Hey guys, So, i plan on building my self a HTPC type computer. The plan is to have it be able to play blu-rays and DVD's, be able to browse the web, youtube, spotify, itunes, iplayer. things like that. I have got a few parts that i think i will use, but still want to run it by all of you before jumping into the deep end. so here they are: Motherboard: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/220410 CPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/185937/show_product_reviews Hard drive: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/158798 Optical drive: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172638 Ram: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/169489 (x2) Case: http://www.xcase.co.uk/X-Case-ITX-Atomic-Cube-p/case-x-case-atomic-cube-red.htm I would like it to be cheapish, and this current set up is about the price i would like it at, (tho cheaper would be good) I plan on getting a TV tuner for it as well so that i will be able to watch and record HD freeview, however i'm going to wait untill the DVB-T2 cards come onto the market. (which is the reason why the expansion slot is free). It would be nice to get the hard drive set up in raid but as i understand the motherboard does not support it, plus the case has no room for one (tho i could try and mod it to fit it in). I think one way to get around this would be an exturnal drive which is cloning the hard drive but i don';t no much about this really. so, any ideas of how i can improve this would be great. its basically going to be my 'tv' hub for everything rather than getting an apple one which is limited. Thank you for the help, and have at it AC
You'll need an OS, and some bluray player software, but other than that the HW list looks good. Have you read a review of that case? How loud is that 8cm fan? And is there another in the PSU? Coupled with stock cooler, the HD and a spinning BR in the drive, it could turn out to be a loud(ish) HTPC. Also have you got a network cable to reach the HTPC where you want it? A lot of people have problem using iPlayer in HD over wi-fi. Your milage may vary. As to the Raid. Are you thinking to deal with a suddenly failing HD? If so then an external HD and a proper backup solution would be better than a pure "raid 1" type mirror. A basic raid will cope with the HD failing, but if something breaks the OS, you'll have two broken copies.
ah, sorry forgot to add the os on which is: windows 7 home premium http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173787 as for blu-ray software, is there any recommendations to which would be best? The only review for the case i have been able to find is the one which is a video on the product page, do i don't really have an idea about the noise levels of it. would there be a way to try and make it quieter? or possibly another case which would be low noise but still style (e.g. cubeish) Don't worry about the network cable, that is all sorted and will reach where it should be going. as for the raid, it is the failing HD that i'm concerned about. plus my laptop had an error with the os and i almost lost some files, so this is what i would like to have a back up for. what would you recommend for this setup? Thanks for the help AC
This case has caught my eye from lian li. I was wondering if there was any idea of price or noise and if this case would be alright for my HTPC purpose. http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=480&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63 Thanks for the help AC
Another question i have is what would be the best quietest 80mm fan that i can use in the case? thanks AC
As you have over 20 posts, and are a member of bit-tech forums, why not take advantage of this and order your components from scan where you will get free delivery ? Regarding quite 80mm fans, the following link: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/80mm-Sharkoon-2000-Golf-Ball-Quiet-178-dB(A)-Case-Fan-227-CFM Should be a good quite fan.
