Hey guys-
I'm looking to build my first HTPC. I'm looking for some direction on Hardware Specs. I've been reading a TON of forums/threads- and there's just too many options out there!
Here's what my intentions are: to use it for Cable TV + DVR capabilities, HD video playback, audio/itunes, pictures, home movies, etc. Hardly ever watch a BR DVD, but could happen. Any video burning/manipulation will be performed on other machines and transferred over to the HTPC. Main purpose of this one is to watch cable tv/record shows and playback HD Movies, Netflix, etc. Eventually I'd like to get other tvs in the house to interface with the HTPC. I'll definitely want to use my iOS devices to control/playback wirelessly...
I am using my Netgear WNDR3700. I *might* stream wirelessly from the router, or just hook it up hardwire via Gigabit. So I'll need that capability.
I'm planning on running WMC and *possibly* XBMC off of an SSD card. What size do you recommend?
I *might* store all my media within the HTPC (other option is to store it on a NAS and stream it). If I store it on the HTPC- which HD do you recommend? I'm looking for either a 2TB or even 3TB. I've seen some say the WD Green is perfect for this, others say it has too many issues?
I really want to run the Ceton 4-Tuner card for my cable hookup.
I'd like to run a remote/keyboard as well for an occasional glance on the net/emails/skype, etc.
I'll be using my existing Bose 5.1 Surround Sound speakers.
Here's my questions:
MOBO/CPU? I'm seeing a lot of good things about the Gigabit stuff. However, I'm seeing mixed info on the CPU. Many say to go with a Intel i3, others say AMD for the video playback benefits. I want onboard video to control it, as I don't want an additional PCI/Card in the system. So which MOBO/CPU do you recommend?
Looking for a Mini-ITX case, low power/heat/noise (and COST!).
Which fans are good?
How much power do I need in a PSU?
Thanks for all the help!!!
I'm looking to build my first HTPC. I'm looking for some direction on Hardware Specs. I've been reading a TON of forums/threads- and there's just too many options out there!
Here's what my intentions are: to use it for Cable TV + DVR capabilities, HD video playback, audio/itunes, pictures, home movies, etc. Hardly ever watch a BR DVD, but could happen. Any video burning/manipulation will be performed on other machines and transferred over to the HTPC. Main purpose of this one is to watch cable tv/record shows and playback HD Movies, Netflix, etc. Eventually I'd like to get other tvs in the house to interface with the HTPC. I'll definitely want to use my iOS devices to control/playback wirelessly...
I am using my Netgear WNDR3700. I *might* stream wirelessly from the router, or just hook it up hardwire via Gigabit. So I'll need that capability.
I'm planning on running WMC and *possibly* XBMC off of an SSD card. What size do you recommend?
I *might* store all my media within the HTPC (other option is to store it on a NAS and stream it). If I store it on the HTPC- which HD do you recommend? I'm looking for either a 2TB or even 3TB. I've seen some say the WD Green is perfect for this, others say it has too many issues?
I really want to run the Ceton 4-Tuner card for my cable hookup.
I'd like to run a remote/keyboard as well for an occasional glance on the net/emails/skype, etc.
I'll be using my existing Bose 5.1 Surround Sound speakers.
Here's my questions:
MOBO/CPU? I'm seeing a lot of good things about the Gigabit stuff. However, I'm seeing mixed info on the CPU. Many say to go with a Intel i3, others say AMD for the video playback benefits. I want onboard video to control it, as I don't want an additional PCI/Card in the system. So which MOBO/CPU do you recommend?
Looking for a Mini-ITX case, low power/heat/noise (and COST!).
Which fans are good?
How much power do I need in a PSU?
Thanks for all the help!!!
