Building a HTPC....

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

What to do, what not to do.

Linux or Windows?

IDE or?

Really small case or?

Help don't wish to something stupid. Then again smoke is interesting....

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

I built one of these not too long ago.

What to do:
-Buy a SOLID (MSI, ASUS) micro ATX mobo with onboard graphics (w/ HDMI) unless used for gaming. It will more than suffice.
-Buy a HTPC case, it's worth the money (don't get a FULL size, unless you absolutely need the space for something crazy, doubtful).
-Don't spend a lot on hardware, you won't need a lot. I suggest Athlon II X2 processors. 4 gig of ram is enough, a 2tb storage drive is cheap and will hold a lot, and a small boot drive, cheap wifi helps.
-Buy only what you need, but be sure that you can upgrade later if necessary (make sure you don't buy something with 1 pci slot when you might need 2, or whatever)

I used Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit... it will probably be easier to setup than a Linux system (but that's just my opinion).

BTW, what are you using the box for (Dvd, bluray, audio, pictures, recording tv, downloaded media, ect)?

oh, keep in mind... depending on the type of cable you have (if you are recording tv), you might want to find a CABLE CARD tuner. I did not buy one of these, and when comcast switched to requiring a 'box' for everything, I now can only get basic cable on my media center (unless I upgrade to a cable card tuner). A nice 4 tuner unit that uses one cable card came out recently.
=========================================================================
Things my W7 media center can do (with seamless integration)
Record TV shows by name, by time, whatever
Play most any format of music (use one format for best results)
Play most any downloaded movie (mkv, avi, etc)
Download cover art for all music and movies, along with fan art and automatically renames the downloaded movies (YAMMM)
Plays DVD or Bluray
Can be controlled by remote, iphone, another computer, ect.
Streams Netflix, or internet tv
Play photo slideshows with most any photo format, including raw formats.
Probably more, but I forget.

Cost: less than $500 (including shipping and TAX on newegg)

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

Great idea's thank. I get a list too post and maybe you could give me a thump up or not?

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Great idea's thank. I get a list too post and maybe you could give me a thump up or not?

Yeah. Make sure to include a list of exactly what you want to do with your HTPC.

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

I'm looking to reduce some bills, Directv for $90 a month seems to be very high since I only view 1 or 2 channels. I seems I could stream those channels, and record an outside antenna. If I could do that I'm good.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

I'm looking to reduce some bills, Directv for $90 a month seems to be very high since I only view 1 or 2 channels. I seems I could stream those channels, and record an outside antenna. If I could do that I'm good.

The only thing you want to do is record TV?

Which channels?

http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/

put your zip code in and it will tell you the QAM channels you can pick up. There is also a similar site like this for if you have an antenna... but I cannot seem to find it ATM... maybe someone will chime in

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

That motherboard uses DDR3 and you spec'd DDR2. You'll need DDR3 for that board. Also, you will want 4 gigs. Especially with the onboard video. The Hauppauge you chose has ONE tuner (since analog is pretty well gone). For $20 more, I'd get the 2250.

I didn't really look into it cause I have to run (I'll look more indepth later), but that case seems to be a slim model (from looks). This means all your expansion cards (the tuner right now) will have to come with slim mounting brackets. This isn't a problem, but you need to make sure you get the cards with the correct brackets. It kinda limits you a bit on expansion

I chose Nmedia PC for like $69, aluminum front, steel back, fits full size cards but is slim.

More later.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

Oh, I'd also consider looking into Cable Card tuners. It's worth the money up front in case you decide to go with a cable company that requires a box...

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

See your point on the memory. I'm confused on the tuner card, doesn't the one I stated get HDTV over air? I like it to because it came with remote.

hoosier21 · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

See your point on the memory. I'm confused on the tuner card, doesn't the one I stated get HDTV over air? I like it to because it came with remote.

2250 is a dual tuner, you can record one show while watching another

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

hoosier21 wrote: »

2250 is a dual tuner, you can record one show while watching another

yep.

Also, consider looking at the cabel card variety. If you choose to pay for cable, then you have the option of using the cable card and getting many channels. Where I am at, if my pc doesn't have a cable card, I can only get 22 channels (because comcast are A-holes).

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

Ok added this. Removing others which these replaced.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036 2250 Tuner and Remote.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035 HTPC case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046 Power supply for new HTPC case.

So I'm now at $740 shipped what I'm buying wrong if you can do this for $500?

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Ok added this. Removing others which these replaced.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036 2250 Tuner and Remote.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035 HTPC case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046 Power supply for new HTPC case.

So I'm now at $740 shipped what I'm buying wrong if you can do this for $500?

Well, let me go through and check. Did you change the ram? I also did not buy Windows 7 Ult... I happened to have that laying around

I also had a PSU handy, but that's only $30.

