I've been wanting to build an htpc for a while now but not really had the spare cash. I've recently convinced my Sister to let me build her one for her new flat.
What I want it to do:
1)XBMC on top of a stripped down Win7
2)Nothing more than a high quality 1080p mkv, no 3d bluray (but would like 2d bluray) or deinterlacing etc, live tv will be through xbmc addons
3)as much storage as possible, and reliable 24/7 drives
4)avoid any lag whether in playback or in the interface
5)remote controlled and generally as 'un computer' like as possible, ie quiet/nice case
6) possible Netflix integration in future
So far I am undecided as whether to go for a G530 or a dual core Llano setup.
I do like the cheaper intel option but will the intel gfx be able to do 1080p h264 under xbmc? I know the Llano is bit less efficient but I'm under the impression you'd never notice browsing around xbmc etc and the proper GPU for acceleration seems like a more solid choice?
Other than that I'll go for the cheapest mATX board and 4gb ram, a pciE 802.11N card and a couple of the new WD 'Red' 2tb drives.
So then theres just the case: it needs to be happily under £100, look at home in an AV rack, have space for at least 2x 3.5" drives, 1x ssd perhaps, and a full height bluRay drive and I will probably use the most powerful pico psu i can get.
Any thoughts, Have I missed a better solution? Bare in mind keeping the cost to as little as possible given the requirements is important.
What I want it to do:
1)XBMC on top of a stripped down Win7
2)Nothing more than a high quality 1080p mkv, no 3d bluray (but would like 2d bluray) or deinterlacing etc, live tv will be through xbmc addons
3)as much storage as possible, and reliable 24/7 drives
4)avoid any lag whether in playback or in the interface
5)remote controlled and generally as 'un computer' like as possible, ie quiet/nice case
6) possible Netflix integration in future
So far I am undecided as whether to go for a G530 or a dual core Llano setup.
I do like the cheaper intel option but will the intel gfx be able to do 1080p h264 under xbmc? I know the Llano is bit less efficient but I'm under the impression you'd never notice browsing around xbmc etc and the proper GPU for acceleration seems like a more solid choice?
Other than that I'll go for the cheapest mATX board and 4gb ram, a pciE 802.11N card and a couple of the new WD 'Red' 2tb drives.
So then theres just the case: it needs to be happily under £100, look at home in an AV rack, have space for at least 2x 3.5" drives, 1x ssd perhaps, and a full height bluRay drive and I will probably use the most powerful pico psu i can get.
Any thoughts, Have I missed a better solution? Bare in mind keeping the cost to as little as possible given the requirements is important.
