Is it possible to build a HTPC for £200?

Columbo · 21 Nov 2008 at 11:38

Spec me up..!!

Nanobot · 21 Nov 2008 at 11:55

I'm inclined to say it depends on whether you already have an operating system licence... unless you want linux it'll be pretty close. If you want Vista's Media Centre, premium is £90 before you even spec hardware.

Columbo · 21 Nov 2008 at 12:07

Ah should've have mentioned that. £200 not including operating system of course, I'll be dropping ubuntu onto it.

Alex53 · 21 Nov 2008 at 12:44

Sorry slightly off-topic but I already have an HTPC based on an HDMI micro-atx asus mobo. I tried Vista and hated it, now I just use standard XP on it and a wireless mouse instead of a remote.

Does Ubuntu have decent HTPC software and support for remote controls, TV Cards etc?

If so, maybe I should install as a dual boot and try it out

feriso · 21 Nov 2008 at 12:57

Alex53 said:
Sorry slightly off-topic but I already have an HTPC based on an HDMI micro-atx asus mobo. I tried Vista and hated it, now I just use standard XP on it and a wireless mouse instead of a remote.

Does Ubuntu have decent HTPC software and support for remote controls, TV Cards etc?

If so, maybe I should install as a dual boot and try it out

Try mediaportal for winXP - works a dream for me,

on the other hand there is MythTV (linux based) as well which as good hw support

Sp00n · 21 Nov 2008 at 13:43

Another vote for mediaportal, it can be a bit flakey but its getting better with every release!

oh... and yes, £200 should be fine, but don't buy new parts

mattheman · 21 Nov 2008 at 22:33

yes it it, go for the gigabyte g780 int ati graphics with hdmi and optical out. 2 gig and amd, hard drive, you'll have money left over unless you go for expensive cases.

or if you have any other bits and pieces you could just go for ati hd cards around £40, thats the option iam doing now, with my old board chip mem hdd power supply, all i need to buy is a case and hdmi card.

GA-MA78GM-S2H, GA-MA78G-DS3H or GA-MA78GM-DS2HP which supports am3,

ukbrainstew · 22 Nov 2008 at 03:18

Yep a 780G with a cheap dual core and 2 gig of RAM should be more than doable. Thie integrated graphics are ideal for a HTPC as they have built in hardware acceleration for a decent range of codecs and HDMI out.