The announcement of mac Mini recently re-kindled my desire to build a HTPC. The general consensus seems to be that it is over priced and I was trying to see if I can get a similar config for less (or a better config for the same price). Therefore my budget is limited to $700.
I have gone through quite a few threads in the forums, but I could not get the answers I was looking for, so I have created this new topic as my first post. I hope this is OK.
Here’s what I am looking for
1. HTPC Case : Should be small, not neccessarily as compact as the new mini, but something close to Zino HD or similar. This should also include integrated IR Receiver and SD Card. I assume this limits me to mini ITX cases. The ones that look promising are AOpen MP57-D and Core100-HT, but one of them is too costly ($459 for case and Motherboard alone, for MP57 and Core100-HT is limited to Intel GFX and is not available for order yet. ).
2. Video Card: I am looking at something that supports 3D Vision. I assume the mac mini does support it, but it is not a deal breaker. Preferable would be DTS-MA and TruHD Bitstreaming.
3. Processor: Sufficiently powerful (Core2Duo/Core i3/i5). Atom is too slow.
4. HDD: 500 GB or above. 2.5 or 3.5 wouldn’t make any difference.
5. RAM : I have 3 2GB SO-DIMMs lying around, so any amount I save here can be used in the overall budget.
6. Integrated Power Supply: This would be really nice to have as this would reduce the clutter in my cabinet.
I hope the community here can help me with my build.
Thanks in advance.
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