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

Yes changed memory to 4g sorry didn't post earlier.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

I could use Win XP and replace that computer with Ubuntu that would save $99.

Sherardp · August 2010

Save yourself some coin, I can get you Windows 7 or I'm sure someone can

. That case is very nice too. Looks to be a great build. For boot drive put a SSD in that baby.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

I just spec'd it out at 495 - 20 mail in rebate, so 475. I could maybe get it down a bit if I took some time to get the absolute lowest prices. but that ain't bad for 3 minutes. You could also add for $25 a pimpin LCD for the front of that case :P

Don't use Windows XP. Ubuntu.. eww. I've never been a linux fan. Some people like it, but even the diehard fans recognize that it is not an "operating system" it is a system that you have to assist in operating

I would second the motion of the SSD, but it's so expensive! That's what I was gonna do, but I couldn't justify the $1xx dollars for a tiny SSD.

Edit: aw crap. I forgot the bluray player. Add $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135205&cm_re=bluray-_-27-135-205-_-Product

Sherardp · August 2010

Hey Coke,

Since it's in his budget put a Caviar Black in there or a Samsumg Spinpoint F3. Both are fast drives and are priced very cheap. I would also consider a 60gb SSD for a boot drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007603%2050001306%20600003340%20600003269&IsNodeId=1&name=1TB%20and%20higher

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231377

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

Sherardp wrote: »

Hey Coke,

Since it's in his budget put a Caviar Black in there or a Samsumg Spinpoint F3. Both are fast drives and are priced very cheap. I would also consider a 60gb SSD for a boot drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007603%2050001306%20600003340%20600003269&IsNodeId=1&name=1TB%20and%20higher

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231377

I didn't think he mentioned a budget. I thought cheap as possible was the goal. The hard drive I picked is $15 cheaper than the samsung. Keep in mind the use of this drive, storing recorded TV. I bought a 5400 rpm drive for my recorded TV... works like a charm.

Now, I wouldn't be against buying a 100 gig or something for a boot drive.

in any event, if you've got the time to try to find better components at that price, please do. It takes some time to search that site and I am sure he would appreciate any reduction in price.

Sherardp · August 2010

You don't need a 100gb drive for booting Windows 7. The object is to get the system and any significant programs loaded as quick as possible. The 60 gb would load Windows 7 in less than 10 secs and any other items need in 5 sec or less. Also the HDDs I mentioned are 7200 rpm drives, as the drive fills this would again speed up any search time and access to files needed. I would take the increase in performance, but that's me talking bro.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

Sherardp wrote: »

You don't need a 100gb drive for booting Windows 7. The object is to get the system and any significant programs loaded as quick as possible. The 60 gb would load Windows 7 in less than 10 secs and any other items need in 5 sec or less. Also the HDDs I mentioned are 7200 rpm drives, as the drive fills this would again speed up any search time and access to files needed. I would take the increase in performance, but that's me talking bro.

30gb would be fine, but I was just throwing out a small number

I like to dual partition the drive and have a redundant copy on the second partition in case some software problem occurs (or a virus), I would never be without (actually, it would be smarter to have it on multiple drives in a RAID, but in that case, drive space is limited.)

I see what you are saying about the drives. I think I would disagree that it is necessary to have a 7200 rmp BE for a storage drive, but hey, that's me

For the few bucks, it's probably worth it.

Windows load time will be a non issue. The computer will ALWAYS be kept in sleep mode so that WMC can turn it on to record a show. It will be automatically restarted once or so a week. From sleep, wake time is roughly a second.

edit: and he might find himself waiting a media center keyboard with built in touchpad to access extra features. if this is the case, saving money will help him afford that down the road. Also, if hes a paying man, software is gonna cost him. and I didn't spec in WIFI ($20, but still)

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

Ok so I take it best to use another drive for the boot windows, and use the 1t or 1.5t drive for recorder only.

Sherardp · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Ok so I take it best to use another drive for the boot windows, and use the 1t or 1.5t drive for recorder only.

You can but it really is not necessary. I like the idea of SSDs as boot drive and programs because they are extremely fast drives. The 1tb WD Black or the Samsung are very fast and run cool. I only mentioned these due to speed and price (value/performance) which are awesome for what you get.

In my own rig I run 80gb Intel SSD and I have to admit they are extremely fast. I don't dual partition because I simply keep everything on my WD Blacks 750gb and 1Tb drive.

Bobsama · August 2010

I'd recommend a great power supply; spend extra on it. A unit with minimal voltage ripple would be best. A Seasonic X650 Gold would be an excellent choice. If you're planning on using a small-form-factor case, then a Seasonic SS-300TFX would be a much better choice (ya know, since it'd, like, fit).

