Pre built or custom HTC?

J

junglicious

Limp Gawd
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
474
Hi,

I want to get an HTC for the living room TV, its a 42" 1080p. I will be using it for streaming or local bluray movies from another computer and to surf the web. Bluray player is not require but would be nice. I really don't want to do the research on it so I wanted to know if there is any good pre built htc out there for a reasonable price. I want something with a good video card and is fast, I don't like to wait. That or should I take some time and build one? Please point me to the right direction.

Thanks
 
its HTPC (Home Theater PC). Pre-built ones are pricey usually cause HTPC are still a niche product. I would read the Ultimate Guide that is sticky'd in this forum and build your own.

If you really want to go prebuilt here is one place that you can check out. Cannon PC
 
Build, when I get home I'll post a link to a great build log for different price range HTPCs from avsforums.
 
I had my dad by a Lenovo IdeaCenter H320 Core i3 box when I didn't have any time to build him an HTPC.

It works great.
 
There is really no difference between a pre-built HTPC and a pre-built "normal" computer. Maybe a more living-room friendly case, maybe an IR receiver. the HTPC might have some extra software, but in the end its mostly useless because win7 includes 7MC anyway. If you dont wanna build from scratch and you don't mind a standard "desktop" looking case next to your TV, then just get a cheap pre-built normal computer and get an MCE remote (like $20 on newegg). They come with IR receivers so you can use it in media center no problem. Also, you don't need a powerful computer/ graphics card to be an HTPC. Just something that can accelerate video decoding. you say you don't like to wait, but boot times are pretty consistent no matter what hardware you're running.

AVSforum is a great resource. they have a really slick easy to follow software setup guide stickied in their HTPC forum if you decide to go home-grown. You can always post here for advice on parts too if you go that route
 
I really like the zbox

If I didn't build I would get a Dell zino or a zotec zbox
 
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking Home Theater Computer, but HTPC works lol. I figure it would consist of the same thing as a normal computer but with some mini parts. I was trying to avoid the research of whats in, whats going to be hot, or whats a bargain. Computer hardware changes so much that something is always around the corner. I do like to spend the money and get a good system to last me 3-5 years. I'm not into the upgrade here and there, I usually just redo the whole tower.

If anyone has built one recently, can you please post the specs. Hopefully one that would last a good 3-5 years. Would make it easy to research those specs and maybe modify from there or just do a straight copy :)

Thanks again!
 
junglicious said:
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking Home Theater Computer, but HTPC works lol. I figure it would consist of the same thing as a normal computer but with some mini parts. I was trying to avoid the research of whats in, whats going to be hot, or whats a bargain. Computer hardware changes so much that something is always around the corner. I do like to spend the money and get a good system to last me 3-5 years. I'm not into the upgrade here and there, I usually just redo the whole tower.

If anyone has built one recently, can you please post the specs. Hopefully one that would last a good 3-5 years. Would make it easy to research those specs and maybe modify from there or just do a straight copy :)

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Well, I built it last summer (except GPU which was upgraded recently), but it should give you some kind of idea as to what level of stuff to use. Its still a very capable machine:

CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 2.5GHz Wolfdale
MB: Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H
RAM: 2 GB Mushkin Essesntials DDR2 800
GPU: XFX ATI HD5550
PSU: OCZ ModStream 550W
HDD: 2x Western Digital Green 2TB WD20EARS
Tuner: ATI Digital Cable Wonder
Case: Antec Fusion Remote

Generally speaking a decent quality microATX or mini ITX board, an Athlon II X2 or i3 processor, 2GB of ram and an ATI 5xxx series card are a recipe for success these days. cases are a matter of preference, and any good quality PSU that powers it all quietly is good enough. HDD's vary since some people store the content on the HTPC, while others stream from some kind of central server. One of the low power "green" drives will give you as much performance as you need while delivering an excellent capacity/price ratio
 
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junglicious said:
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking Home Theater Computer, but HTPC works lol. I figure it would consist of the same thing as a normal computer but with some mini parts. I was trying to avoid the research of whats in, whats going to be hot, or whats a bargain. Computer hardware changes so much that something is always around the corner. I do like to spend the money and get a good system to last me 3-5 years. I'm not into the upgrade here and there, I usually just redo the whole tower.

