Building a HTPC: Budget €230

gnolan

I'm hoping people can help me with this. I'm looking to build a HTPC for around €230. The idea will be to run XBMC on it. Due to my low budget i'll probably have to run it over linux. To be honest, i've never used Linux before. Is it difficult to adapt, and is XBMC straight-forward to install on it?

I'm not an expert in this field at all. From searching around it seems that, for the mostpart, mobos with integrated CPUs and GFX cards are cheaper than buying the components separately. I'd be all for keeping costs down, but i would like to have the option of upgrading a few years down the line; which i assume can't be done with the integrated mobo/cpu/gfx.

So, my budget would need to include:

• mobo
• cpu
• gfx card
• fan??
• mini-itx case
• RAM (4GB??)
• SSD (32GB??)
• 2TB HD (WD Green)

Have I left anything out? Do you think this is possible?

Carter P Fly

If you arent linux savvy then building a linux HTPC will be a horrible experience. It will involve hours and hours on each and every configuration unless you are incredibly careful with your hardware choices and everything is 100% compatible, even down to what TV you'll be using ( I couldn't for love nor money get it to play fullscreen on my LG 32 inch).

That, of course is my personal experience setting up Linux based HTPC's.

Since you haven't mentioned any TV tuners Id recommended you spend your money on a boxee box.

ronkmonster

You could look at Windows Home Server 2011 for the OS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-OEM-software-intended-builders/dp/B0050TVAWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314616964&sr=8-1

gnolan

Carter P Fly wrote: »

If you arent linux savvy then building a linux HTPC will be a horrible experience. It will involve hours and hours on each and every configuration unless you are incredibly careful with your hardware choices and everything is 100% compatible, even down to what TV you'll be using ( I couldn't for love nor money get it to play fullscreen on my LG 32 inch).

That, of course is my personal experience setting up Linux based HTPC's.

Since you haven't mentioned any TV tuners Id recommended you spend your money on a boxee box.

I'll be streaming media from the internet though and will want the ability to install and run programs like sopcast, veetle etc.

gnolan

ronkmonster wrote: »

You could look at Windows Home Server 2011 for the OS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-OEM-software-intended-builders/dp/B0050TVAWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314616964&sr=8-1

Yeah, i'll take a look, thanks.

To be honest, the OS is probably the last of my worries; is there any way to assemble a decent machine for around €230 - €250?

ronkmonster

gnolan wrote: »

Yeah, i'll take a look, thanks.

To be honest, the OS is probably the last of my worries; is there any way to assemble a decent machine for around €230 - €250?

I'd say not with an ssd.
http://www.dabs.ie/products/ocz-technology-32gb-onyx-sata-ii-125r-70w--oczssd2-1onx32g--6P0V.html?refs=4294946440
There's a quarter to fifth of your budget in one item.

Is your end goal a media box that can stream stuff from the net too?

gnolan

ronkmonster wrote: »

I'd say not with an ssd.

Is your end goal a media box that can stream stuff from the net too?

Pretty much. If needs be i can probably get XP Pro on it.

So maybe i skip the SSD and just stick with the 2TB WD hard drive?

ronkmonster

gnolan wrote: »

Pretty much. If needs be i can probably get XP Pro on it.

So maybe i skip the SSD and just stick with the 2TB WD hard drive?

Have you looked at prebuilt media boxes. Some of them have apps now for steaming online videos.

I got a AC Ryan 2TB box a while back for 150 from ibood(daily sale site). I think it has online apps but I don't use that part so not sure how good they are.

gnolan

ronkmonster wrote: »

Have you looked at prebuilt media boxes. Some of them have apps now for steaming online videos.

I got a AC Ryan 2TB box a while back for 150 from ibood(daily sale site). I think it has online apps but I don't use that part so not sure how good they are.

A smattering of online apps wouldn't be enough. Sopcast is essential as far as i'm concerned, as is running XBMC.

XBMC will be running 80% of the time, and the other 20% of the time i'll be using whatever OS i'm going to install for streaming media from the internet.

RoxyS

Windows Media Centre is most adaptable going forward.

Look at Adverts.ie for good price on Alienware Hangar 18.
One going for 185-250 at moment.

Ideal HTPC package, this one needs tuner cards/usb sticks.

I am finalising my Hangar 18 build at the moment, waiting on tuner cards.

M.J.M.C

You've forgot a PSU, and for a HTPC a cheap one will be noisey and generate heat.

For your budget just buy a popcorn hour.

techfeen

ronkmonster wrote: »

Have you looked at prebuilt media boxes. Some of them have apps now for steaming online videos.

I got a AC Ryan 2TB box a while back for 150 from ibood(daily sale site). I think it has online apps but I don't use that part so not sure how good they are.

I have same one (well, the older version), its UNREAL. the wireless network feature makes it my fave gadget

Nedved85

Im in a similar situation to the OP except i can stretch my budget to about €300 - €350.

Looking for a quiet HTPC that will run xbmc, ideally with one HDMI out one vga/DVI out (One to Projector - one to TV), Optical out and plenty of USB slots.

Budget would need to include:

motherboard
cpu
gfx card
fan
mini-itx case
RAM
4TB (More if possible )

Any suggestions?

Apologies if im hijacking this thread - can set up a new one if needed!

Thanks.

Psygnosis

Hi,
It can be done for around 250 euros
Not the nicest looking machine but it will play full HD movies not a bother to it by offloading onto the graphics card
The parts are from overclockers.co.uk just for an example but shop around


Asus V7-P5G41E (Socket 775) DDR3 Barebones £84.98
(
Samsung SpinPoint F4 EcoGreen 2TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD204UI) Samsung SpinPoint F4 EcoGreen 2TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD204UI) £56.99
£56.99

Intel Celeron Dual Core E3400 "LGA775" 2.60GHz (800FSB) - Retail Intel Celeron Dual Core E3400 "LGA775" 2.60GHz (800FSB) - Retail £35.99
£35.99

Corsair Value 2GB (1x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Low-Voltage Single Channel Module (VS2GB1333D3) Corsair Value 2GB (1x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Low-Voltage Single Channel Module (VS2GB1333D3) £11.99
£11.99
Ati 5450 Amazon Low Profile 30

HTPC Remote 15 Ebay

Total
225 Sterling