How to put xbmc on my htpc

utajoker · 9 Aug 2014 at 18:12

I've got my old PC now set up as a media PC.

Q9600
5770
8gb ram
120gb ssd

I'm going to format it and am now wondering how to install xbmc. I have a copy of windows 8 that I was going to install then install xbmc.

Any disadvantage as to doing this?

I assume I will have to load up xbmc once the PC boots each time but I will have the advantage of a decent PC to use aswell for other stuff.

What advantage will I have of going Linux and xbmc ?

hyperseven · 9 Aug 2014 at 18:20

No real disadvantage with older hardware and win8 since it runs a damn site better than 7 did.

Linux advantage it probably footprint and cost, since most distros are free.

It all depends what other roles you want the PC to have, like run any particular software/games you want to run?

FerretBoy · 9 Aug 2014 at 19:33

Openelec would give you just XBMC. So quicker boots etc

Grimley · 9 Aug 2014 at 20:55

utajoker said:
What advantage will I have of going Linux and xbmc ?

Less demanding on hardware than W7/8.

Lethagized · 11 Aug 2014 at 13:00

Personally, i see it as a waste of a machine given your specs to simply run linux and xbmc. You may as well stick windows 8 on it and have the functionality as a gaming rig too as well as a HTPC.

MagicBoy · 11 Aug 2014 at 13:07

Just put the XBMC shortcut in the Programs\Startup group and it'll load XBMC after bootup.

.:SAmSuNG:. · 11 Aug 2014 at 14:24

I run mine on windows and its perfectly fine with an SSD. Nice and fast.

Confused · 11 Aug 2014 at 14:58

My HTPC is of similar specs, well, it's a QX9650, 4GB, 6970 and 128GB Samsung 830 SSD.

Running Windows 8.1, which allows me to use XBMC mainly, but also fire up Steam for almost whatever I want to play.

There's so much more flexibility with Windows than there is with Linux, in my opinion.

Lethagized · 13 Aug 2014 at 15:19

Been running my htpc for ages now on win8, 5870, Q6600 and 120gb sandisk extreme along with xbmc and tons of terrabytes of storage. Wouldn't change it for the world. So future proof as well.

NexusK · 13 Aug 2014 at 15:42

Depends, if you will only use it for XBMC then just go with Openelec or XBMCbuntu as there's no point in having the extra boot times from Win8 if you won't use any of it's features.

Personally i have Openelec on mine and it turns on as quickly as my TV and amp do. I had no need for windows on it as we have plenty of tablets and PC's around the house anyway.

vila · 15 Aug 2014 at 13:10

if its a dedicated HTPC then Openelec - makes it feel like dedicated hardware.

asim18 · 20 Aug 2014 at 04:12

No need to worry about boot times on a Windows based HTPC. Just put it to sleep. Probably uses less power than your Sky box in standby.