AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Need Help.....
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Need Help.....

post #1 of 12
2/1/13 at 7:36am
Thread Starter 
So I'm going to attempt to build my parents a htpc. I've built my own computers so that isn't the problem. The problem I have is that I only have a budget of around $400. Can you guys give me any idea of some cheap builds?
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 12
2/1/13 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 
Any input at all will be appreciated. Also what processors would I need to play 3D dvd and blu rays?
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 12
2/1/13 at 4:29pm
http://assassinhtpcblog.com/

The hardware guides are free and mostly up to date. The software guides are behind a $25 paywall but make life much easier. Some of the software guides are free though.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 12
2/1/13 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Butters361 View Post

So I'm going to attempt to build my parents a htpc. I've built my own computers so that isn't the problem. The problem I have is that I only have a budget of around $400. Can you guys give me any idea of some cheap builds?

It would be helpful if we knew more about specifically what you intend to do. Such as:

Do you need on board video?
Do you need HDMI?
Do you need some way to pass audio (such as optical out)?
What kind of storage space are you looking for?
Do you have a preferred form factor (i.e... space constraints)?
Are you starting totally from zero, or do you intend to use some spare parts in the build?
Do you already have some idea what kind of front end you'd like to use?
Are you using it for DVR/cable, music, DVD playback? All of the above?
What are your parents comfortable with as far as technology goes?
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 12
2/2/13 at 10:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ajkrishock View Post

It would be helpful if we knew more about specifically what you intend to do. Such as:

Do you need on board video?
Do you need HDMI?
Do you need some way to pass audio (such as optical out)?
What kind of storage space are you looking for?
Do you have a preferred form factor (i.e... space constraints)?
Are you starting totally from zero, or do you intend to use some spare parts in the build?
Do you already have some idea what kind of front end you'd like to use?
Are you using it for DVR/cable, music, DVD playback? All of the above?
What are your parents comfortable with as far as technology goes?


On board video: Preferably
HDMI: Yes
Audio: no
Storage space: inside of a tv stand
Preferred form factor: Micro ATX
Starting completely from scratch
No idea for front end
Needs to play dvd and blu rays in 3D and play movies stored on the Hard drive
There pretty comfortable with technology and if anything I can teach them.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 12
2/2/13 at 4:29pm
I searched avsforum for information related to 3D and what capabilities a system would need to have to do it well. The thread I came up with is http://www.avsforum.com/t/1240499/faq-for-the-3d-htpc. Please read through this and get some idea what you'll need. I think 3D will be the toughest of your design criteria to meet, and given that I know very little about 3D, I'll defer to the forum membership and the link above for that.

I predict, however, that your criteria cannot be met within your stated budget.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 12
2/6/13 at 5:54am
Thread Starter 
Ok thank you for your input. One more question. Right now we are using a Comcast supplied router for wifi and it's horrible. I've heard we can put that router into bridge mode and use our own router. Which routers would you guys suggest are the best for a small to medium sized house?
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 12
2/6/13 at 9:55am
If you didn't need 3D, you could do something for $250 -$300 easily... Atom/Ion or AMD E-series board with processor, RAM, HDD, Case, Remote, Tuner, WIN7.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 12
2/6/13 at 11:08am
The cheapest way to 3d is an AMD a-6,a-8 or a-10. You should be able to do this for $300.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 12
2/12/13 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
So instead of Starting a new thread I'll ask here. Would this be a good router and adapter setup?

Adapter: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320112&cm_mmc=SNC-YouTube-_-NETV-_-4qQERuwmx4A-_-33-320-112

Router: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320115

Right now I have a Comcast modem that acts as the router also but I have been told I can put it into bridge mode and use my own router.
Edited by Butters361 - 2/12/13 at 8:03am
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 12
2/13/13 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 
bump..
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 12
2/13/13 at 1:18pm
Asrock Micro ATX motherboard (77 variant) $69
LGA1155 Socket Ivy or Sandy Bridge CPU like this: ($35-$50)
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=G1610BOX
Coupon Code : HeartBeat. (10% off)

Case: Silverstone MILO 03 $59

8GB DDR3 1600mhz ($35)

120/128GB SSD ($80-$90 for a good one. Cheaper for a crappy one.)

PSU = $20-40. Seasonic variants are the best choice but I've built plenty of systems like this without them to save $$. Corsair and Coolermaster often go on sale for the 400watt variety around $20.

If you want local storage get a Seagate 3TB 7200.14 HDD. $120.

Done.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Need Help.....