WANTED: HTPC

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › WANTED: HTPC

Aaroona

3204 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 169

#100611 14-Apr-2012 16:40

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.

Aaroona

3204 posts

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+1 received by user: 169

#610700 17-Apr-2012 17:44

Come on guys :(

CYaBro

4708 posts

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#610704 17-Apr-2012 17:58

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.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

Aaroona

3204 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 169

#610719 17-Apr-2012 18:25

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.

Kiwipixter

246 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#610758 17-Apr-2012 19:36

$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.

tcpdump

311 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#611115 18-Apr-2012 12:48

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 :)

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#613119 22-Apr-2012 12:08

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.

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Aaroona

3204 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 169

#614804 25-Apr-2012 11:06

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.