If anyone has built one recently, can you please post the specs. Hopefully one that would last a good 3-5 years. Would make it easy to research those specs and maybe modify from there or just do a straight copy :)

Thanks again!
Click to expand...


I'd give it no more than a year before you are forced to "upgrade" it. You have to realize HTPC upgrades are slightly different than your standard PC upgrade. HTPC upgrades typically don't include getting a faster video card or processor; it's more along the lines of increasing efficiency, removing bottlenecks and adding more of what you already have. For example, say you fill your TV recording drive and need to get another (HD sure eats up space...). This forces you to get a new case since you ran out of room for hard drives. Since you added a few extra hard drives, you now have to add a few extra fans since it's getting too hot in there. With the extra fans and extra hard drive, now your power supply needs an upgrade since you are getting close to maxing it out. Hypothetical example of course, the list could go on and on, but can you tell it comes from personal experience? ;)


Also, the personal customizations you do on your HTPC is probably going to be the majority of the time involved, not the assembly and setup of the computer. When I built my current HTPC, it took me a day to assemble everything and get Win7 up and running with no problems. It then took another 2 months of random tweaking to get it dialed in. It can be frustrating since you will naturally want to get everything dialed in right away. The problem though, is that HTPC setups can involve a lot of automation and scheduled actions. You are never going to be able to eliminate all of the quirks until you let these scheduled events take their natural course.

Don't get me wrong, you have the right mentality. You definitely want to build/buy a setup that you plan on keeping for several years. Just don't go into this with the mentality that you are going to set it up and forget about it. The HTPC does serve a utility, but it's also part hobby as well, much like a classic car. Yeah, the classic car gets you from point A to point B, but its going to spend a little more time in the garage than your daily driver. If you aren't willing to embrace the hobby part of the HTPC, you might be happier with a DVR box from your cable company.



Sorry, for getting on a soapbox there a little bit. Just tying to help you set some reasonable expectations before you jump in.
 
Adidas4275 said:
this is the best guide with prices I have seen.

pick your price range read the 2 or 3 systems that fit into the range, buy and build...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18816470#MicroATX System: Low-End System: AMD (iGPU)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! I'll check it out.

Activate: AMD said:
Well, I built it last summer (except GPU which was upgraded recently), but it should give you some kind of idea as to what level of stuff to use. Its still a very capable machine:

CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 2.5GHz Wolfdale
MB: Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H
RAM: 2 GB Mushkin Essesntials DDR2 800
GPU: XFX ATI HD5550
PSU: OCZ ModStream 550W
HDD: 2x Western Digital Green 2TB WD20EARS
Tuner: ATI Digital Cable Wonder
Case: Antec Fusion Remote

Generally speaking a decent quality microATX or mini ITX board, an Athlon II X2 or i3 processor, 2GB of ram and an ATI 5xxx series card are a recipe for success these days. cases are a matter of preference, and any good quality PSU that powers it all quietly is good enough. HDD's vary since some people store the content on the HTPC, while others stream from some kind of central server. One of the low power "green" drives will give you as much performance as you need while delivering an excellent capacity/price ratio
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll look into your setup and recommendations.

xFROSTx said:
I'd give it no more than a year before you are forced to "upgrade" it. You have to realize HTPC upgrades are slightly different than your standard PC upgrade. HTPC upgrades typically don't include getting a faster video card or processor; it's more along the lines of increasing efficiency, removing bottlenecks and adding more of what you already have. For example, say you fill your TV recording drive and need to get another (HD sure eats up space...). This forces you to get a new case since you ran out of room for hard drives. Since you added a few extra hard drives, you now have to add a few extra fans since it's getting too hot in there. With the extra fans and extra hard drive, now your power supply needs an upgrade since you are getting close to maxing it out. Hypothetical example of course, the list could go on and on, but can you tell it comes from personal experience? ;)


