I'm looking at building a machine solely for XBMC. I want the ability to also use it as a PVR, replacing my Sky box and ATV2 (which I love).
It will be predominately for movies, PVR and poss music, definitely no gaming and will be attached to my Yamaha DSP Z7 Amp via HDMI.
For software i'd like to go Linux to save cost but have little experience and don't want the nightmare of struggling with drivers so may go Windows...
I don't need to go fanless nor is a small footprint essential as it will sit in a wooden cabinet (with an open rear), .
I'm thinking of using just an SSD as all the media files will sit on a NAS.
For TV tuner I like the look of the four tuner Black Gold BGT3600 though I'm not certain if there are limitations with this in terms of what they will run on also understand they run quite warm so question whether I should be going for a two tuner external USB option. The BGT3600 also has great flexibility which may suit any moves I make..
I'm thinking of a board with built in HDMI and audio.
As a background to this I built a machine some three years ago, went top end throughout, It was noisy, ran too hot and kept shutting down and generally was a frustration. I took it out and went the ATV2 route, I am keen not to make the same mistakes.
My questions therefore with those of you who have some more up to date experience is what way should I go.
Heres where I'm at based on research and other suggestions:
Mobo - AS Rock H77 PRO M OR the Intel DH77EB with media support - £55
Processor - i3-3225 (Ivy Bridge ) £105
TV Tuner - Black Gold BGT3600 £175
Mem - HyperX Blu 4gb £25
Drive - SDD £60
Case - Thermaltake Armor A30 Micro ATX £85 - REALLY NOT SURE HERE THOUGH.
Cooler - Please help £50
Windows.OS £75
Total spend £600 +
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
It will be predominately for movies, PVR and poss music, definitely no gaming and will be attached to my Yamaha DSP Z7 Amp via HDMI.
For software i'd like to go Linux to save cost but have little experience and don't want the nightmare of struggling with drivers so may go Windows...
I don't need to go fanless nor is a small footprint essential as it will sit in a wooden cabinet (with an open rear), .
I'm thinking of using just an SSD as all the media files will sit on a NAS.
For TV tuner I like the look of the four tuner Black Gold BGT3600 though I'm not certain if there are limitations with this in terms of what they will run on also understand they run quite warm so question whether I should be going for a two tuner external USB option. The BGT3600 also has great flexibility which may suit any moves I make..
I'm thinking of a board with built in HDMI and audio.
As a background to this I built a machine some three years ago, went top end throughout, It was noisy, ran too hot and kept shutting down and generally was a frustration. I took it out and went the ATV2 route, I am keen not to make the same mistakes.
My questions therefore with those of you who have some more up to date experience is what way should I go.
Heres where I'm at based on research and other suggestions:
Mobo - AS Rock H77 PRO M OR the Intel DH77EB with media support - £55
Processor - i3-3225 (Ivy Bridge ) £105
TV Tuner - Black Gold BGT3600 £175
Mem - HyperX Blu 4gb £25
Drive - SDD £60
Case - Thermaltake Armor A30 Micro ATX £85 - REALLY NOT SURE HERE THOUGH.
Cooler - Please help £50
Windows.OS £75
Total spend £600 +
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
