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Forums › Offers and Wanted › WANTED: HTPC


2151 posts

Uber Geek
Topic # 100611 14-Apr-2012 16:40 Send private message

Hi guys,

looking for a cheap HTPC, NEEDS to be able to play 1080p content no problem.
Must be able to have XBMCbuntu installed on it, or at the least XBMC.
Prefer it to have HDMI.


umm... yeah, I think thats pretty much all.

Oh, and it has to be quiet. VERY quiet.




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2151 posts

Uber Geek
  Reply # 610700 17-Apr-2012 17:44 Send private message

Come on guys :(




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1793 posts

Uber Geek
  Reply # 610704 17-Apr-2012 17:58 Send private message

How cheap and how big can it be?

I'm using an Asus Eee Box without the optical drive and it can play 1080p fine.
It's also very quite.

They do have models with a DVD drive and now also a blu-ray drive so I may look at upgrading later this year when we've moved into our new house.






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2151 posts

Uber Geek
  Reply # 610719 17-Apr-2012 18:25 Send private message

CYaBro: How cheap and how big can it be?

I'm using an Asus Eee Box without the optical drive and it can play 1080p fine.
It's also very quite.

They do have models with a DVD drive and now also a blu-ray drive so I may look at upgrading later this year when we've moved into our new house.


Size isn't a hugefactor, but it would be nice if its the smallest it can be. Its going to be in a closet.

Does it output at 1080p?

Not bothered by an optical drive, I can always use my machines one downstairs and share it.

I was hoping not to spend more than $300. I didnt want to spend more than 160, as initially I was gonna get an ATV3. But its not looking like thats going to be jailbroken anytime soon.




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242 posts

Master Geek
  Reply # 610758 17-Apr-2012 19:36 Send private message

$300 is not going to get you a pre-made HTPC like the Asus ee box or a custom built one.  For $300 my suggestion would be to gett an ex-leased desktop like this one, http://www.graysonline.co.nz/lot.asp?LOT_ID=7725158, then add an HDMI graphics card for $80 and a TV-tuner card.  If you don't need TV or recording facility then just get a media streamer like the WD Live TV for $170.

233 posts

Master Geek
  Reply # 611115 18-Apr-2012 12:48 Send private message

raspberry pi is coming soon.
$35 (us) will give you 1080p, HDMI and xbmc.

No fans at all and it's the size of a credit card.

I have one on preorder :)

286 posts

Ultimate Geek
  Reply # 613119 22-Apr-2012 12:08 Send private message

I'll offer you the following for $300:
Inwin BK623 case
Delta DPS-300AB-9 PSU
MSI H61M-E33 (B3) motherboard (Onboard HDMI, DVI and VGA)
Intel Pentium G620 (Sandy Bridge) CPU
4GB RAM
250GB SATA Hard drive
SATA DVD-RW
HP MCE USB remote control

I currently have a few TV tuners and a 2TB HD in there which I'd remove for $300, but could include for a bit more.

Should run XBMC, but I haven't tried. The onboard graphics is fine for 1080p though.

Fairly quiet, but not sure if I'd categorise it as 'very' quiet. You're welcome to come have a look if you're in Auckland.



2151 posts

Uber Geek
  Reply # 614804 25-Apr-2012 11:06 Send private message

Thanks guys  - I managed to pick up a PC from work. Its not the best for a HTPC but it plays 1080 content etc.. So I will use that till either the ATV3 is jailbroken or the raspberry pi is available, then I'll reassess my options - but I'm REALLY enjoying XBMC. Such a compliment to my setup tbh.




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