Also, the personal customizations you do on your HTPC is probably going to be the majority of the time involved, not the assembly and setup of the computer. When I built my current HTPC, it took me a day to assemble everything and get Win7 up and running with no problems. It then took another 2 months of random tweaking to get it dialed in. It can be frustrating since you will naturally want to get everything dialed in right away. The problem though, is that HTPC setups can involve a lot of automation and scheduled actions. You are never going to be able to eliminate all of the quirks until you let these scheduled events take their natural course.

Don't get me wrong, you have the right mentality. You definitely want to build/buy a setup that you plan on keeping for several years. Just don't go into this with the mentality that you are going to set it up and forget about it. The HTPC does serve a utility, but it's also part hobby as well, much like a classic car. Yeah, the classic car gets you from point A to point B, but its going to spend a little more time in the garage than your daily driver. If you aren't willing to embrace the hobby part of the HTPC, you might be happier with a DVR box from your cable company.



Sorry, for getting on a soapbox there a little bit. Just tying to help you set some reasonable expectations before you jump in.
Click to expand...

That means I better setup with enough HD space to last me 5 years :) No worries, I like long detail post. Makes it more easy to understand without having to ask question. I understand what you are saying though. Computers, gadgets in general with my sportbike, car, and girls makes it difficult to give each one attention and money.
 
Might I recommend some kind of media player/streamer like roku or xbox 360. I tried out an htpc with a 4850 I had and it just wasn't as good of picture quality as an upscaling dvd player, and streaming stuff wasn't as good as from a xbox/roku player. Unless you are going to play games, record tv, or lots of internet with it, I don't think it's all that worth it if you are going to stream from the other pc.
 
munkle said:
Might I recommend some kind of media player/streamer like roku or xbox 360. I tried out an htpc with a 4850 I had and it just wasn't as good of picture quality as an upscaling dvd player, and streaming stuff wasn't as good as from a xbox/roku player. Unless you are going to play games, record tv, or lots of internet with it, I don't think it's all that worth it if you are going to stream from the other pc.
Click to expand...

crazy talk :D

I have a 4350 in my HTPC, will be upgraded to a 5570 or 5550 soon... and it is much better at upscaling than my pioneer DVD player with progressive scan...

not to meantion that you cannot go to ABC.com, CBS.com, NBC.com, FOX.com or ESPN3.com with a roku or xbox360

now some boxes have some services but none have them all.... you have to choose.

do i want iTunes vidoes... Apple TV

do I want Hulu plus.... new Roku

do i want Espn3 Xbox360 + Live Gold

do i want Amazon.... Roku

do i want all of it.... HTPC

or what if you pay for postseason.tv for MLB, then maybe roku? definately not apple tv or xbox360

so until all services can be in one STB the HTPC rules them all...

not to mention the ability stream movies from a PC in different formats.... or record live tv with a tuner...


sure HTPCs are not for normal people, but we are not normal people
 
Adidas4275 said:
crazy talk :D

I have a 4350 in my HTPC, will be upgraded to a 5570 or 5550 soon... and it is much better at upscaling than my pioneer DVD player with progressive scan...

not to meantion that you cannot go to ABC.com, CBS.com, NBC.com, FOX.com or ESPN3.com with a roku or xbox360

now some boxes have some services but none have them all.... you have to choose.

do i want iTunes vidoes... Apple TV

do I want Hulu plus.... new Roku

do i want Espn3 Xbox360 + Live Gold

do i want Amazon.... Roku

do i want all of it.... HTPC

or what if you pay for postseason.tv for MLB, then maybe roku? definately not apple tv or xbox360

so until all services can be in one STB the HTPC rules them all...

