HTPC spec

[richyfingers]

Hi guys, just a quick spec check if you will.

Moving into a new flat next month and want to get an htpc sorted before moving, i'd like it to be capable of playing 1080p hd movie files. Will be linked to panny 42" pz80, amp will be cambridge audio A1 mk3. Im planing on running it all through vista media centre.

Does this spec look like it would do the job? Any suggestions or changes you would make?



Cheers,

Richy.

 

[richyfingers]

Sorry i'm a bit out of touch with pc parts at the moment, which ones are the energy efficient models? Is there anything better I could get within that budget?

 

[richyfingers]

DDR2 is so cheap now it might be worth going with the 4Gb but getting something with a lifetime warranty? I don't think it'd be much more at all, plus it'd be better. Perhaps the kingston.

EDIT: This. It's actually cheaper!

Thanks, think i'll just go for that stuff. Over time I think i will buy extra bits for it but for now im hoping it will do the job.

 

[richyfingers]

Decided to canabalise my main rig instead of buying a whole load of new parts. Was planning on keeping it as a secondry rig for a bit of gaming and stuff but cant see myself using it much now i have my 360.

So i've got a Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 enery efficient SLACR 95W Edition along with an abit IP35-E and 2 gigs of crucial ballistix tracer. My 7800GTX will be replaced with a silent 3450 Saphire and I have an Audigy 2 that I will stick in there too. The rest will be as follows.

Antec Fusion Remote HTPC Case - Black (No PSU)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache

Sony BDU-X10S Blu-Ray Reader Serial-ATA Drive

Akasa Ultra Quiet 400W Paxpower Active PFC ATX2.2 Power Supply

Keysonic Wireless Keyboard/Touchpad

Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 3450 Silence "Low Profile" 256MB DDR2

Noctua NF-S12 800RPM 120mm Silent Case Fan

Any comments / changes you would make?


edit* damn it just realised I need micro atx : /

 

[richyfingers]

Not really, quick registry patch and they appear in the folder listings just like the other formats.

As for the revised spec, it's way, way overpowered for media playing, even if you're doing HD, with the right codecs and a decent graphics card a fast CPU just isn't required.

I guessed that but it saves me buying a load of new extra bits saving me some £££.

3450 isn't a good buy when there are silent 4670's around.

But it sounds like the 3450 is more than adequate for HD playback so why bother?