Cheapest HTPC Build Spec?

roakes · 23 Aug 2007 at 10:32

Hey all,

Currently got a long a** DVI>HDMI cable and audio cable running from my PC upstairs to my TV downstairs. I am looking to have a HTPC setup downstairs for as cheap as possible. It will only ever be used for media playback and maybe upgraded later with a HD-DVD/Bluray drive so spec wise it doesn't need to be a powerhouse but graphics wise could do with one of the new Nvidia or ATI cards that handle HD content well rather than the CPU. Sound wise I would like it to have a card that can do optical out to the amp I'm buying too. Other than that it just needs to have a 320gb drive and wifi.

Any idea of specs and prices?

Thanks

Russ

rick827 · 23 Aug 2007 at 11:28

What I did was get an Asus M2NPV-VM and a BE-2300, it's onboard GeForce 6150 will handle video offloading and its a dodle to cool. Actually I might get some pics up tonight. Later when the HD format has matured and become more economical i'll probably put in a passive HDCP card like a 8600 with a hdmi out, BR/HD drive and get something like a 42" toshiba regza x.

The mobo and cpu can be had for less than £100, throw in some budget ram and all the trimmings and its pretty cheap

roakes · 23 Aug 2007 at 12:27

What about the case? Could do with a spec for a full system, OCUK doesn't sell the BE-2300?

rick827 · 23 Aug 2007 at 12:36

roakes said:
What about the case? Could do with a spec for a full system, OCUK doesn't sell the BE-2300?

No they dont, nor my case. It depends on your budget, my spec is as follows..

Asus M2NPV-VM
AMD BE-2300
2gb ocuk value pc6400
silverstone sg02
silverstone nt06 lite cooler
an old zalman 120mm PSU i had (460W)
8gb samsung ssd (boot)
500gb samsung sata (storage)
then a dvd rw & wifi card

total it was about £450 but you can save a lot if you dont want the SSD and a cheaper case (although i was totally blown over by the silverstone)