not to mention the ability stream movies from a PC in different formats.... or record live tv with a tuner...


sure HTPCs are not for normal people, but we are not normal people
Click to expand...
I think you need a new pioneer player then. :p My cheap $50 sylvania bluray player is considerably better at upconverting than the 4850 was, even the 360 I have is better at up converting dvds. Streaming your own formats on the 360 kind of blows because of the required formats to use. But if you find a player that does the format you want it would be quite a bit cheaper. But like said if earlier if he really wants it for the net or recording live tv or games then go for the htpc, but a player is something to be considered if the player can meet all his demands.
 
I'd go with a setup that has an HD5XXX series video card, or an Intel i5 650 which has integrated graphics built in that can handle pushing out TrueHD audio.

2-4GB ram
(Hard drive space is a preference)
BluRay Drive.

My setup was partial spare parts and partial purchased:
Intel Q6600
Intel DG45ID (with Integrated graphics)
4GB ram
640GB WD AALS drive
ATI HD5450 graphics
Hauppauge HVR2250 Dual Tuner
LG BluRay/HD Combo Drive
Antec Earthwatts 380w PSU
This SilverStone case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163117

My next setup I would like to go smaller (But I have no need to change what I have for a while, unless I wanted to cut down on the powerdraw by changing out the processor)
 
munkle said:
I think you need a new pioneer player then. :p My cheap $50 sylvania bluray player is considerably better at upconverting than the 4850 was, even the 360 I have is better at up converting dvds.
Click to expand...
The answer isn't to buy a better ("cheap") player, but rather learn to configure your system better.

I suspect you'll argue this point, so before you wade in advocating for your position try answering for yourself how a $50 dollar device is outperforming a card that is <3x its cost (ignoring the rest of the system)?
 
mope54 said:
The answer isn't to buy a better ("cheap") player, but rather learn to configure your system better.

I suspect you'll argue this point, so before you wade in advocating for your position try answering for yourself how a $50 dollar device is outperforming a card that is <3x its cost (ignoring the rest of the system)?
Click to expand...

LOL you better bet I am going to argue when you say I should learn to configure my system better and ask how a player can be better than a card that supposedly cost 3 times as much (my 4850 was $75 new). I don't know where you got $50 from but the cheapest roku player is $60 and doesn't do 1080p, if you spend a little more for $80 you can get the 1080p player.

Did you know most pc's use software decoders for videos whether it is accelerated by the cpu or gpu (some say gpu acceleration is hardware decoding but that's besides the point,
nor are all video cards the same, the better the video card the better the video/image quality )? While most players just use a hardware decoder which is better at the task because it is built for it and only for it. Pc is much better at multitasking or doing different things. It's like the difference between a cpu and gpu, a cpu can do graphics but it would be slow and sucky. Even the most expensive cpu can't come near discrete gpu performance.


This how these cheap players can do so well they have specialized processors built for decoding video. When you build something for a specific task you have the luxury of not needing tons of hardware.

Features is a different story though a pc will have many more features. Which is why I suggested the player if it suits his needs it will be cheaper, if it doesn't then he can always get a htpc.
 
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@junglicious
These posts posts by munkle are excellent examples of why it's important to be discerning when soliciting anonymous advice. People will post things as facts regardless of their knowledge or expertise--and most often end up contradicting themselves and giving incorrect information to others, as munkle has done in this thread.

@munkle
You don't know where I got the $50 dollar figure from?
I was using the information you provided: you claimed that the 4850 gave you worse performance than your $50 standalone player.

I looked up current pricing for the 4850. I found them ranging from $100 to $200 dollars. I can't possibly know how much you bought yours for unless you provide the information. Regardless, my point still stands as you now claim your GPU was $75 dollars (a 50% price increase over your bluray standalone).


