noise but I'm far from an audiophile and have some significant ambient noise to put up with as it is. I just felt like for the price its hard to justify paying for the 210 when other choices can give much more for the same price, or even less.
 
honestly? Get yoruself a Acer Revo (single core with ION). Install XBMC LIve, upgrade to 2GB
can play 720p flawless and for $200 you can't go wrong

Edit: also I do think that that video card will do audio over HDMI will it?
 
Last edited:
darkewaffle said:
Hmm, looks like most of the good deals on the 240 are presently dead, they're up to like 50something AR.

If you've got a microcenter nearby though, this might be worth checking on. Actually that deal looks like it works online now as well, though shipping is still a few bucks extra.

I've got the same card in my HTPC, and I don't have any problems with fan noise but I'm far from an audiophile and have some significant ambient noise to put up with as it is. I just felt like for the price its hard to justify paying for the 210 when other choices can give much more for the same price, or even less.
Click to expand...

Nearest MicroCenter is in Philly, so that's out.

I understand what you mean about performance/price, but really this thing is only going to be used for 720p and 1080p MKV playback, HD-DVDs, and maybe BluRays down the road.

Homerboy said:
honestly? Get yoruself a Acer Revo (single core with ION). Install XBMC LIve, upgrade to 2GB
can play 720p flawless and for $200 you can't go wrong

Edit: also I do think that that video card will do audio over HDMI will it?
Click to expand...

I want to leave myself open to hackintoshing, and I can only find the Revo on Newegg at $330. Where is it $200? And can the Ion do 1080p MKVs?

According to the manufacturer's website, it does support audio over HDMI.
 
I just noticed that there is a combo deal, that GPU + an OCZ Modstream 500W PSU for $75. It also has a $40 mail in rebate (2 $20 ones actually), so I can essentially get the vid card for free, and a new PSU for hella cheap.

With that in mind, can anyone think of a good reason not to get the 210? It should be hackintoshable (+), it is fanless (+), it is low profile (+), it will handle all the video I can throw at it.
 
I would probably take a pass on the OCZ PSU, there is a reason that the PSU is nearly free after rebate.

Your first build looks good for a cheap HTPC. I'd probably just put Linux with XBMC on top and save the cost of the Windows license. You'll also have a good chance of doing a Hackintosh since you have a Gigabyte mobo and an Nvidia GPU.
 
mfenn said:
I would probably take a pass on the OCZ PSU, there is a reason that the PSU is nearly free after rebate.

Your first build looks good for a cheap HTPC. I'd probably just put Linux with XBMC on top and save the cost of the Windows license. You'll also have a good chance of doing a Hackintosh since you have a Gigabyte mobo and an Nvidia GPU.
Click to expand...

My existing OCZ PSU has held up just fine, and it seems to have good reviews. It is $35, and if it ends up being bad, then I have my existing one to fall back on. I wanted a modular supply, and the price seems reasonable.
 
Decided to put off the build for a while. Or should I say, my car trouble decided for me 🙂
 
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