One more HTPC setup thread

[blasimon]

Hi everybody!

I haven't built a PC in a long time, so advice would be very appreciated. I want to build a HTPC to go with my Samsung sam-hpt5054 50inch Plasma, to play HD content (MKV, blurays, HD DVD) through HDMI connection (sound and video directly to TV). Occasionally, surf the web in the living room. I don't care at all for gaming capabilities, as I play on my 360, and would like it to be reasonably quiet but I'm not crazy about that.

Here's the setup that I'm thinking of doing... any recommendations? I haven't built a new PC since my Pentium II, so it's been a while and I'd like to make sure I'm not doing anything stupid. Also, note that so far it goes for about $500, and would like to keep it cheap if possible. My grad student stipend doesn't really allow me much more.

Thanks!

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HEC 6K11BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 585W Power Supply - Retail = $59.99

Foxconn A7GM-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard = 69.99

AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor Model = $54

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 = $40

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM = $74.99

Logitech EX 110 Black USB + PS/2 Standard Cordless Desktop Keyboard & Mouse Kit = $30

LG Black LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM = $115

Edit: Just found out I have Windows Vista Business 64-bit and XP SP3 free from my institution... 🙂

Total $475 shipped.

 

[Pliablemoose]

I upgraded my keyboard to one of the Apple Al, and the mouse to a M$, both Bluetooth, used one of those $3 BT buttons from Deal Extreme for a reciever. I noticed an immediate difference, less missed keystrokes, better range, and the Apple keyboard is really attractive (although non standard). I've tried 4 or so wireless keyboards, and love the Apple keyboard.

I also hacked an IR receiver into my case and use a Logitech Harmony remote primarily for use with WMC.

BR DVD a bit cheaper at Chief Value, $99 shipped with coupon code CPJANGGHL31

Are you going to use (a) tuner card(s)?

If you're going to use tuner cards, look for OS 64 compatability, I like to use Hauppauge, and they don't have any Win 64 drivers, so I use the 32 bit version.

You may be able to save some $ by using Windows 7 for now, the beta is good till August, I'm using it & am impressed so far.

 

[blasimon]

I am not going to use a TV tuner card... and thanks for the windows 7 tip! I hadn't thought about it.

 

[nole1fan]

Code for BR DVD is not working while at checkout..

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: nole1fan
Code for BR DVD is not working while at checkout..

item # GGC-H20L is the drive it's supposed to work on.

 

[nole1fan]

I did for the BluRay drive, but it is not taking the code. I am going to have to call CheifValue.