Yes, I know that PC's use software decoders. You apparently aren't aware that standalone units do, as well. There are no specialized processors in a $50 (or even $80) unit that eclipse a dedicated GPU.

I'm at a complete loss as to how you argue *for* this exact point but then somehow conclude that you have supported your position! The GPU is a dedicated device--it's the hardware built for the specific task in this discussion. Standalone players, especially the loss-leader ones you're using at sub $100 dollar pricepoints, are *not* using expensive dedicated chips...even among the ones that have any at all.

Your $50 dollar bluray player has better hardware dedicated to displaying video in it than your $75 dollar GPU (designed for the sole purpose of displaying video)? How exactly does that work? Assuming your TV isn't 10+ years old, it has better scaling hardware than your bluray standalone using a $.50 cent "specialized" processor in it (or whatever cost you think, it doesn't matter since it's not going to be ).

The way you mix and match decoding with upscaling and talk about how GPU's don't have dedicated decoding hardware (they have for years now) while standalone units have better upscaling *hardware* (begging the question of what resolution a bluray player is upscaling *to*) nearly makes my head spin. If you're talking about upscaling DVD's, then those units are using algorithms to try and upscale an image to HD...and while some will do better jobs at it than others, none will do a better job than a dedicated HTPC properly configured. There is no specialized processor in a GPU or standalone that can add pixels to an image and make it better than original!
 
These posts posts by munkle are excellent examples of why it's important to be discerning when soliciting anonymous advice. People will post things as facts regardless of their knowledge or expertise--and most often end up contradicting themselves and giving incorrect information to others, as munkle has done in this thread.
Click to expand...
I never contradicted myself and I did state what was fact, I gave a suggestion and all you could do was be rude and condescending. The fact that you fail to understand my post proves that.

You don't know where I got the $50 dollar figure from?
I was using the information you provided: you claimed that the 4850 gave you worse performance than your $50 standalone player.
Click to expand...
I thought you were talking about a media player, I guess my fault for assuming that but that price is for my bluray player that does blu-rays and dvd's and thats it.
I looked up current pricing for the 4850. I found them ranging from $100 to $200 dollars. I can't possibly know how much you bought yours for unless you provide the information. Regardless, my point still stands as you now claim your GPU was $75 dollars (a 50% price increase over your bluray standalone).
Click to expand...
Bought it on sale for $80 with a mail in rebate.

There are no specialized processors in a $50 (or even $80) unit that eclipse a dedicated GPU.
Click to expand...
How do you know this? Please show me if you are also asking for details. (the detail about no specialized processors). Also my dvd player is normally $120 bought it on sale for $50 at amazon.com. Also to state that you must know what is contained in all players.
I'm at a complete loss as to how you argue *for* this exact point but then somehow conclude that you have supported your position! The GPU is a dedicated device--it's the hardware built for the specific task in this discussion. Standalone players, especially the loss-leader ones you're using at sub $100 dollar pricepoints, are *not* using expensive dedicated chips...even among the ones that have any at all.
Click to expand...
Did you not go to the link? My point was that not all decoders are the same, and if you consider the video card to be a hardware decoder like I pointed out, it still doesn't guarantee good results.
Your $50 dollar bluray player has better hardware dedicated to displaying video in it than your $75 dollar GPU (designed for the sole purpose of displaying video)? How exactly does that work? Assuming your TV isn't 10+ years old, it has better scaling hardware than your bluray standalone using a $.50 cent "specialized" processor in it (or whatever cost you think, it doesn't matter since it's not going to be ).
Click to expand...
A Gpu isn't designed only for decoding video and upscaling, it's main purpose is to render 3d images. Yes they both are displayed by the video card but rendering 3d is different from decoding a video and upscaling.

