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Topic # 113523 19-Jan-2013 11:48 Send private message

Hi, I'm wanting to build a cheap HTPC for my parents to replace their various TV boxes. I want it to be able to watch and record Freeview (with an inbuilt tuner) and also play DVDs and Bluray.

Here's the parts I'm currently looking at:

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core G860 3.0GHz LGA1155 3M Cache Processor
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CPUIT0860

Video: Asus HD 5450 1GB SILENT GDDR3 PCI-E HDCP VGA/DVI/HDMI Low Profile Capable VGA Card
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=VGAAS55957&name=Asus-HD-5450-1GB-SILENT-GDDR3-PCI-E-HDCP-VGADVIHDM

RAM:STRONTIUM 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 Single Module PC12800
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=MEMHYN54095&name=STRONTIUM-4GB-1600MHz-DDR3-Single-Module-PC12800-w

Hard Drive: Seagate 2TB Barracuda SATA3 7200RPM 6Gb/s 64MB Internal HDD
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=HDDSE2204X&name=Seagate-2TB-Barracuda-SATA3-7200RPM-6Gbs-64MB-Inte

Bluray Player: LG CH12LS28 12X Blu-Ray COMBO Drive Black Colour M-DISC Retail box
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=DVWLGC24&name=LG-CH12LS28-12X-Blu-Ray-COMBO-Drive-Black-Colour-M

TV Tuner: Hauppauge HVR2200 OEM Dual digital PCI-E Freeview PAL/SECAM TV receivers, FM radio receiver WinTV-HVR-2200 No Remote
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=TVNHGR0055&name=Hauppauge-HVR2200-OEM-Dual-digital-PCI-E-Freeview-

Case: ???
I have no idea what to get here. As small as possible would be good.

Motherboard: ???
I'm not really sure about this either. This is my first PC build so I'm a bit clueless. I know I need to match the CPU with the Mobo but I'm sure exactly how I go about doing this.

OS: Linux and XBMC

So what's your guys expert opinion on what I've got so far? Am I spending too much on anything or too little? Any suggestions on better parts would be great.

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758 posts

Ultimate Geek


  Reply # 747765 20-Jan-2013 13:11 Send private message

Your stated requirements are that they need to be able to watch and record Freeview (with an inbuilt tuner), and also play DVDs and Bluray.

If that's all they need, then an HTPC could be overkill and require a lot of support from you - unless they are tech savvy and particularly want one.

A Panny blu-ray recorder can be had for around $800 in sales, and seems to tick all of the requirements you list. It also gives disk burning and DLNA streaming etc if they need that. It could be a cheaper, simpler, tidier solution to their needs?

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