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Help request for my first XBMC HTPC

vard · 2012-11-20 18:20:47

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a windows 7 OR 8 based HTPC that will run XBMC for my parents. It's a christmas gift. I'm happy to pay for quality and efficiency, but I don't want to part with more cash than is necessary for their requirements - no need for overkill! I'm happy to build the unit myself if it works out cheaper,…

20-11-2012 6:20pm

#1
vard

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Posts: 476
Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a windows 7 OR 8 based HTPC that will run XBMC for my parents.

It's a christmas gift. I'm happy to pay for quality and efficiency, but I don't want to part with more cash than is necessary for their requirements - no need for overkill!

I'm happy to build the unit myself if it works out cheaper, but if there's a ready made / ready to go HTPC build or configuration I'd prefer to go for that for the sake of convenience.

REQUIREMENTS:
I want a high spec machine that will play near enough everything that's thrown at it.

Should be able to handle FULL HD, 1080P 3D movies

Would like it to double as a KAREOKE machine [Would like proper microphone inputs if available] (I believe the XBMC software has kareoke capabilities?)

Machine will be configured to bypass windows 8 start screen and boot straight into XBMC

I would like a SSD for OS & XBMC installation and general responsiveness; content will be stored and accessed locally via SMB/NAS

I would like the HTPC to be capable of running as SMB share - streaming content on external drives to other XBMC servers and devices

Finally, I would like a relatively attractive case with a good form factor. Ideally fanless should the suggested spec allow for it, but definitely should be quiet!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read. Looking forward to your help and suggestions!

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Comments

#2 21-11-2012 8:43pm

silvine

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Check out the Zotac range of PCs. They're designed as quiet small form factor HTPCs. You could also try installing the Openelec fork of XBMC.

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#3 22-11-2012 5:43pm

[Deleted User]
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The zotacs are great but check out the asrock line of htpc's also. http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-ION-Series-152D-Generation/dp/B004INVN2Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1353606123&sr=8-4

Put a ssd in something like the above and it'll really sing.

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#4 22-11-2012 9:37pm

Johnboy1951

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I don't know what others think of this site .... I happened across it today and found a lot of info of interest .....

http://mymediaexperience.com/

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#5 24-11-2012 9:48pm

slowlydownwards

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Join Date: July 2009

Posts: 299

Using one of these. Works out very affordable with cashback. It's not silent, but hardly audible even with low volume tv.

Sound card not built onto the motherboard. Sorted with low profile video card with audio output via hdmi.

Currently best price here (afaik).

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