The way you mix and match decoding with upscaling and talk about how GPU's don't have dedicated decoding hardware (they have for years now)
Click to expand...
never said that, I said that some say gpu acceleration is hardware decoding, or in otherwords others also call gpu acceleration hardware decoding.

while standalone units have better upscaling *hardware* (begging the question of what resolution a bluray player is upscaling *to*)
Click to expand...
So I guess the dvds in my bluray player are native 1080p images? Obviously I was talking about dvd's as you stated later on so how was there even a question?
If you're talking about upscaling DVD's, then those units are using algorithms to try and upscale an image to HD...and while some will do better jobs at it than others, none will do a better job than a dedicated HTPC properly configured
Click to expand...
Have a source? (that none do it better than dedicated card)
There is no specialized processor in a GPU or standalone that can add pixels to an image and make it better than original!
Click to expand...
This is obvious and I never even stated that once.

You deal in many absolute statements such as all players this, or all gpu's that with little or no proof backing them. I am not trying to say all standalones are better and gpu's suck. I'm just saying he might get better results for his needs from a standalone device whatever it may be or he might get better results from a pc if the standalone doesn't suit his needs. Which is why I provided my expierence with using my 4850 in an htpc.
 
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When articles like you linked compare their results against "expensive dedicated video processors" they are not referring to standalone dvd players.

They are talking about dedicated video processors...devices that exist for the sole purpose to decode and upscale video signals. They range from hundreds of dollars, to thousands of dollars, to tens of thousands of dollars. They exist and you can google information about them just as easily as I can.

The cheap standalone devices you continue to reference in the sub-$100 dollar range don't have dedicated chips for decoding, de-interlacing, and up-converting. If you don't believe me, then do your own research.


In any case, since this thread is about whether to buy an HTPC or build one, did you finally ditch your HTPC and buy a handful of separate standalone devices like you recommended to the OP?
 
mope54 said:
In any case, since this thread is about whether to buy an HTPC or build one, did you finally ditch your HTPC and buy a handful of separate standalone devices like you recommended to the OP?
Click to expand...
There's obviously not point in arguing with you because you just want to be contentious. And no I didn't buy a "bunch" of devices I ended up just using my 360 as a media center extender (pc records the tv) and I watch blu-rays and dvd's off of my blu-ray player.
 
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munkle said:
There's obviously not point in arguing with you because you just want to be contentious. And no I didn't buy a "bunch" of devices I ended up just using my 360 as a media center extender (pc records the tv) and I watch blu-rays and dvd's off of my blu-ray player.
Click to expand...
Not gonna flame, but you did suggest a "solution" that was outside of the realm of the question the OP asked. Whether or not he wants a box vs an HTPC of any kind is different from whether he should build or buy an HTPC.

I went with HTPC and its a hobby, not an instant-on solution. Of course, I could just plonk down $80 for the roku 1080 and call it a day, but wheres the fun in that? Its also true that no one box does it all, but if something new comes along I can always just upgrade or install new software on my HTPC, whereas you'd probably need to buy a new little streamer
 
Activate: AMD said:
Not gonna flame, but you did suggest a "solution" that was outside of the realm of the question the OP asked. Whether or not he wants a box vs an HTPC of any kind is different from whether he should build or buy an HTPC.

I went with HTPC and its a hobby, not an instant-on solution. Of course, I could just plonk down $80 for the roku 1080 and call it a day, but wheres the fun in that? Its also true that no one box does it all, but if something new comes along I can always just upgrade or install new software on my HTPC, whereas you'd probably need to buy a new little streamer
Click to expand...

This is true, just wanted to throw it out there in case the op hadn't considered it, but I guess next time I will keep it to myself.
 
well i built this beautiful htpc and now i bought this wd live tv media play WOW!
I WISH I DIDNT SPEND ALL THAT MONEY TO BUILD IT, THAT WD MEDIA PLAYER DOES EVERYTHING.
 
valtopps said:
well i built this beautiful htpc and now i bought this wd live tv media play WOW!
I WISH I DIDNT SPEND ALL THAT MONEY TO BUILD IT, THAT WD MEDIA PLAYER DOES EVERYTHING.
Click to expand...

