Some PC Components Needed To Complete My HTPC

[Overslop]

Hey guys,

I have a SilverStone LC10S-M+ on my way, along with some DDR2 RAM. These are going to be used in conjunction with other items to build a HTPC. The main functions are going to be Blu-ray/HD-DVD playback at 720p and internet usage.

I will also have a Microsoft MCE remote available.

My optical drive will most likely be one of those LG combo drives. I need both formats because I collect both.

For the internet, homeplugs seem to be the way for me. My internet point is located a long way from where the HDTV is, and wireless is crap in my house. Do these homeplugs really work wonders?

I was thinking about going for a C2D mobo/CPU setup and perhaps getting a 4350 GPU. But I've never built a HTPC before so would appreciate advise on what components I should get.

Also, what do people recommend as a media centre OS? I don't want to use a Windows 7 beta, as once it's built I don't want to tinker with it any further. But I can wait it out to get a full retail version if Windows 7 is going to be better for this kind of setup.

Advice will be appreciated!

P.S. It should be noted that I will likely be buying all items second hand to save money. I don't have a set budget but I'm looking to spend as little as possible to achieve what I'm looking for. Money's tight and there's no point throwing it away!

 

[5abr3]

I thought HTPC used Mini ITX not Mini ATX (thus using Intel Atoms?) though it appears I am wrong on that!

As far as home plugs are concerned I think they only work on the same mains loop so upstairs to the kitchen for example may not work as they are likely to be 2 'seperate' loops.

I would choose XP for the OS unless you're happy to wait for W7 to be out properly to be honest.

 

[Overslop]

I thought HTPC used Mini ITX not Mini ATX (thus using Intel Atoms?) though it appears I am wrong on that!

As far as home plugs are concerned I think they only work on the same mains loop so upstairs to the kitchen for example may not work as they are likely to be 2 'seperate' loops.

I would choose XP for the OS unless you're happy to wait for W7 to be out properly to be honest.

Yes, ATX motherboards are fine, so long as you have a big enough case.

I hope yourunderstanding of home plugs is incorrect as wireless is useless in my house.

Surely standard XP is a bit crap as a media centre? Or did you mean XP Media Centre edition?

 

[5abr3]

Yeah I meant media centre, I wouldn't have thought anyone would use anything else from XP in a HTPC. Also my understanding on homeplugs is based entirely on noise, if the connection between 2 loops is too noisey it wont work, can't offer any more help than that there I'm afraid

Have you tried high gain antennas on the wireless?

 

[Overslop]

I had heard before that Vista was better for a media centre, and Windows 7 even better. But it would really help if some people with experience with HTPCs could help here.

Got a PSU sorted out now, and will use a hard drive I have lying around.

So just need a motherboard, CPU and graphics card needed now (on the hardware front). Suggestions would be appreciated!

And can anyone confirm what 5abr3 has said about homeplugs?

Thanks for your assistance thusfar 5abr3.

 

[rodo]

I have one homeplug in study downstairs and another upstairs in my room on otherside of house. Works flawlessly, I assume it's a different loop in house but can't confirm.

Edit: yay 1000 posts

 

[ChileanLlama]

Hey guys,

I was thinking about going for a C2D mobo/CPU setup and perhaps getting a 4350 GPU. But I've never built a HTPC before so would appreciate advise on what components I should get.

If it's just for HTPC use only, I would go for onboard graphics.

I have an E5200 on a Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H board with nVidia 9400 chipset. It streams Blu-Ray ISO's from the server flawlessly, better than a PS3 playing back the original disk.

The board isn't cheap, but you could go for a 9300 based board or an AMD solution which would work out cheaper.

 

[ChileanLlama]

I had heard before that Vista was better for a media centre, and Windows 7 even better. But it would really help if some people with experience with HTPCs could help here.

Exactly.

And you would need Windows XP Media Center edition for the MS Media Center, though you could always get your own MC player/interface. Vista and Windows 7 have Media Center as standard (Home Premium edition or higher).