I’m ready to build my next HTPC as my current build is ready to die. The functionality I’m looking for is HTPC+Blu Ray+burning movies+email. I’m not a gamer and I won’t overclock. Cost is really not a concern, but I’m not going to spend $200 when $70 will do just fine.
Things I already have:
Silverstone LC17 (ATX).
(4) Western Digital’s Caviar GP 1 TB sata drive
SageTV
380w Seasonic S12 PSU
Firefly remote
Gyration Keyboard & Mouse
Things I need to buy:
E8400 ~$170 Good price point, plus the new 45nm die.
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 ~$80, recommend by AVS forums. Dual DVI outputs will be good for my LCD and PJ.
P5QC ~$145 I picked this one because it has the maximum number of PCIEx1 slots(3), plus I’ve had good luck with Asus. I didn’t go with the G45 motherboard as I read on this forum it had some problems. When they come out this fall, I’ll get one of the new 7.1 audio cards. I would like to future proof with the G45, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig.
I’ll probably go with 3 GB Corsair Select Value Ram, but this hasn’t been decided. I’ll stick with the DDR2 memory as for what I’m doing and for the cost difference, DDR3 memory isn’t necessary.
I’m not too worried about noisy fans as the setup will be in another room, but I will eventually buy a different cpu heatsink, maybe the Thermalright Ultima-90.
I’m currently using Windows XP Pro and will not switch to Vista. I know I’m limiting myself to 5.1, but that’s OK until I buy a new receiver.
I haven’t picked out my tuner card yet, but I’ll probably go with a AVerTV Combo(M780) and the Hauppauge HD PVR.
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD combo drive GGC-H20L combo reader (with DVD burning) ~$139. I won’t be burning Blu Ray movies until the media price comes down.
Software: AnyDVD HD, Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra or ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre. Haven’t decided yet which one to use. Which ever one integrate with SageTV would be a deal maker.
Any recommendations or critiques?
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