While it is a good device, it doesn't do everything.
 
w/ netflix added it is nice

right now the roku, WDTV live +, AppleTv, Xbox360 and PS3 all have good stuff but are all lacking key components to replace a HTPC
 
So I picked these two systems to build off:

Mid-Range:

* CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
* CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
* Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95.
* Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $106.
* Graphics Card (ATI): Sapphire HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB 100287L, $90. An alternative is HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $95.
* Graphics Card (NVIDIA): EVGA 01G-P3-1235 GeForce GT 240 DDR3 1GB, $100.
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB ST3500418AS SATA 3.0Gbps 7200 RPM, $42.
* PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $65. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ II 400W EES400AWT II, $57.
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
* Total Cost: $651 for ATI, $661 for NVIDIA

High-End:

* CPU: Core i5-750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
* CPU Cooler: Cooler Master &#39080;&#31070;&#37723; (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $28.
* Motherboard: MSI H57M-ED65 LGA1156 Intel H57 chipset microATX, $155.
* Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
* Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB, $180.
* Graphics Card (NVIDIA): GeForce GTX 460 768MB, for example EVGA 768-P3-1360-TR, $200. A better alternative is GeForce GTX 460 1GB, $230.
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB ST3500418AS SATA 3.0Gbps 7200 RPM, $42.
* PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
* Total Cost: $926 for ATI, $946 for NVIDIA

I'll will wait around Black Friday to see if I can get them for a little better price, if not I'll just buy the parts and have it ready by Christmas. If you guys have inputs on these systems please let me know. On both system I would go at least a 1GB HD.
 
I personally prefer nVidia cards, but I used to game a ton on my HTPC (it's my only PC).

But I have read over the years for at least a decade now that ATI cards shine brighter in home theater applications. I don't remember the specifics off-hand, but it's always mentioned in the reviews I read so it shouldn't be hard to find.

I suggest 4GB of ram.

I also suggest a power supply with more watts so long as it can regulate its consumption to provide on demand.
 
junglicious said:
So I picked these two systems to build off:

Mid-Range:

* CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
* CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
* Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95.
* Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $106.
* Graphics Card (ATI): Sapphire HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB 100287L, $90. An alternative is HIS H567Q512 Radeon HD 5670 GDDR5 512MB, $95.
* Graphics Card (NVIDIA): EVGA 01G-P3-1235 GeForce GT 240 DDR3 1GB, $100.
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB ST3500418AS SATA 3.0Gbps 7200 RPM, $42.
* PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W, $65. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ II 400W EES400AWT II, $57.
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
* Total Cost: $651 for ATI, $661 for NVIDIA

High-End:

* CPU: Core i5-750 2.66GHz LGA1156, $196.
* CPU Cooler: Cooler Master &#39080;&#31070;&#37723; (Geminii S) RR-CCH-PBU1-GP, $28.
* Motherboard: MSI H57M-ED65 LGA1156 Intel H57 chipset microATX, $155.
* Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $105.
* Graphics Card (ATI): MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 GDDR5 1GB, $180.
* Graphics Card (NVIDIA): GeForce GTX 460 768MB, for example EVGA 768-P3-1360-TR, $200. A better alternative is GeForce GTX 460 1GB, $230.
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB ST3500418AS SATA 3.0Gbps 7200 RPM, $42.
* PSU: Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80. An alternative is Enermax ECO80+ 500W EES500AWT, $85.
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
* Total Cost: $926 for ATI, $946 for NVIDIA

I'll will wait around Black Friday to see if I can get them for a little better price, if not I'll just buy the parts and have it ready by Christmas. If you guys have inputs on these systems please let me know. On both system I would go at least a 1GB HD.
Click to expand...
I'd pick the first one, but I guess it depends on how much and what games you want to play on it. that nvidia is the WRONG choice. the ATI cards you chose will beat that GT 240 handily, and have full bitstreaming and DX11 capability as well. For the HDD's you can do better, since the Samsung 7200rpm 1TB drive ( i forget the model number, F3J maybe?) is only a little bit more and is faster than the 1TB WD black. What I'd really do if I were you would be to forget that second system altogether and if you really wanted to do some actual gaming just bump up the PSU to maybe a 550W and get a faster GPU. no need to go with the i5 since you'd probably just be GPU limited anyway.
 
