Can i build a HTPC?

Thedog45 · 31 Jul 2008 at 10:05

Hi
I have some old components lying aroud from my old pc, After upgrades,and i was thinking could i put a htpc together with them (with some extras or replacments if needed).Only thing is tho the MB is ATX is there a htpc case that can house this?

Heres what i got:
MSI K8Nsli MB
Amd64 3500
2 7600GT,s
2 GB 3200 Ram
80gig HD

Heres what i could buy:
BR Drive
Tv Sat Card (for free sat)
Larger HD?

any suggestions or comments would be great
Joe

El_Watcher · 31 Jul 2008 at 11:20

It depends if you want an HTPC, or a small form factor HTPC.

If you are not concerned about size, then a lot of HTPC cases will take full ATX boards, Silverstone Grandia for example.

Thedog45 · 31 Jul 2008 at 12:22

Thanks for the reply
Yeah im not to concerned about size,But are those components up to the task?
Also it will to be connected to a 50" plasma.

Thedog45 · 31 Jul 2008 at 14:24

anyone

?

badbob · 31 Jul 2008 at 14:28

Fine for a SD video HTPC, music playback or music/video server. Ditch one GT card, just fit one. If it's air cooled fit a passive one, or quiet one.

Should be able to play 720p, but will struggle with 1080p CPU intensive material. Some 1080p codecs are quite efficient, and will be able to play them. Just install XP MCE or XP Home & Media Portal, then fit a USB IR receiver/remote control.

If you buy a Blu-Ray drive I'd replace with dual core CPU and/or buy a new GPU with VC-1 acceleration.