First HTPC Build

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grb67

63 posts

Master Geek

#599304 23-Mar-2012 21:53

Would love to see some pics of VCR as HTPC. Was thinking along these lines myself. Occasionally its good to watch TV on demand when the recorder missed an episode.

Deev8

481 posts

Ultimate Geek

#600885 27-Mar-2012 18:31

Macca1: It needs to have WiFi because I can't get my router is on a different floor and I can't move it.

WiFi isn't always a great solution if you want to stream HD video. You could always consider Ethernet Powerline Adapters as an alternative.

nickrout

219 posts

Master Geek

#603369 1-Apr-2012 16:54

You can often get an asus revo for under $500 on trademe. Whack xbmc on it and you are done (assuming you are connecting via hdmi or vga). There is even a distro called openelec which will set it all up for you - operating system, xbmc etc.

Once you max out the hard drive you can attach an external, ot get a NAS or build a server from some old box you pick up at the dump.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#608370 12-Apr-2012 17:20

Your build lists parts from shops I would avoid, but if you are going for cheapest listed on pricespy, then I would get the following

Intel i3-2100 CPU - $158
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD10EALX 32MB 1TB - $139
Asus P8H61-M EVO B3 - $126
Kingston ValueRAM DDR3 PC10600/1333MHz CL9 4GB (KVR1333D3N9/4G) - $28.50
Antec NSK2480B 380W (Black) - $151.60

WiFi: TP-Link TL-WN751ND $29.84
Blu-Ray: Lite-On $74.86

TOTAL = $556

And way faster than your build.

Main critiques of your build are:

Intel G620 or G840 or I3-2100 are faster CPU for your money

Don't use a green drive in your HTPC for a non storage (ie operating system) drive as it will be too slow.

The above case + psu combo is better than what you listed.

Alternatively use Asus P8H61-M LX B3 as your motherboard and buy a 2nd hand dxva compliant video card for ~$50 eg. HD4670 on trademe for ~$50.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

Deev8

481 posts

Ultimate Geek

#608417 12-Apr-2012 18:53

kiwijunglist: Don't use a green drive in your HTPC for a non storage (ie operating system) drive as it will be too slow.

A green drive obviously is slower, and depending on how hard the HTPC is pushed it may be too slow. However the WD Green drives that I used in my HTPC cope alright on days when I am simultaneously recording TV One, TV2, TV3 and Prime DVB-T broadcasts and watching a previously recorded programme at the same time.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#608425 12-Apr-2012 19:08

it's good that your green drive is coping :D i still wouldnt recommend one for a system drive on a build. I have a couple of WD Green's, but not for O.S.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#608457 12-Apr-2012 20:32

kiwijunglist: it's good that your green drive is coping :D i still wouldnt recommend one for a system drive on a build. I have a couple of WD Green's, but not for O.S.

Totally agree, I've had to RMA two as well. The WD Green series is just junk. First the heads start clicking, then they totally fail. The write speeds were atrocious too!

I would however recommend the Seagate 5900RPM green drives, since they seem to run a lot faster. No slow downs at all, even as a system drive on my old HTPC

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#608462 12-Apr-2012 20:42

I think your just unlucky with getting bad WD greens, i've had 3 and my brother has 3-4, all going strong.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#608463 12-Apr-2012 20:44

kiwijunglist: I think your just unlucky with getting bad WD greens, i've had 3 and my brother has 3-4, all going strong.

Haha, that's probably true. Whatever can go wrong, does go wrong with me!
Galaxy S 2, first received it. 3G stopped working. Chip on board had apparently died. Got it back, dead pixel on screen, started off as black. Before turning completely bright green :(

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#608471 12-Apr-2012 20:50

My brother returned his HTC Sensation 4x for repairs.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

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