Thoughts on this $525 build?

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pjkeyzer

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Aug 29, 2008
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Hello,
I just bought my first TV and am now looking at HTPC options. I was going to hold off for a while, but this combo deal on newegg seems like a hard deal to pass up. I will be using this with a 32in LN32B460 Samsung LCD. I currently don't have a DVD player except for my PS2, so I will be using this PC as a DVD player, DVR, and Blu-ray player, and temporarily as a server to back my other PC up to until I run out of space and build a real file server. (1Tb will take me a while to fill up even with TV recording.) From what I've seen, this is about the best components at this price, and I haven't seen anything cheaper that really gets close to this functionality, but I thought I'd run it past all of you. I'll be using Windows Media Center to run everything. Total is $540 shipped.

I already have a USB TV Tuner (Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 950q) and OS (Windows 7 Pro x64, or Vista Ultimate x86/x64)

Specs of the build from Newegg:
Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 link
Asus M4A785-M (built in ATI Radeon HD 4200) link
AMD Phenom II X3 720 link
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800 Ram 2x link
1Tb Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 link
LG CH08LS10 Blu-Ray drive link
 
Main issue is that you're limited to 5.1 audio via HDMI. Also no HSF is included so that's a another $25 to $50. The CPU and RAM is a bit overkill for a HTPC.
 
This motherboard is the one you want. HD video and 7.1 audio over one hdmi, and it's cheaper to boot!
That processor is overkill. Go for a dual core Regor.
2GB RAM will be plenty if it is just htpc use.
Skip the aftermarket HSF, I have the Athlon II 240 in that case and it has never hit more than 35 degrees. In case you are wondering, it is also jammed in an entertainment center with practically no ventilation.

Look! I saved you $100! Now you can build a file server!
 
ryken said:
This motherboard is the one you want. HD video and 7.1 audio over one hdmi, and it's cheaper to boot!
That processor is overkill. Go for a dual core Regor.
2GB RAM will be plenty if it is just htpc use.
Skip the aftermarket HSF, I have the Athlon II 240 in that case and it has never hit more than 35 degrees. In case you are wondering, it is also jammed in an entertainment center with practically no ventilation.

Look! I saved you $100! Now you can build a file server!
Click to expand...
I agree, you don't need a Phenom II X3 for a htpc build, I'd get a dual-core regor or even a cheap triple core.
 
2.0 output into dolby pro logic ftw. i dont know, for whatever reason i still like it. ive had no desire to upgrade my home theater receiver, although i would understand if you already have digital equipment you might as well utilize it.
 
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