I'm looking to build a budget HTPC around $400 this my first build so wanted some advice in where some good deals on computer hardware.
I might have a Tv tuner laying around
and dont worry about O/S
Budget HTPC $400
spliniter on 09/09/2011 - 15:18
Comments
Want to build one not buy one :D
Easy…
Prices from PCCG because I'm too lazy to read MSY's price list.
Motherboard + CPU $135.00
ASRock E350M1/USB3RAM (4GB DDR3 1333mhz) $29
A-RAM 2x2Case and PSU ($89)
CM Elite 100 mini ITX with 150 watt power supply (+ includes VESA mounting kit to mount on back of TV)Samsung Hard disk ($55)
Linky
Can also go for 2TB 7200RPM drive if you want more storage.Operating system: Ubuntu Linux + MythTV frontend
No cost. IF you want Windows, buy OEM for $99 or take advantage of student deals for cheap Windows 7 Upgrades.Total $308 (perhaps cheaper if you bargain hunt a bit)
Looks like a nice build
Should of said this before i wanted a blueray player and it will be used for also watch tv so will a tv card fit in it and can that processor handle that.
maybe i should increase my budget
Blu-Ray Readers are expensive, $55 or more.
The case I suggested does not take regular ODD's, only "slim" ones. They too are also expensive, so you might want to dig around for a HTPC case that takes regular ODD's, like the Silverstone Grandia or LC17. These 2 require ATX power supplies — not included.
The E350 CPU is capable playing back Full 1080p content, so no issues. You can read the benchmark of the E350 to see how well it fares playing both H264 and Flash content.
New build:
Mobo and CPU $135
RAM $29
HDD $55
Case: Silverstone ML03 $85 (Preorder at Umart)
PSU: Antec Basiq 350w $38
BluRay: LG BD combo $57.Totals:
$399 not incl. shipping.
I have this motherboard in my htpc. can vouch that its brilliant. 1080p with ease. But consider a picopsu, no noise/heat/smaller :)
ok i think i like this build
noob question will it fit a tv card it gotta be half bracket.
The case has
- 4 low profile +1 utility
which I assume is low profile bracket slots, so yes.
The motherboard has 1 PCIE 16x slot, for your GPU or TV tuner card.
Wikipedia says that you can fit 1x cards into 16x slots, so if you happen to have a 1x PCIE Tuner card, you just stick that into the 16x slot.
wat about the first build
The first build I recommended does not have any expansion slot capability — the case has none.
Use the 2nd build instead, with the Silverstone MLO case.
Home Theater Case-Slim (without PSU) Silverstone SST-ML03 (USB3) Black $77
Desktop DDR3 Ram 4GB Kit (2x2GB) PC3-10666 1333MHz Kingston KVR1333D3N9K2/4G $29
HDD Internal 3.5" 1TB SATA3 7200rpm Seagate [ST31000524AS] $56
Power Supply 350W Antec Basiq ATX12V version 2.0 $37
Blu-Ray Combo-internal LG [CH12LS28] (Retail) Black $69this is IT estate since it a close store for me save on delivery charges
that motherboard is hard to find at other place any other alternatives motherboard
Yes, that looks good.
The motherboard you're looking for (ASROCK with EM350 + USB 3) is in stock.
http://www.itestate.com.au/pages/product/pdt_product_detail.…
yeah i found it
Total = $406
let see if they can give me a better price plus buying everything at once is always good
thanks for your help scrimshaw
Those HP microservers maybe?