I agree with others that you don't need an extreme computer to be an HTPC. A low-profile micro-ATX build should be perfect. I'd recommend Gigabyte's boards to be given a once-over An AMD Athlon II X2 250 or an Intel Celeron E3300 would be good choices for processors. 4GB RAM would be my recommended minimum (though you can get away with less). A chassis that can hold 2-4 3.5" hard drives would also be highly recommended. Western Digital's Caviar Black series is very well rated and very well received by the computer enthusiast community. Grabbing two or so mechanical hard drives would, in my opinion, be a good choice. Perhaps the first might be a solid-state drive (I can't really recommend it--while quieter, they're much more expensive--$150 for a 64GB drive), but the second should definitely be a 1+TB hard drive. Even though they're more expensive, grab a WD Caviar Black 2TB and call it a day.

disneyjoe7 · August 2010

Great responses thank you. I consider it all, trying to keep cost down as money tight. I have an 80g IDE WD drive I could use to boot off it, I like the idea to have a boot drive. SSD would be really sweet, but may not be in budget.

BTW Bob lived in RI many years ago. Still have some good friends up there, small world.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

Bobsama wrote: »

I'd recommend a great power supply; spend extra on it. A unit with minimal voltage ripple would be best. A Seasonic X650 Gold would be an excellent choice. If you're planning on using a small-form-factor case, then a Seasonic SS-300TFX would be a much better choice (ya know, since it'd, like, fit).

I couldn't justify $150 in this build to go to a psu. This isn't a gaming rig and does not need to be spec'd like one. All this PSU has to do is run a not very demanding system for a long time. That said, I used an Antec Earthwatts 500, and for no other reason than I had it laying around. I also had a BFG 1000 watt psu laying around, and chose NOT to use this for obvious reasons.

Since his goal of this unit is to save him money, I think the less spent, the better. I see no future issues in installing a solid, but nothing special PSU.

I should look at newegg and see if there is anything better in the price range (25-50), though I think this will do fine in the end.

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Great responses thank you. I consider it all, trying to keep cost down as money tight. I have an 80g IDE WD drive I could use to boot off it, I like the idea to have a boot drive. SSD would be really sweet, but may not be in budget.

BTW Bob lived in RI many years ago. Still have some good friends up there, small world.

What is your budget?

The 80 will do just fine as a boot drive. Would prefer sata, but I ended up doing the exact same thing

cokewithvanilla · August 2010

PSU changed:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008&Tpk=Corsair%20CX400W

Bobsama · August 2010

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

I couldn't justify $150 in this build to go to a psu. This isn't a gaming rig and does not need to be spec'd like one. All this PSU has to do is run a not very demanding system for a long time. That said, I used an Antec Earthwatts 500, and for no other reason than I had it laying around. I also had a BFG 1000 watt psu laying around, and chose NOT to use this for obvious reasons.

Since his goal of this unit is to save him money, I think the less spent, the better. I see no future issues in installing a solid, but nothing special PSU.

I should look at newegg and see if there is anything better in the price range (25-50), though I think this will do fine in the end.

And I agree with you. The X650 and X750 Gold are Seasonic's top units and have some of the best voltage regulation I've seen. The SS-300TFX is a $60 but it's a definite and gigantic step up from those commonly sold with low-profile cases, especially from the likes of IN WIN or Winsis. There are very few after-market TFX units around.

For a larger chassis, an Antec EarthWatts EA380 Bronze or a Seasonic SS-350ES/400ES Bronze would also be a good choice.

Other things to consider would be whether or not the OP plans on using an IR remote. Antec's HTPC offerings tend to come with an IR receiver and usually mini remote control. Replacing that remote with a Windows MCE remote or a Logitech Harmony/*insert other remote here* might add functionality or convenience, even if a wireless keyboard & mouse are planned.

I personally like the Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 chassis and Silverstone's selection.

Corsair's 400CX is a good unit for a good price.

gimpod · August 2010

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

I just spec'd it out at 495 - 20 mail in rebate, so 475. I could maybe get it down a bit if I took some time to get the absolute lowest prices. but that ain't bad for 3 minutes. You could also add for $25 a pimpin LCD for the front of that case :P

Don't use Windows XP. Ubuntu.. eww. I've never been a linux fan. Some people like it, but even the diehard fans recognize that it is not an "operating system" it is a system that you have to assist in operating

I would second the motion of the SSD, but it's so expensive! That's what I was gonna do, but I couldn't justify the $1xx dollars for a tiny SSD.

Edit: aw crap. I forgot the bluray player. Add $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135205&cm_re=bluray-_-27-135-205-_-Product

Looks good except for the MB, personally i would stay away from anything "Open Box" i've never had any luck with buying "Open Box" stuff. Just pay the extra $$ and get new.

Building a HTPC....

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