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i2ich13

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#93267 17-Nov-2011 01:27
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Hey guys,

I have decided to build my Dad a new HTPC after the old one (which was just made up of scrap parts) decided to die. Originally I was just going to get him a freeview receiver, bluray player, and media box for robustness, but he has been doing ok with WMC so will stick with that.

 I have been reading forums all day trying to get an idea as to what to get, what parts etc. I have a rough idea of what I want to do, so if you could provide some feedback, would be greatly appreciated.

What I need this to do: Receive freeview via Sat, play DVD/BluRay, and play my xvid/mkv movies.

So far I have come up with: i3 2105, Asus P8H67-M LE B3, OCZ Vertex Plus 60gb SSD, 4gb DDR3 generic ram, Samsung bluray reader, TeVii TV Tuner PCI (from old setup), HP MCE Remote.
 
Still need: A decent cheap case and PSU. Perhaps also a keyboard and mouse? 

Can anyone also suggest a good case that will fit micro atx that isn't too expensive?

Thanks 

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i2ich13

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  #546879 18-Nov-2011 13:19
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actually, that idea has gone out the door as no one seems to have any i3 2105 (or 2125) in stock :S. Might also just by a new tv tuner so I'm not restricted to mobos with a PCI slot.

All my planning down the drain :( 



CYaBro
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  #546880 18-Nov-2011 13:27
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Why not just go for the i3-2100?
I've built a HTPC for a friend using one of the first i3 chips, can't remember which one off hand, and it plays HD content from Sky without a problem. It also plays Blu-ray fine.
Freeview via SAT will be a breeze.




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i2ich13

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  #546881 18-Nov-2011 13:29
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O was under the impression that a HD 3000 CPU was quite a lot better? Im hoping to build one without a discrete gfx card if possible.



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  #546888 18-Nov-2011 13:54
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You absolutely want the second generation i3. It is streets ahead of the original, which may be able to do the job but if you can buy the second gen which will do it with ease and cost the same...







Media centre PC - Case Silverstone LC16M with 2 X 80mm AcoustiFan DustPROOF, MOBO Gigabyte MA785GT-UD3H, CPU AMD X2 240 under volted, RAM 4 Gig DDR3 1033, HDD 120Gig System/512Gig data, Tuners 2 X Hauppauge HVR-3000, 1 X HVR-2200, Video Palit GT 220, Sound Realtek 886A HD (onboard), Optical LiteOn DH-401S Blue-ray using TotalMedia Theatre Power Corsair VX Series, 450W ATX PSU OS Windows 7 x64

i2ich13

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  #546890 18-Nov-2011 13:56
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Since my previous reply, i've been looking into AMD's A8-3850. If I can't get a i3 2105, do you think this would be better than the i3 2100?

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