Building a HTPC.... GBP600 budget

alex737 · 17 May 2008 at 15:06

Hi guys,

I would like to build a decent HTPC with a budget of GBP 600. No gaming, no nothing just to watch Blu-ray DVDs and install a TV tuner to be able to record tv programs.

I'm interested in buying this mobo, Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H AMD 780G Micro-ATX (Socket AM2) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard, 2gb ddr2 and the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5600+ 2.80GHz . Do you think that the onboard graphic card will be sufficient to play blu-ray dvds? I will be fitting the HTPC to a 37" Sharp Aquos.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

hp7909 · 17 May 2008 at 15:16

AMD 780G chipset (from reviews) is a sure bet for Blu-Ray even with a lower speed X2 4200+. But I'd look for the 45W 4850e processor. Runs much cooler = quieter

EDIT: 'Best Current IGP Solution', see here.

Glaucus · 17 May 2008 at 15:22

look at my spec in the other 600 htpc spec. But get 2GB of ram instead and up the cpu and maybe add a cooler.
the 780g chipset will decode hd stuff fine with no need for a gfx card. oh and a tv card.

Glaucus · 17 May 2008 at 15:29

I'm not sure what the best TV card is so might want to check that out with other people.
I've had compro before and have been happy with them.

If you wnat to save some you don't need such a powerful Cpu.

alex737 · 17 May 2008 at 16:45

Cheers Guys,

80% of the components I looked at and added to my cart are the same. Might as well go for the same.

Thanks again.

alex737 · 17 May 2008 at 16:56

What cooling do you recommend?

Glaucus · 17 May 2008 at 17:21

I'm not sure what will fit in that case.

alex737 · 17 May 2008 at 17:26

No worries, I'll buy it as it is. If I see that it's heating up, then I'll figure out something.

Thanks for your help

hp7909 · 18 May 2008 at 06:39

alex737 said:
What cooling do you recommend?

Zalman CNPS8700-NT & CNPS8700-LED will fit most HTPC cases.