HTPC specs/query

lmao2k

lmao2k

lmao2k

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Joined
15 Aug 2006
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67
I've decided to finally retire my xbox running xbmc and replace it with an htpc. The reason it is being retired is it is just not powerful enough to playback my hd-dvd and bluray discs I have converted over the past couple of months (1080p x264 files). I've got a few spare parts knocking about so thought I would use them. The parts I have for the build are:

OcUK ATI Radeon X1650 Pro 512MB
Zalman ZM-F3 120mm Silent Case Fan
OcUK Value IP35 Pro Intel P35
Intel Core 2 Duo E2200
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler
OcUK Huntkey 550W PSU
G.Skill 2GB DDR2 HK PC2-6400C4 (2x1GB) CAS4
Scythe S-FLEX 1600RPM Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan - 3/4 Pin
Sony NEC Optiarc AD-7200S
MCE Remote
DVI->HDMI block

HDD wise I have plenty to choose from so that is not the issue and for the case this : http://www.nanopoint.co.uk/en/products/cases.php?pid=1_1_1&we_objectID=940 looks fine plus can be bought for around £40.

The unit will be connected to a Sony W4000 for the moment until I purchase a new AV receiver. All media to be played will be streamed over a gbit lan from a server. Media player wise i'll probably be going with Mediaportal until the XBMC version for windows is more stable.

I'm thinking that I would probably be better off with a gfx card that either has an hdmi port or some combined output like ati does, (I basically want one output for audio and video combined). What would be my best option here and is the above specs ok for what I intend to do?

Thanks :)
 
that spec will run HD fine, tbh any processor on OCUK will play HD fine, the diff is some will have 60% load and some 10%

As for the HDMI/GPU stuff what inputs has your TV got? you dont need HDMI if you can use cables you have laying around..

Id build it from what you have and then if things dont work out too well, then id spend a bit of cash and replace some stuff.
 
I've got 3 x HDMI, 1 x component, 1 x composite, 1 x vga and a few other which aren't much use. I've got spare hdmi cables, vga cables, infact you name it I probably have it lying about somewhere.

I'll put it all together as you've suggested and see what needs changing

Thanks
 
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