HTPC Core2Duo Spec Check

kbc · 9 May 2007 at 21:26

Hi, I'm thinking of getting something along the lines of the following for an HTPC setup. I've put this off for several years already but would like to replace a ton of devices in the living room with a HTPC which does all that...

Here's the specification I've come up with:

This excludes an £80 Silverstone LC17 case, which I'll pick up from elsewhere. So the total price comes to about £580.

Is this any good? Will the 8500GT be ideal for 1080p/1080i media and H.264? Is the CPU a good choice? I've chosen the Plextor as it can do CD+G. Also silence is a top-priority hence I've gone for passive components.

squiffy · 9 May 2007 at 21:29

Graphics card is overkill, although if it supports HDCP probably worthwhile. You could just use any spare low end PCI-E you have lying around, ATI X300, Nvidia 6xxx etc.

CPU does video decoding, not GPU so you don't need a fast card. Still £65 is budget area. You don't need 2GB of RAM.

ps would get value ram also.

Supercow · 9 May 2007 at 23:15

TV tuner card?

RaiderX · 9 May 2007 at 23:27

might be a good idea to add a silent CPU cooler, the stock can get a bit loud

kbc · 10 May 2007 at 20:36

sup3rc0w said:
TV tuner card?

I'm going to skip the TV tuner card for the minute, but may settle with a Hauppauge Nova freeview card. I might also consider another CPU cooler to replace the stock.

I've added the 2GB, because with the current prices of 2GB RAM - it simply makes 1GB poor value for money.

Butters · 10 May 2007 at 21:20

Slot loader ROM drive would be a nice touch too rather than an old skool tray coming out.

Check out HDMI GFX cards too. Most will play games and can route the OB Audio through a SPDIF interface on the card.