Custom build : Atom based(?) ITX/iATX HTPC, 1080p with HDTuner

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Custom build : Atom based(?) ITX/iATX HTPC, 1080p with HDTuner

ThreeDfxguru

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#36560 28-Jun-2009 13:54

Hello there, as the title explains, my goal is to build a HTPC box using a Atom ITX based (dualcore 330) board, with a custom build enclosure to use as my main Living room PC. My budget must be under $2000 and include a HDtuner.

So far im really interested in getting a Zotac Ion ION-ITX-A-U board, from what I can gather they arent avaible in New Zealand yet unless I am mistaken. But this wouldn't allow me to add a HDtunern unless someone can recommed a very good USB HD tuner?.

Another option is to go with a ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi, iATX form factor, comes with a pci-e x16 slot, solves the HDtuner problem, but now I would have to buy a C2D cpu, putting the price up some what. But where would I go order it from?

So the current build/s im looking at is a
BUILD 1:

Zotac Ion ION-ITX-A-U (power supply included)
2gb ram
USB HDtuner ?
500gb 2.5HDD
Custom enclosure

BUILD 2:

ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi
Core2Duo 2.6+
HDtuner (pause/play Dual Record?)
2/4 Gb Ram
500gb 2.5HDD
Custom enclosure
Power supply

So im really hoping to get the best bang for my buck, but cost isnt to much of an issue as its going to be a project spread over a few months. 1080p Playback is not ABOSOLUTELY needed but I would like to future proof this box. Software wise im still doing research, but i have a fair idea what I need.

So my questions are, what would you prefer?
Where can I source either motherboards?
Recommeded usb/PCiE HDTuner?
Recommeded software to use?
Also anything related to cooling and noise?

Thanks for reading my post, loooking foward to some feedback

hbk

94 posts

Master Geek

#229038 28-Jun-2009 21:12

You should get everything you need for under $2k easily and have a future proofed system that can play 1080p video.

What are you going to use for sound? A HT receiver? Via optical out?

Blu-ray/DVD drive is not included in your list.

You could get a HDHomerun then you don't need the tuner inside the case and can use the PCI-e slot for either a GFX or sound card. Although the second ZOTAC board supports PureVideo so you wouldn't need to add a GFX card with that.

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ThreeDfxguru

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#229044 28-Jun-2009 21:43

Im not too sure about sound, as im still using an old dolby pro logic Technics amp from back in the early 90s at the moment , ill prob go optical out when I upgrade, or use my flatmates new sounds system if he decides to put it in the lounge.

The HDHomerun looks interesting, as I could watch TV from either PC in any room of the house, are there any other good Network based setups available? could I build something as I really want to DIY this

By the way, most of my DVD collection is already ripped and stored Xvid/h264, mostly want to access media from networked storage. Ill add and external Bluray player when they come down in price.

openmedia

3296 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#229061 29-Jun-2009 00:27

Look at the following site
- http://nicegear.co.nz/zotac/

They started stocking zotac boards recently.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.