Media Center HTPC Creation

[lightshow]

I've seen a few places that post specs on the HTPC (small media center based pc's for the living room) that they make, but I've never found a dedicated site that was good.


I know there are a few that deal with just hardware, but does anyone know of any sites that keep up with the hardware + the different OS's used and their regular updates?

[Cabalo]

there's really no science in doing in...

1. get a nice looking box
2. get a mATX form-factor board
3. try to make that board include HDMI (highly recommend the Abit i-n73HD)
4. install XP (or any other OS, really...)
5. install media-portal or other similar software to use as a frontend.


that's it.

[Detale]

The thing is you don't really need a high end computer at all if it is only going to be used as a HTPC as Cabalo said number one is the case, or in my situation THE case
http://www.hardveraj.hr/shop/images/thermaltake-VH2001BNS-DH102-htpc-crno.gif

Some of the newer HTPC cases will accept full ATX boards so thats not even the biggest deal now either.

Agreed you should find a board with integrated HDMI although if you get a decent Raedon HD card they usually come with a HDMI adapter. In one of the few times you will ever hear me say this i would say go with Vista and use the Media Center or with my case and some of the more high end ones they will use the IMON software which I don't personallt love but it gets rave reviews.

If you search here in the HW section for HTPC you will see more than a few veeery helpful threads here man. What specs do you have in mind?

[Cabalo]

getting some E1200 or E2xxx will be enough for media centers, even for 1080p. keep in mind they clock like bitches at stock volts, so it's always a good deal.
1g ram is enough, but for their current prices, better stock yourself up with 2Gb.
as for HDD, any will do, as i am supposing your HTPC will be networked to other computer where the main storage will be.

@ detale.... that case of yours costed alone more than my HTPC here at home... i looked at it for a while, and even considered buying it, but heck...

[Detale]

Yeah but Im a whore that way, when I saw it I HAD to get it. I saved my pennies for that one Shirley. I have to say the thing is really well built and looks sharp as hell with the piano black finish ;)

[Cabalo]

yeah, but 370€...
i admit i like good looking cases, and there is one that has been tempting me last year or so...
the TT mozart TX... it is the size of a mini fridge, but damn, it has all the bells and whistles one could wish for in a case...
but so far i've managed to keep my head on top of my shoulders.

maybe if someday it drops to 150€, i might go check my credit card...

[Detale]

Yeah but the TX is a Cube tower not a HTPC case at all.

[ryan20021982]

http://www.allhtpc.com/
new site looks good so far

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/default.aspx
If you use MCE

Most front ends have there own sites which have good sections for htpc's
I use mediaportal so I usually go to there forums
http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/