Anyway, so I want to create an HTPC (Home theater PC) for my Mom, because she keeps bugging me. Budget: $600
What it needs to do:
-Tv Tuner
-Windows 7
-Large HD (1-2TB)
-Pretty case
-Light gaming (low priority)
-Very quiet
I have experience building PCs, but only a big ass gaming rig. I don't have much knowledge of lower end parts, so I'm asking you guys. The only thing I could find on google that was up to date was using a nettop, which doesn't fit our needs quite well enough.
Note: This looks like it's about 10$ over budget with this optical drive.
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Stock cooler
4GB of RAM
Whatever HDD (not Hitachi, no Seagate except Barracuda)
Whatever case
400watt PSU from a reliable brand
Whatever optical drive
Whatever TV Tuner. I'm told Haupagges (terribad spelling) are by far the best.
HTPC-oriented Linux distro
#2
i3 2105
H61, H67, or Z68 motherboard
CPU graphics
#3
AMD A6 or A8 Llano
FM1 mobo
CPU graphics.
#1 is the best, but is the most expensive. #2 if you plan to do video encoding, rendering, or CPU intensive games, #3 if you just want to watch videos and play some games. Personally, I'd recommend #3.
EDIT: Here is a passive CPU cooler for either i3. No passive coolers for Llano.
What it needs to do:
-Tv Tuner
-Windows 7
-Large HD (1-2TB)
-Pretty case
-Light gaming (low priority)
-Very quiet
I have experience building PCs, but only a big ass gaming rig. I don't have much knowledge of lower end parts, so I'm asking you guys. The only thing I could find on google that was up to date was using a nettop, which doesn't fit our needs quite well enough.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103951
89$ triple core 2.1ghz and a gpu that is comparable to a 60-80$ one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157260
Motherboard HDMI out
The APU will handle Starcraft 2 on medium so for light casual gaming it will be fine.
If you get a big fan for the cpu cooler you will never hear it.
Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394
Win7 100$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
Also if you want to make sure it stays cool here is a aftermarket fan and thermal paste.
Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118036
Paste
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020
I know nothing about tvtuners.
but here is one with good reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028
Harddrive 169$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148834
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034
Well that's everything but an optical drive, I would recommend this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031
Note: This looks like it's about 10$ over budget with this optical drive.
Stock cooler
4GB of RAM
Whatever HDD (not Hitachi, no Seagate except Barracuda)
Whatever case
400watt PSU from a reliable brand
Whatever optical drive
Whatever TV Tuner. I'm told Haupagges (terribad spelling) are by far the best.
HTPC-oriented Linux distro
#1
i3 2100
1155 mobo
Radeon 5450 (there are passively cooled versions)
#2
i3 2105
H61, H67, or Z68 motherboard
CPU graphics
#3
AMD A6 or A8 Llano
FM1 mobo
CPU graphics.
#1 is the best, but is the most expensive. #2 if you plan to do video encoding, rendering, or CPU intensive games, #3 if you just want to watch videos and play some games. Personally, I'd recommend #3.
EDIT: Here is a passive CPU cooler for either i3. No passive coolers for Llano.