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Hello all,
Been wanting to setup a decent HTPC for sometime and feel as if right now is a good time to bite the bullet and proceed, unless someone can tell me a good reason why I should wait it out.
I like CrimandEvil's suggestion on the core parts because it's very affordable.
Here are the parts that I am thinking of purchasing:
Motherboard: ASUS M3N78-VM AM2+
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor
Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Case:
I know that cases are pretty much dependent on the user's preference and budget. However, I do want something that actually looks like an HTPC and not a desktop tower.
I saw Crim's suggestion on the Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver. This might stand out a bit much since I doubt that it will fit inside my media console. We will probably set the unit right next to the TV. My media console can be seen here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80133930 (Ikea Besta Burs). We got it in the black gloss finish. I also saw that some people opted for this particular case: nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B. It does not come with a power supply so does anyone have a recommendation on a PSU in the case that I choose this case? Something that does not sound like a turbine when powered on is highly appreciated. Speaking of PSU noise, do people usually stick with the Antec PSU on the NSK2480 or they replace it with something quieter?
OS:
In regards of OS, I am guessing Windows 7 is the way to go, please correct me if I am wrong.
Which version of the OS is recommended? Do I really need to shell out the extra $100 for the Ultimate edition or can I get by with the Home edition?
Capacity/Connection:
Do people usually run a storage server alongside their HTPC or do they store everything in their HTPC? My living room is located on other side of my office. The modem and router is currently setup in the office. If I was to setup a basic storage server, it will need to be located in the office. I will probably be using a WiFi card on the HTPC to gain access to the storage server. Any recommendation on router and card that can handle such a task? My router is pretty crappy right now, Linksys WRT54GP2.
Audio:
The HTPC box will connect directly to my TV. The TV that we have is: Vizio VS420LF1A, which is a reincarnation of this model. When it comes down to Audio, I am at lost. Is there an entry level audio system that anyone can recommend? Maybe a simple 2.1 will be good enough for us. I would probably need a receiver to get this done but I was thinking of maybe being able to run iTunes, playing music without the need of turning the TV on. There's an app that I was reading about for my iPod Touch that can act as a remote for playing audio on the iTunes. I would love to take advantage of that.
That's pretty much it for now. I know is a long read but appreciate the help in advance.
Thank you.
Been wanting to setup a decent HTPC for sometime and feel as if right now is a good time to bite the bullet and proceed, unless someone can tell me a good reason why I should wait it out.
I like CrimandEvil's suggestion on the core parts because it's very affordable.
Here are the parts that I am thinking of purchasing:
Motherboard: ASUS M3N78-VM AM2+
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor
Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Case:
I know that cases are pretty much dependent on the user's preference and budget. However, I do want something that actually looks like an HTPC and not a desktop tower.
I saw Crim's suggestion on the Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver. This might stand out a bit much since I doubt that it will fit inside my media console. We will probably set the unit right next to the TV. My media console can be seen here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80133930 (Ikea Besta Burs). We got it in the black gloss finish. I also saw that some people opted for this particular case: nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B. It does not come with a power supply so does anyone have a recommendation on a PSU in the case that I choose this case? Something that does not sound like a turbine when powered on is highly appreciated. Speaking of PSU noise, do people usually stick with the Antec PSU on the NSK2480 or they replace it with something quieter?
OS:
In regards of OS, I am guessing Windows 7 is the way to go, please correct me if I am wrong.
Which version of the OS is recommended? Do I really need to shell out the extra $100 for the Ultimate edition or can I get by with the Home edition?
Capacity/Connection:
Do people usually run a storage server alongside their HTPC or do they store everything in their HTPC? My living room is located on other side of my office. The modem and router is currently setup in the office. If I was to setup a basic storage server, it will need to be located in the office. I will probably be using a WiFi card on the HTPC to gain access to the storage server. Any recommendation on router and card that can handle such a task? My router is pretty crappy right now, Linksys WRT54GP2.
Audio:
The HTPC box will connect directly to my TV. The TV that we have is: Vizio VS420LF1A, which is a reincarnation of this model. When it comes down to Audio, I am at lost. Is there an entry level audio system that anyone can recommend? Maybe a simple 2.1 will be good enough for us. I would probably need a receiver to get this done but I was thinking of maybe being able to run iTunes, playing music without the need of turning the TV on. There's an app that I was reading about for my iPod Touch that can act as a remote for playing audio on the iTunes. I would love to take advantage of that.
That's pretty much it for now. I know is a long read but appreciate the help in advance.
Thank you.
