Putting together a list of parts for a home theater PC. I have lots of movies/tv on a hard drive and gaining more all the time. For a bunch of reasons, there’s no real way to watch them in full quality on my tv without just getting a dedicated PC for it. So this will sit in my entertainment center and primarily be used for playing video files and Blu Rays, but I like the idea of it being expandable and the parts being useful for other things if I did something else with this setup in the future.
So for those of you with mad PC knowledge, please critique the list below and let me know a) if part x wont work with part y and b) if something should be replaced with something else.
First thoughts:
-Case is HTPC specific and therefore mobo is micro ATX. I intend to use Intel’s integrated graphics so it needs an HDMI out.
-I’m sure the 2500k proc is overkill but it’s only $75-100 more than the lesser stuff and will be relatively future proof and capable if I use it in something else.
-I only have an SSD on the list right now for OS install. I’ll pick up two giant HDDs to run in RAID mirror when the prices come back down. In the meantime for storage I’ll use an external drive I have everything on currently.
-RAM is probably overkill as well but the diff between 4 and 8 is maybe $10? No brainer…
Thank you great computer genius people for your help. I am computer noob, been wanting to build one and learn about them for awhile to check it off my list.
Looks pretty good to me, like you said the 2500k is probably unnecessary for this application but solid for future proof. You didn’t list RAM, but if you’re not overclocking no need to get anything other than DDR3-1333 (8gb should run ~ $40). SSD is probably overkill for this application too, but since hdd prices are so high right now might as well.
Whups, RAM added above. Same thing you named except 1600. Prices for 1333 and 1600 are almost the same it seems. Agreed, normally I wouldn’t consider an SSD but HDDs are absurd $$ still so I figured I’d throw in a 60gb SSD to just make it run for now. Actually, might throw it in my work computer when I get the HDDs for this. Hmm…
Looks good. Just make sure you have good ventilation in your center (if you’re going to be leaving it on for a while or all the time) so you don’t cook it.
Or you can look into getting a NAS and just setup DLNA (if your TV supports it). That’s my plan for when I get my own place at the end of this summer.
The benefit of NAS is you can access it from any PC (even remotely from your work PC, etc.) and access your files, movies, music, etc. And you can stream it to your TV via DLNA.
Thanks. It will be on most of the time but I leave the case doors open. I’ll keep an eye on core and HDD temps and address it if it’s still a prob.
I’ve played around with DLNA stuff and there is no perfect solution. No DLNA device plays everything and they require firmware updates to play the latest formats (like the zillion versions of mkv). Also, the few I’ve tried were slower than death except the Xbox 360 which plays only a handful of file types. I’ve used TVersity and other software that will transcode video files on the fly to a format which the DLNA device can read, but it loses quality and requires a TON of processing power back on your computer to keep up with a live stream in 1080p. From what I’ve seen, the only way to do it with no huge sacrifices is a dedicated HTPC.
Perhaps. I’ve never actually setup a DLNA environment or setup so I dunno. I guess I’ll give it a try in my new place and then go from there myself. But definitely something to monitor (the technology).
It’s the future and will be the ideal solution soon, just a PITA now IMHO if you have different file types or want to watch in full quality. Judging by the file types typically supported, it’s still at the “play home movies for your guests” stage.
Forgive my ignorance, what about a Mac Mini? They start at $600, they should be able to show anything, and they come in a slick package, and has an HDMI output? Some comparability issues with some formats, but you can easily work around them. Am I missing something you’re trying to accomplish?
AFAIK the early ones didnt have a Blu Ray and the latest ones dont have an optical drive at all. And the hard drive they come with is too small, would have to add more which puts the cost way over what I’m trying to do.
That’s a Mac for you. It’s not just a more expensive option…it’s the MOST expensive option which is why until they bring their prices down, I will NEVER own a Mac.
Ah, I didn’t see you needed an optical drive. I just figured you were doing everything off the hard drive. 500gb on the computer sounded pretty alright if you were cool with rotating off a portable drive or something. Especially with that thunderbolt port Mac offers now.
Mac is the most expensive option 99% of the time, you can’t deny that. That being said, I’ve owned 4 of them that I purchased second hand and they have always worked great – you can’t beat the fit and finish of a MacBook Pro end of story.
SSD FTMFW, I don’t think I can ever go back to a regular HDD as my primary disk.
Crap I think I’m gonna have to buy a HDD now so I have a backup of everything. I have everything moved to an external drive right now but if that failed and lost everything I’d go on a killing spree.
So I think I need to bend over for an HDD now and get another for RAID mirror later when they arent nuts $. Use external for backup in the meantime. Oof.
