[infamous09]

Alright, so I need some help here. I'm looking to build a HTPC to have connected to my Samsung PN58B550. I'm only looking to use this for streaming HD Movies, Music, and pics using XBMC, I'm not going to be doing recording like a DVR, only to stream from 2TB HD's that I have connected to my existing PC.

My requirements are to play 1080i or 1080p using hdmi and a digital coax audio out or fiber optics audio out. The hdmi will be plugged directly into my TV and the audio will be plugged into my receiver. (This is where I get confused, is there a motherboard that supports this or will I need a separate video and audio card)

Given my requirements, can I find a cheap solution ($200 - $250) for building a HTPC that will support my simple requirements.

I appreciate everyone's help here and there is much on the forums, but it seems like every HTPC question I come across, they're building something massive, that I dont need.

[flxfxp]

Asrock ION 330 or Acer AspireRevo

[sexten]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856158007
Running Linux (Ubuntu Minimal) and XBMC.

[infamous09]

Hmmm...these seem a little expensive, I was hoping to spend between $200-$250, buying all the parts separate. Thoughts?

[brw02005]

given you budget and requirements this is what I would start with.

AMD Sempron 140 Sargas 2.7GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 45W $40
ASRock A780GMH/128M AM2+/AM3 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX $70

This cheap processor can be unlocked to an anthlon II which should handle hi-def and if not jam in a 9500GT for $40.

You will still need case, power supply, hard drive and ram.

Case depends on how many hard drives you want to hold and form factor as well as whether you want an efficient power supply.

[ion_man]

You could start by reading this:
http://www.linuxtech.net/features/best_l...oards.html

[koadic]

I would go with this...

MB/Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.258497

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820161030

Then if you happen to have an extra hard drive laying around, install XBMC Live on it, or get a flash drive (8GB for $18) which for me, including a flash drive, would run $196 + $14 shipping before a $20 rebate (total cost after rebate @ $190). You can even get an adapter to mount the flash drive internally (another $5 maybe?). This is what I did, although using a differnt case and a spare 2.5" sata drive I had laying around, and have no problem streaming 1080p to my projector in the main room. The board easily overclocks to 2GHz to add that little extra oomph for the GUI. You might also want to think about a remote to go with it if you dont already have one. This is the one I had laying around from an earlier purchase - LINK. I was able to modify it so I could mount it inside the case I bought, so there no external dongle.

If you wanted something faster, incase you wanted to use it for another purpose later, you could go with the dual core combo for $45 dollars more (includes Wireless N) (This one or This one), or I might even suggest the Zotac GF9300 with a cheap socket 775 processor, but it currently doesnt support wake on usb, so no turning on from a remote.

[infamous09]

So if I chose http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.258497 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820161030 , I would only need the hard-drive and then I'll be all set, correct?

[ion_man]

So if I chose http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.258497 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820161030 , I would only need the hard-drive and then I'll be all set, correct?

Correct, and a DVD drive if you need it, and any cables (hdmi, audio) and a remote control (any USB MCE compatible IR remote should work).

[Ooblivion]

I'm looking for exactly what you are. I have a 2TB NAS drive that streams media to my little xbox now. But I want to be able to play 1080p and have the umph to have a better GUI/skin.

I'm thinking of using this build, which would have a bit better performance than that system above (if I'm not mistaken):

hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC 7K09 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811121027

ASUS M3N78-EM AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8300 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813131354

AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX240OCGQBOX $60.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103688

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK $38.99 $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231144

Total: $244 (without HD, DVD, OS, Remote)


I have a HD that I can use in this system already and a copy of XP. I'm also going to add a Blue-Ray drive:


LG Black Blu-ray Reader & 16x DVD Burner - Bulk SATA Model UH08LS10K LightScribe Support - OEM $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6827136174


Then I'll have a system to play DVDs and Blue-Rays too.


I'm not an expert at all - and would love comments on this system too.

Thanks!

[infamous09]

So I was ready to make the purchase and the combo unit is no longer available . What were the items I needed again?

[Ooblivion]

I ordered and built the system that I mentioned in my earlier post (and shown in my sig below). I also bought a 4 Gig memory stick for $10 from Target. Then I downloaded XBMCLive and could boot from the memory stick.

The system works like a charm.