Building an HTPC - Critique my build!

[lowfat]

Originally Posted by jdrom17

Not sure, but it is based off the DX10, HD4xxx series though. So I don't see why it wouldn't.

All the reviews say it can't. It can only do 2 channel PCM via HDMI

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Shadowmeph

What about hard drives? I know in my Case I have one Hard drive properly mounted and I had to build a a mount on the case to mount a second drive

Hard drives aren't an issue, I'm just using an old 80 Gig IDE I have kicking around for an OS drive. All the data is stored on my main rig and will be shared via a mapped drive. I will have an issue when it comes to networking up this PC, as for some retarded reason the builders installed rj45 into every room in the house (even one bathroom) but not to the family room. I'm looking into the capabilities of our wireless N setup, and if that isn't sufficient (I don't think it will be), some kind of ethernet via the power lines. But that is a topic for another thread, I think.

I've pretty much got my build finalized, and will purchase stuff tonight. Looks like I'm going with the following

Nmedia 1000B
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L
Intel E5200
4 Gigs of Corsair DDR2 800
Gigabyte HD4350
Silverstone 500W

This should do fine for a $300 HTPC! Oh, and Lowfat do you think I'll have any issues running XBMC on this?

[LionRed]

I bought the Case for my parents...looks great. E5200 will not have any issues running XBMC.

Just wondering... are you recording TV at all?

[Andy]

Nope no recording on this PC. I use my main rig for that. Well I've placed the order. I'd like it to show up before the weekend, but I doubt it will. :(

[lcdguy]

nooo, i'm too late :). If it were me i would have just gotten a popcorn hour. They are awesome for playing back media files especially hd rips.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by lcdguy

nooo, i'm too late :). If it were me i would have just gotten a popcorn hour. They are awesome for playing back media files especially hd rips.

haha .... I looked into the popcorn hour, and decided against it. I just like the idea of doing it with a PC.

[lcdguy]

fair enough, i can understand that. Have you put any thought into the front end you are going to use for it.