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Lowest spec possible for a HTPC

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  • 06-02-2006 3:35pm
    #1
    monomaniac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 396 ✭✭


    I currently have a AMD 2200+, via kt300 mobo, 1Gig RAM and Radeon 9700 Pro. I've had this hooked up to the TV for a couple of years and frequently watch videos, dvds and play music through the system on the TV.

    I've added numerous fans, fan controllers and other mods to quieten the PC down as it currently resides in my living room. I even now have the side of the case open so I can turn the fans to the lowest settings and have the PC running in near silence.

    Anyway - onto my question. I want to build a proper HTPC (not just my ordinary PC with the side of the case open) and I'm wondering does anyone know what's the lowest spec I can get away with (finances are an issue) and where's a good place to buy?

    - The PC won't be used for playing games.
    - I already have a new 300gb SATA 16MB HD
    - Bare in mind my current PC is more than fast enough for what I have in mind - media center OS loads up in 10-15 secs and videos and DVDs play fine.

    So what's the lowest spec/chepest price available for a HTPC/Small-form PC case, motherboard, CPU and RAM?

    Thanks.


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    #2
    Endurance Man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,240 ✭✭✭Endurance Man


    http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311344&cks=PRL --- If space is not and issue this is fairly cheap.

    http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=314154&cks=PRL --- Cheapest cube on komplett.

    You could use the ram from your old system and then you just need a cpu :).

    http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311907&cks=PRL

    So you could do this for as little as 240 euro :). If you are using that old ram then add 50bob for a 512stick of ram.


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    #3
    SouperComputer
    Registered Users Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SouperComputer


    it depends on the software and hardware you plan running.

    For MCE with a dual tuner card:

    1.4Ghz CPU is the lowest I think I would go, aim for 1.7. HDTV needs around the 2.8 Mark

    RAM 1GB is a good idea, 512 is okay

    Graphics, TBH most onboard will run MCE with no problems.

    If its just a pc to be used to play media, I would say around the same spec but 512Mb RAM would be fine. If you are playing a lot if DIVX then an ATI card is a good idea as you can use the hardware acceleration that is exclusive to it.

    Used computer for €150 and you are flying.


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