Black Friday is coming near and I want to know if anyone has new input for the HTPC build I've listed or any new suggestions.

Thanks
 
I updated my mid end build. Changed some stuff here and there. The rest would be a keyboard/mouse, DVD drive, and maybe a Blu-ray drive (I have a PS3). Let me know what you think. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks

* CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $113.
* CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
* Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $95.
* Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB Kit, $106.
* Graphics Card (ATI): ASUS EAH5670/DI/1GD5 Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5, $90
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s, $70
* PSU:Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $80
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $140.
* Total Cost: $674
 
RAM prices have dropped since you last posted your setup: That G.Skill RAM setup is now $65. However it is still relatively overkill for your needs since it looks like you wo't be overclocking this HTPC. As such, you can save some cash with this RAM set:
$57 - G.Skill F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333 RAM

Again, unless you're overclocking (bad idea in the first place with a HTPC), zero reason to get DDR3 1600 RAM for a HTPC.

Ditch that Seagate drive: You can get a faster Samsung drive for close to the same price:
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Ditch the Corsair 550VX: It's a good PSU but seriously overpriced. You can easily get by with these PSUs:
$50 - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W PSU
$70 - Seasonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W PSU

GPU wise, even for gaming that HD 5670 is a poor choice. Assuming that you're going with a HTPC only usage, ditch the HD 5670 and go with the HD 5570 instead which will save you $30 but provides the same HTPC and desktop performance:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102875
 
* CPU: Core i3 530 2.93GHz LGA1156, $100.
* CPU Cooler: Stock cooler, $0.
* Motherboard: ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Intel H55 chipset microATX, $90.
* Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL, $50. After savings/sales I think this would be a better choice?
* Graphics Card (ATI): XFX HD-567X-ZNF3 Radeon HD 5670 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card, $94. I'm sticking with this one because it has an HDMI port, the other just has a display port. The Sapphire HD 5570 that you recommended with a HDMI port is close to the same price. After savings/sales this is still good.
* HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s, $50. After savings/sales I think this would be a better choice?
* PSU:Corsair VX550W CMPSU-550VX 550W, $70. After savings/sales I think this would be a better choice?
* Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black microATX, with LCD/IR receiver/remote, $150.
* Total Cost: $605

Also I forgot about audio. Would I need or should I get an audio card to use the home theater speakers instead of the one on the HDTV? Any recommendations on a cheaper microATX case?

Thanks
 
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Cheaper HTPC cases:
$110 - Silverstone GD05B mATX HTPC Case
$127 - Antec NSK2480 mATX case with Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU

I'd still recommend the $70 Seasonic 520W over the Corsair since the Seasonic is quieter and more efficient than the Corsair.
 
If the i3 cpu can be my gpu as well then I guess I'll try it without the graphic card to see how it goes. I didn't know that at first. I haven't been keeping up with the tech. But I will still keep the 580 PSU since it's $50 after mir. Should I up my CPU if I don't go with a graphic card?
 
junglicious said:
If the i3 cpu can be my gpu as well then I guess I'll try it without the graphic card to see how it goes. I didn't know that at first. I haven't been keeping up with the tech. But I will still keep the 580 PSU since it's $50 after mir. Should I up my CPU if I don't go with a graphic card?
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No, you don't need to up the CPU at all. 580W PSU? You're talking about the Corsair 550W right?
 
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